UNITED STATES

Memories of 9-11 by Mimi Lozano
Taxation and the Growth of Government Agencies to collect these taxes

100 years ago We DID NOT not have these taxes 
1934 Cartoon published in Chicago Tribune
Somos Primos' Antonio Santiago recognized as Puerto Rico’s foremost military historian
Hispanics Breaking Barriers, Part XX by Mercy Bautista-Olvera
Jesse Villarreal Jr.: UT graduate advances to become chief of staff for FDIC chairman.
Majority/Minority Report By Wanda Daisy Garcia
A Wise Latina by Mercy Bautista-Olvera

Fernando Laguarda Joins LULAC Corporate Advisory Board 

Rosie's Garage Gets Pat on the Back in People

Intro: American Bar Association to Study Hispanic Legal Issues
Report to the President on Hispanic Employment in the Federal Government 

LAUS DEO

In evaluating my state of mind, I  realize now that I was in shock.  I did not personally experience the devastation that I viewed on the television, but the realization of what the attacks had meant to the United States had pushed me into a state of shock.  America, my country had been attacked, a devastating attack.  We, as a nation were no longer safe.  

Flashback: It brought back a 1942 memory. I was 8 years old, standing with my folks in front of our house in East LA.  We were looking towards the coast, northwest of where we lived.  We were watching flames shooting high, flashing lights and booming sounds coming from the Santa Barbara area.   My Dad said quietly that some Japanese submarines had torpedoed the coast.  Although he was calm,  I could sense my Mom and Dad's fear. Very soon after that event, Dad moved the family inland.  We moved to Ontario, about 60 miles inland.  A year or so later we returned to East LA.  Los Angeles was on alert.  I remembered the window black-outs and siren warnings.  I remembered the school air-raid practices, sitting on our tiny little blankets underneath our desks, fearing that someday it would be real.  I remembered the fear.  

Wikipedia: During 1941 and 1942, more than 10 Japanese submarines operated in the West Coast. The United States mainland was first shelled by the Axis on February 23, 1942 when the Japanese submarine I-17 attacked the Ellwood Oil Field west of Goleta, near Santa Barbara, California. Although only a pumphouse and catwalk at one oil well were damaged, I-17 captain Nishino Kozo radioed Tokyo that he had left Santa Barbara in flames. No casualties were reported and the total cost of the damage was officially estimated at approximately $500–1,000.^[1] News of the shelling triggered an invasion scare along the West Coast

As soon as I got home from the airport, I put on the television news and watched the news late into the night. Two more incidents magnified my concern of being invaded.  Flipping the channel, I caught a news item from a San Diego station.  The camera showed about 40-50 young men from the Middle Eastern that were attempting to enter the U.S. on student visas,  through Tia Juana.  They did not look like a typical Arab, they looked more like American students. It was late at night and the students were not being allowed to enter the U.S.. They were told that they had to wait until the next day.  My thoughts were, we are being invaded.  Where else in the US is this happening?  It was, and is, a frightening thought.

Just as I was ready to turn off the late news coming from the East Coast, the news caster said they had a special.  A young man claiming he had the last photos taken of the Twin Towers had just come to the studio.  The interview that followed was most disturbing.  The young man said he was part of a group that published news of interest to the Arab community in New York.  One of their members, happened to be in area just before the attack and took the photos.  The young man also had some stunning photos of the towers in flames, from angles closed to the public. The news caster questioned how those photos had been taken.  The young man said, their group member was on a motorcycle and had simply gone around the police blockades.  The before and after photos apparently were intended to show the effects of the attack.  Suddenly the interview was abruptly and quickly ended.  My thought, armies of these young men are already here.

I scoured the newspaper the next day for information on these two incidents, but did not find anything.  Everyday, I looked and I kept looking. Finally after about 6 weeks, I found a little article about the students.  Mexico was sending 90 Middle Eastern men on student visas, who were attempting to enter the U.S.,  back to their homeland.  

It made me proud that Mexico had stood with us.  They are our neighbors and share with us both a history and bloodlines that should encourage collaboration and friendship.  We should learn from history.  

Taxation & the Growth of Government Agencies to collect these taxes

100 years ago
We DID NOT not have the taxes below 

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

The system of Social Security was introduced by Franklin Roosevelt with the following promises:

1.) That participation in the Program would be Completely voluntary; 
No longer Voluntary 

2.) That the participants would only have to pay 1% of the first $1,400 of their annual Incomes into the Program; Now 7.65% on the first $90,000 

3.) That money the participants elected to put into the Program would be deductible from their income for tax purposes each year; No longer tax deductible 

4.) That the money the participants put into the independent 'Trust Fund' rather than into the general operating fund, and therefore, would only be used to fund the Social Security Retirement Program, and no other Government program; 
Money was moved to The General Fund and Spent. 

5.) That the annuity payments to the retirees would never be taxed as income; 
Up to 85% of your Social Security can be Taxed 

Sent by Glen Frost telger6@aol.com

Cartoon in Chicago Tribune, 1934

"Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it."

Antonio "the Marine" Santiago 
recognized as Puerto Rico’s foremost military historian

That man, Antonio Santiago---Tony the Marine---as most Puerto Ricans, no longer lives in Puerto Rico. In his case, he chose to live in Phoenix, Arizona, long before S.B. 1070. Through his birth as a natural-born American citizen, and his service in Vietnam, he shouldn’t have to answer to any racial-profiling law enforcement official in his state who didn’t have to serve as he did. The Constitution he defended in Vietnam and for which the men and women whose names stand in silence before us today, does not require him to answer. But whether he lives in Arizona, or New York or Puerto Rico, Tony Santiago’s life work documenting Puerto Rico’s military history is reaching millions every day through the internet.

As you gather in Puerto Rico to reach consensus on how best to immortalize the history of Latinos in America… remember this Wall… remember the fallen Latino in each American war… and remember and engage those who, like Tony the Marine, would be more than willing to help etch in the conscience of all Americans with the same force that the names before us were etched in stone the heroism and the dedication of millions of Latinos who have served in America’s armed forces.

On behalf of Gov. Fortuño… on behalf of nearly 4 million Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico… on behalf of over four million Puerto Ricans, like Tony the Marine, who live in the states… and on behalf of the over one thousand men and women whose names silently honor us from this Wall… welcome to Puerto Rico, the place where America becomes a Caribbean nation."

HISPANICS BREAKING BARRIERS

Part XX

By

Mercy Bautista-Olvera

The 20th article in the series “Hispanics Breaking Barriers” focuses on contributions  of Hispanic leadership in United States government. Their contributions have improved not only the local community but the country as well. Their struggles, stories, and accomplishments will by example; illustrate to our youth and to future generations that everything and anything is possible.  

Gloria Navarro:  U. S. District Judge for Nevada (Confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee)  

Joseph Garcia:  Lieutenant Governor for the state of Colorado (Candidate)  

Keila D. Cosme:  Sixth District Court of Appeals Judge in the state of Ohio (Appointed) 

Wifredo Antonio (Willy) Ferrer:  U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida (Confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee)  

Victor Vasquez:  Deputy Secretary for Rural Development in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee) 

Gloria M. Navarro  

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved Gloria M. Navarro as a United States District Judge for Nevada . She becomes the first Hispanic woman on a Federal bench in Nevada .  

Gloria M. Navarro, is the daughter of Cuban immigrants, she speaks both English and Spanish. She is married to Brian Scott Rutledge, Chief Deputy District Attorney in the offices’ Criminal division.  

From 1994 to 2001, Navarro served in private practice, representing clients in federal and state litigation relating to criminal, civil, and family law. In 2001, she was awarded the Louis Wiener Pro Bono Service Award for her representation of a victim of spousal abuse.  

In 2002, she received the Nevada State Bar Access to Justice Pro Bono Public Lawyer of the Year award. 

Navarro worked for the Clark County special public defender's office, where she handled murder cases. In 2005, Navarro joined the district attorney's office. She provided legal counsel and litigation defense to the Clark County Board of Commissioners. She served as Chief Deputy District Attorney in the Office of County Counsel.  

Navarro replaces Brian Sandoval, who gave up the lifetime appointment to run for governor. ”I think diversity on the federal bench is important, so she is a pioneer in that sense," said Carl Tobias, a former law professor at the University of Nevada .  

Navarro said she found it noteworthy that U.S Senator Harry Reid first called to talk to her about the judicial position on Sept. 11, that President Barack Obama nominated her for the job on Christmas Eve, and that the Senate confirmed her on Cinco de Mayo. "I'm thinking we've got to have the investiture on the Fourth of July or something," she joked. 

“I am impressed by this Nevadan’s professional record and her [Gloria Navarro] commitment to public service in all areas of her life. My meetings with her have certainly confirmed her dedication. She is a very personable individual and a professional who is devoted to justice and the rule of law. We have talked about our families, our shared respect for the law and our experiences growing up in Nevada , and it is clear that Ms. Navarro is yet another example of the quintessential American story,” stated U.S. Senator Harry Reid, as he presented her to the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

Navarro has worked for nearly 20 years in both the private and public sectors, and is experienced at handling very complex litigation at both the federal and state levels. Navarro is committed to the Nevada community. Among other things, as President of the Latino Bar Association, she created a mentoring program pairing high school, college, and law students with community lawyers.

Navarro’s new office is in the Lloyd George U.S. Courthouse in downtown Las Vegas ; she will be working across the street from the building where her grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins became U.S. citizens.

Joseph Garcia  

Joseph Garcia, the President of  Colorado State University-Pueblo since August of 2006, has been tapped by Democrat Colorado gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper, as his running mate as Lieutenant Governor for the state of Colorado.  

Joseph Garcia, and his wife, Claire, an English professor at Colorado College , have four children.  

In 1979, Garcia earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business from the University of Colorado-Boulder. In 1983, he obtained his Law Degree from Harvard Law School .   

From 1994-1999, Garcia served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority under then Colorado Governor Roy Romer, then in 2001, Governor Bill Owens appointed him again to rejoin the Board of Directors.  

He also has served as the Mountain States Representative for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and as Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. He also has served as a partner in the Colorado Springs Office of Law firm Holme Roberts & Owen.  

Garcia served five years as President of Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs . At Pikes Peak , Garcia oversaw three campuses that serve about 16,000 students annually through associate's degree programs, business-training workshops or continuing education programs. He effectively also oversaw the successful reaccreditation process by the Higher Learning Commission in 2003.  

"Joe [Garcia] has been a strong leader in Colorado higher education and in the business world. His diverse professional background as an attorney, community college president and federal housing official makes him ideal to confront the challenges that face higher education in Colorado . Throughout the search process, Garcia received strong support from campus and community leaders, as well as the Search Committee,” stated Patrick Grant, Chairman of the Board of Governors. 

Garcia also serves on a number of boards and committees, including the Colorado Springs YMCA, the Colorado Springs Economic Development Corp., the Downtown Depot Arts District, the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, and the Goodwill Industries of Colorado Springs.  

Garcia has been selected twice, as Hispanic Business Magazine's "Hispanic Legal Elite," and as 2004, Outstanding Administrator in Higher Education by the Colorado Springs NAACP.  

In a ceremony on April 22, 2010, nineteen Colorado State University–Pueblo students and four faculty members, including President Joseph Garcia, were inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.  

The March 8, 2010, Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, a national publication magazine covered a story of the “Just an Ordinary Joe - Going the Extra Mile at Pueblo .” Garcia was featured on the cover of the magazine, which is dedicated to exploring issues related to Hispanics in higher education. This is Garcia’s second cover appearance on the magazine. In the early 2000’s,   he was featured with three other Hispanic community college presidents from the Colorado Community. http://www.hispanicoutlook.com/.

The 2010, article focuses on Garcia’s tenure and accomplishments at CSU-Pueblo. It describes the addition of programs, resurrection of football, dramatic enrollment growth, particularly from out of state, and a construction boom that has remade the campus and the school’s image. It also discusses Garcia’s goal to make CSU-Pueblo a university of first choice for students.  

“We want to make this the University of First Choice – not because of its lower cost or because it has lower admission standards but because it’s smaller, it has more of a family feeling, it’s safer, [and] you get the opportunity to conduct

undergraduate research…There are a lot of good reasons to be here,” stated Joseph Garcia. 

 Judge Keila D. Cosme

 On October 30, 2009, Judge Keila D. Cosme was nominated by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland to the 6th District Court of Appeals. Keila Cosme is the first Hispanic American to serve on any of Ohio 's 12 District Courts of Appeals. The seat was vacated by the death of Judge William Skow. Cosme was appointed, and took the bench on November 16, 2009. To retain the seat, Judge Cosme must run in the November 2010 general election.  

Keila D. Cosme was born and raised in Guaynabo , Puerto Rico, and moved to Massachusetts at the age of 17 in order to attend Boston University . Among the challenges, she faced, learning English even as she attended college. She managed to overcome these obstacles and became proficient in the English language.  

She is married to Joseph M. D'Angelo and has two sons; Roberto and Diego.  

In 1990, Judge Cosme served for a year on the Boston Stock Exchange and at a law firm.  

Also in 1990, Cosme earned a double Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Sociology from Boston University after four years while working part-time in the Office of Career Services in the College of Communications , and working for the U.S. Department of Defense. In 1994, she earned a Jurist Degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.  

Cosme served as a Staff Attorney with Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP, in Cleveland , handling complex commercial litigation. In 1998, Cosme arrived in Toledo , Ohio when Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault & Shaffer Co LPA recruited her

husband and then Cosme opened her own office representing individuals and start-up companies. In 2001, Cosme and her husband were the founders of the law firm of Cosme, D’Angelo & Szollosi, LPA, and remained the managing partner until her appointment to the bench.  

Cosme’s practice has focused primarily on commercial and civil litigation; she has also counseled and represented private and pro bono clients on a wide range of legal matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the appeals court, including criminal, domestic relations, and juvenile law.  

“Keila is an accomplished attorney who has exemplified competence and professionalism throughout her career. Her unique life experiences and determination to overcome barriers will add a distinct voice to the Court of Appeals,” stated Governor Strickland.  

“We need an exposure to other cultures and ideas, the contribution that [each judge] brings to the caucus is critical and my experiences will bring something to that caucus,” stated Judge Cosme. She further added, “I’m honored by this appointment, and I am committed to serving the Court of Appeals with integrity and fairness.”    

Cosme served as a member of the Ohio Association for Justice, the Hispanic National Bar Association, and the Ohio Hispanic Bar Association. She also served as a member of the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee. 

 Wifredo Antonio (Willy) Ferrer

Wilfredo A. Ferrer, the Assistant County Attorney and Chief of the Federal Litigation Section in the Miami-Dade County ’s Attorney’s Office has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee to become the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.  

Wilfredo A. Ferrer was born in 1966, a Miami-Dade native; he is the son of Cuban immigrants Wilfredo Ferrer and Zenaida Ramirez-Ferrer. He is married with two sons.  

Ferrer was Valedictorian at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High. In 1987, he earned a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Economics at the University of Miami , Coral Gables , Florida , where he was also the President of his class. At the University of Pennsylvania Law School, he earned a Jurist Degree from the Law School .  

From 1990 to 1991, he Clerked for then District Court Judge Stanley Marcus in the Southern District of Florida.  

From 1991 to 1994, he served as an Associate in the Litigation Department of Steel Hector & Davis (now Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP) in Miami , Florida .

From 1994 to 1995, Ferrer was a White House fellow and special assistant to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Henry Cisneros, in Washington , D.C.  

From 1995 to 2000, Ferrer, served as Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff to former Attorney General Janet Reno at the Justice Department headquarters in Washington , D.C. , "First of all, he understood better than anybody I've worked with how the federal government works with local and state governments. If I wanted to write the book about how to be the U.S. attorney, Willy would be one of my models," stated former Attorney General Janet Reno. 

From 2000 to 2006, Ferrer served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida in Miami .  

The position is among the most powerful of the 93 U.S. attorney's offices nationwide. The Miami post is also among the most demanding and sprawling -- with 290 prosecutors handling white-collar fraud, public corruption, drug-trafficking and human-smuggling cases from Key West to Fort Pierce . Ferrer replaces U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sloman.  

He would be the fourth lawyer of Cuban descent to fill the prominent job -- but the first appointed by a Democratic president.

 Victor Vasquez  

Victor Vasquez has been named Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development, at the USDA in Washington , D.C. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, appointed Vasquez. 

A former migrant worker, Victor Vasquez holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Oregon , and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University 's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He has also pursued coursework toward a doctorate degree in Community, and Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University.  

Vasquez previously was a National Board Member on the Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy, a Board Member to the University of Oregon Alumni Council , and the Executive Alumni Council for the John F. Kennedy School of Government.  

During President Clinton Administration, Vasquez served in Washington as the Director for both Economic Development and Work First programs. He also served with the Department of Defense as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Military Community. He also served at the Family Policy Office in the Office of the Secretary.   

Vasquez also spent more than five years working in rural development, serving as USDA Assistant Administrator in the Office of Community Development with responsibility for launching the Rural Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community program.  

Most recently, Vasquez served as Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Transitional Assistance for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts . His responsibilities included policy and program management for TANF, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, and the Housing and Homeless Services programs. He has also served in state governments in New York , Oregon , and Washington .  

As Agriculture Deputy, Vasquez will now bring his skills to the Rural Development agency which helps rural areas to develop and grow by offering Federal assistance that improves the local quality of life - targeting communities in need and then empowering them with financial and technical resources. The mission of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development division is to improve the economy and quality of life throughout rural America . Through financial lending and assistance programs, rural communities receive essential public facilities, and services such as water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, emergency resources, and utilities, as well as agricultural cooperatives.  

Vasquez emphasizes the value of using the Rural Development system as a model for other data and intranet projects. "Not only have we implemented technology that improves the efficiency of our own operational area, but we have leveraged the power of the Web to empower community leaders to take charge of their own development and rely less on the federal government, we know that using technology is an important way for the government to consolidate and reduce administrative costs. We believe this system is a shining example of that vision," stated Vasquez.  

"Victor Vasquez is a welcome addition to the USDA team because he brings a solid understanding of both economic development issues as well as meeting the most pressing needs facing people in our communities. Because of this broad knowledge, he will be able to quickly work to strengthen rural communities throughout our country," stated U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom, Vilsack.  

Vasquez has had more than two decades of experience in working with the community, and economic development at the local, state, federal, and international levels.   

Majority/Minority Report
By 
Wanda Daisy Garcia

There has been much controversy about what actually happened at Three Rivers, Texas.  I have read the allegations  of the Three Rivers crew’s  that the incident portrayed by historians was not accurate. They cite  the Majority Report conducted by the Texas Legislature as proof that no discrimination existed against the family of Felix Longoria.  So, I decided to conduct my own research and went to the source to get the facts at the Texas State Library on Friday. 

The Library staff was very excited when I let them know that Dr. Hector P. Garcia was my father.  When I filled them in on the controversy surrounding the incident, they were so shocked, that they were silent for 5 minutes.  They asked how could anyone dispute what happened when there is so much historical documentation supporting that this was indeed a fact?  They suggested that I read the report of the Texas Legislature House of Representatives, Special Investigation Committee on the Reburial of Felix Longoria, Correspondence, Majority and Minority reports, 1949.

The Legislature appointed a five member legislative commission to investigate conflicting reports alleging that discrimination has been shown in handling the funeral arrangements of Felix Longoria. 

Prior to the hearings, J. F.  Gray, Live Oaks Representative in the Texas House of Representatives and company stacked the five member panel with regular Democrats committed to finding results the Anglo establishment  wanted.  House Speaker Durwood  Manford appointed four establishment representatives,  Speaker Manford claimed that Chairman Cecil Storey for Longview and Tom Cheatham of Cuero “were there as representative of the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce, and not as impartial investigators…

It is my opinion that the committee will probably render a four to one report clearing Three Rivers of discrimination, but certainly the language will have to be very soft because the record is overwhelmingly conclusive that there was discrimination at the onset.  1

The Legislative Committee report reads as follows. The Legislative Committee finds that Mrs. Longoria asked T.W. Kennedy, owner of the Rice Funeral Home,  if she could have the body of her deceased husband, Felix Longoria brought to the funeral home in connection with the re-interment.   And  at this particular time,  Mr. T.W. Kennedy, did discourage the use of the funeral home for said purpose and suggested that it would be better that the widow have such service take place in her home situation in Three Rivers, Texas.   Kennedy would make available all of his equipment and facilities necessary for such purpose.  Mrs. Longoria and the funeral director T.W. Kennedy had made full, complete and final arrangements for the lying in state of the body prior to its final re-interment…

The Committee further finds that there was a very heated telephone conversation between Dr. Hector P. Garcia and Kennedy and with a newspaper reporter claiming that there had been discrimination in regard to the proposed re-burial of the deceased soldier. ..

The committee further finds that Kennedy,  the undertaker gave the mayor of Three Rivers, TX. Mr. J.M Montgomery authority to send to Dr. Garcia a telegram which stated:

I have just interviewed Mr. T.W. Kennedy Rice Funeral Home.  Did not refuse use of his facilities and does not refuse use. Arrangements can be made for use if desired by Longoria family.  American Legion had arranged full military honors.  Also offered use of American Legion Hall.  (Mayor’s Home offered if necessary. (Signed J.M. Montgomery, Mayor of the city of Three Rivers, Texas.)

The Committee further finds that subsequent to the mutual arrangements made between the undertaker and the deceased soldier’s wife relative to the burial of the deceased soldier’s body at Three Rivers, Texas, heated conversations occurred between third Parties and the undertaker concerning funeral arrangements and the burial.  In such conversations, over the phone, the undertaker used some very unfortunate expressions; upon reflections he explained and apologized for same.

The next document I examined was the Minority Report on the Longoria Investigation written and signed by Frank Oltorf.  Oltorf was one of the original members of the Committee.  He refused to sign the Majority report and instead filed his Minority report:

I deeply regret the necessity of filing a minority report in the matter pertaining to alleged discrimination in the handling of the body of Felix Longoria.  Sincere men may differ in the interpretation of evidence and their subsequent conclusions.  I therefore could not concur in their majority report without violating both my sense of justice and my intellectual honesty…Mr. Kennedy, the owner of the funeral home at Three River was the only person who had the opportunity to discriminate, and I shall concern myself solely with his words and actions…

Oltorf further elaborates: On the 8^th of January, 1949, Mrs. Beatrice Longoria tried to avail herself for the use of the funeral home chapel for her husband’s funeral.  In the testimony she stated that Mr. Kennedy said, ‘He couldn’t do it because the whites would object to it.” 

After Dr. Garcia contacted Mr. Kennedy at Mrs. Longoria’s request, to ask about the use of the funeral home, Kennedy replied that he could not do it because “The whites wouldn’t like it.”  After the conversation with Kennedy, Dr. Garcia then contacted George Groh, Corpus Christi Caller Times reporter and advised him of his conversation with Mr. Kennedy.  Mr. Groh then phoned Kennedy on the same night to get the story for his paper.  When Groh asked Kennedy twice if the refusal was based on the fact that Longoria was a Mexican, Kennedy replied yes, stating “We have never made a practice of letting Mexicans use a chapel and we don’t want to start now.”  Kennedy admitted making those remarks.

The question of racial discrimination arose and received wide spread publicity due to Mr. T.W. Kennedy’s statements to Mr. George Groh, Dr. Hector P. Garcia, and Mr. Thomas Sutherland.  Mr. Kennedy admitted saying that the “Whites might object” and later publically apologized to the widow and her sister for having made such remarks.  There is no evidence that his words reflected the view of the citizens of Three Rivers.  …The statements of Mr. George Groh, a disinterested reporter are indisputable and undeniable.  I cannot look into the heart of Mr. Kennedy to ascertain his true intent but can only accept his oral words which appear to me discriminatory.  Frank C. Oltorf.

The significance of Oltorf’s statement prove  that the Longorias had suffered discrimination at Kennedy’s hands.  The signers of the Majority Report were the Chairman, Mr. Storey, and Representatives Windham, Cheatham, and Tinsley.  When newspapers all over the state published the two findings together, one regular member of the committee, Byron Tinsley of Greenville, was so embarrassed that he requested that his signature be removed from the majority statement. 2

I have read about and heard the facts about the Longoria incident for most of my life.  I did not know that Texas Representative Abraham Kazen, Jr., sent the document to U.S. Senator Lyndon B. Johnson with the statement:  “We will formulate some sort of procedure to be followed from this point.”  I do not know exactly what that meant. But I do know that LBJ in his memoirs consider the handling of the Felix Longoria affair one of his great accomplishments.

Also, I was struck by the newspaper articles and the pictures of the family. I had stepped back in time to 1949. The small house that the Longoria’s lived in was hardly appropriate for a wake. So, I wonder why Kennedy thought he was doing the Longoria family a favor by recommending the use of their house for the Wake. The headlines in the newspapers mentioned how the city of Three Rivers Texas apologized to the Longoria family for the Kennedy’s insult and made every effort to distance them from Kennedy. Why would the City of Three Rivers made any apologies if there was no discrimination? Some members of the Texas Legislature in a punitive effort tried to get the Texas Good Neighbor Commission disbanded. When Texas Legislators contacted Texas Representative Lloyd M. Bentsen Jr. in an effort to gain support for their movement , Bentsen[i] stated that he felt the Commission was doing a good job, and disassociated him from this movement. 

The Three Rivers crews seek to convince the public that there was no discrimination by rewriting history. The facts clearly speak for themselves and are clearly documented on both sides. Both sides agreee that the Longoria family suffered discrimination at the hands of Tom Kennedy. I hope this settles the issue of reinterpreting information that is historically documented. 

[i] Wake of Felix Longoria, Patrick Carroll, University of Texas Press, 2003, pgs. 170 – 180.

"Roberto Calderon" beto@unt.edu
Date: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 5:46 PM

My friends,
This writing by Mr. Richard Hudson has upset the Longoria family. He even had the audacity to send them an autograph copy of his work. This is a complete distortion of the facts pertaining to the Longoria case in 1949 and a complete insult. I ask that you join me in writing letters or emails to the Frank W. Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism at the University of North Texas to voice your displeasure. I have supplied you with these contacts:

MAYBORN GRADUATE 
INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISM
1155 Union Circle #311460
Denton, TX 76203-5017
940-565-4564  940-369-8959 FAX  www.themayborn.unt.edu   

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 225 AVE B GENERAL ACADEMIC BUILDING #207  DENTON, TEXAS
DR. MITCH LAND, DIRECTOR  940-565-4564  Mitch.land@unt.edu
JULIE SCHARNBERG, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT  940-565-4564   Julie.scharnberg@unt.edu
JO ANN BALLANTINE, PROJECT COORDINATOR 940-565-4778  Joann.ballantine@unt.edu

Thank you for your support.
Santiago Hernandez, Civil Rights Chairman
Pvt. Felix Z. Longoria Chapter of the American GI Forum; Corpus Christi, TX
(361) 249-5222

Judge Mary H. Murguía

A Wise Latina

 Nominated 

By

Mercy Bautista-Olvera

Judge Mary Helen Murguía is a United States District Judge for the District of Arizona, and first Latina to serve in Arizona . She is a currently Federal Judicial nominee to a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.    

Mary Helen Murguía was born on September 6, 1960. She grew up in Argentine, a neighborhood of Kansas City , Kansas . She is the daughter of Alfred Murguía (1920-2001) and Amelia Murguía. Judge Murguía is the twin sister of Janet Murguía, a former Clinton advisor. Janet is currently the President and Chief Executive of the National Council of La Raza, (the nation's largest Latino Civil Rights group) and sister of five other older siblings Martha and Rosemary, older brothers Alfred Murguía Jr., who was the first to attend college, and District Judge Carlos Murguía, who serves for the District of Kansas. Carlos previously served as Wyandotte , County District Attorney . Mary Helen and Carlos are the only set of siblings sitting on the Federal bench in United States . Her brother Ramon; is a Harvard educated lawyer and community activist. The Murguía’s come from a large, tight-knit family. Four of the seven siblings, including the two sisters, hold law degrees. Five hold undergraduate degrees. All of the siblings attribute their success to the values of hard work, sense of community, family, and humility. 

In 1982, Mary Murguía earned two Bachelor’s Degrees in Journalism and Spanish, from Kansas University , and in 1985, she earned her degree from the Kansas University School of Law.  

Judge Murguía is a former state and Federal Prosecutor. She began her legal career in 1985 with the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office in Kansas City , Kansas .  During her tenure on the district court, Judge Mary Murguía issued important rulings in environmental protection and patent infringement.  

From 1990, Murguía served as Assistant U.S. Attorney in Arizona and was the office’s Deputy Criminal Chief from 1994 to 1998. Murguía also provided guidance on law enforcement issues and policy initiatives at the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys at the Department of Justice in Washington , D.C. She also served as Counsel to the director’s staff (1998-99), Principal Deputy Director (1999) and Director (1999-2000).  

On July 21, 2000, former President Clinton nominated Murguía to a new seat on the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. The Senate Judiciary Committee confirmed Murguía on October 3, 2000. She became the first Latina to serve on the Federal bench for the District of Arizona.  

In 2008, in the midst of her professional life of public service, Judge Murguía also has served her legal alma mater with great distinction. She served a two-year term on the Kansas University School of Law’s Board of Governors. She became a founding member of Kansas University ’s Women’s Advisory Council. In that role, she has shared her wisdom and experience as a mentor, and adviser to the students who will follow her footsteps into the legal profession. In the same year, ruling by Judge Murguía derailed efforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the George W. Bush administration to remove protections for desert-nesting bald eagles. 

In 2009, Judge Murguía came to notice in the intellectual property field when she doubled a jury's award of damages to $371 million to be paid to a New Jersey medical device manufacturer that had developed breakthrough vascular tubing. An Arizona company, W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., was found to have infringed on the patent rights of C.R. Bard Inc, now branded simply as Bard, a manufacturer of medical equipment headquartered in Murray Hill , New Jersey .  

Throughout her career, Murguía has presided over thousands of civil and criminal cases, including Arizona ’s first federal death penalty case since the enactment of the Federal Anti-terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996. Recently, she presided over a controversial case regarding racial profiling by law enforcement.

President Obama in a statement released by the White House, stated, "Judge Murguía has displayed an outstanding commitment to public service throughout her career and as a district judge in Arizona, I am honored to nominate her today for a seat on the United States Court of Appeals and confident she will serve the American people with fairness and integrity."  

The Kansas University School of Law is proud to have another one of its graduates sit on the federal court of appeals. “Mary is well suited for the job and will make an outstanding judge for the Ninth Circuit. We were delighted to learn that President Obama has nominated Judge Mary Murguía to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit,” stated Gail Agrawal, Dean of the law school.  

“Judge Murguía is a jurist with great wisdom and integrity. As a first-generation American who grew up in a working-class family in Kansas City , Kansas , she has been a source of inspiration to our students. We take great pride in her and her many achievements and look forward to her confirmation by the Senate,” stated Stephen Mazza, professor of law and Interim Dean designate for the law school.  

On April 10, 2010, the Kansas University in Lawrence , Kansas inducted five women alumnae, administrators into Women's Hall of Fame. Among them was Judge Mary H. Murguía as well as her sister Janet Murguía President and CEO of National Council of La Raza.   

In 2010, Judge Mary Murguía and her twin sister Janet delivered the Emily Taylor and Marilyn Stokstad Women’s Leadership Lecture, administered by the Hall Center for the Humanities. The fund supports lectures by prominent women on women’s leadership issues.    

Fernando Laguarda Joins LULAC Corporate Advisory Board 

“Laguarda, a Vice President at Time Warner Cable, will serve on the Board as Vice President of Policy.”

Washington, DC – Fernando Laguarda, Vice President, External Affairs and Policy Counselor for Time Warner Cable has joined the LULAC Corporate Advisory Board and will serve as Vice President for Policy. 

“It is an honor to serve on the LULAC Corporate Advisory Board and work to further our educational and career development mission,” stated Fernando Laguarda. “Time Warner Cable has long shared in this mission through its STEM initiative known as Connect A Million Minds as www.Connectamillionminds.com. I am confident that together we will be able to maximize the number of Latino youth to fill the gap of professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.”

The LULAC Corporate Alliance, an advisory board of Fortune 500 companies, fosters stronger partnerships between Corporate America and the Hispanic community. The role of the advisory board is to support the strategies, goals, and mission of LULAC and advocate on its behalf.

The mission of the LULAC Corporate Alliance is to establish and foster partnerships between corporations, the Hispanic community and LULAC. The Alliance will promote economic development initiatives as well as provide advice and assistance to the LULAC organization. Corporations participating in the Alliance will work with LULAC in developing national and community-based programs to address the needs of the Hispanic community and will work toward ensuring that the nation’s future workforce obtains the necessary education and skills to keep America productive.

In his current position, Fernando helps Time Warner Cable develop and advance its policy positions, focusing on consumer protection, competition issues, intellectual property and telecommunications regulation. Fernando has primary responsibility for working with non-governmental policy stakeholders, such as think tanks, foundations, the academic community, public interest and inter-governmental groups, and civil and human rights representatives. He also serves as Director of the Time Warner Cable Research Program on Digital Communications, which seeks to expand scholarship in fields of interest to the cable and telecommunications industries. Prior to joining Time Warner Cable, Fernando was a partner at Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis and at Mintz Levin. In private practice, he represented a wide range of communications, entertainment industry, health care and technology clients in proceedings before state and federal courts and regulatory agencies. Fernando received his A.B. with honors from Harvard College and his J.D. with honors from Georgetown University Law Center, where he was Notes and Comments Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors of Women Empowered Against Violence Inc. (WEAVE), the Harvard Alumni Association, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (past Chair), the Family Online Safety Institute, and the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino. 

The League of United Latin American Citizens, the oldest and largest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.

Sent by:

Lizette Jenness Olmos

ljolmos@lulac.org

(202) 365-4553 mobile

Rosie's Garage Gets Pat on the Back 
in People, "Heroes Amongt Us"
by Lou Ponsi

Judge Mary H. Murguía

A Wise Latina

 Nominated 

By

Mercy Bautista-Olvera

Intro to: American Bar Association to Study Hispanic Legal Issues

by FABIOLA SANTIAGO | fsantiago@MiamiHerald.com
Miami Herald (August 7, 2010)

Report to the President on Hispanic Employment in the Federal Government 

LAUS DEO

A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.

Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. 

On the 12th Landing is prayer offered by the City of Baltimore ; 
On the 20th is a memorial presented by Chinese Christians; 
On the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7 , Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6 .. Praise be to God! 

When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy "One Nation, Under God."

I am awed by Washington 's prayer for America. Have you ever read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!

"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Laus Deo! 

Sent by: Jose M. Pena

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  2Ch 7:14

WITNESS TO HERITAGE

279th Anniversary of the First Civil Government, State of Texas by Rueben M. Perez
Report of the 5th Annual Tejano Battle of Medina Losoya Texas August 21, 2010
City of Los Angeles History Book Reprinted with Historical Mistakes
1836 Battle of the Alamo is a chapter of Mexico’s history, not the U.S. by Jose Antonio Lopez
Imperial Valley Solar Project a damage to the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail 

279^th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST CIVIL GOVERNMENT
in the State of Texas

 By Rueben M. Perez

                 The San Antonio Canary Islands Descendants Association celebrated the 279^th Anniversary of the first civil government in the state of Texas.  The Canary Islanders entered Presidio de San Antonio de Bejar on March 9^th, 1731.  All together, there were sixteen families and some unattached bachelors, 56 people total.   Shortly, after they arrived the newly arrived settlers started work immediately to establish the settlement of the Villa of San Fernando.  Juan Antonio Perez De Almazan would have the responsibility to assist the newly arrived Canary Islanders by providing assistance, distribution of land, and establishing the first municipal government in the state of Texas.  A group would gather together on July 20, 1730 as Captain Almanzan organized the first city council called the “cabildo”.  Juan Leal Goraz was appointed to head up the council as the first regidor or councilman.  Other appointments for councilmen would include: Juan Curbelo, Antonio Santos, Salvador Rodriguez, Manuel de Nis, and Juan Leal Jr.  Vicente Alvarez Travieso would be appointed as sheriff, Francisco de Arocha, as secretary, and Antonio Rodriquez in charge of public lands.

               Today, forms of the first Cabildo exist today in San Antonio’s municipal government.  Other contributions made by the Canary Islanders include laws of family relationships of adoption and rights of inheritance, independent executors of wills in Texas, laws of matrimonial property (community property), protection of certain land and tools from creditors’ claim, homestead law and water rights.

                                                 


In honor of the First Civil Government, the Canary Islands Descendants Association celebrated this special event  on August 7, with a reenactment, "Cabildo" written by Alicia Burger. The script was performed by the members of the San Antonio Founding Heritage. They are listed according to speaking roles. Following the reenactment, President Dorothy M. Perez inducted the newest members into the Canary Islands Descendants Association.  

Serving as the narrator was the well-known historian, Dr. Almaraz, playing the role of Friar Olivares

Scene 1
Narrator: Dr. Felix D. Almaraz Jr. 
Capt. Don Juan Antonio Perez de Almazan: Patrick Martinez
Manuel de Niz: Michael Cunningham   
Perez de Almazan: Patrick Martines 
Juan Leal Goraz: Bain Smith  
Antonio Rodriquez: Joe Cunningham Jr.    
Juan Curbelo: Jacinto Casas 
Vicinte Alvarez Travioso: Manuel Lizcano 
Francisco de Arocha: David Bhirdo  
Antonio de los Santos: Richard Contreras   

Scene 2 
1^st Narrator: Stella Cunningham   
2^nd Narrator: Olga Lizcano  
3^rd Narrator: Mary Ozuna  
4^th Narrator: Karen Tugame                                                 

Jose Padron: Morgan Hartman 
Juan Leal Goraz: Bain Smith 
Alcade Antonio de los  Santos: Richard Contreras  

Narrator: Dr. Felix D. Almaraz Jr.  
Sound: Vince Scarnato  

4^th Narrator: Elizabeth Smith

“Cabildo” References: 
*Mattie Alice Austin’s thesis of  Municipal Government Villa de San Fernando de Bexar

* Diamond Jubilee Archdiocese of San Antonio ©1949 Robert El Lucy Archbishop

*Bexar Archives Translations Vol. VI pp  83-168 

*Our Catholic Hertiage in Texas by C.E. Castenda –Latin American Librian, University of Texas

At the podium, Armandina Sifuentes, 2nd Vice President.
On the right, President Dorothy M. Perez 

Patrick Martinez representing Captain Perez de Almazan

Report of the 5th Annual 
Tejano Battle of Medina Losoya Texas 
August 21, 2010

** The list of the 44 colonizers, 22 adults and 22 children. Racial categories of Pobladores are based on the racial definition recorded in the parish registers of the Catholic Church, and the Spanish classifications for children of mixed marriages. The 44 colonizers would be correctly identified as:

For a full listing of the ethnic (racial) make-up, go to
the booklet, Black/Latino Connection, which includes data from the official Spanish Census taken in 1781. 
I prepared the booklet in 2000 at the request of the Black Chamber and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.

http://www.somosprimos.com/blacklatino/bl.htm#Black%20Latino%20Connection 

Editor: Email sent August 5th, 2010 to the San Antonio Express-News regarding the city’s plan to show a downtown banner celebrating the 175th anniversary of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo.

Mr. Huddleston (Scott), reference your SA Express-News and Conexión articles regarding the Alamo banner to be displayed downtown, marking the “175^th” anniversary of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo.  

I agree that the Alamo is the biggest tourist draw to downtown.  That is all well and good because the San Antonio area and the entire state of Texas profits.  However, isn’t it time to start putting the story of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo in perspective?  

Most of your article’s readers (and most people, in general) do not know that the 1836 Battle of the Alamo is a chronological chapter of Mexico’s history, not the U.S.  (Texas did not join the U.S. until 1845 as a slave state.)   

If historians (and reporters) insist on writing about it as part of U.S. history, then they should claim not just nine years to 1836.  In fairness, they should go back to the spark that lit Texas independence – Father Miguel Hidalgo’s “Grito” on September 16, 1810 (el Diezyseis).  That is when Don Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara began his quest to make Texas independent; a goal he accomplished three years later.  For that reason, the number of years on the proposed banner should refer to those key events and read “200” and not “175” years.  

In my view, much of the meanness directed against the Southwest Hispanic culture, its people, and the speaking of Spanish during the ugly on-going immigration issue is caused by those who are terribly ignorant of Texas history and the Spanish Mexican roots of the U.S. Southwest.  Most have no clue that this is New Spain, not New England.   

It is time to market the Alamo and the La Bahia Presidio for their strength, beauty, and creativity of their Spanish Mexican builders.  They should no longer be show-cased because armed Anglo illegal aliens from the U.S. died there.   

In short, we need a more fair, balanced, and inclusive approach in the telling of Texas independence.  The descendants of Spanish Mexican pioneers, the first citizens of Texas, have been waiting for justice for over 170 years.  Thank you.

Very Respectfully, Jose Antonio “Joe” Lopez
jlopez8182@satx.rr.com

Mr. Lopez, thank you for making contact.  

I'll try to take time later to carefully read and reflect on your ideas. But I wanted to respond quickly, and just acknowledge that I think you have expressed, very eloquently, some well-grounded sentiments about historical interpretation. This week's dust-up with the banner brought out, once again, some of the harsh realities associated with the way Texas history has been interpreted. 

You're absolutely correct about balance and inclusivity . I'm hopeful that the 175th anniversary of the Texas Revolution will provide an opportunity to promote those ideals and heal old wounds. I'm currently talking to some of my colleagues here at the Express-News on how we can accomplish that.    

Respectfully,   Scott 
Scott Huddleston, staff writer, San Antonio Express-News

Imperial Valley Solar Project, CA  
would cause irreparable damage to the 
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. 

 
CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION HEARING

Imperial Valley Solar Project, Docket 08-AFC-5

August 16, 2010

Christopher Meyer
Project Manager
California Energy Commission
1516-9th Street ,  MS-15
Sacramento , CA 95814
cmeyer@energy.state.ca.us
(916) 653-1639    

My name is Ernest Garcia and I am a resident of Folsom, CA, and a 7^th generation Californian.  I’m a member, past Board Member and current Chair of the Expedientes (Land Grant Records) Committee for Spanish and Mexican land grant holdings of Los Californianos. This is a group of some 750 members who trace their roots back to the first Spanish colonists that came to California , starting in 1769.  I’m also Vice President of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Sacramento , CA Chapter, and a member of Spain ’s Society of the American Revolution (based in Madrid , Spain ).  The relevance of this background will soon be apparent.           

The proposed location of the Imperial Valley Solar Project site near Coyote Wells and Plaster City , CA would cause irreparable damage to the interpretation and appreciation of California’s unique history, specifically to the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.  As my background illustrates, the history of the Anza trail has not only national, but also international implications.   

The trail crosses territories once governed by American Indian peoples, by Spanish and Mexican citizens and, ultimately, by Americans.  If approved as currently planned, the project would cut across the historic Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, established by acts of the U.S. Congress and administered by the National Park Service. 

None of the documents on the CEC and BLM websites for the application describe adequate mitigation for the permanent destruction of the local habitat, the flora and fauna unique to the telling of the story of California’s and America’s immigrant past.  It is my sincere concern that the project would forever destroy an important segment of this historic route and deprive generations of Americans from meaningful first-hand experiences that can bring them to a better understanding of our multiethnic culture and heritage.  This concern is for the trail corridor itself and its nearby recreational components.           

The Anza trail was first used by the indigenous peoples of California and Arizona .  It was later used as an early and important line of communications between New Spain and Alta California, current day Mexico and California , respectively, during the 18^th and 19^th centuries.  In 1776, Spanish Army Captain Juan Bautista de Anza used the trail to bring over 240 Spanish soldiers and their families to establish the city of San Francisco , the Mission Dolores and the Presidio of San Francisco.  In 1782, Captain Fernando de Rivera y Moncada used the same trail to guide Spanish soldiers and settlers to establish the cities we know today as Los Angeles , Ventura and Santa Barbara .  Among the group that established Los Angeles and Ventura came my maternal, Sons of the American Revolution compatriot, and fourth great-grandfather, Josef Manuel Valenzuela, a soldier, who (like all Spanish Colonial citizens at the time) monetarily supported the Continental Congress and Army during the American Revolution.  In 1780, King Carlos, III, asked every Spanish soldier in Spain ’s domain to contribute two pesos to the American Revolution, and this money was subsequently transmitted to the American Colonies, in part, by way of the Anza trail.           

If approved, the project would set a dangerous precedent.   This project is no more appropriate on this trail than it would be on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge or the National Mall in Washington , D.C.  I urge the commission to deny the application for the licensing and construction of the Imperial Valley Solar power plant in its current location.  I do not believe that you have the right and authority to rescind or modify Public Law 90-543, and Public Law 101-365 that recognized the contributions and importance of this trail and my ancestors.   The Federal government is tasked with the identification and protection of the historic route and its historic remnants and artifacts for public use and enjoyment.  

Sincerely, Ernest J. Garcia
105 Puffer Way
Folsom, CA 95630 
hande.garcia@sbcglobal.net
(916)  261-1120  

 NOTE: 
1.      National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) has about 28,000 members.
2.  California Society SAR has about 1,500 members.
3.  Spain ’s Society of SAR has 53 members.

Sent by Leroy Martinez
leroymartinez@charter.net

HONORING HISPANIC LEADERSHIP

Lolita Lebrón Dies: Organizer/Activist             November 19, 1919-August 1, 2010

José Saramago: A Voracious Intellectual         November 16, 1922 - June 18, 2010
Mario Obledo:  Hispanic Rights Leader             April 9, 1932 - August 18, 2010
Esteban "Steve" Jordan, Tejano accordionist    Feb. 23, 1939 - August 13, 2010                
David J. Weber, Renowned Historian              December 20, 1940 - August 20, 2010

Lolita Lebrón Dies

 November 19, 1919-August 1, 2010

San Juan- The Nationalist heroin, Lolita Lebrón, who was jailed a quarter century in the United States for leading a commando attack on the Congress, died August 1, 2010.  

The 89 year old Puerto Rican nationalist leader was in a hospital in San Juan for a few weeks due to cardio respiratory complications she could not overcome, sources said. 

"We were very anxious about the clinical picture presented in the last few hours and certainly expected this sad and painful end at any time," International News Service said a source close to the family, who declined to be identified. 

Lebrón was active in the struggle for the independence of Puerto Rico until her last breath, as relatives explained that only the deterioration of her health prevented her from being present in the latest protests in the country. 

She also regretted not being able to be in the welcoming last Tuesday of former Puerto Rican political prisoner Carlos Alberto Torres, as she was already very poor health. Torres spent 30 years in prison in the U.S. for "seditious conspiracy" related to the struggle for independence as a suspected member of the Armed Forces of National Liberation (FALN). 

Lebrón led an integrated command team in 1954 that included Rafael Cancel Miranda, Irving Flores and Andrés Figueroa Cordero, who remained imprisoned for 25 years before being pardoned in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter in the wake of an intense international campaign. 

The action sought "to denounce to the world the farce of the Commonwealth," a system of government that had been founded in 1952 to remove Puerto Rico from the list of colonies.  On one occasion, nationalist leader stated that the attack on the U.S. Congress did not intend to cause the death of any congressman and, on the contrary, members of the command intended to blow themselves up because they thought they would be killed there.

URL: http://www.elnuevodia.com/fallecelolitalebron-

751662.html
More on Lolita Lebrón:
Newsreel of 1954 Nationalist Assault on Congress 
Mi Puerto Rico Video: Lolita Lebrón
Audio of Lolita Lebrón on 1954 Congressional Attack
2009 Interview with Lolita Lebron by Dan Berger

Sent by Dorinda Moreno 

fuerzamundial@gmail.com 

& info@latinopolicy.org

José Saramago: A Voracious Intellectual
November 16, 1922 - June 18, 2010

The only Portuguese-language novelist to win a Nobel Prize
By Jorge Chino

“This prize is for all speakers of Portuguese, but while we're on the subject, I shall keep the money,” said José Saramago after receiving the $950K for is 1998 Nobel accolade. Not a surprising statement for a writer whose novels depict ordinary people confronting the complexities of life under seemingly omni-powerful authorities or collapsing social systems. He died June 18, 2010.

In his winning of the Nobel Prize of literature, the Wall Street Journal simply said: “an inveterate communist with anti-religious views”. Born November 16, 1922 outside Lisbon, Saramago a late-starter writer who came from a poor family and he never finished his university studies. Saramago was “indeed a voracious intellectual ... acquiring information as much as he could,” said Helder Macedo, emeritus professor of Portuguese literature at Kings College London.

José Saramago’s imagination blended fact, fantasy, and folklore, always taking on grandiose subjects and themes. In his 1986 novel, “The Stone Raft,” Spain and Portugal snap off from the rest of the European continent and floats off into the North Atlantic. In Blindness, his best-known novel in the United States and was made into a movie, the entire population of a city loses its sight.

Condemned by the Catholic Church, his 1992 The Gospel According to Jesus Christ, portraits a Jesus living with Mary Magdalene, who tries to back out of his crucifixion. God is a manipulator pulling on the world’s strings and in cahoots with Satan to make people suffer needlessly. 

I loved Saramago’s Gospel that I read in a long taxi cruise in Mexico City. The novel is terrifying, provocative and deeply philosophical about the evil of God to create religious domination by imposing Christianity through the inquisition, the crusades and other God-made catastrophes.

Jesus rows to a center of a large lake filled with fog. When he gets there, the fog begins to dissipate and God appears right before him. In the conversation that ensues between father and son, God tells Jesus about his plan to impose Christianity to the world by a series of wars and Jesus himself has to sacrifice and die on the cross to serve His will. In this conversation that lasts 40 days Jesus discovers the close alliance between his father and Satan. 

Born José de Sousa Saramago in a family of landless peasants, Saramago is the only Portuguese language (spoken by 170 million people around the world) writer to have received a Nobel Prize of Literature.

In 1992, a heated conflict ensued between Portuguese under-secretary of state for culture Antonio Sousa Lara and Saramago after the publication of The Gospel according to Jesus Christ that motivated Saramago's move to the island of Lanzarote in the Canaries, off northwest Africa. Saramago’s name had been withdrawn from Portugal's nominees for the European Literature Prize.

Popular at home in Lisbon José Saramago was not. His unflinching support for Communism until his death at 87, at his home in Lanzarote as well as his blunt manner and his controversial works antagonized man and made him very unpopular in countless circles.  “People used to say about me, ‘He’s good but he's a Communist.’ Now they say, ‘He’s a Communist but he’s good,’” he said to The Associated Press in 1998.

His historical fantasy called in English “Baltasar and Blimunda” explores the battle between individuals and organized religion, and is set during the Inquisition.

Saramago never courted the kind of fame offered by the Nobel Prize and other similar awards. “I am skeptical, reserved, I don't gush, I don't go around smiling, hugging people and trying to make friends,” he once said to a magazine.

In 2002, he compared Ramallah, the Palestinian city blockaded by the Israeli army, to the Nazi death camps at Auschwitz and Buchenwald. The accusations of anti-Semitism and condemnations by even the most progressive Jewish individuals came like an avalanche. This is only one of the many accessions his bluntness has put him against the wall, and attitude he never changed until his death a couple of months ago.

Splendor Magazine: A magazine featuring the world of today's fashion, real estate, jewelry, fine dining, business, visual and performing arts and travel. Jorge Chino, Publisher  jchino@splendoronline.com    www.splendoronline.com  

Mario Obledo, Hispanic Rights Leader, Dies at 78

By Douglas Martin

New York Times  (August 20, 2010)

April 9, 1932 to August 18, 2010

Source: National Institute for Latino Policy (NiLP)

Dr. Mario Guerra Obledo's rosary and funeral were held Sacramento at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament located at 1017 11st in downtown Sacramento, Califas.  A Catholic mass on August 26 at 5 P.M. Following the mass an evening rosary was held for public viewing through midnight. Funeral services were held the following morning beginning at 9 am.  As a proud veteran Dr. Obledo received military honors.

With the most sincere thank you to the many, many of you who sent information and person comments honoring Dr. Obledo.  I did not have the privilege of ever meeting Dr. Obledo, but it is apparent that he surely profoundly touched many. Gus Chavez has written a tribute to Dr. Obledo which I've included under Texas for Dr. Obledo's legal impact on the La Elliott School in Sonora Texas.  Click 

Esteban "Steve" Jordan, 71 
Influential Tejano accordionist Esteban 'Steve' Jordan dies at 71
By Terence McArdle, The Washington Post,  

February. 23, 1939 - August 13, 2010 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/16/AR2010081604714.html 

NATIONAL ISSUES

On the Issue of the Drug War
    Facts and figures 
    Drug War's Death Toll in Mexico: 28,000 Killed Since 2006
    Those Who Do Not Learn From History,  are Bound to Repeat It by George Santayana
     NALIPster Receives Grant for New Doc El Jardin 
     Costly Efforts to Secure Border Not Paying Off 
    

On the Issue of  Immigration
    Immigration Inflows and Comparisons from the Past vs Today by Francisco Barragan

    Unauthorized Immigrants and Their U.S.-Born Children
    Costly Efforts to Secure Border Not Paying Off 
    Salute the Danish Flag - it's a Symbol of Western Freedom 

On the Issue of Religious Freedom

    Word of the Day: Dhimmitude
    NYC Streets blocked by Muslim Worshipers 
    Rumors and Tidbits of History 

    American Missionaries Gunned Down for 'Preaching Christianity' 

On the Issue of Racism
    Attacks against Mexicans inflame tensions in NYC
    American Bar Association to Study Hispanic Legal Issues

On the Issue of  Farmworkers 

ON THE ISSUE 
OF THE DRUG WAR

Congratulations on another great issue. I am presently in Ciudad Juárez while awaiting closing on a Mexico City apartment.

Things are worse than ever in Juárez. Two sons of important local families were killed Wednesday, when a bomb scare also happened right when I was getting a haircut in Downtown Juárez. The U.S. Consulate, the largest in Mexico, did not open today and will be closed until further notice because of security concerns.

Saludos. Lic. Roberto Camp
mexicomarketing@yahoo.com

Frontera NorteSur: on-line, U.S.-Mexico border news
Center for Latin American and Border Studies
New Mexico State University Las Cruces, New Mexico
For a free electronic subscription email: fnsnews@nmsu.edu

Sent by Walter Herbeck  wlherbeck@gmail.com

Blog del Narco, an anonymous blogger, operating from behind a thick curtain of computer security has in less than six months become Mexico's source of information on Mexico's drug war.  Fear of the drug cartels has curtailed mass media coverage.  7/13/10 OCRegister

Washington, DC: Project Deliverance, US arrests 2,266 people and seized nearly 75 tons of drugs and confiscated $154 million in cash. 6/10/10 OCRegister

Ciudad Juarez, Mex: At least 30 gunmen burst into a drug rehabilitation center and opened fire killing 19 men and wounding four people.  Gunmen also killed 20 people in another drug-plagued northern city.  The bullet-riddled bodies of 18 men and two women wee found in five different parts of Ciudad Madero. 
6/12/10 OCRegister

Mexico City: Guards and officials at a prison in northern Mexico let inmates out, lent them guns and sent them off in official vehicles to carry out drug-related killings, including the massacre of 17 people .  
7/28/10 OCRegister

California: Nearly 100 people were arrested in a a 3-week sweep of marijuana-growers operations that has netted more than $1.7 billion worth of pot in the Sierra Nevada range.  Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said several Mexican drug cartels were involved in the growing operations.

A TV commentator said that San Diego, CA and Cuidad Juarez are approximately the same population size.  San Diego had 16 murders last year and Cuidad Juarez had 1,700.

ON THE ISSUE OF THE DRUG WAR

Drug War's Death Toll in Mexico: 
28,000 Killed Since 2006

Associated Press

August 03, 2010, 6:49 PM

A soldier stands guard on the roof of the house where, according to Mexico's Defense Ministry, a top leader of the Sinaloa cartel, Ignacio Coronel Villareal, aka Nacho, was killed in Guadalajara, Mexico, Friday July 30, 2010. Soldiers killed Coronel on Thursday in a raid on his posh hideout, dealing the biggest blow yet to Mexico's most powerful drug gang since President Felipe Calderon launched a military offensive against organized crime in 2006.

MEXICO CITY — More than 28,000 people have been killed in drug violence since President Felipe Calderon launched a crackdown against cartels in 2006, a government official said Tuesday.

Intelligence agency director Guillermo Valdes also said authorities have confiscated about 84,000 weapons and made total cash seizures of $411 million in U.S. currency and $26 million worth in pesos (330 million pesos).

Valdes released the statistics during a meeting with Calderon and representatives of business and civic groups. Attendees are exploring ways to improve Mexico's anti-drug strategy.

Drug violence in Mexico "is still growing," Valdes said.

The most recent official toll of the drug war dead came in mid-June, when the attorney general said 24,800 had died. He did not specify a time frame.

The government does not regularly break down murder statistics, but leading newspapers who kept their own counts say last month was the deadliest yet under Calderon: According to national daily Milenio, 1,234 were killed in July.

The Mexican government says most victims were involved in the drug trade.

Kingpin's death could mean more violence

One of the world's most powerful drug cartels took a major hit last week when soldiers killed a top kingpin in a gunbattle, and his death will likely will mean more violence as factions fight for the cocaine and methamphetamine empire that he left behind.

The death of Ignacio "Nacho" Coronel during an army operation also challenges a long-held notion that Mexican government officials at the highest levels have been helping the Sinaloa cartel win the drug war. Coronel was the No. 3 of the gang led by Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, Mexico's most-wanted drug lord.

The attack was an exclusively Mexican operation, unlike other recent raids targeting top drug lords that have relied on U.S. intelligence, Mexican and U.S. officials said Friday. After month of intelligence work, the Mexican army zeroed in on Coronel at his mansion Thursday in a ritzy suburb of Guadalajara.

"I absolutely believe that this will have an impact on ... the Sinaloa federation's capability to move their drugs, at least in the short term," said Dave Gaddis, deputy chief of operations that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. "They will require time to rebuild."

Continuing the raids Friday, soldiers killed Coronel's nephew, Mario Carrasco Coronel, in a shootout in the suburb of Zapopan.

Mexico's Defense Department said in a statement that Carrasco Coronel was one of his uncle's possible successors. He opened fire on soldiers, wounding one, before he was killed, the department said.

$5 million U.S. bounty on his head

The elder Coronel, who had a $5 million U.S. bounty on his head, is considered one of the founders of Mexico's methamphetamine trade, building clandestine laboratories in the country and smuggling the drug into the United States. He controlled meth and cocaine trafficking routes that extended from Mexico's Pacific coast and inland up to Arizona.

Gaddis said a battle over who will control those routes next is "a distinct possibility." Sinaloa cartels rivals are already thought to be encroaching into some of the territory that Coronel dominated, including the Pacific port of Manzanillo that has been a major entry point for meth precursor chemicals, he said.

"It would be reasonable to suspect that either a new trafficking group or components of the current Sinaloa drug trafficking organization would try to take over the area that he once controlled," Gaddis said in an interview with The Associated Press. "And that may spawn some resistance from people have worked for him."

And experts said Coronel's death would not mean the imminent destruction of the Sinaloa cartel, which some U.S. law enforcement officials believe has become the most powerful drug trafficking organization in the world.

Mexican police once captured "El Chapo" Guzman himself, only to see him escape from a high security prison in a laundry truck. He has since become one of the world's richest men and Forbes magazine even listed him as one of the "World Most Powerful People." U.S. law enforcement officials say he has won control over trafficking routes in Ciudad Juarez after a bloody fight with the Juarez cartel in the border city.

Sinaloa cartel forms alliances vs. Zetas

Most recently, the Sinaloa cartel co-opted several other cartels into an alliance to destroy the Zetas gang. That could help Sinaloa keep control of the southern Pacific trafficking routes that Coronel ruled, said George Grayson, an expert on Mexico's drug war at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. One of Sinaloa's new allies — La Familia — has a growing presence in the so-called Pacific route, he said.

"It's a blow but it's not a knock out punch," Grayson said.

President Felipe Calderon's government has brought down several kingpins since he deployed thousands of troops in 2006 to fight traffickers at their strongholds.

Those victories have nearly always unleashed waves of violence that have terrified ordinary citizens and sapped popular support for Calderon's drug war, an effort supported by millions of dollars in U.S. aid for equipment and training. Nearly 25,000 people have been killed by drug violence during Calderon's government.

Cartels have fought back with brash attacks against security forces and even their families. In December, hit men gunned down the mother aunt and siblings of a marine killed in a raid that took out kingpin Arturo Beltran Leyva. And Leyva's death opened a new front in the drug war, turning the picturesque central town of Cuernavaca into a bloody
battleground for control over his cartel.

This time, the army was careful not to reveal the name of the only soldier killed in the raid on Coronel's home.

Government subdued after capo's death

The government was subdued in victory, making no immediate comment beyond the initial announcement that the capo was dead. Defense Department officials said the government did not want to compromise the safety of its security forces or compromise its intelligence strategies by discussing the attack.

Calderon — who at the time of the operation had been attending a public event just miles away in the same Guadalajara suburb — made no public appearances Friday. This, even though Coronel's downfall gives
him ammunition against those who have long alleged that the Sinaloa cartel is protected by top government officials.
drug-war-mexico-trees-soldier-072910.jpgView full sizeAssociated PressA soldier guards a street in the area where, according to Mexico's Defense Minister, Mexican drug cartel leader Ignacio Coronel Villareal, aka Nacho Coronel was killed during an army raid in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Thursday July 29, 2010.

Coronel's death "does lay that perception to rest," Grayson said.

The insinuations have come from Mexican analysts, politicians from Calderon's own National Action Party and countless banners put up by rival gangs. Scandals ensnaring top officials have fueled the suspicions.

In May, the newspaper Reforma reported that secret police documents containing the names and contact numbers of federal officers were found in the car of an associate of "El Chapo" Guzman. The government never confirmed or denied the report. Two years ago, Mexico's former anti-drug czar and several other high-ranking officials were arrested for allegedly protecting the Beltran Leyva gang, which as the time was allied with the Sinaloa cartel.

The suspicions have increasingly provoked violence against government security forces, including a July 15 car bomb that killed a federal police officer and two other people in Ciudad Juarez. The Juarez cartel claimed responsibility for the bomb and threatened more attacks against unless federal police who protect the Sinaloa cartel are arrested.

Washington discounts insinuations about Calderon

Washington officials have always dismissed insinuations that Calderon favors any cartel.

"The government of Mexico has given full attention to combating the drug trafficking threat from the Gulf cartel, the Beltran Leyva organization, the Sinaloa or Pacific organization, La Familia Michoacana all equally," Gaddis said.

And Calderon has always insisted that he is aggressively trying to root out corrupt officials who protect any criminals. Two months ago, Mexican marines arrested the captain of Manzanillo — the port where Coronel brought in many of his meth shipments — on charged of drug trafficking ties.

Mexico's military made clear they had long been learning details that proved crucial to bringing Coronel down, including his habit of traveling with only one bodyguard, Iran Francisco Quinonez, who was captured in the raid.

Coronel and Quinonez were the only ones in the house when soldiers stormed in, backed by helicopters hovering overhead. The army said Coronel grabbed a gun and opened fire, provoking a shootout in which he and the soldier were killed.

Associated Press writers Alexandra Olsen and Alicia A. Caldwellcontributed to this report.
http://www.cleveland.com/world/index.ssf/2010/08/drug_wars_death_toll_in_mexico.html  
© 2010 cleveland.com. All rights reserved.

Sent by: Roberto Calderon, beto@unt.edu 
 

Those Who Do Not Learn From History, 
are Bound to Repeat It
George Santayana 

Canadians board migrant ship.
Security officials boarded a cargo ship Thursday, August 13. The ship was carrying 490 asylum seekers from Sri Lanka were on board, including some people Canada says may be terrorists.  In 2006, Canada labeled Tamil Tigers as a terrorist group. Currently about 300,000 Tamils live in Canada, the most outside Sri Lanka and India. The cargo ship had approached Australia  a few months ago, but then changed course and turned towards Canada.  
7/13/10 OCRegister

NALIPster Natalia Almada Receives Grant for New Doc El Jardin 

On the Issue of Anchor Babies and Immigration
 

Immigration Inflows and Comparisons from the Past vs Today
By 
Francisco Barragan

Unauthorized Immigrants and Their U.S.-Born Children
http://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/125.pdf 

Given the current problems of mosques being built all over the U.S., I was really puzzled why this study does not include any mention of the Middle East presence.  Why no data was included on the Middle East population. 

As I studied the paragraphs looking for clues, I finally concluded that they could justify the exclusion of Middle East information because the study was based on the restricting the data to "unauthorized immigrants."  Since VISA holders (student, work, tourist) are authorized,  they did not need to be included in the study. 

Look at a few of their perimeters. 

"These figures are based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau's March 2009 Current Population Survey, augmented with the Pew Hispanic Center's analysis of the demographic characteristics of the unauthorized immigrant population using a "residual estimation methodology" it has employed for the past five years."

For example the study states that the "The initial estimates here are calculated  . . . in six states (California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois and New Jersey) and the balance of the country and for 35 countries or groups of countries by period of arrival in the United States."  The 6 states identified for the study are the states  identified as having a very high population of Latinos.   

In addition the study states that "The basic information on coverage is drawn principally from comparisons with Mexican data, U.S. mortality data and specialized surveys conducted at the time of the 2000 Census."   

It doesn't appear that data was collected for other minority groups with the same dedication.  It appears also that their was considerable mathematical dependency on estimations.   

From the study:
An estimated 340,000 of the 4.3 million babies born in the United States in 2008 were the offspring of unauthorized immigrants, according to a new analysis of Census Bureau data by the Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center. 

Unauthorized immigrants comprise slightly more than 4% of the adult population of the U.S., but because they are relatively young and have high birthrates, their children make up a much larger share of both the newborn population (8%) and the child population (7% of those younger than age 18) in this country.

These figures are based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau's March 2009 Current Population Survey, augmented with the Pew Hispanic Center's analysis of the demographic characteristics of the unauthorized immigrant population using a "residual estimation methodology" it has employed for the past five years.

The new Pew Hispanic analysis also finds that nearly four-in-five (79%) of the 5.1 million children (younger than age 18) of unauthorized immigrants were born in this country and therefore are U.S. citizens. In total, 4 million U.S.-born children of unauthorized immigrant parents resided in this country in 2009, alongside 1.1 million foreign-born children of unauthorized immigrant parents. 

The report, "Unauthorized Immigrants and Their U.S.-Born Children" authored by Jeffrey S. Passel, Senior Demographer, Pew Hispanic Center, and Paul Taylor, Director, Pew Hispanic Center, is available at the Pew Hispanic Center's website, www.pewhispanic.org . 

The Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center, is a nonpartisan, non-advocacy research organization based in Washington, D.C. and is funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Costly Efforts to Secure Border Not Paying Off 

Costly efforts to secure border not paying off 
By Emma Perez-Trevino, The Brownsville Herald, 06-19-2010
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/border-113498-secure-initiatives.html 

From the construction of the border fence to the deployment of unmanned aerial drones, federal initiatives have cost billions of dollars to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and have been mired in challenges and setbacks, public records show.

Audits by U.S. Congress’ investigative arm, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), also reflect that numerous initiatives have been stymied and plagued by mismanagement, lack of coordination and no oversight.

And in the case of aerial drones, the rush to deploy new units to secure the border could compromise safety and more.

THE BORDER FENCE AND VIRTUAL FENCE
In November 2005, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security implemented its most expensive and challenging initiatives under U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Secure Border Initiative (SBI).

The components of SBI included the construction of about $2.6 billion worth of fencing and a $1.6 billion virtual fence.

“It has been an utter failure,” Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos, a Republican, said of SBI, which began under Republican President George W. Bush and has continued under Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration.

GAO reported that as of April, CBP had completed 646 of the 652 miles of fencing and that it plans to have the remaining six miles completed by December. CBP also plans to construct 14 more miles of fencing in the Rio Grande Valley Sector by September.

“CBP reported that tactical infrastructure (fencing), coupled with additional trained agents had increased the miles of the southwest border under control, but despite a $2.6 billion investment, it cannot account separately for the impact of tactical infrastructure,” GAO found.

“I don’t believe that it is doing what they thought, what I thought it was going to do,” Cascos said. The fence is still being constructed in the county, and Cascos said that it has numerous gaps that are being lit by floodlights. “The initiative is not working, not in our part of the country; not based on what I see.”

Meanwhile, the $1.6 billion virtual fence, initiated in 2006 and known as SBInet, covers 53 miles in the Yuma and Tucson sectors. But GAO reported that as of April, Border Patrol agents continued to rely on existing technology rather than SBInet.

“According to my calculations, (the cost of the virtual fence) equals nearly $20 million per mile,” U. S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, D-Mississippi, chairman of the U. S. House

of Representatives’ Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement issued June 17, when a hearing was held on the initiative in Washington, D.C.

The plan was to have SBInet in place throughout the 1,989-mile U.S.-Mexico border by 2009.

The virtual fence is composed of a network of sensors, cameras, towers and radars that are supposed to detect and track movement on the border, and transmit the data to video terminals at command centers and agents’ vehicles to assist in identifying illegal activity.

GAO found that sensors can’t differentiate between vehicles, humans and animals — although the ability had been a requirement of the system. The radar also couldn’t differentiate between humans and vehicles.

But those in charge of the project decided to waive these and other significant requirements. “The system is now only required to achieve a 49 percent probability of identifying items of interest that cross the border,” GAO found.

“As even my two daughters know, 49 percent is not even close to a passing grade,” U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, and chairman of the House Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,and Global Counterterrorism, said June 17 in a written statement.

“I think the big issue is the way border security has been handled by the past and present administration,” Cascos said. “There is divisiveness and partisanship and a lot of animosity. I believe that it is affecting some of the decision making process. They all work for the same people — the taxpayer — but yet they are also so protective of their own department that they don’t speak to each other, costing time and money.”

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano in March froze funding for SBInet and reallocated $50 million to other available technologies, such as mobile radios, according to GAO.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, also isn’t satisfied with SBInet, but, “while the implementation of SBInet has been unacceptable, the last thing we need to do is cut border security funding,” Cornyn told The Brownsville Herald in a written statement Friday.

Cornyn said that Obama’s budget request for fiscal year 2011 would cut SBI by more than 25 percent and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program by more than 12 percent.

“The White House even wanted to cut the Border Patrol by 181 agents — before Congress made clear that wasn’t going to fly,” Cornyn said.

Cornyn said that he introduced legislation that would have reallocated $2 billionin unspent stimulus funds toward much needed personnel, equipment and resources to southwest border communities.

“Unfortunately, it was defeated because Democrats and the president continue to underestimate the gravity of the situation and pay lip service to our citizens who are demanding that their government act,” Cornyn said.

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, did not return a request for comment.

U.S. Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, D-Texas, said that, “a border wall running through our South Texas land is not the answer to our nation’s security,” adding that alternatives and new tools must first be assessed for their viability and efficiency.

MERIDA INITIATIVE
The Merida Initiative is a three-year plan initiated in 2007 for $1.4 billion in U.S. assistance to Mexico and Central America to fight criminal organizations and disrupt drug and weapons trafficking, illicit financial activities, currency smuggling and human trafficking, the Congressional Research Service noted in a report to Congress in May 2009.

At a May congressional hearing, Thompson said that records showed Mexico has received only $161 million since the plan was implemented.

GAO noted in December 2009 that factors affecting the timing of the Merida funding process included statutory condition of the funds, challenges in fulfilling administrative procedures, and the need to enhance the ability in the U.S., Mexico,and Central America to implement the assistance.

The spokesman for U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz, D-Texas, said in a statement Friday that Congress and the administration are working with counterparts in Mexico to develop the next phase of the initiative.

According to information from Cornyn’s office, major Mexican drug cartels have 100,000 members, rivaling the size of Mexico’s military.

Cornyn’s office also noted that:

22,700 lives were lost since Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon launched the offensive against drug cartels in December 2006.

9,635 people were killed in Mexican gang or cartel-related violence in 2009, more than triple 2007.

4,324 people were murdered in Cuidad Juarez since 2006.

3,365 lives were lost in the first three months of 2010 as a result of drug-related violence in Mexico.

522 Mexican military and law enforcement officials were killed in 2008.

$25 billion in estimated annual sales of Mexican drugs to the U.S.

“By many accounts, Mexico now ranks as more violent than Iraq or Afghanistan,” Shannon O’Neil, with the Council on Foreign Relations, said in a statement May 27 before congressional committee and subcommittee hearing in Washington D.C. on the future of the Merida Initiative.

O’Neil elaborated that the initiative does not take into account that the U.S. must do its part.

“The Merida Initiative overlooks three U.S.-based factors that perpetuate the drug trade and drug violence: guns, money, and demand,” O’Neil said, noting that all serious studies show that the vast majority of the guns used by the drug trafficking organizations come from the U.S. “As the United States asks Mexico to uphold its laws at great monetary and human cost, it should enforce its own laws.”

Hinojosa said that the Merida Initiative is a crucial strategy that unites the U.S. and Mexico in a commitment to secure the border.

“Both countries are committed to stopping the violence, cracking down on the flow of drugs and weapons that cross our border every day,” he said in a statement to the Herald on Friday. “By helping Mexico in its fight against crime, we are also helping the United States.”

WEAPONS INTERDICTION
A GAO review found in June 2009 significant challenges to the country’s efforts to combat firearm sales in the U. S. and the flow of weapons into Mexico, but the agency noted that evidence indicates that a large proportion of the firearms fueling Mexican drug violence originate in the U.S.

GAO said that according to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) officials, U.S. efforts are hampered by laws relating to restrictions on collecting and reporting information on purchases, a lack of required background checks for private firearms sales, and limitations on reporting requirements for multiple sales.

GAO also documented another problem: ATF and DHS’” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), do not consistently coordinate efforts because the agencies partly lack clear roles and responsibilities, resulting sometimes in duplicate initiatives and confusion during operations.

GAO said that law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Department of State have provided some assistance to Mexican counterparts in combating arms trafficking, but that it has been limited and has not targeted arms trafficking needs.

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS OR VEHICLES
The Federal Aviation Administration is being bombarded.

State and federal elected officials and private enterprise have been pressuring FAA to issue waivers and exemptions, allowing for unmanned aircraft, also referred to as drones, on the National Airspace System throughout the country and Texas where they would operate together with commercial and private aircraft.

FAA recently approved DHS’s request to allow CBP to operate a drone in West Texas for border security, but a problem occurred in the first flight June 1 into Texas. Although not all details are known, it was serious enough to bring a temporary halt to CBP’s operations to provide personnel with further training.

A request to FAA to allow a drone along the border from West Texas to Brownsville and to the Texas coast is pending.

Ortiz’s spokesman said that the congressman supports the use of unmanned aerial vehicles amid other security initiatives.

In a speech on Nov. 18, 2009 in Arizona, regarding the future of UASs in the national airspace, FAA Administrator J. Randolph Babbitt noted that, “While the UAS is undoubtedly the way of the future, my concern must be on today, and right now, the era of the unmanned aircraft system in civilian airspace is just not here yet. Much as we’d all wish the case were different, the level of technical maturity isn’t where it needs to be for full operation in the National Airspace System.”

Noting that standards need to be developed, Babbitt said that everyone must move in the same direction before it happens. “Those safety standards must be the same for everyone, even if no one’s in the cockpit.”

In the event that FAA approves drone flights into Cameron County, Cascos’ hope is that personnel who operate the drones are well trained and that the aircraft be fully tested “and tested and tested” in a barren area.

“You don’t test it up and down the Rio Grande among urbanized areas. They are a lot larger than kites, and weigh more than kites,” the county judge said.

Brownsville Mayor Pat M. Ahumada Jr. said drones in Cameron County would be fine, “if we were at war with Mexico. But we are not at war. I’m very concerned,” the mayor said about the possible advent of drones in the community.

Ahumada said that the drones, the border fence and virtual fence are “very expensive initiatives with very poor returns.”

“We have gone to extremes. It has caused division in our country,” he said, suggesting that the billions of dollars should instead be spent on combating the demand for drugs in the U.S. and the exportation of firearms, while

reinforcing the Border Patrol with more officers.

“Let (the officers) do their job,” he said.

© Copyright 2010 Freedom Communications. All Rights Reserved. 

Sent by: Roberto Calderon, Ph.D.

Salute the Danish Flag - it's a Symbol of Western Freedom 

By Susan MacAllen

Dhimmitude

Dhimmitude is the Muslim system of controlling non-muslim populations conquered through jihad. Specifically, it is the TAXING of non-muslims in exchange for tolerating their presence AND as a coercive means of converting conquered remnants to islam. 

It appears that the new healthcare policies may well be facilitating Dhimmitude in the United States. Muslims may be specifically exempted from the government mandate to purchase insurance, and also from the penalty tax for being uninsured.  Islam considers insurance to be "gambling", "risk-taking" and "usury" and will be specifically exempt.  So will other other religious groups, identified in the bill, Amish, Christian Scientists and Scientology.  

Please go to Snopes and Wikipedia for information on Dhimmitude and the subject of exclusion from taxation.

Surprisingly, the Hispanic Caucus agreed to the government's plan, which essentially put undocumented Mexicans and other Latin Americans at the end of the line.  

It was a real tragedy for many Mexicans who had lived in the United States for many, many years.  They were required to show paper proof of residency, which was a real challenge to many.  Store front advisors promised assistance for exorbitant prices.  

Eddie:  This guy is trying to show a parallel of the Arab invasions of Europe and the convenience stores called 7/11.  The Muslims began their expansion after the death of Mohammed in 632: Gaza in 635, Jerusalem in 637, Persia in 638, Armenia in 639, etc. By the year 700 they had advanced to Algiers in North Africa, then invade Spain in the year 711, Seville in 712, Lisbon in 716, and entered France in 720, etc.  The French stopped the westward movement of the Arabs or Moors as they were called in 732.

The famed El Cid (Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar) was born in Castille in 1040 and began fighting the Moors in 1057 -- this was the beginning of the push to move the Moors out of Spain, ending in the spring of 1492 -- allowing Columbus to sail under the Crown and interestingly the beginning of the eradication of Jews from Spain. Sephardic Jews left Spain at this time period and it was known as the Spanish Inquisition. What followed were the Crusades to take back Jerusalem..

Yet the apparent connection between the invasion of Spain in the year 711 and the convenience store called 7/11 is false.

The supposed high number of middle eastern people working in 7/11s is actually superseded by the number of eastern Indians working there and has no relation to the Muslim religion. The Store chain called 7/11 began as a single store in Texas in 1927 by an American. As the chain expanded, the open hours were increased to 7am to 11pm in 1946 -- unheard of at that time. The chain continued to expand as a franchise to where they are the largest chain store in the world with some 38,000 outlets in many countries including Japan. In 1991, a Japanese holding company gained a controlling share and now owns the franchise.

7/11 stores are Japanese.

It is true however that many words in Spanish come from Arabic language -- even El Cid meaning The Lord is Arabic. California (Caliph - Ornia) means place of the ruler in Arabic. Yet there are thousands of words in American English which include Arabic, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Armenian, Chinese, Japanese etc. All languages in the world contain words from other languages because of invasions, trade, intermarriages, etc. But that is no connection to their religion.

Catsup is Chinese, tycoon is Japanese, reservoir is French, schooner is Dutch, California is Arabic, etc.

Any questions?

Best Always, Doug Westfall
http://www.SpecialBooks.com 

American Missionaries Gunned Down for 'Preaching Christianity' 
Kathy Gannon - Associated Press Writer - 8/7/2010 

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Church/Default.aspx?id=1116150 


 

ON THE ISSUE OF RACISM

Editor:  It brings to mind the case of Luis Ramirez that was beaten to death in Pennsylvania by a gang of young men, as they screamed anti-Mexican statements.  The harshest punishment received by two of the men was a half a year in jail.
That was it!!  

American Bar Association to Study Hispanic Legal Issues

by FABIOLA SANTIAGO | fsantiago@MiamiHerald.com

Miami Herald (August 7, 2010)

ON THE ISSUE OF THE FARM WORKERS

ACTION ITEM

Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept 15-Oct 15, 2010 Theme

Two choices

"Celebrating History, Heritage and the American Dream"

"Heritage, Diversity, Integrity and Honor: The Renewed Hope of America"

In 1997, I prepared a booklet of  historical material for easy use in the classroom, or at any youth activities.  Soon after Somos Primos went online, the information was made available online at:  http://www.somosprimos.com/heritage.htm   Enjoy . . . Mimi

Please do support community events that are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. I received information on so many activities, I just could not include them.  Check your newspapers and local news.

Editor: I can not even fathom this legal decision. "his lies caused no harm".  This is another blow against all Americans, against American patriotism, disguised as a free speech issue. As Americans we are harmed when our heroes are disrespected and their deeds not honored.  Woe be to us, when false statements can be uttered with impunity, with the court left to decide if someone was harmed.  

BUSINESS

NHBWA News Brief August 2010, Vol. 3 - Issue 8

EDUCATION

***During the Vietnam War, California Latinos represented 12% of our population and yet were 22% of its casualties. While at the same time our enrollment in colleges and university was around 2% i.e. . . last in education and first in our country's wars.***   Frank M. Sifuentes

Film Screening to Raise Money for SDSU Chicano Collection
By Leonel Sanchez Staff Writer 

Rough Draft

Why History Matters? Sometimes
By 
Rodolfo F. Acuña
hchsc003@csun.edu
 

These findings will be presented to the federal court in September.

If allowed to stand, the dictum in Horne v. Flores would return Mexican Americans to a time when there was no federal oversight of the schools. The ruling would empower Tom Horne to play Bull Connor or Joe /Arpaio/.
Just like Gore v. Bush stole the presidential election of /2000/ and caused an uproar and consternation among liberals, Horne v. Flores weakens the rule of law.

According to Scalia, his judicial philosophy of "orginalism," means interpreting the Constitution “on what it originally meant to the people who ratified it over 200 years ago.” A time when there were no Mexicans in the United States, women could not vote and blacks were slaves.

Scalia says, "You think there ought to be a right to abortion? No problem. The Constitution says nothing about it. Create it the way most rights are created in a democratic society. Pass a law. And that law, unlike a Constitutional right to abortion created by a court can compromise. It can…I was going to say it can split the baby! I should
not use… A Constitution is not meant to facilitate change. It is meant to impede change, to make it difficult to change."

The problem is that laws were passed—the Equal Education Opportunities Act of 1974 and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, as well as countless court decisions. As in the case of Gore v. Bush, Horne v. Flores came down to the judges’ bias, not what was constitutional. If this same standard had been applied in /Brown v//. //Board of Education// /of Topeka there would still be de jure segregation in the United States—segregation would be the law of the land.

S U M M A R Y 
DREAM ACT

Sent by Rafael Ojeda

CULTURE

The True Meaning of North Americanism 

Rudy Padilla, columnist for the Kansan

 opkansas@swbell.net  

LITERATURE

July:  SOMOS en escrito
Syndic No.1 – Publication Announcement 

The Mission Center for Latino Arts

Syndic No.1 – Publication Announcement 

A new online literary journal – Syndic No. 1 – published by LeRoy Chatfield is now LIVE. You are invited/encouraged to review the journal and send the LINK to friends/colleagues who may be interested: (1) reading it; OR (2) submitting literary content for the next issue. Syndic No. 2 will be published in November 2010 – the submission deadline is: October 15, 2010. All are welcome and encouraged to submit literary content. For more information and/or to make a submission, contact: syndic@leroychatfield.us

If you need to cut/paste the link, use this link: 
http://www.leroychatfield.us/blog/syndic-no-1/

Please visit www.farmworkermovement.us
Farmworker Movement Documentation Project 
LeRoy Chatfield, Director 
5131 Pleasant Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822

Sent by: LeRoy Chatfield

nfwaleroy@hotmail.com

The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts
El Tecolote: Celebrating 40 years of Community-based Journalism in the Mission

This year marks the 40 anniversary of El Tecolote, the Mission District's own bilingual weekly newspaper. For many years El Tecolote was the only news outlet capturing the day-to-day life of the Latino community in San Francisco. El Tecolote's photo archive tells the story of the political, cultural and social development of that community. In celebration of 40 years of service, the MCCLA presents Imagining the Mission: Pasado, Presente, Futuro an exhibition featuring images from the the archive and past El Tecolote staff, photos from present day staffers, and the work of local youth. 

Imagining the Mission: Pasado, Presente, Futuro
Exhibition was open from August 7 through August 29, 2010

On August 29, a poetry event was held to honor the history of El Tecolote in the literary community of the Mission and beyond. Invited poets include: Francisco Alarcon, Cathy Arellanos, Adrian Arias, Devreaux Baker, Charles Blackwell, Lorna Dee Cervantes, Estela De la Cruz, Patricia Fernandez Villaseñor, Xisco Gonzales, Rafael Jesus Gonzalez, QR, Leticia Hernandez-Linares, Beatriz Herrera, Juan Felipe Herrera, Jack Hirschman, Genny Lim, Devorah Major, MamaCoAtl, Jacqueline Mendez, Dorinda Moreno, Alejandro Murguia, Joe Navarro, Gerardo Pacheco, Reina Alejandra Prado, Naomi Quinones, Tomas Riley, Margarita Robles, Miguel Robles, John Ross, Mary Rudge, Nina Serrano, Jorge Tetl Argueta, Alfonso Texidor, Roberto Vargas, Roberto Ariel Vargas, Vickie Vertiz, Nellie Wong. 

Sent by: The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts | 2868 Mission St. | SF | CA | 94110 

www.missionculturalcenter.org 

As part of this celebration a special 20-page edition of EL TECOLOTE LITERARIO is to be released on July 28, 2010. A bilingual hard-copy anthology featuring the works of established poets as well as those emerging new voices is in process at the moment. This collective reading of 37 poets is a fundraising benefit for the edition of the anthology book. for more information contact: Eva Martínez (415) 64-1045; poeta@accionlatina.org

Sent by Roberto Calderon, Ph.D. 
beto@unt.edu 

BOOKS

The Sons of Guadalupe: Voices of the Vietnam Generation and Their Journey Home    
      by Michael R. Ornelas
San Clemente, California Photo book 

The Men Named Antonio López de Santa Anna

José Antonio Navarro: In Search of the American Dream in Nineteenth-Century Texas

Women of the Mexican Oil Fields:  Class, Nationality, Economy, Culture and Oil   

      Revolution in Mexico   
Labor Rights Are Civil Rights: Mexican-American Workers in 20th Century America 
     by Zaragosa Vargas
Aurora by Rafael Castillo
Tunaluna by Tomas Atencio Alurista, Ph.D.
Mujeres de Conciencia/ Women of Conscience by Victoria Alvarado.

PHOTO BOOK CELEBRATES SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA'S HISTORY

San Clemente is one of the latest communities to become the latest icon in a series of picture books showcasing communities across the United States.

Arcadia Publishing, a South Carolina firm that specializes in publishing local histories, will release the 127-page book May 17. Retailing at $21.99, it will be available at stores and online services or from the San Clemente Historical Society. It becomes one of some 4,500 titles in Arcadia’s “Images of America” series, the company said.

The book, with 190 historical photos, is a collaboration between local author Jennifer Garey and the historical society, which opened its photo archives to the project. The book tells the story of San Clemente through captioned pictures, starting with Ole Hanson’s dream in 1925 of creating a Spanish village by the sea.

Garey is the owner of Arts & Antiquities Inc., a museum consulting company based in San Clemente. She previously wrote a picture book for Arcadia Publishing about the San Diego Naval Training Center. Garey, an eight-year resident of San Clemente, said she realized Arcadia had published books about Laguna Beach and Orange County but not San Clemente. 

“We have such a great story,” she said. Garey approached the historical society about collaborating. Maryann Comes, the historical society’s president, said the group was delighted, having long wanted to publish its archives. “We didn’t have the expertise,” Comes said. “She had it down pat.”

As Garey did her research, the historical society assembled photos, and longtime residents such as Bill Ayer, Lois Divel and Liz Hanson Kuhns came forward with more photos. “We dedicated the book to the people of San Clemente,” Comes said. “We’re excited about it.”

For information on obtaining the book from the historical society, call Comes at 949-498-0116.  
Source: OC Register, Saturday, May 15^, 2010
Photo book celebrates San Clemente’s history By: Fred Swegles, Local page 14

José Antonio Navarro: In Search of the American Dream in Nineteenth-Century Texas

Women of the Mexican Oil Fields 
Class, Nationality, Economy, Culture and Oil 
and Revolution in Mexico, 1900-1938 

Sent by: Yolanda Cenntenial

yoliekline631@gmail.com

Labor Rights Are Civil Rights: 
Mexican-American Workers in 20th Century America by Zaragosa Vargas

Aurora 
By Rafael Castillo

650 Castro St., Suite 120-331, Mountain View, California 94041
General Information: info@floricantopress.com 
ISBN: 978-1888205-30-5 

Rafael C. Castillo was the first editor of ViAztlan: a journal of Chicano Arts and Letters established in San Antonio, Texas in 1979. The journal was funded through the City of San Antonio and the culture-based arts organization, Centro Cultural de Aztlan. A veteran free-lance writer, Castillo authored articles germane to the Mexican American community and established philosophy-based issues and supported international causes that promoted Mexican American arts and letters. He later served as contributing editor of The Saguaro,a literary journal published at the University of Arizona, Tucson. In 1985, Castillo visited Paris, France, and met briefly with David Appelfield, editor of FRANK, an international literary journal, and became its San Antonio correspondent. In 2001, Castillo was asked to serve on the editorial board of Puentes, an international bilingual journal based at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi.

His writings have appeared in The Arizona Quarterly, Saguaro, Frank (Paris, France), Southwestern American Literature, English Journal, College English, South Texas Studies, English in Texas, Imagine, Puentes, ViAztlan, Caracol and other international literary quarterlies. He is included in Don Graham's (2003) Lone Star Literature, an anthology of prominent Texas writers whose works have been canonized within the literary pantheon of W.W. Norton. Castillo is the author of Distant Journeys, (Bilingual Review Press/Arizona State University) which was published in 1991. The collection was nominated for the Before Columbus Award, the Texas Institute of Letters, and the Ernest Hemingway Award. His most recent addition to the literary canon is Aurora, a collection of fiction published in 2010 by Floricanto Press of California.

In 1985, Castillo was selected as the first English faculty at Palo Alto College and the subsequent year became its first chairperson. The college opened in 1985 and is located in the Southside of San Antonio. In 1987, Rafael Castillo was awarded the first Palo Alto College Teaching Excellence Award ($2,000/laptop) voted at-large by the Faculty Senate, and the following year, the National Council of Teachers of English awarded him the English Journal Writing Award. In 1988, Rafael Castillo inaugurated and founded the student-centered Palo Alto Review which later morphed into the broad-based academic journal, The Palo Alto Review. In 1990, Castillo was asked to serve on the Editorial Board of Publications of NCTE, the National Council of Teachers of English. Dr. Castillo is listed in Who's Who in U.S. Writers, Editors, and Poets; Men of Achievement, and Who's who among Scholars.

A graduate of St. Mary's University (B.A.), the University of Texas at San Antonio (M.A.) and Capella University in Minnesota (PhD), Rafael Castillo was one of the early free-lance writers whose contributions opened the door for Hispanics in mainstream journalism. He was a board member of Gemini-Ink of San Antonio, a non-profit literary arts organization and served on the San Antonio Express-News Community Board in 2004–2005. Currently, he is serving as Vice-President of Los Bexarenos Genealogical and Historical Society for 2008-2009, a Hispanic focus group. He will be serving as Director (2009-2010)for Los Bexarenos Genealogical and Historical Society in charge of programs. In 2010, Castillo was selected as one of four outstanding professors at Palo Alto College in the category of teaching excellence.

A brief literary biography of Rafael Castillo is included in The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Ethnic American Literature (2005) and the 1986–1987 Who's Who in U.S. Writers, Editors, and Poets. Other biographical listings include Rafael Castillo in the Dictionary of Literary Biography Volume 209, Gale Publishing, and papers listed at the University of Texas in the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection. Catalogued as SRH-1.109 by Gilda Baeza-Ortego, Mexican American Studies Librarian, the papers are used by visiting researchers, biographers, and scholars. Currently, Rafael Castillo is a tenured professor of English at Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas.

[edit] References
Rosales, Jesus. "Rafael Castillo" Dictionary of Literary Biography. Vol. 209. Gale Publishing, 2000. 
Oakley, Helen. "Rafael C. Castillo" Greenwood Encyclopedia of Multiethnic Literature. Greenwood Press, 2005.
http://www.asu.edu/brp/backlist/story/RCos1d.html 

Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_C._Castillo 
Categories: American writers of Mexican descent | Living people | University of Texas at San Antonio alumni

Mujeres de Conciencia/ Women of Conscience

Spanish English parallel text and photography 

by Victoria Alvarado.

MILITARY/LAW ENFORCEMENT

Hispanics in the United States Coast Guard by Tony "The Marine" Santiago
Cuban's Involvement in the Civil War
Cold War Museum
Scholarships for the spouses
WWII plane lifted from bottom of California reservoir
Civil War Photos
Kate Smith and song, You're in the Army Now
Cuban's involvement in the Civil War
Japanese Surrender Signing Aboard Battleship Missouri 
It was a Fortress Coming Home: They could hear it before they could see it.
One Soldier's Amazing Survival Story
The Death of Pfc. Juan Restrepo: Tragedy becomes a movie

Hispanics in the 

United States Coast Guard

By: Tony (The Marine) Santiago

Hispanics in the United States Coast Guard can trace their tradition of service to the early 19th century when they initially performed duties at light house stations as keepers and assistant keepers in its predecessor services (the United States Revenue Cutter Service and the United States Life-Saving Service). Hispanics, such as Rear Admiral [[Ronald J. Rábago]], who in 2006 became the first person of Hispanic American descent to be promoted to Rear Admiral (lower half), have reached the top ranks of the Guard, serving their country in sensitive leadership positions on domestic and foreign shores. Hispanics currently account for a total of 9% of the United States Coast Guard Academys student body.  

Hispanic is an ethnic term employed to categorize any citizen or resident of the United States, of any racial background, of any country, and of any religion, who has at least one ancestor from the people of Spain or is of non-Hispanic origin, but has an ancestor from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central or South America, or some other Hispanic origin. The three largest Hispanic groups in the United States are the Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated Hispanic population of the United States is 42.7 million (This estimate does not include the 3.9 million residents of Puerto Rico.), thereby making the people of Hispanic origin the nation's largest ethnic or race minority as of July 1, 2005.
 

1800-1900  

The 1824 St. Augustine lighthouse  
                                                             
The United States Coast Guard was formed in 1915, when its predecessors, the United States Revenue Cutter Service, which was established by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton in 1790 as an armed maritime law enforcement service, and the United States Life-Saving Service were merged. According to Dr. William H. Thiesen, Ph.D., Atlantic Area Historian of the United States Coast, the following events involving Hispanics occurred in the early years of the Coast Guard its predecessor services.  

The first Hispanic to serve in the United States Revenue Cutter Service, predecessor to the Coast Guard, was Juan Andreu who from 1824 to 1845 served as the Keeper of the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida, thus making him also the first Hispanic to oversee a federal installation of any kind. Maria Andreu (a.k.a. Maria Mestre de los Dolores), a family member, followed in his foot steps and served as Keeper of the same lighthouse from 1859 to 1862, becoming the first Hispanic-American woman to serve in the Coast guard (USRCS) and the first Hispanic-American woman to command a federal shore installation.  

The first Hispanic-American to command a Coast Guard vessel (USRCS) was Joseph Ximenez who took command of the Carysfort Reef Lightship in Florida in 1843. He was not, however the first Hispanic officer, that distinction belongs to Domingo Castrano, who is listed by the United States Revenue Cutter Service Register as having served aboard Revenue Cutter Grant in 1872, as an engineering officer. The first known Hispanics to have served in the U.S. Life-Saving Service were  Surfmen Telesford Pena and Ramon Delgado who in 1897, served at the Brazos Life-Saving Station in Texas.  
 

1900-2000

USS Algonquin

In 1914, the schooner Isaiah K. Stetsen  sank off the coast of Massachusetts during a storm. Mess Attendant First Class Arthur J. Flores and SN John E. Gomez, members of the  cutter Acushnet, volunteered to save survivors of the schooner and were awarded the awarded the Silver Lifesaving Medal for their heroism. That same year, the Revenue Cutter Algonquin, which was stationed in the Caribbean, set sail with a crew of fifteen Hispanic-Americans (a fourth of the cutter's complement) to San Juan, Puerto Rico to assist the Puerto Ricans battling fires that threatened to destroy parts of that city. In 1915, the City of San Juan, Puerto Rico, paid tribute to the crew of the cutter Algonquin and presented them with an Official Resolution of Thanks. The Coast Guard was already formed by 1919, with the merger of United States Revenue Cutter Service and U.S. Life-Saving Service, when Seaman Richard E. Cordova became the first Hispanic member of the Coast Guard to perish in a military conflict when his cutter, the CGC Tampa, was torpedoed and sunk with all its crew by a German U-Boat during World War I. The Coast Guard can be transferred to the Department of the Navy by the President or Congress during time of war. BM 1/c Pablo Valent and Surfman Indalecio Lopez, members of the Texas Brazos Life-Saving Station crew were awarded the Coast Guard's Silver Lifesaving Medal and The Grand Cross Medal from the American Cross of Honor Society for their assistance in the rescue of the crew of the schooner "Cape Horn" on September 16, 1919. In 1935, BMC Pablo Valent was given command of the Port Isabel (Texas) Boat Station, becoming the first Hispanic-American to do so.

On September 28, 1925, CWO2 Joseph B. Aviles, Sr. (1897-1990), born in a farm near the town of Naranjito, Puerto Rico when the island was still a Spanish colony, became the first Hispanic Chief Petty Officer in the Coast Guard. During World War II he received a war-time promotion to Chief Warrant Officer, becoming the first Hispanic to reach that level as well. Aviles joined the United States Navy in 1915 and served seven years and eight months, eventually reaching the rank of Chief Gunner's Mate (rank equivalent to Chief Petty Officer/E-7). During the years that he served in the Navy, the United States Congress passed the Jones-Shafroth Act (1917) which conferred United States citizenship on all citizens of Puerto Rico. On September 28, 1925, he entered the United States Coast Guard with the rank of Chief Gunners Mate and served for two years before re-enlisting on September 11, 1928. Upon the outbreak of World War II, Aviles received a war-time promotion to Chief Warrant Officer (November 27, 1944), thus becoming the first Hispanic American to reach that level as well. He retired from the Coast Guard on July 27, 1946 and worked as a security guard at a hospital in Baltimore until 1962 when at the age of 65 he retired. Aviles died at his residence in Columbia, Maryland, on February 22, 1990 amd was buried with full military honors in Plot D O 2220A of the Baltimore National Cemetery at Catonsville, MD.

World War II

During World War II, the Coast Guard was transferred to the Department of the Navy and as such many men saw action in said conflict. During the invasion of Saipan, which began on June 15, 1944, Valentin R. Fernandez, a landing craft coxswain, was a awarded Silver Lifesaving Medal for maneuvering a Marine landing party ashore under constant Japanese attack. The first known Hispanic-American Coast Guardsman to be awarded with a Bronze Star Medal was Louis Rua, whose craft, a U.S. Army large tug en route to the Philippines, went to the rescue of another ship which had been torpedoed by enemy action and helped saved 277 survivors from the abandoned ship.  while serving aboard a U.S. Army large tug en route to the Philippines.  

Gunner's Mate Second Class Joseph Tezanos, a native of Santander, Spain, was aboard LST 20 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when an explosion on board one of the armada’s LSTs set off a chain reaction. Tezanos along with a gang of several other hastily assembled volunteers scrambled on board a rescue boat. Tezanos and his shipmates rescued men from the water in danger of drowning and evacuated others from the burning ships. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for "distinguished heroism while serving as a volunteer member of a boat crew engaged in rescue operations during a fire in Pearl Harbor, Oahu, T.H. on 21 May 1944. Under conditions of great personal danger from fire and explosions and with disregard of his own safety he assisted in the rescuing of approximately 42 survivors some of whom were injured and exhausted from the water and from burning ships." Tezanos saw action at Kiska, Alaska; Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands; and Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Tezanos was sent to New London, Connecticut, at the Coast Guard Academy to take the four-month program, from which he graduated in 1945, becoming the first known Hispanic American to complete the service’s Reserve Officer Training Program and one of the very first Hispanic American officers in the United States Coast Guard. After the war he built a successful career in the international business world.

 US San Pedro in World War II
                                                                      
Paul Powers Perez was born in New York City in 1920. In 1941, he received an appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy and upon his graduation in 1945 ,received his ensign commission. He served in the Pacific theater of operations on board the patrol frigate USS San Pedro (PF-37). In 1946, the San Pedro, which was escorting ships to and from the Philippines, came under heavy enemy air attacks and Perez, the gunnery officer, directed the gunfire which downed a number of Japanese aircraft in the process. After the war Perez attended Columbia University taking undergraduate courses in psychology and in 1955 earned a doctorate in psychology from New York University.  

Another graduate of the USCGA, was Lieutenant John Gazzo Martinez, who was born in New Orleans and entered the service during World War II. In 1946, he received an appointment to the Academy and, in 1951 was commissioned an ensign in the Coast Guard. From 1954 to 1956 LTjg. Martinez  served as commanding officer at the LORAN Transmitting Station in Yonago, Japan. Martinez prepared and delivered classes in LORAN (Long Range Aids to Navigation) procedures at the U.S. Air Force’s nearby 34th Bombardment Squadron. He was later assigned as advisor in the U.S. Naval Mission to the Haitian Garde-Cotes d’Haiti. He taught classes for the Haitian military leadership and later oversaw the overhaul of Garde-Cotes patrol vessels.  

Not everyone served aboard ships during the war. Some men like Jose R. Zaragoza served on missions on some lonely atolls. When 19 year old Zaragoza, a native of  Los Angeles, California, joined the Coast Guard, he was sent on patrols in the Pacific coast of the United States defending against sabotage and invasion from the Japanese. Later he received instructions in the then-emerging and secretive field of Loran navigation and sent to Ulithi atoll, located between Guam and the Philippines where he worked in Long Range Aids to Navigation, which is akin to radar work. He served on Ulithi Island for 15 months. 

Vietnam War  

During the Vietnam conflict, Heriberto S. Hernandez from San Antonio, Texas, enlisted in the Coast Guard. In 1968, he was deployed for duty in Vietnam and was assigned to the Point Cyress, an 82-foot cutter. In May, the Point Cyress was under attack and Hernandez was among those who perished. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a combat "V" for valor and a Purple Heart Medal. Vice Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt wrote: "Fireman Hernandez’s heroic actions under enemy fire were instrumental to the success of friendly forces in harassing and destroying the enemy’s morale and feeling of security. Fireman Hernandez’s professional skill, courage under enemy fire, and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service" The first Hispanic-American Coast Guard member to receive the Silver Star Medal for combat action was Larry Villareal in Vietnam on January 21, 1969.

 
Post Vietnam War

Coast Guard Medal
                                                     
On September 16, 2000, Seaman Apprentice William Ray "Billy" Flores, was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal in a ceremony near Ft. Worth, Texas. The Coast Guard Medal is awarded to any service member who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Coast Guard, distinguishes themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. On January 28, 1980, Flores' cutter, 
the Blackthorn, collided with the tanker Capricorn. After the ships collided, the Blackthorn capsized, Flores and another crew member threw life-jackets to their shipmates who had jumped into the water. As the Blackthorn began to submerge, Flores used his own belt to strap open the life-jacket locker door, allowing additional life-jackets to float to the surface. He remained aboard to assist trapped shipmates and to comfort those who were injured and disoriented. Flores died in the line of duty.  

In 2006, Ronald J. Rábago became the first person of Hispanic American descent to be promoted to |Rear Admiral (lower half) in the Coast Guard. He is the Coast Guard's Program Executive Officer (PEO) and Director of Acquisition Programs. On July 13, 2007, Rábago relieved Rear Adm. Gary T. Blore as the program executive officer of the U.S. Coast Guard’s largest recapitalization and modernization initiative, the $24 billion, 25 year programed Integrated Deepwater System Program. The Integrated Deepwater System Program (IDS Program), or '''Deepwater''', is the 25-year program to recapitalize the United States Coast Guard's aircraft, ships, logistics, and command and control systems. The $24 billion program includes equipment that will be used across all missions. Rábago not only acted as program executive officer of Deepwater, but also as director of all Coast Guard acquisition programs. His office will oversaw all major acquisitions of cutters, aircraft, C4ISR and boats.  

Apprehending illegal immigrants and drug smugglers  

The Coast Guard is focusing on retaining Hispanic and Spanish-speaking front-line workers as it aims to intercept illegal immigrants. The current Coast Guard workforce both meets diversity goals and operational demands for having Spanish-speaking workers on hand to communicate with apprehended illegal immigrants and human traffickers who pack people into boats and race along the Florida coastline in an attempt to elude American enforcement.  

The need of Spanish speaking members of the coast guard was emphasized on September 17, 2008, when two cocaine-laden semi-submarines from Colombia was captured enroute to the United States in the eastern Pacific. Just five days later, on Wednesday morning, a 60-foot semi-submersible was seized about 200 nautical miles south of Guatemala. As the boarding team unloaded the last few bales, the Coast Guard said, the unstable vessel began to take on water through its exhaust vents and sank. The U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration officials say South American drug cartels are turning to semi-submersible vessels, which have a low profile to avoid detection, because of the government's success at thwarting other smuggling techniques, including the use of fishing trawlers and speed boats.  

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy  

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy, located in New London, Connecticut, accepts about 250 young men and women into its program each year. The four-year academic program leads to a bachelor of science degree in a variety of majors. The first Hispanic to graduate from the academy was Paul Powers Perez, class of 1945, followed by John Gazzo Martinez, class of 1951. The Hispanic student body which is a 9% of the total student body compose the largest minority group in the academy. In accordance to the statistics the ethnic and racial break down of the student body in the academy as of 2010, is the following: 81% White/Non-Hispanic, 9% Hispanic, 2% Black/Non-Hispanic, 3% Asian/Pacific Islander and 1% American Indian/Alaskan Native.  

The Coast Guard is active promoting U.S. Coast Guard college and career opportunities among Hispanics. Captain Adolfo Ramirez is an in-house Executive on Loan at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) at San Antonio, Texas, which represents more than 330 colleges and universities. His job is to explain the college programs, and military and civilian career opportunities that the Coast Guard can provide to Hispanic communities in education, and in service to the country.  

Chronological list of personal Hispanic accomplishments in the USCG

MSST HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter.
                                                            
The following Hispanic-Americans are the first in their respective USCG fields to accomplish the following:  

* YNC Grisel Hollis was the first Hispanic-American female advanced to E-7 on May 1, 1991. 

*In 1991, LTJG Katherine Tiongson became the first Hispanic-American female to command an afloat unit when she took command of USCGC Bainbridge Island.  She was also the first Hispanic-American female intelligence officer in the Coast Guard.

* The first Hispanic to command a TACLET (Tactical Law Enforcement Team), was then-Lieutenant Jose L. Rodriguez when he took command of TACLET South, 1996-1998. He was also the first Coast Guardsman to command a U.S. Marine Corps unit when he took command of the Riverine Training Center, Special Operations Training Group, II MEF at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in July 1999.  He was also the first Hispanic-American Coast Guardsman to earn his Gold Navy/Marine Corps jump wings while in the Coast Guard and assigned to a Jump Billet (USMC Majors Billet at Special Operations Training Group II MEF). He earned his wings that same year. He also became the first commanding officer of one of the two MSSTs commissioned in the Coast Guard.

*In 2002, Lieutenant Junior Grade Angelina Hidalgo became the second Hispanic-American female to command an afloat unit.

*Lieutenant Commander Quique Ramon Ortiz and Lieutenant Commander Jose Rodriguez commissioned the first Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST)s in Coast Guard history, MSSTs 91101 and 91102 (East and West Coast).  The MSST is an anti-terrorism team established to protect local maritime assets.

* In 2006, LT Isabel Papp became the first female medical officer to be assigned to a Port Security Unit (PSU). PSU's are deployable units organized for sustained force protection operations. She was also the first Hispanic-American female MD to be assigned to a PSU.  She had also been the first Hispanic-American female Physician's Assistant in the Coast Guard Reserve.

* In July 2009, RDML Joseph R. Castillo  became the first Hispanic-American district commander in the U.S. Coast Guard when he was appointed Commander of District 11.  

Cold War Museum
http://www.coldwar.org/education/coldwar_magazine.

asp?name=J.+Carmena&email=JCarm1724@aol.com

&list=add&ListName=ColdWar+Times&x=61&y=11

&Error=JCarm1724@aol.com+is

+already+subscribed%2E   
Sent by Bill Carmena

Update on Scholarships for the spouses of our active duty Military members: 
http://www.military.com/news/article/spouse-

jobs-program-to-relaunch-in-october.html?ESRC

=family.nl

Sent by: Rafael Ojeda rsnojeda@aol.com

WWII plane lifted from bottom of Calif reservoir. The plane was spotted by a fisherman. It had been submerged for 65 years. 

http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/wwii
-plane-lifted-from-bottom-of-calif-reservoir-21514140 

Sent by Lt. Col. (ret) Henry Cervantes
HCervan102@aol.com

Civil War Photos
http://www.mikelynaugh.com/VirtualCivilWar/New/Originals2/

index.html

In early 1940, Kate Smith, a fiercely patriotic American, and the biggest star on radio, was deeply worried about her country. She asked Irving Berlin if he could give her a song that would re-ignite the spirit of American patriotism and faith. He said he had a song that he had written in 1917, but never used it. He said she could have it.

She sat at the piano and played it and realized how beautiful it was. She called Mr. Berlin and told him that she couldn't take this from him for nothing. So, they agreed that any money that would be made from the song would be donated to the Boy Scouts of America.  Thanks to Kate Smith and Irving Berlin, the Scouts have received millions of dollars in royalties.

Click from the movie "You're in the Army Now". 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnQDW-NMaRs 
Sent by Jan Mallet jfmallet@socal.rr.com

Historical Footage: Japanese Surrender Signing Aboard Battleship Missouri Sunday Sept. 2, 1945.  This is an actual film made of the surrender ceremony of the Japanese to McArthur in Tokyo Bay in September 1945. The actual voice of the General, which has never been shown to the general public before, can be heard. It is interesting to observe the other signers to the document, from New Zealand/Australia to Europe/Russia.  Fascinating and important piece of history.   http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=vcnH_kF1zXc&feature=player_embedded

Sent by Bill Carmena JCarm1724@aol.com

IT WAS A FORTRESS COMING HOME: 
They could hear it before they could see it.
By Allen Ostrom

Sent by Bill Carmena

One Soldier's Amazing Survival Story
By Adam Hunter
August 4, 2010 

PATRIOTS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Arizona's History and How it Relates to the American Revolution

Revolutionary War Rolls: Free Trial on Footnote
Granaderos & Damas de Galvez

Site Regarding Spanish Patriots

The Battle of Galveston
National SAR Trip Celebrate the 4th of July in Spain
The Battle of the Galveston

Quick View related to the American Revolution.  Thousands of Spanish troops fought British troops throughout the Americas and provided diplomatic support: www.sar.org/mxssar/Galvez_Report.pdf  

Sent by: Juan Marinez marinezj@anr.msu.edu  

"Granaderos & Damas de Galvez" 

Our webmaster, Roland Cantu, recently updated our website picture albums. To view them log on to www.granaderos.org, click the hypertext "Media" and then on "On Line Photo Albums" entries. 

FYI, many of the pictures of the trip to Spain were taken and submitted by Granadero James Salinas; most of the 4th of July photos, by Granadero Frank Galindo. Thanks to these gentlemen for their fine work!

Joel Escamilla, Operations
210.364.2391

Site Regarding Spanish Patriots
http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/images

/texforum/txforumloya.htm#chap31

This article is very interesting. I always like his articles. I had not seen this one. It is very impressive on Mexican American and Spanish American and how Texas was under Mexico for only 14 years, etc. 

Please note that the article says that everyone that was between 14-60 was in the military during the period of time of the American Revolution time. 
Sent by Margarita Garza mage1935@aol.com

The Battle of Galveston
(1 January 1863) 

SURNAMES

Ancestors of Jesse Orlando Villarreal
Jose Lucas Rodriguez Father of 32 Children
Alejo de la Garza
Apellidos y Heráldica

In November 2005, Jesse Villarreal Jr. brought his parents, Connie and Jesse Sr., to meet President George W. Bush in the Oval Office. Such visits are standard practice for departing White House staffers; Jesse Jr. had left his Cabinet Affairs post to return to the Treasury Department in January 2005.

Ancestors of Jesse Orlando Villarreal

Father of Jesse Villarreal Jr

http://www.statesman.com/business/austins-villarreal-making-mark-on-fdic-834513.html 

Generation No. 1  

        1.  Jesse Orlando Villarreal, born 04 Feb 1945 in San Antonio Bexar Co., TX.  He was the son of 2. Santos Cuellar Villarreal, Sr. and 3. Juanita Solis.  He married (1) Guadalupe Connie Perez 17 Jun 1972 in San Antono, Bexar Co., TX (Source: Texas Marriage Collection, 1966-2002, Jesse O Villarreal;  Marriage Date: 17 Jun 1972; Spouse: Guadalupe C Perez; Bexar County, Texas.).  She was born Jan. 6, 1947 in San Benito, Cameron County, Texas.

Generation No. 2  

        2.  Santos Cuellar Villarreal, Sr., born 28 Sep 1907 in Villa Union, Coahuila, Mexico (Source: Jesse Orlando Villarreal < jesseo2800@yahoo.com >, Place of Birth  for Santos Cuellar Villarreal Sr., -  Villa Union, Coahuila, Mexico,  --  Date of Birth: 28 Sep 1907; Source: Social Security Death Index. .); died 07 Nov 1979 in Carrollton, Dallas County, Texas (Source: Social Security Death Index, Santos Villarreal, Died: Nov 1979, Carrollton, Dallas, Texas; Also -- Texas Death Index, 1903-2000, Ancestry.com, Santos Villarreal died: 7 Nov 1979, Dallas County, Texas.).  He was the son of 4. Santos Villarreal and 5. Teresa Cuellar.  He married 3. Juanita Solis Abt. 1930 in San Antonio, Texas.

        3.  Juanita Solis, born Feb. 19, 1912 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX; died Aug. 20, 1947 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.  She was the daughter of 6. Pablo Cayetano Solis and 7. Dolores Alcorta.       

Children of Santos Villarreal and Juanita Solis are:

                          i.    Santos Guadalupe Villarreal, Jr., born 20 Oct 1936 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.

                         ii.    Pablo (Paul) Federico Villarreal, born 02 Mar 1939 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; died 13 Mar 2005 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas (Source: Social Security Death Index.).

                          iii    Madalina Villarreal, born 14 Feb 1942.

                          iv.   Juanita Dolores Villarreal, born 13 Nov 1943 in San Antonio Bexar Co., TX.

        1               v.    Jesse Orlando Villarreal, born 04 Feb 1945 in San Antonio Bexar Co., TX; married Guadalupe Connie Perez 17 Jun 1972 in San Antono, Bexar Co., TX.

                          vi  .Teresa Elva Villarreal, born 07 Feb 1947 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX.                        

Generation No. 3  

        4.  Santos Villarreal  He married 5. Teresa Cuellar.

        5.  Teresa Cuellar, born Abt. 1886 in Mexico; died Aft. 1930.       

Children of Santos Villarreal and Teresa Cuellar are:

        2                i.    Santos Cuellar Villarreal, Sr., born 28 Sep 1907 in Villa Union, Coahuila, Mexico; died 07 Nov 1979 in Carrollton, Dallas County, Texas; married (1) Juanita Solis Abt. 1930 in San Antonio, Bexar County, TX.

                         ii.    Rueben (Ruby) Villarreal, born Abt. 1915.

                        iii.    Madalina Villarreal  

        6.  Pablo Cayetano Solis, born 21 Dec 1884 in Texas; died June 19, 1943.  He was the son of 12. Jesus Maria Solis and 13. Juana Francisca Martinez.  He married 7. Dolores Alcorta Jan. 14, 1904 in Atascosa County, Texas.

        7.  Dolores Alcorta, born 1886 in San Diego, Duval County, Texas; died Aft. 1930.       

Children of Pablo Solis and Dolores Alcorta are:

                          i.    Jesus Solis, born Oct. 10, 1904, died April 25, 1975.

                         ii.    Pablo Solis, born Dec. 19, 1905, died April 29, 1938.

                           Iii   .Manuela Solis, born Abt. 1907. died Abt. 1938.

                          Iv    Donaciano Solis, born Abt. 1911, died Abt. 1940.

        3               v.    Juanita Solis, born Feb. 19, 1912 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX; died Aug. 20, 1947 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; married Santos Cuellar Villarreal, Sr. Abt. 1930.

                          vi.    Lilia Solis, born March 21, 1914, died Nov. 23, 1944.

Generation No. 4  

        12.  Jesus Maria Solis, born Mar 1854 in Mexico; died Aft. 1900.  He married 13. Juana Francisca Martinez born Dec. 11, 1880 Probably in Atascosa County, Texas.

        13.  Juana Francisca Martinez, born 20 Jun 1842 in San Fernando de Bexar, now San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1826, - 1858, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page: 60., SFB # 707.  Baptized June 26, 1842.  MARTINES, Juana Francisca, 6 days old, legitimate daughter of Manuel MARTINES and Encarnacion HERNANDES.  Godmother: Juana RUIS.  Father Galvan baptized the child and signed the book.); died Aft. 1900.  She was the daughter of 26. Juan Manuel Nepomuceno  Martinez and 27. Maria Encarnacion Hernandez.       

Child of Jesus Solis and Juana Martinez is:

        6                i.    Pablo Cayetano Solis, born 21 Dec 1884 in Texas; died June 19, 1943; married Dolores Alcorta in Jan. 14, 1904 in Atascosa County, Texas.  

Generation No. 5  

        26.  Juan Manuel Nepomuceno Martines, born 01 Nov 1801 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1793 - 1813, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 51., 51. SFB # 553, Baptized: Nov 8, 1801; MONTES, Juan Manuel Nepomunceno, a mestiso, 7 days old,  legitimate son of Jose Manuel MONTES and Juana MUSQUES.  Godparents: Yhnacio de la Pena, a soldier of this presidio, and Lus Navarette, all natives of this city.  Father Valez baptised the child and signed the book.* John Ogden Leal misspelled the surname. It should be Martines/z.); died Abt. 1857 in Atascosa County, TX.  He was the son of 52. Jose Manuel Martinez and 53. Juana Musquez.  He married 27. Maria Encarnacion Hernandez 1828 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, Texas.

        27.  Maria Encarnacion Hernandez, born Bet. 1810 - 1812 in San Fernando de Bexar, now San Antonio, Texas; died Bet. 1880 - 1900 in Atascosa Co., TX.  She was the daughter of 54. Francisco Xavier Hernandez and 55. Maria Polonia de Olivas.       

Children of Jose Martinez and Maria Hernandez are:

                          i.    Jose Manuel de Jesus Martinez, born 02 Jan 1829 in San Fernando de Bexar, now San Antonio, Texas (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1826 - 1858, translated by John Ogden Leal.,, Page: 14., SFB # 156, Baptized: Jan. 7, 1829.  MARTINES, Jose Manuel de Jesus, 5 days old, legitimate son of Manuel MARTINES and Encarcacion HERNANDES. Godparents: Geronimo Gasano and Anna Fuentes.  Father de la Garza baptized the child and signed the book.).

                         ii.    Juan Francisco Martinez, born Bet. 1833 - 1839.

                        iii.    Maria de los Santos Martinez, born 29 Oct 1834 in San Fernando de Bexar, now San Antonio, Texas (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1826 - 1858, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page: 43., SFB # 494.  Baptized: Nov. 11, 1834.   MARTINES, Maria de los Santos, 14 days old,  legitimate daughter of Don Manuel MARTINES and Dona Encarnacion HERNANDES.  Godparents:  Don Tomas Galan and Dona Gertrudes HERNANDES.   Father de la Garza baptized the child and signed.).

                        iv.    Jose Miguel Martinez, born Bet. 1835 - 1839 in Texas.

        13             v.    Juana Francisca Martinez, born 20 Jun 1842 in San Fernando de Bexar, now San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; died Aft. 1900; married Jesus Maria Solis Abt. 1881 in Probably in Atascosa County, Texas.

                        vi.    Maria Antonia Martinez, born 31 Dec 1846 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1844 - 1850, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page: 87., SFB # 1052.  Baptized: Jan. 7, 1847.  MARIA ANTONIO, born: Dec. 31, 1846.  legitimage daughter of Manuel MARTINES and Encarnacion HERNANDES.Godparents:  Remele Zepeda and Juana Ruis.  Father Calvo baptized the child and signed the book.).

                       vii.    Demeteria Trinidad Martinez, born 22 Dec 1847 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1844 - 1850, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page: 96., SFB # 1171.  Baptized: Jan. 3, 1847. MARTINES, Demeteria Trinidad, born: Dec. 22, 1847.  legitimate daughter of Manuel MARTINES and Encarnacion HERNANDES. Godmother:  Gertrudes Hernandes.  Father Calvo baptized the child and signed the book.).

                      viii.    Crescenciana Jacinta Martinez, born 16 Aug 1850 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; married Jose M. Estrada.

                        ix.    Jose Antonio Martinez, born 20 May 1852 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1826 - 1858, translated by John Ogden Leal.,, Page 163., SFB  # 1988.  Baptized: May 27, 1852.  MARTINES, Joes Antonio, born May 20- 1852, legitimate son of Manuel MARTINES and Encarnacion HERNANDES. Godparents:  Ramon Sala and Santa Martines.  Father Calvo baptized the child and signed the book.  Entry in the book in Spanish.).  

Generation No. 6  

        52.  Jose Manuel Martinez, born 25 Apr 1770 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1761 - 1793, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 23., SFB # 343.  Baptized: May 3, 1770, MARTINES, Jose Manuel, Spanish, 8 days old, legitimate son of Carlos MARTINES and Gracia LEAL.  Godparents: Inis Charo and Philipa Charo. .); died Bet. 1820 - 1826.  He was the son of 104. Carlos Martinez and 105. Maria Gracia Leal.  He married 53. Juana Musquez Abt. 1797 in San Fernando de Bexar.

        53.  Juana Musquez, born Abt. 31 Jan 1780 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1761 - 1793, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page: 63., SFB # 955.  Baptized: Jan. 31, 1780.  MUSQUES, Juana Maria, mestiza, legitmate daughter  of Xabier MUSQUES and Clara de SANDOBAL.  Godparents: Pedro Gonsales and Maria de Jesus Nis. .); died Aft. 1826.  She was the daughter of 106. Xavier Musquez and 107. Clara Sandoval.       

Children of Jose Martinez and Juana Musquez are:

                          i.    Ana Petra Martinez, born 25 Jul 1798 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1793 - 1813, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 33., SFB # 364.  Baptized:  July 28, 1798.  MARTINES, Ana Petra, a collota, 3 days old,  legitimate daughter of Jose Manuel MARTINES and Juana MUSQUES, both natives of this city.  Godparents:  Don Jose Luis Beltran, a native from Sacatecas, Mex. and Antonia Bueno, of this city. Father Valdez baptized the child.); died 31 Jul 1798 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Church Burials translated by John Ogden Leal, 1761 - 1808., Page 69., Burial # 1771. July 31, 1798. MARTINEZ, Ana Petra, coyota, 3 days old,  legitimate daughter of Jose Manuel MARTINEZ and Juana Maria MUSQUES.).

                         ii.    Josefa de Jesus Simona Martinez, born Abt. 30 Oct 1799 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1793 - 1813, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page: 40., SFB # 433.  Baptized: Nov. 6, 1799. MARTINES, Josefa de Jesus Simona, a metisa, 8 days old,  legitimate daughter of Manuel MARTINES and Juana MUSQUES. Godparents:  Joaquiin Menchaca, a soldier of this military company, and Antonia Bueno, all natives of this city. Father Valdez baptized the child and signed the book.).

        26            iii.    Juan Neponeseno Manuel Martinez, born 01 Nov 1801 in San Fernando de Bexar; died Abt. 1857 in Atascosa County, TX; married Maria Encarnacion Hernandez 1828 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, Texas.  

        54.  Francisco Xavier Hernandez, born 01 Dec 1778 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: (1) San Fernando Baptisms, 1761 - 1793, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 54., SFB # 889.  Baptized:  Dec. 9, 1778. HERNANDES, Francisco Xabier, Spanish, 8 days old, legitimate son of Cayetano HERNANDES & Maria Ignacia ORANDAY. Godparents:  Jose Miguel Sanches & Thomasa  PERES.., (2) San Fernado Baptisms, 1761 - 1793, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 54., SFB # 889.  Baptized:  Dec. 9, 1778.HERNANDES, Francisco Xabier, Spanish, 8 days old, legitimate son of Cayetano HERNANDES & Maria Ygnacia ORANDAY.  Godparents:  Jose Miguel Sanches & Thomasa PERES.); died 29 May 1841 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: Composanto Burials, 1808 - 1860, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 76., CSB # 42.  May 29, 1841. HERNANDEZ, Francisco, married to Polonia OLIVARES. He was killed by indian arrows at the age of 57 years.).  He was the son of 108. Cayetano Hernandez and 109. Maria Ygnacia de Oranday/Orandain/Orendain.  He married 55. Maria Polonia de Olivas 28 Dec 1803 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX (Source: San Fernando Marriages:  1798 - 1856, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 9., SFM # 66.  Dec. 28, 1803. HERNANDES, Francisco, Spanish, of this city, legitimate son of the late Calletano [Cayetano]  HERNANDES & Maria Ygnacia ORANDAY; to Polonia de OLIVAS; Spanish, of this city, legitimate daughter of the late Antonio de OLIVAS and Josefa VANOS.  Godparents:  Miguel Flores & Antonia Abila.  Witnesses:  Ygnacio Briones & Jose Ramon Leal, all of this city.  Father Bernardino Vallejo performed the marriage.).

        55.  Maria Polonia de Olivas, born 06 Feb 1783 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1761 - 1793, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 74., SFB # 1137.  Baptized:  Feb. 15, 1783. OLIVA, Maria Polonia, Spanish, 9 days old, legitimate child of Tomas OLIVA & Josefa VASQUES.  Godparents:  Xabier Laso & Matiana de los Santos.); died 19 Sep 1849 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: Composanto Burials, 1808 - 1860, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 98., CSB # 744,  Sept. 19, 1849. OLIVAS, Apolonia, widow of Francisco HERNANDEZ, died last night. .).  She was the daughter of 110. Thomas Antonio de Olivas and 111. Maria Josefa Peres y Banos.       

Children of Francisco Hernandez and Maria de Olivas are:

                          i.    Jose de Jesus Florencio Hernandez, born 27 Oct 1804 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1793 - 1813, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 67., SFB # 725.  Baptized:  Nov. 2, 1804. RAMIREZ, Jose de Jesus Florencio, a metiso, 7 days old, legitimate son of Francisco RAMIREZ & Polonia OLIVAS.  Godparents:  Francisco Galban & Teodora Montes.  Father Arocha baptized the child and signed the book. *NOTE*  The surname for this child should be  HERNANDES not RAMIREZ.  Francisco "Xabier" HERNANDES's step father was PEDRO RAMIREZ, and apparently that  is why this child of Polonia OLIVAS was given the surname RAMIREZ  in this baptismal recording.  Francisco HERNANDES was raised by his step father PEDRO RAMIREZ and his mother Maria Ygnacia ORENDAIN not by his father Cayetano HERNANDES.).

                         ii.    Jose Manuel Nepomunceno Hernandez, born 14 May 1807 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1793 - 1813, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 78., SFB # 831.  Baptized:  May 20, 1807. HERNANDES, Jose Manuel Nepomunceno, Spanish, 6 days old, legitimate son of Francisco HERNANDES & Polonia OLIVAS. Grandparents, paternal: Jose HERNANDES & Maria Some FLORES. Grandparents, maternal:  Manuel de OLIVAS & Ana Maria MANDUJANO. Godmother:  Dona Catarina URAGA.  Father Arocha baptised the child but did not sign the book. * NOTE*:  The paternal & maternal grandparents for this child are incorrect.. Paternal grandparents should be:   Cayetano HERNANDEZ  & Mary Ygnacia ORENDAIN. Maternal grandparents should be: Thomas Antonio de OLIVAS & Maria Josefa PERES y BANOS. .).

                        iii.    Jose Candido Dario Hernandez, born 14 Dec 1808 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1793 - 1813, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 88., SFB # 925.  Baptized:  Dec. 19, 1808. HERNANDES, Jose Candido Dario, a mestiso, 5 days old, legitimate son of Jose Francisco HERNANDES and Maria Polonia LIVA. Grandparents names not given. Godparents:  Seferino Losoya & Maria Teresa Rivas. Father Arocha baptized the child but did not sign the book.[*NOTE* The mother of the child was Maria Polonia de OLIVAS.].).

        27            iv.    Maria Encarnacion Hernandez, born Bet. 1810 - 1812 in San Fernando de Bexar, now San Antonio, Texas; died Bet. 1880 - 1900 in Atascosa Co., TX; married Juan Neponeceno Manuel  Martinez 1828 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, Texas.

                         v.    Gregorio Hernandez, born Abt. 1814; died Aft. 1832.

                        vi.    Maria Gertrudis Hernandez, born 16 Nov 1820 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1812 - 1825, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 70., SFB # 614.  Baptized:  Nov. 20, 1820. HERNANDES, Maria Gertrudes, indian, 4 days old, legitimate daughter of Francisco HERNANDES and Polonia OLIVAS.  Godparents:  Eusebio Ansures & Maria de Jesus Trevino.  Father de la Garza baptized the child and signed the book. *[NOTE*    Maria Gertrudes HERNANDEZ was not INDIAN. All her ancestors were Spanish decendants.].); died 04 Feb 1890 in Pleasanton, Atascosa Co, TX (Source: Rodriguez - Esparza Cemetery, Atascosa Co, TX, HERNANDEZ,  Gertrudis.  Died:  February 4, 1890.); married (1) Francisco Fuentes; died Bef. 1850; married (2) Enrique Esparza 13 May 1850 in San Antonio, Bexar Co, TX (Source: San Fernando Marriages:  1798 - 1856, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 74., SFM # 589.  May 13, 1850.ESPARSA, Enrique; to Gertrudis HERNANDES, widow of Francisco FUENTES.  Godparents and Witnesses:  Francisco ESPARSA, Apolonia Trevino & Antonio Chaves.  Father Miguel Calvo performed the marriage rites and signed the book.); born 08 Sep 1828 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1826, - 1858, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 12., SFB # 134.  Baptized:  Sept.12 , 1828. SALASAR, Maria de los Dolores, 4 days old, "natural" child of Matias [?] & Francisca SALASAR.  Godparents:  Don Alexo BUSILLOS & Dona Josefa GARZA.Father de la Garza baptized the child & signed the book.); died 21 Dec 1917 in Losoya, Bexar County, Texas (Source: El Carmen Church Burials, transplated by John Ogden Leal., Page  56., El Carmen Church Burials, transplated by John Ogden Leal.Page 56.  Burial # 621. died: Dec. 21, 1917.  ESPARZA, Enrique, died in the villa of Losoya, at 4:30 a.m. surrounded by his children and relatives, at the age of 89 years, 4 months old.  Father Inocencio Martin, C.M.F., singed the burial book.  (He is the man who was at the Alamo during the battle in 1836, while he was a young boy with his parents and brother and sister.).  

Generation No. 7  

        104.  Carlos Martinez, born 1734 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: With the Makers of San Antonio, by Frederick C. Chabot, 1957, published privately, printed by Artes Graficas, San Antonio, TX, Page 81..); died 26 Aug 1803 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Burials translated by John Ogden Leal. 1761 - 1808, Page: 823., August 26, 1803, Burial # 87.  MARTINEZ, Carlos, mestiza, 56 years old, married to Maria Gracia LEAL.  Both from this city. .).  He was the son of 208. Joseph Martinez and 209. Juana de Carvajal.  He married 105. Maria Gracia Leal 1761 in San Fernando de Bexar.

        105.  Maria Gracia Leal, born Abt. 1744 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1731 - 1760, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page: 11., SFB # 173. Baptized: April 5, 1748. LEAL, Maria de la Encarnacion, Spanish, legitimate child of Jose LEAL and Ana SANTOS. Godparents: Ygnacio de Armas and Antonia Cabrera, his wife.  All adults natives of the Canary Islands.  Age of child not given. .); died Aft. 31 Dec 1804.

Children of Carlos Martinez and Maria Leal are:

                          i.    Joseph Maria de la Concepcion Martinez, born 08 Dec 1761 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1761 - 1793, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page: 2; SFB # 24., Baptized:  December 15, 1761.  MARTINEZ, Jose Maria de la Concepcion, Spanish, born Dec. 8, 1761, legitimate son Carlos MARTINEZ and Maria Gracia LEAL. The Godparents were: Domingo Perez and Maria Concepcion de Carvajal.).

                         ii.    Maria Gertrudis Martinez, born 25 Apr 1769 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1761 - 1793, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page: 20.  SFB # 303., Baptized: April 30, 1769.  MARTINES, Maria Gertrudis, Spanish, 5 days old, legitimate child of Carlos MARTINES and Gracia LEAL. Godparents:  Bartolo Seguin and Maria Gertrudis Flores.).

        52            iii.    Jose Manuel Martinez, born 25 Apr 1770 in San Fernando de Bexar; died Bet. 1820 - 1826; married Juana Musquez Abt. 1797 in San Fernando de Bexar.

                        iv.    Jose Antonio Martinez, born 15 Sep 1772 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1761 - 1793, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 29., SFB # 472.  Baptized: Sept. 23, 1772.  MARTINES, Jose Antonio, Spanish, 8 days old, legitimate son of Carlos MARTINES and Gracia LEAL.  Godparents:  Jose Ximenes and his daughter Antonia Ximenes. .).  

        106.  Xavier Musquez  He married 107. Clara Sandoval.

        107.  Clara Sandoval       

Child of Xavier Musquez and Clara Sandoval is:

        53              i.    Juana Musquez, born Abt. 31 Jan 1780 in San Fernando de Bexar; died Aft. 1826; married Jose Manuel Martinez Abt. 1797 in San Fernando de Bexar.  

        108.  Cayetano Hernandez, born 10 Feb 1753 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1731 - 1760, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 18., SFB # 290, Baptized:  Feb. 18, 1753. HERNANDES, Cayetano, 8 days old, legitimate son of Jacobo HERNANDEZ and Justa GUERRERO.  Godparents:  Juan Jose MONTES & Micaela de la PENA.); died Aft. 1797 in ? San Fernando de Bexar.  He was the son of 216. Jacobo Hernandez and 217. Justa or Juana Luisa Guerrero.  He married 109. Maria Ygnacia de Oranday/Orandain/Orendain 01 Jul 1777 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Marriages 1775 - 1780, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 4., SFM # 120.  Married:  June 30, 1777. HERNANDES, Cayetano, to Maria Ygnacia de ORENDAIN, Spanish, of this villa, legitimate daughter of Joaquin de ORENDAIN and  the late  Maria Josefa LEAL.   Witnesses:  Francisco FLORES, Pedro BESSERR and  Jose SEGURO. Godparents:  Francisco CASSANOBA and  Juan Gertrudes de la ZERDA. Father Fernandez married the couple & signed the book. Note:  The marriage on the next day, July 1, 1777, was in question by order of Father Fernandez, and by the church laws.  So, it looks like they married agian on July 1, 1777. SFM # 121.  July 1, 1777. HERNANDEZ, Cayetano, to Maria Ignacia de ORENDAIN. [No pudieon por que no ubo lugar.] .).

        109.  Maria Ygnacia de Oranday/Orandain/Orendain, born Abt. 1754 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Church Confirmations, 1759, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 14., Baptism for Maria Ygnacia ORANDEIN / ORANDAI / ORANDAY not recorded at San Fernando Church. San Fernando Confirmtion # 350.  1759.  Maria Ignacia ORANDAI [not Granados]  Parents:  Juaquin GRANADOS [this is incorrect, original on microfilm for San Fernando Confiramtion reads  Juanquin ORANDAI]  & Josefa LEAL. Godparents:  Gracia LEAL. On page 10 of John Ogden Leal's translations for confirmations: # 226.  GRACIA MARIA LEAL, parents:  Juan LEAL & Magdelena FLORES, Godparent:  Antonia Carabajal.); died 29 Dec 1804 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Church Burials translated by John Ogden Leal, 1761 - 1808., Page 85., Burial # 188.  Dec. 29, 1804.  FLORES, Ignacia, Spanish, 46 years old, married to Pedro RICHARDO, both of this city.  She died of "pulmonia" and left no will.).  She was the daughter of 218. Juaquin de Oranday/Orandain/Orendain and 219. Josefa Leal.       

Child of Cayetano Hernandez and Maria de Oranday/Orandain/Orendain is:

        54              i.    Francisco Xavier Hernandez, born 01 Dec 1778 in San Fernando de Bexar; died 29 May 1841 in San Fernando de Bexar; married Maria Polonia de Olivas 28 Dec 1803 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX.  

        110.  Thomas Antonio de Olivas, born Abt. 1733 in Real Mines of San Joseph de el Parral (Source: Feb. 11, 1773, Petition of Marriage, Thomas Antonio states he is 45 yrs. old.); died 09 Mar 1790 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX (Source: San Fernando Burials, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 54., Burial # 1414.  March 9, 1791. OLIVAS, Jose Antonio, married to Josefa _______? [faded] who died at the age of 56 years.*NOTE*  Thomas Antonio OLIVAS was married to Maria Josefa Peres y Banos.).  He was the son of 220. Joseph Juachin de Olivas and 221. Nicolasa de Escudera.  He married 111. Maria Josefa Peres y Banos 12 Mar 1773 in San Fernando Church, San Antonio,TX (Source: San Fernando Church, Petition of Marriage, Page 15., February 11, 1773.  OLIVA - PERES BANOS --Petition of THOMAS ANTONIO de OLIVA, Spanish, 40 years old,  a native from the Real MInes of San Joseph de el Parral, a soldier of this precidio of Bexar,  widower of Teodora MARTINEZ, legitimate son of Joseph Juachin de OLIVA and Nicolasa ESCUDERA.   He wants to marry MARIA JOSEPHA PERES BANOS, Spanish, 27 years old, a native from the city of Monterey, but now lives in this villa of San Fernando.  She is the widow of XAVIER SEGUIN, and the legitimate daughter of MANUEL ANTONIO PERES BANOS & ANTONIA MARGARTIA ROMERO. Father Pedro Fuentes y Fernandez, gave the order for 3 days of festivities to be held, at different dates.  After th last day of festivities, no one made objections to his coming marriage.  Father Pedro Fuentes married the couple on MARCH 12, 1773.  It was signed by Father Pedro Fuentes y Fernandez.  .).

        111.  Maria Josefa Peres y Banos, born Abt. 1746 in Monterrey, Mexico (Source: Marriage Petitions amd  Permissions, San Fernando Church, San Antonio, TX, Feb. 11, 1773, Maria Josefa Perez Banos to Thomas Antonio de Olivas states her age: 27 yrs. old born in Monterrey; therefore, she was born: ca 1746.); died Bet. 31 Dec 1804 - 1817 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX.  She was the daughter of 222. Manuel Antonio Peres-Banos and 223. Antonia Margarita Romero.       

Children of Thomas de Olivas and Maria Banos are:

                          i.    Maria Petra de Olivas, born 25 Dec 1773 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1761 - 1793, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 36., SFB # 547.  Baptized:  Jan. 2, 1774. ABILA, Maria Petra de, Spanish, 8 days old, legitimate child of Antonio de ABILA & Maria Josefa PERES y BANES.  Godparents:  Bartolo SEGUIN & Magdalena Martines.); died Aft. 1832 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX; married Juan Antonio Esparza 20 Jul 1799 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX (Source: (1) San Fernando Marriages:  1798 - 1856, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 2., SFM # 15, July 20, 1799. ESPARZA, Juan Antonio, mestizo, originally from San Juan del Mesquital, and raised since a child at Saltillo, and has been in this city for 2 years, legitimate son of Juan Antonio ESPARZA and Polonia PERES, from Saltillo; to Maria Petra OLIVAS, Spanish, of this city, legitimate daughter of the late Antonio OLIVAS and Josefa PERES.  Godparents:  Jose Antonio de la GARZA & Concepcion FARIAS.  Witnesses:  Ygnacio de los SANTOS & Jose Ramon LEAL, all of this city., (2) San Fernando Marriages:  1798 - 1856, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 2., SFM # 15.  July 20, 1798.ESPARZA, JUan Antonio, mestizo, orginally from San Juan del Mesquital, and raised a child at Saltillo, and has been in this city for 2 years, legitimate son of Juan Antonio ESPARZA & Polonia PERES, from Saltillo; to Maria Petra OLIVAS, Spanish, of this city, legitimate daughter of the late Antonio OLIVAS & Josefa PERES.Godparents:.); born Abt. 1772 in San Juan de Mesquital, Saltillo, Mexico; died 18 Jul 1811 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX (Source: Composanto Burials, 1808 - 1860, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 8., CSB # 355.  July 18, 1811.  ESPARRAGO, Juan de, Spanish, married, wife's name unknown.  He died of "edopresio.").

                         ii.    Maria Antonia Eulalia de Olivas, born 14 Aug 1777 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1761 - 1793, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 50., SFB # 792, Baptized:  Aug. 19, 1777. OLIVA, Maria Antonia Eulilia, Spanish, 5 days old, legitimate child of TOMAS OLIVA & Josefa  RAMOS.   Godparents:  Don Marcos de Casaro & Dona Antonia de Estrada.[Note by Nancy Peche:  Maria Antonia Eulalia's parent's were:  Thomas Antonio de OLIVAS  & Maria Josefa PERES y BANOS.].).

                        iii.    Jose Sacobo de Olivas, born 16 Jul 1778 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, Texas (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1761 - 1793, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 55,, SFB # 854.  Baptized:  July 24, 1778. OLIBA, Jose Sacobo de, Spanish, 8 days old, legtimate son of Antonio de OLIBA & Maria Josefa de Ybanes.  Godparents:  Pedro ORANDAIN & Rosalia RAMOS..); died Aft. 1804.

        55            iv.    Maria Polonia de Olivas, born 06 Feb 1783 in San Fernando de Bexar; died 19 Sep 1849 in San Fernando de Bexar; married Francisco Xavier Hernandez 28 Dec 1803 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX.  

Generation No. 8  

        208.  Joseph Martinez  He married 209. Juana de Carvajal 1721.

        209.  Juana de Carvajal  She was the daughter of 418. Christoval de Carvajal and 419. Josefa Guerra.

        Children of Joseph Martinez and Juana de Carvajal are:

                          i.    Angela Martinez, born 1722 (Source: With the Makers of San Antonio, by Frederick C. Chabot, 1957, published privately, printed by Artes Graficas, San Antonio, TX, Page 81..).

                         ii.    Christoval Joseph Martinez, born 1725 (Source: With the Makers of San Antonio, by Frederick C. Chabot, 1957, published privately, printed by Artes Graficas, San Antonio, TX, Page 81..).

                        iii.    Juan Joseph Martinez, born 1728 (Source: With the Makers of San Antonio, by Frederick C. Chabot, 1957, published privately, printed by Artes Graficas, San Antonio, TX, Page 81..).

                        iv.    Joseph Maria Martinez, born 1730 (Source: With the Makers of San Antonio, by Frederick C. Chabot, 1957, published privately, printed by Artes Graficas, San Antonio, TX, Page 81..).

                         v.    Juana Ignacia Martinez, born Aft. 1730 (Source: With the Makers of San Antonio, by Frederick C. Chabot, 1957, published privately, printed by Artes Graficas, San Antonio, TX, Page 81..).

                        vi.    Maria Ignacia Martinez, born Aft. 1730 (Source: With the Makers of San Antonio, by Frederick C. Chabot, 1957, published privately, printed by Artes Graficas, San Antonio, TX, Page 81..).

        104         vii.    Carlos Martinez, born 1734 in San Fernando de Bexar; died 26 Aug 1803 in San Fernando de Bexar; married Maria Gracia Leal 1761 in San Fernando de Bexar.  

        216.  Jacobo Hernandez, born Unknown; died 26 Dec 1769 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Burials, 1761 - 1808, translated by John Ogden Leal, Page 6., Burial  # 129,  Oct. 4, 1751. HERNANDEZ, Jacobo, Spanish, married to Jesusa GUTIERREZ.  He left no will. [Note: This is thought to be Justa GUERRERO not Jesusa GUTIERREZ].).  He was the son of 432. Francisco Hernandez and 433. Ana Garcia.  He married 217. Justa or Juana Luisa Guerrero 1729.

        217.  Justa or Juana Luisa Guerrero, born Unknown; died 06 Feb 1777 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Burials, 1761 - 1808, translated by John Ogden Leal, Page 29., Burial # 590.  Feb. 6, 1777.  GUERRERO, Justa, widow of Jacobo HERNANDEZ.).  She was the daughter of 434. Cayetano Guerrero and 435. Ana Hernandez.       

Children of Jacobo Hernandez and Justa Guerrero are:

                          i.    Maria Magdelena Hernandez, born 28 May 1736 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1731 - 1760, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 4, SFB # 62. Baptized:  June 3, 1736. HERNANDEZ, Maria Magdalena, born May 28 last, legitimate child of Jacobo HERNANDEZ and Ana Justa GUERRERO.  Godparents:  Joaquin de URRUITA and hiw wife Josefa HERNANDEZ.); died 03 Jun 1736 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Burials, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 5., Burial # 99, March 30, 1750. HERNANDES, Maria, a doncella [Miss], legitimate daugher of Jacobo HERNANDES and Justa GUERRERO.).

                         ii.    Prudencia Hernandez, born Bef. 1742 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Confirmations, 1759, translated by John Ogden Leal,, Page 15., Confirmation # 364.  Prudencia, HERNANDEZ;  Parents: Jacobo HERNANDEZ, Juana Luisa GUERRERO; Godmother:  Micaela Menchaca. * Note*  Baptism not found at San Fernando Church.); married Phelipe Hernandez.

                        iii.    Maria Zopapa Hernandez, born 30 May 1743 in Mission San Antonio de VALERO, [The Alamo], San Fernando de Bexar (Source: MISSION  San Antonio de VALERO, baptisms, translated by John Ogden Leal, Page 75., Valero Baptism # 621.  Christened:  May 30, 1743. HERNANDES, Maria Zapopan, legitimate daughter of Jacobo HERNANDEZ & his wife, Juana Justa GUERRERO. Godparents:  Baltazar de los Reyes PEREZ & Maria Gertrudes RINOJOSA, neighbors of the precidio of San Antonio.  Father Diego Martin Garcia baptized the child & signed the book.  Entry in Spanish.).

                        iv.    Maria Zapopa Hernandez, born 06 Nov 1744 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1731 - 1760, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 5., SFB # 82. Baptized:  Nov. 21, 1744 ? HERNANDEZ, Maria Zapopa, 15 days old, legitimate child of Jacobo HERNANDEZ & Juana HERRERA.  Godparents:  Francisco de Abrego & Heregilda Hernandez. [Juana Herrera ????].); died 07 Jan 1818 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: Composanto Burials, 1808 - 1860, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 35., Burial # 886,  January 7, 1818. HERNANDEZ, Zapopa, widow who died of old age and left no will.).

                         v.    Santiago de los Reyes Hernandez, born 19 Feb 1749 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1731 - 1760, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 13., SFB # 196.  Baptized:  Feb. 27, 1749. HERNANDEZ, Santiago de los Reyes, Spanish, 8 days old, legitimate son of Jacobo HERNANDEZ & Justa ______?  Godparents:  Pedro Garcia & Leonor DELGADO.); died Abt. 1782; married Maria Ygnacia de Oranday/Orandain/Orendain Abt. 1779; born Abt. 1754 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Church Confirmations, 1759, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 14., Baptism for Maria Ygnacia ORANDEIN / ORANDAI / ORANDAY not recorded at San Fernando Church. San Fernando Confirmtion # 350.  1759.  Maria Ignacia ORANDAI [not Granados]  Parents:  Juaquin GRANADOS [this is incorrect, original on microfilm for San Fernando Confiramtion reads  Juanquin ORANDAI]  & Josefa LEAL. Godparents:  Gracia LEAL. On page 10 of John Ogden Leal's translations for confirmations: # 226.  GRACIA MARIA LEAL, parents:  Juan LEAL & Magdelena FLORES, Godparent:  Antonia Carabajal.); died 29 Dec 1804 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Church Burials translated by John Ogden Leal, 1761 - 1808., Page 85., Burial # 188.  Dec. 29, 1804.  FLORES, Ignacia, Spanish, 46 years old, married to Pedro RICHARDO, both of this city.  She died of "pulmonia" and left no will.).

                        vi.    Juan Hernandez, born 31 May 1751 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1731 - 1760, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 15., SFB # 248,   Baptized:  June 7, 1751. HERNANDEZ, Juan, Spanish, 8 days old, legitimate son of Jacobo HERNANDEZ & Justa GUERRERO.  Godfather:  Nicholas Trevino.); married Ildefonsa de Avila.

        108         vii.    Cayetano Hernandez, born 10 Feb 1753 in San Fernando de Bexar; died Aft. 1797 in ? San Fernando de Bexar; married (1) Maria Ygnacia de Oranday/Orandain/Orendain 01 Jul 1777 in San Fernando de Bexar; married (2) Thomasa Peres Abt. 1779 in San Fernando de Bexar,  San Antonio, Texas.

                      viii.    Cayetano Guerrero Hernandez, born Aft. 1759 (Source: Baptism not found at San Fernando Church.); died 15 Sep 1763 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Burials, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 3., SFB # 71.  Sept. 15, 1763. HERNANDEZ, Cayetano Guerrero, Spanish, legitimate son of Jacobo HERNANDEZ & Justa Guerrero.).  

        218.  Juaquin de Oranday/Orandain/Orendain, born Bef. 1736 in Villa of Saltillo, Mexico (Source: San Fernando Church, Petition of Marriage, March 1762.  Deposition of Juachin de ORANDAY:  He states he is Spanish, a soldier stationed in the Royal presidio of San Saba, and knows both [ Santiago Nunes & Thomasa Basques ] well and both are free to marry.  He said he was 26 years old.   He signed his depositon as did the notary public, Ygnacio Calbillo.  Approximate year of birth  of Juachin de ORANDAY,  1762 - 26 = 1736..); died 20 Mar 1798 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Church Burial # 1752, Page 69, March 20, 1798.).  He was the son of 436. Francisco de Oranday and 437. Catarina Valdez.  He married 219. Josefa Leal Bef. 1759 in San Fernando de Bexar,  San Antonio, Texas.

        219.  Josefa Leal, born Bet. 1737 - 1743 in San Fernando de Bexar; died Bet. 30 Nov 1760 - Feb 1772 in San Fernando de Bexar.  She was the daughter of 438. Unknown and 439. Unknown.

Children of Juaquin de Oranday/Orandain/Orendain and Josefa Leal are:

        109            i.    Maria Ygnacia de Oranday/Orandain/Orendain, born Abt. 1754 in San Fernando de Bexar; died 29 Dec 1804 in San Fernando de Bexar; married (1) Cayetano Hernandez 01 Jul 1777 in San Fernando de Bexar; married (2) Santiago de los Reyes Hernandez Abt. 1779; married (3) Pedro Ramirez Abt. 1783.

                         ii.    Jose Andres de la Trinidad de Oranday, born 30 Nov 1760 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1731 - 1760, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 32., SFB # 512, Baptized:  Dec. 6, 1760. ORANDAY, Jose Andres de la Trinidad de, spanish, born last Nov. 30, legitimate son of Joachin de ORANDAY & Josefa LEAL.  Godparents:  Sargent Don Baltazar de los REYES  & Dona Rosalia LEAL..); died 14 Jul 1772 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Burials, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 20., Burial # 371.  July 14, 1772. ORANDAIN, Jose Andres, Spanish, a 12 year old legitimate son of Joaquin de ORANDAIN and Michaela ROMERO.).  

        220.  Joseph Juachin de Olivas  He married 221. Nicolasa de Escudera.

        221.  Nicolasa de Escudera       

Child of Joseph de Olivas and Nicolasa de Escudera is:

        110            i.    Thomas Antonio de Olivas, born Abt. 1733 in Real Mines of San Joseph de el Parral; died 09 Mar 1790 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX; married (1) Petra Perez Reyes; married (2) Teodora Martinez; married (3) Maria Josefa Peres y Banos 12 Mar 1773 in San Fernando Church, San Antonio,TX.  

        222.  Manuel Antonio Peres-Banos  He married 223. Antonia Margarita Romero.

        223.  Antonia Margarita Romero
       

Child of Manuel Peres-Banos and Antonia Romero is:

        111            i.    Maria Josefa Peres y Banos, born Abt. 1746 in Monterrey, Mexico; died Bet. 31 Dec 1804 - 1817 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX; married (1) Francisco Xavier Seguin-Ximenez 10 Jan 1760 in Sagrario Metro, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; married (2) Thomas Antonio de Olivas 12 Mar 1773 in San Fernando Church, San Antonio,TX.  

Generation No. 9  

        418.  Christoval de Carvajal  He married 419. Josefa Guerra.

        419.  Josefa Guerra       

Child of Christoval de Carvajal and Josefa Guerra is:

        209            i.    Juana de Carvajal, married Joseph Martinez 1721.

        432.  Francisco Hernandez, born Bef. 1700; died 04 Oct 1751 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, Texas (Source: San Fernando Burials, 1744 - 1760,  translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 6., Burial # 129.  Oct. 4, 1751. HERNANDES, Francisco, widower of Ana GARCIA.).  He married 433. Ana Garcia (Source: San Fernando Church Marriages # 118, Page 15, April 15, 1731.).

        433.  Ana Garcia, died Bef. 1751.       

Children of Francisco Hernandez and Ana Garcia are:

                          i.    Ana Hernandez, married Cayetano Guerrero 1729; died 05 Dec 1757 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, Texas (Source: San Fernando Burials, 1744 - 1760,  translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 9., Burial # 194. Dec. 5, 1757. GUERRERO, Calletano, married to Dona Ana HERNANDES.).

        216           ii.    Jacobo Hernandez, born Unknown; died 26 Dec 1769 in San Fernando de Bexar; married Justa or Juana Luisa Guerrero 1729.

                        iii.    Andres Hernandez, died Aft. 1748; married Juana de Hoyos; born in Coahuilla, Mexico.

                        iv.    Francisco Hernandez, married Rafaela de Avila 1778.

                         v.    Diego Hernandez, died 07 Jan 1757 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, Texas (Source: San Fernando Burials, 1744 - 1760,  translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 9., Burial # 179.  Jan. 7, 1757. HERNANDES, Diego, married to Juana de SOSA, legitimate son of Francisco HERNANDES & Anna GARCIA..); married Juana Josefa de Sosa 08 May 1729 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX (Source: (1) Marriages of Mission San Antonio de Valero [Alamo], translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 1., # 98.  May 8, 1729. HERNANDEZ, Diego, Spanish, a soldier; to Juana Josepha de ZOZA, a doncella Miss].  Godparents:  Phelipe de Sierra & the wife of the Alferes, Sartuche, Josepha Nabarro.  Witnesses:  Sargeant Juan de Galvan, Juan de Castro and Asencio Raso, all soldiers of this precidio of San Antonio de Valero.  Father Salvador de Amaya married the couple and signed the book.  Entry in Spanish., (2) Marriage Petitions amd  Permissions, San Fernando Church, San Antonio, TX.).

                        vi.    Hermeregilda Hernandez, died 16 Mar 1772 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX (Source: San Fernando Burials, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 20., Burial # 348.  March 16, 1772.HERNANDEZ, Hermenegilda, Spanish, widow of Francisco FLORES.); married (1) Juan Bautista Rincon; married (2) Francisco Flores Bef. 1743; died 21 Dec 1757 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX (Source: San Fernando Burials, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 9., Burial # 195.  Dec. 21, 1757.FLORES, Francisco, legitimate son of the late Francisco FLORES & the late Maria SAUCEDO, from Saltillo, married to Dona Esmeregilad HERNANDES.).

                       vii.    Josefa Hernandez, born 1720; married First Name Unknown Flores.

                      viii.    Maria Hernandez, married (1) Miguel de Castro 27 Nov 1726 in Mission San Antonio de VALERO, [The Alamo] San Antonio, TX (Source: MISSION  San Antonio de VALERO, marriages, translated by John Ogden Leal, Page 9., # 63,  Married:  Nov. 27, 1726 at Mission San Antonio de VALERO.CASTRO, Miguel de, Spanish, a soldier of this presidio of San Antonio de Valero; to Maria HERNANDES.  Godparents:  Domingo FLORES & his wife, Marcela de TREMINO.  Witnesses:  Juan de SOSA, Juan de CASTRO & Antonio JIMENES, soldiers & assistants of this mission.  Father Joseph Gonzales married the couple & signed the book.  Entry in the book in Spanish.); married (2) Matias de la Zerda 24 Feb 1759 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, TX (Source: San Fernando Marriages 1742 - 1780, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 11., SFM # 104.  Feb. 24, 1759.ZERDA, Don Mathias de la, a soldier of this company of this precidio, a widower of Maria Florencia de el RIO, to Maria HERNANDEZ, of this city, widow of Don Miguel de CASTRO.  Witnesses:  Don Juan Jose Montes de OCA and Jose Antonio Estrada.  Godparents:  Don Xptobal de los Santos Coy & Dona Antonia de el Torro.).

                        ix.    Nicolás Hernández, married Simona de Sepulveda.

                         x.    Francisco Hernandez, married Marciana Longoria.

        434.  Cayetano Guerrero, died 05 Dec 1757 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, Texas (Source: San Fernando Burials, 1744 - 1760,  translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 9., Burial # 194. Dec. 5, 1757. GUERRERO, Calletano, married to Dona Ana HERNANDES.).  He married 435. Ana Hernandez 1729.

        435.  Ana Hernandez  She was the daughter of 432. Francisco Hernandez and 433. Ana Garcia.

Children of Cayetano Guerrero and Ana Hernandez are:

                          i.    Andrea Rosalia Guerrero, born 08 Mar 1732 in San Fernando de Bexar, San Antonio, Texas (Source: San Fernando Baptisms, 1731 - 1760, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 1., SFB # 11.  Baptized:  March 16, 1732. GUERRA, Andrea Rosalia, 8 days old, legitimate daughter of Cayetano GUERRA & Ana HERNANDEZ.  Godparents:  Diego HERNANDEZ & Ana GARZA. .); married (1) Francisco Sanchez; married (2) Pedro Jose Leal 1765; born Abt. 1732 (Source: San Fernando Church Confirmations, 1759, translated  by John Ogden Leal., Page 2., SFC # 47.  PEDRO JOSE, s/o Jose LEAL & Ana SANTOS.Godparent:  Juachin Menchaca.); married (3) Joaquin de Soto Silvestre Aft. 1772.

        217           ii.    Justa or Juana Luisa Guerrero, born Unknown; died 06 Feb 1777 in San Fernando de Bexar; married Jacobo Hernandez 1729.

                        iii.    Matias Antonio Guerrero, married (1) Maria Catarina Angulo 1744; married (2) Mariana Luisa Ramon 1776.

                        iv.    Juan Ignacio Guerrero

                         v.    Maria Bernarda Guerrero, married (1) Margil Falcon; married (2) Bartolo Seguin.

                        vi.    Antonia Guerrero, married Pedro Flores de Abrego 1760.

        436.  Francisco de Oranday  He married 437. Catarina Valdez.

        437.  Catarina Valdez, born Bef. 1724; died 06 Nov 1793 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Burials, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 58., SFB # 1544.   Nov. 6, 1793.  VALDEZ, Catarina, 69 years old, married to Francisco de ORANDAIN.).       

Children of Francisco de Oranday and Catarina Valdez are:

        218            i.    Juaquin de Oranday/Orandain/Orendain, born Bef. 1736 in Villa of Saltillo, Mexico; died 20 Mar 1798 in San Fernando de Bexar; married (1) Josefa Leal Bef. 1759 in San Fernando de Bexar,  San Antonio, Texas; married (2) Maria Micaela Romero Aft. 1760.

                         ii.    Francisco de Oranday, born Bet. 1740 - 1742 in Native of San Fernando de Bexar; died 14 May 1797 in San Fernando de Bexar (Source: San Fernando Burials, translated by John Ogden Leal., Page 67., SFB # 1720.  May 14, 1797. ORANDAIN, Francisco, Spanish, 55 years old, married to Encarnacion GALVAN.  He was an army gunsmith, [Armero].); married Maria Encarnacion Galvan.

         438.  Unknown  He married 439. Unknown.

        439.  Unknown       

Child of Unknown and Unknown is:

        219            i.    Josefa Leal, born Bet. 1737 - 1743 in San Fernando de Bexar; died Bet. 30 Nov 1760 - Feb 1772 in San Fernando de Bexar; married (1) Unknown; married (2) Juaquin de Oranday/Orandain/Orendain Bef. 1759 in San Fernando de Bexar,  San Antonio, Texas.

Jose Lucas Rodriguez Father of 32 Children

I am from a very large family of twelve children so when I found Lucas Rodriguez in my database with over thirty children, my first thought was, I have to correct this embarrassing error. There is no possible way he had that many children. I found Lucas as the result of looking for large families. I have a gigantic genealogy database (over 190,000 individuals), all linked together, that I queried for a parent with the largest number of children. Being always happy to find and correct errors in my records, I starting checking his marriage records.

Church marriage records clearly establish that Lucas married five women. The first marriage gives the names of his parents and each subsequent marriage gives the name of his previous spouse. I found all the church marriage images presented in this article at www.familysearch.org. I also checked the death records for his first four spouses. The marriage and death records show two things that led Lucas to have so many children. He married younger women, his last wife was 30 years younger than him, and shortly after his wives died he remarried.

The five marriage records, arranged in chronological order, and my observations are on the following pages. A complete listing of all his children is found at the end of this article.

Figure 1. 1832 Marriage of Lucas to Ramona Escamilla

Details from the church record above:
September 22, 1832 in Cadereyta Jimenez, Lucas Rodriguez, single, born here but had lived in Monterrey for eight years, legitimate son of Jose Trinidad Rodriguez and Maria Francisca Saldivar is married to Maria Ramona Escamilla, born here at Hacienda de Castillo, legitimate daughter of Jose Vicente Escamilla and Maria Gertrudis Garza.

Observations:
The first marriage gives the names of Lucas’ parents. The subsequent marriages don’t, instead they list him as a widower and name his previous spouse. Ages are not given for the couple.
This marriage yields two children.

Maria Ramona died May 21, 1839 from a fever. Her death record gives her age as nineteen. This is probably an example of how wrong ages found on death records can be. If true then she married at age 12.

Lucas remarried 3 months 18 days later. This is the longest mourning period he observed between marriages.
Figure 2. 1839 Marriage of Lucas to Isabel Cantu

Details from General Teran marriage record above:
September 8, 1839 in Valle de La Mote [former name of General Teran] the groom Jose Lucas Rodriguez from Cadereyta Jimenez, local resident for almost two years, widower of the late Maria Ramona Escamilla, buried in our parish cemetery, marries Maria Isabel Cantu, local resident age 17, legitimate daughter of Jose Miguel Cantu and Maria Ursula Rodriguez (both deceased)

Observations:
Maria Isabel is an orphan.
This marriage yields two children.

Isabel died December 25, 1941. Her baby Maria Jesus was baptized two days later. Lucas remarries 25 days later.
Figure 3. 1842 Marriage of Lucas to Maria Carmen Guijarro

Details from General Teran church record above:
January 19, 1842 in General Teran, Lucas Rodriguez, local resident, widower, of Isabel Cantu his second wife, buried in the local cemetery, marries Maria Carmen Guijarro, local resident, legitimate daughter of Jose Urbano Guijarro and Maria Salome Olavarrieta.

Observation:
Lucas is twice the age of Maria Carmen who is only 14.
This marriage yields 4 children.

Maria Carmen dies December 20, 1848. One month and one week later on January 17, 1849, Lucas remarries.
Figure 4. 1849 Marriage of Lucas to Juliana Rodriguez

Details from General Teran church record above:
January 17, 1849, in General Teran, Lucas Rodriguez, age 36, originally from Cadereyta Jimenez, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, local resident, widowed from third wife, Carmen Guijarro, buried in this parish, he marries Juliana Rodriguez, age 26, local resident, legitimate daughter of Jose Epifanio Rodriguez and Maria Gregoria Rodriguez (deceased).

Observations:
Juliana Rodriguez’s mother is deceased. This marriage yields nine children. Juliana dies March 31, 1861, a few weeks after giving birth.

Figure 5. 1861 Marriage of Lucas to Maria Marta Rodriguez

Details from General Teran church record above:
May 18, 1816 in General Teran after being given a dispensation in this diocese for being second cousins, marriage of Lucas Rodriguez age 48 from Cadereyta Jimenez, widowed from his forth wife Juiliana Rodriguez, buried in this parish less than two months ago, to Maria Marta Rodriguez age 18, from China, Nuevo Leon and local resident, legitimate daughter of Simon Rodriguez and Decidora Sendejas (deceased)

Observations:
Lucas is 30 years older than Maria Marta. The marriage record states she is 18 but her baptism date indicates she was 16. The bride has lost her mother. This marriage yields 15 children. Lucas is 70 years old when his last child is baptized. Lucas is married to Maria Marta one month 17 days after Maria Juliana died.

Descendants of Jose Lucas RODRIGUEZ and Maria Ramona ESCAMILLA and Maria Isabel CANTU and Maria Carmen GUIJARRO and Juliana RODRIGUEZ and Maria Marta RODRIGUEZ

Jose Lucas RODRIGUEZ, born 1813 in Cadereyta Jimenez, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, son of Jose Trinidad RODRIGUEZ and Maria Francisca SALDIVAR. He married (1) on 22 Sep 1832 in Cadereyta, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Maria Ramona ESCAMILLA, daughter of Jose Vicente ESCAMILLA and Maria Gertrudis GARZA; (2) on 8 Sep 1839 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Maria Isabel CANTU, born 1822, daughter of Jose Miguel CANTU and Maria Ursula RODRIGUEZ; (3) on 19 Jan 1842 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Maria Cresencia Carmen GUIJARRO, born April 22, 1828 in Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, daughter of Jose Urbano GUIJARRO and Maria Salome OLAVARRIETA; (4) on 17 Jan 1849 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Juliana RODRIGUEZ, born 1823, daughter of Jose Epifanio RODRIGUEZ and Maria Gregoria RODRIGUEZ; (5) on 18 May 1861 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Maria Marta RODRIGUEZ, born 1846 in China, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, daughter of Simon RODRIGUEZ and Maria Decidora SENDEJAS.

Children of Jose Lucas RODRIGUEZ and Maria Ramona ESCAMILLA were as follows:
+ 1 i Jose Cosme Damian RODRIGUEZ, christened 30 Sep 1833 in Cadereyta, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. He married Alejandra BENAVIDES.
+ 2 ii Jose Florencio RODRIGUEZ, christened 2 Nov 1834 in Cadereyta, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. He married Guadalupe ELIZONDO.
Children of Jose Lucas RODRIGUEZ and Maria Isabel CANTU were as follows:
3 i Jose Nabor Felix Guadalupe RODRIGUEZ, christened 13 Jul 1840 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
4 ii Maria Jesus RODRIGUEZ, christened 28 Dec 1841 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Children of Jose Lucas RODRIGUEZ and Maria Carmen GUIJARRO were as follows:
5 i Maria Josefa Barbara RODRIGUEZ, christened 5 Dec 1842 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
6 ii Maria RODRIGUEZ, christened 24 Feb 1845 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
7 iii Jose Donato RODRIGUEZ, christened 28 Oct 1846 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
8 iv Jose Dario Guadalupe RODRIGUEZ, christened 26 Dec 1848 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Children of Jose Lucas RODRIGUEZ and Juliana RODRIGUEZ were as follows:
9 i Jose Cristanto RODRIGUEZ, born 25 Oct 1849 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; christened 25 Oct 1849 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
10 ii Maria Alvina Concepcion RODRIGUEZ, christened 16 Dec 1850 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
11 iii Jose Andres Jesus RODRIGUEZ, christened 8 Dec 1851 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
12 iv Jose Filemon Jesus RODRIGUEZ, christened 5 Dec 1853 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
13 v Maria Dolores RODRIGUEZ, christened 5 Apr 1855 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
14 vi Ciprian RODRIGUEZ, christened 1 Oct 1856 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
15 vii Barbara Melecia RODRIGUEZ, christened 18 Dec 1857 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
16 viii Maria Paula RODRIGUEZ, christened 3 Mar 1859 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
+ 17 ix Maria Anastacia RODRIGUEZ, christened 5 Mar 1861 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. She married Jose Doroteo RODRIGUEZ.
Children of Jose Lucas RODRIGUEZ and Maria Marta RODRIGUEZ were as follows:
18 i Jose Anastacio RODRIGUEZ, christened 10 May 1862 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
19 ii Maria Gertrudis RODRIGUEZ, christened 25 Mar 1863 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
20 iii Maria Dolores RODRIGUEZ, christened 24 Aug 1864 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
21 iv Jose Mateo RODRIGUEZ, christened 5 Nov 1865 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
22 v Jose Jesus RODRIGUEZ, christened 26 Oct 1866 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
23 vi Maria Merced RODRIGUEZ, christened 3 Oct 1868 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
24 vii Concepcion RODRIGUEZ, christened 16 Jun 1870 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
25 viii Maria Concepcion RODRIGUEZ, christened 29 Apr 1871 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
+ 26 ix Irine RODRIGUEZ. She married Jose Margarito GARCIA.
27 x Celestina RODRIGUEZ, christened 18 Oct 1876 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
28 xi Julian RODRIGUEZ, christened 28 May 1877 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
29 xii Clara RODRIGUEZ, christened 7 Nov 1878 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
30 xiii Brijida RODRIGUEZ, christened 8 Apr 1880 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, died 23 Jul 1958 in Guadalupe County, Texas.
31 xiv Eulogia RODRIGUEZ, christened 18 May 1881 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
32 xv Maria Francisca RODRIGUEZ, christened 14 Feb 1883 in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Sent by Crispin.Rendon@gmail.com

• Cattle and Horse Brands of Alejo de la Garza and his father in law, Apolonio Palacios registered in Duval County in 1877
• See brand of Alejo de la Garza registered in Nueces County in 1872
• See Cattle, Horse and Sheep Brands of Manuel Garcia Garcia
• Tax receipt paid on 18,819 Acres in San Patricio County in 1859
• Confederate Tax Receipt paid by Inocente Perez in 1864

CUENTOS

Early 1920, El Monte, California

Reflections on the freedom that we enjoy, 
and the Heavy price for it
by 
Margarita Garza

A MOMENT OF SILENCE 
by Ben Romero

TWO BAND-AIDS 
by Ben Romero

Ben Romero
www.benromero.com
bromero98@comcast.net

FAMILY HISTORY

http://books.google.com/books?id=bpjHKYJx0AYC&printsec=f
rontcover&dq=%22leopoldo+de+la+Rosa+Olivera%22,+el+siglo
&source=bl&ots=M37Ka3TZkK&sig=a_sM4fz3IdvugoCQ8QDf7
3vbqUU&hl=en&ei=zBVcTJjHIcT48AbXw9yLAg&sa=X&oi=book
_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage
&q=aday&f=false>

This is an example of the availability history books which are out of print, but which have been digitized and made accessible to the public by Google.

Sent by Bill Carmena JCarm1724@aol.com

El siglo de la conquista, by Leopoldo de la Rosa Olivera, is an on-line Google book (in Spanish) detailing vignets into the early history of the Canary Islands during the first century after its conquest, in the XV & XVI & XVII centuries. The author's careful research into ancient testaments, dowries, land transfers and other such primary source documents provides much useful genealogical information, both for the native Guanches, Gomeros and Canarios, as well as for many of the Spaniards, Portuguese, Italians, French and others who formed the core population of the Canary Islands. The book is not indexed, but the on-line version is searchable. I obtained my copy of the book from Amazon.

Sent by Paul Newfield III skip@thebrasscannon.com

ORANGE COUNTY, CA

http://www.fordamphitheater.org/en/events/details/id/197 
Sent by Ruben Alvarez  stayconnected2004@yahoo.com

Sunday, Sept 12 11th Annual Festival of Lights
Over 35 different faith-based organizations involved. Enjoy the music, entertainment and words of wisdom.  Starts at 2:15 pm.  For more information please contact Tom Hohman at (714) 745-3788 

Sunday, Sept 12 Dia de la Familia 
Westminster Community Services and Recreation Dept.
Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza St.  1-5 pm
Food, entertainment, information booths highlighting the variety of services available to Westminster residents.  
No cost for booth/table.  For information, contact: 
Pam Gremling, 714-548-3679

REVOLUTIONARY STORIES SOUGHT:
A century ago this fall a revolution that changed Mexico forever began, transforming the country and the lives of its citizens.  In the midst of the war, many of them headed north — to escape the violence and to begin their lives anew. Thousands settled in Orange County and throughout Southern California.

Were members of your family among the Mexican immigrants who came during the 1910-1920 war or in its aftermath? If so, we want to hear their stories, and yours. What moved your family to leave Mexico for the United States - the threat of violence or the promise of prosperity? Who in your family came? From where? Why? Where did they settle? How did you come to live in O.C.? What do you think about when you reflect on their experience?

Send your story and your photo, along with photos of your immigrant parent, grandparent or ancestor (.jpg format) to Ron Gonzales. Your story can range from about 400 to about 900 words.

Ron Gonzales  
News Team Leader  
714-704-3792  
rgonzales@ocregister.com 

Saturday, September 25, 2010
Annual Logan Barrio Reunion At Chepa’s Park
1009 Custer St.
Santa Ana, CA
92701

12 Noon -6PM
Enjoy a great day with friends and family.
Potluck, water available, no alcohol.
Live Band & D. J.  
Donations for Raffle Appreciated 
Photo/Memories Display welcomed 

Another more detailed Logan History Book in the making. We need your stories and photos. More Info:
Norma Cardona Peralta(714)543-5743
Helen Parga Moraga (714) 771– 4474
Cecelia Andrade Rodriguez (714) 697-4594
Jeanne Alvarardo Alvarez (714) 454-8078
Clara Alvarado Soria (714) 832-2836

Sent  by Mary Acosta Garcia (714) 415-8629
maryr_garcia@hotmail.com

TEEN PRIDE!
Rancho Los Cerritos

Rancho Los Cerritos launched an ambitious service learning opportunity for local high school students in 2006, the RLC Teen Document Program. During the fall, our docents-in-training are thoroughly coached in Rancho history, museum interpretation, curatorial techniques, and oral presentation skills. In the winter and spring, these talented teens give interactive tours of the Rancho to local youth groups, help with preservation projects, and also staff our public programs and festivals. Over the four years this program has been in operation, our RLC Teen Docents have, as an aggregate, given over 2,700 hours of service to the museum and its visitors. Plus, these teens proudly represent nearly every LBUSD high school- and nine of them returned this year for their second or third year of service!

Congratulations,  graduating high school this year:
Suzie Chhouk (Poly) - International Christian U Japan 
Alissa DeJongh (Wilson) - Purdue University
Lincoln Goss (Poly) - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Ahmed Groce (Poly) - US Air Force Academy
Rica Halili (Wilson) - University of California Irvine
Yanire Herrera (Lakewood )-Cal State U, Long Beach
Derek Nelson (Poly) – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Lorlene Ragat (Wilson) – Univ of Calif Santa Cruz

Source: Rancho Los Cerritos Voices
Published by Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site
4600 Virginia Road, Long Beach, CA 90807
Volume 1 Number 2 Summer 2010, pg 3
Activities are held throughout the year, geared for family enjoyment and education
www.RanchoLosCerritos.org  562-570-1755

LOS ANGELES, CA

Sept 4: Los Angeles City Birthday Celebration
Sept 4-6: San Gabriel Mission in Southern California celebrating Mission History
Sept 18: Machado Reunion
“New Children/New York” documentary world premiere in Los Angeles
L.A. County sheriff to turn over Ruben Salazar files
A Brief History of El Monte by Jack Barton

LOS ANGELES CITY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION -
Saturday, September 4 , 2010 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
229th Anniversary of the founding of Los Angeles 
with Los Pobladores walk to L.A. from the San Gabriel Mission, historic re-enactments,
artisan demonstrations, exhibits, food, entertainment and plenty of birthday cake!

http://www.olvera-street.com/html/fiestas.html
http://golosangeles.about.com/od/losangelescalendar/a/LaborDay.htm
http://www.sangabrielcity.com/cityservices/parksandrec/documents/
JulyNewsletter.pdf  

The San Gabriel Mission in Southern California will be celebrating their Mission History, September 4-6, 2010.

Friday, September 4, 2009, 6 p.m. to Midnight
6 p.m. : Ringing of the Bells Ceremony at bell wall,
followed by Blessing of Fiesta grounds.

Saturday, September 5, 2009, 3 p.m. to Midnight
9 a.m.: Children & Pets' Costume Contest on fiesta stage. 
11 a.m.: Blessing of the Animals near fiesta stage
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Re-enactors of History in Mission Gardens
4 p.m.: History Reception in museum patio. More info...
5 p.m.: Birthday Cake celebration near fiesta stage

Sunday, September 6, 2009, 2 p.m. to Midnight
9:30 a.m.: Founder's Memorial Mass in old Mission Church
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Re-enactors of History in Mission Gardens
11:30 p.m.: Closing Ceremonies, Prize Drawings. 

Sent by Leroy Martinez leroymartinez1@cox.netL.A.

San Bernardino County Museum
2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, Ca 92374
Activities for ALL AGES through-out the year in:
Anthropology, Archaeology, Biological and Geological sciences, plus History, Trips, Events and lots of Hands-On opportunities.  For updates, go To:
www.sbcountymuseum.org 

County sheriff to turn over Ruben Salazar files to watchdog agency By Robert J. Lopez and Robert Faturechi, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca said Wednesday that he would turn over thousands of pages on the 1970 slaying of former Times columnist and KMEX-TV News Director Ruben Salazar to the civilian watchdog agency that monitors the Sheriff's Department so a report can be prepared on the 40-year-old case.  Article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0818-salazar-
20100819,0,6290123.story  LA Times,  Aug 19, 2010

Sent by Mercy Bautista Olvera

A BRIEF HISTORY OF EL MONTE

BY
JACK BARTON

Perhaps the best place to begin any discussion of the history of this area is with the name itself -- El Monte. Obviously, the word is Hispanic in origin, but what is not obvious is its original meaning and the descriptive nature of that meaning.

Most non-Hispanic persons with some knowledge of Spanish assume that the name El Monte must pertain to a hill or a mountain of some sort. If this were true, it would belie the physical realities of El Monte as a place, for there are no hills or mountains in any evidence with the exception of the distant San Gabriel's.

Rather, one must search for a meaning to the name El Monte in the obscure and somewhat archaic definitions which were current in Spanish usage in the late 18th century. For it was in the 1770’s that a group of Spanish soldiers and missionaries first explored this part of southern California and discovered, located between two rivers, an island of rich, low-lying land, covered with dense growths of slender willows, alders, and cattails. The "Island", approximately 7 miles long and 4 miles wide, constituted a veritable oasis unmatched in the midst of what naturally is a rather harsh, semi-arid environment.

Indeed, it was these self-same Spaniards who gave name to the rivers surrounding the island - the river to the east and northeast was named the San Gabriel; the smaller river to the north and west (actually a secondary channel of the San Gabriel) was christened the Rio Hondo. To the south of the "island", the two rivers flowed toward one another to form a "narrows" of ponds, small streams, and marshes. The island itself was also criss-crossed with little streams which fed expansive meadows, while along the river banks succulent watercress proliferated and vines of wild grapes clung to the dense stands of willow which grew there.

It was this prospect of precious water, abundant wood (for fuel) and deep, rich, alluvial topsoil which was presented to the Spaniards, who found respite and replenishment in the cool greenness of this "island paradise". And, one among their number, first used the term in Spanish which, at that time (1770's) would best describe this beautiful "wooded spot". That name was El Monte, variously translated as the "meadow or marsh", or, as the "wooded place". In any translation, the significant characteristics were clear - El Monte meant water, wood (fuel), and soil!

In the time following its Spanish baptismal, El Monte was to become the "watering hole" and campsite for successive groups of travelers and immigrants who made their way into Southern California from its eastern approaches. Indeed, for many thousand of years prior to the advent of the Spanish, small bands of nomadic Indians frequented the "wooded island" to avail themselves of its life-sustaining resources. Indian burial sites and "kitchen middens" from their ancient campsites have told of these aboriginal visitors.

In more recent times, during the era of the "Missions" (1770’s to 1830’s) and the "Land Grant" ranchos (1830’s and 40’s), El Monte continued to serve as a natural resting place for whatever weary journeyer came its way. In 1826, the famous mountain man and explorer, Jedediah Smith, led a small party of Americans into the area. One among his party was a diarist by the name of Harrison Rogers, who referred to the rest and rehabilitation afforded by "Camp Monte" or "Monte Camp".

                                                                                                                                 Jedediah Smith

The Gold Rush Days

It was the great Gold Rush of 1849-50 that brought the first permanent resident to El Monte. Swept along by the great tide of "gold fever", wave after wave of prospectors and immigrant pioneers inexorably moved toward the wealth promised in golden California. They all came seeking gold and most were denied their dreams, but some were to find riches far beyond those dreams in the form of fertile land and happy homes.

The Great Desert

And so it was that the Thompson’s, in 1851, crossed the San Gabriel River, entered into the "island" and found the opportunities for a home in California. By putting down their roots they began the development of the permanent community of El Monte.Additional pioneer settlers arrived in El Monte within the year following the Thompsons. Like the Thompsons, these small groups, suffering deeply from their parched passage through the California deserts, had committed to taking residence at the first source of abundant fresh water. Most notable among these next arrivals was the Johnson Party (1852) under the able leadership of one Captain Johnson, late of Lexington, Kentucky.

After a cursory exploration of the gold fields to the north, Captain Johnson returned to El Monte and the more realistic promise of land and agriculture. There, his natural leadership ability exerted its influence on what was a budding village of pioneers. At this point, (early 1850’s) no more than a dozen small families comprised the entire permanent population of the "island" of El Monte. At his suggestion, and because of his popularity with the other settlers, Captain Johnson proposed that the village be named "Lexington". The villagers readily concurred, as the name in their minds, paid honor to the birthplace of their leader and also, echoed the name of one of the legendary places in the Revolutionary War.

El Monte Township

Despite the citizens' enthusiasm for the name of "Lexington", the older, more meaningful name - El Monte - persisted in the background and on the sidelines. Veteran travelers who had frequented the area on many previous occasions persisted in using the name of "Monte Camp". or, sometimes, simply "The Monte". In 1866, the State Legislature, in organizing the State into smaller defined governmental units, established "Townships" in all parts of California. In designating a township in this area, some sense of venerable traditions prevailed in the Capital, for it was named the El Monte Township and the village of Lexington was selected as its seat. In 1868, bowing to long-lasting habit and practice, the village of Lexington set aside its artificial name and returned (and rightly so) to the profoundly descriptive Spanish appellation of El Monte.

The saga of El Monte through the remainder of the 19th century is typical of many growing towns following the thrust of Manifest Destiny into the great reaches of the West. It is the story of increasingly successful farmers and of growing families and growing communities. It is a "Wild West" story with its era of card parlors and dance halls, of robberies and murders, and of its own brand of "Vigilantes" with the famous and notorious "Monte Boys" riding in posse to hasten the hanging (both formal and informal) of some slinking, fleeing wrong-doer.

It is the story of the Civil War and how it divided the community just as it divided the nation. Remembering Captain Johnson’s Kentuckian roots, it is not surprising that El Montean sentiments were largely with the South even though California was a Union State.

It is a story of repeated floods and droughts, where El Monte, as throughout its turbulent geologic past, was subjected to the vagaries of meandering (and sometimes rampaging) rivers.

                                                                 Rio Hondo River During Flood of 1913

It is a story which includes: El Monte’s first "motel" - The Willow Grove Inn, established, owned and operated by the self-same first pioneer Thompson Family, and a regular way station on the Butterfield Stage route between Riverside and Los Angeles.

It includes one of the first public schools in the entire state of California (1852), a simple one room mud and willow-wattle structure located on the banks above the Rio Hondo and boasting an enrollment of 15 pupils during its first year of existence.

It includes an early, successful agrarian economy based on thriving wool, honey, grain, fruit, castor oil, hops, and cotton crops. Even El Monte Bacon graced the breakfast tables of Southern California towns.

It includes:

The first railroad through town (Southern Pacific) in 1873.

The first weekly newspaper strictly for El Monte in 1876.

The first drugstore (with a soda fountain?) in 1892. 

The Twentieth Century 

With the advent of the 20th century, El Monte continued to grow and prosper. Agriculture remained at the core of its economy. Earlier field crops gave way to fruit orchards, walnut groves, truck farms, hay fields, and an increasing dairy industry. One commercial seed company leased large tracts of fertile land in the southern part of the "island" and grew breathtaking plots of flowering plants for seed production. During blooming season, these fields of blossoms - precisely laid out in geometric patterns - were visited by people from all over the San Gabriel Valley. The farm workers employed to tend these magnificent floral gardens affectionately named the area Las Flores - a name which persists today in designating that part of the "island" of El Monte. 

                                                                                                                                                       Corn Crop, 1914

It was in 1901 that the El Monte Union High School District was organized and its secondary educational services were extended not only to pupils in El Monte, but also to students residing in portions of the surrounding present day communities of Bassett, Whittier, Montebello, Rosemead, Temple City, Arcadia, and Monrovia. In its initial year of operation, in a single, upstairs classroom in the old Lexington Avenue Grammar School, the high school boasted an enrollment of 12-15 students. By 1908, the high school had its own campus at the east end of Main Street and a student body comprised of 65 students.

In 1906, vehicular travel was improved with the first grading and paving of Main Street. The following year (1907) the Pacific Electric intercity railroad service was extended to El Monte. The old "Red Cars" were to be a mainstay in El Monte transportation for the next 45 years.

In 1912, some 60 years after its founding as the village of Lexington, El Monte was incorporated and with its newly elected City council was officially recognized as a municipality. El Monte had long possessed its own volunteer Fire Department, and now, as a "real" city, it would acquire its own Police Department - a far cry from the dusty riding days of the wild and famous "Monte Boys".

The worldwide influenza epidemic which occurred following World War I, of course, touched the population of El Monte with the expected number of tragic results. One notable loss was that of Mr. Lyman W. Babcock, Principal of El Monte High School, who died of the effects of the disease in 1919. 

Gay’s Lion Farm