Somos Primos
Dedicated to Hispanic Heritage and Diversity Issues

145th Online Issue

Editor: Mimi Lozano ©2000-2012
To request monthly notification, with the issue's Table of Contents
contact mimilozano@aol.com 

 

   

Artist, Ignacio Gomez 
http://ignaciogomez.com/gallery_main.html  http://www.ignaciogomez.com/bio.html 
Click for more on the Los Angeles Book and Family Festival 

United States
Latino National Museum Witness to Heritage
Erasing Historic Reality 
Hispanic Leaders
National Issues
Action Item

Business
Health
Education
Culture
Literature
Books
Latino Patriots
Early Latino Patriots

Surnames
Cuentos
Family History
DNA 

Orange County, CA  
Los Angeles, CA
California  

Northwestern US 
Southwestern US 
Middle America
Texas

Mexico
Indigenous
Archaeology 
Sephardic

African-American
East Coast
Caribbean/Cuba 
Central/South America
Philippines
Spain
International 


"The most tyrannical governments are those which make crimes of opinions, 
for everyone has an inalienable right to his own thoughts."
Baruch Spinoza

STAFF
Mimi Lozano, Editor
Mercy Bautista Olvera
Roberto Calderon, Ph,D.
Bill Carmena
Lila Guzman, Ph.D
John Inclan
Galal Kernahan
Juan Marinez
J.V. Martinez, Ph.D
Dorinda Moreno
Rafael Ojeda
Ángel Custodio Rebollo
Tony Santiago
John P. Schmal

Submissions to October issue:
Rodolfo E. Acuna
Abel Alejandre
Gustavo Arellano
David Bacon
Mercy Bautista Olvera
Tanya Bowers
Eddie Calderon, Ph.D.
Roberta Calderon, Ph.D.
Sara Ines Calderon
Bill Carmena
Doreen Carvajal
Jim Churchyard

Sylvia Contreras
Harry Crosby
Arturo Cuellar Gonzalez
Angel de Cervantes
Maria Cristina de Romero
Victor Davis Hanson
Roberta Estes
Lorri Frain
Daisy Wanda Garcia
Dr. Lino Garcia, Jr.
Ron Gonzales
Suzanne Guerra
Joaquin Gracida
Benita Gray
Tom Gray
Steve Green 
Bonnie Gums
Debbie Gurtler
Victor Davis Hanson
Anne Hartman
Odell Harwell
Carlos Martín Herrera de la Garza
Luke Holtzman
Lois Hostetter
John Inclan
Mimi Ko Cruz
Timothy Lloyd
Jerry Javier Lujan
Christine Marin. Ph.D. 

 
Harold Martinez
Joe V. Martinez, Ph.D.
Chaz Mena
Don Milligan
Molly Molloy
Dorinda Moreno
Carlos Munoz, Ph.D.
Enrique G. Murillo, Jr., Ph.D
Diana Natalicio, Ph.D. 
Paul Newfield III
Rogelia T. Nunez
Rafael Ojeda
Ricardo R. Palmerin Cordero
Jose M. Pena
Devon G. Pena
Richard Perry 
John D. Pettit, Jr. Ph.D.
Donna Przecha
Jessica Quintana
Mary Ramos Goldbeck
Sandra Ramos O'Briant
Nilda Rego
Armando Rendon
Crispin Rendon 
Rebeca Reyes
James Rodriguez
Javier Rodriguez 
Rudi R. Rodriguez
Robert Robinson

Judith Roumani
Norman Rozeff 
Tom Saenz
Placido Salazar
Joe Sanchez
Tony Santiago
Anthony Startz
Carol D. Shall
Howard Shorr, Ph.D.
Carole Salazar
Palacio Salazar
Gil Sperry 
Corinne Staacke
Larry Swindell
Vincent Tavera
Victoria Tester
Mary Torres
Lennard  Trujillo
Ernesto Uribe 
Raul Valdez
Dr. Richard R. Valencia
Arturo Vargas
Armando Vasquez-Ramos
Albert Vela, Ph.D. 
Kirk Whisler
Emilio Zamora

info@greendot.org
moderator@PORTSIDE.ORG

 

 

UNITED STATES

Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino
Join Bipartisan Effort to Pass Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act
American Latino Heritage Travel Itinerary
Kennedy Center chief regrets ‘strong language’ in talk about diversity in Honorees
The Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2011, 52.0 million
Characteristics of the 60 Largest Hispanic Metropolitan Areas
Oct 18-20: Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence in the Hispanic Publishing Industry
Charlie Ericksen, MALDEF Lifetime Achievement, Community Service
Hispanic Heritage earned its month by Daisy Wanda Garcia
League of United Latin American Citizens seeks family histories
Resources for 2012 Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanics Breaking Barriers, Vol. 2, # 11 by Mercy Bautista-Olvera
Immigration News: New Data Show Population, Migration Trends
Why Latinos Need to Register and Vote by Arturo Vargas
HR 4646, Debt Free America Act, 1% fee on every bank transaction, Jan 1, 2013
Heads-up, former Death Tax Reinstated, Jan 1, 2013
Economic tidbits to question?
US has more recoverable coal resources than any other country on the planet
Two Kinds of Austerity by Veronique de Rugy
 

Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino 
2009-2011 Final Report 
Public Law 110-229, 122 STAT 754 (May8, 2008)

Title: A bill to establish the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino to develop a plan of action for the establishment and  maintenance of a National Museum of the American Latino in Washington DC and for other purposes.  Sponsor of S. 500: Sen Salazar, Ken [CO]  (introduced 2/6/2007) Cosponsors (24)

http://americanlatinomuseum.gov/news.html 

Dr. José B. Fernández, Raul Danny Vargas, Eva Longoria, Susan Gonzales, Vice Chair, Cindy Peña, Abigail M. Pollak, Ellie López-Bowlan, Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, Luis R. Cancel, Lorraine García-Nakata, Henry R. Muñoz III, Chairman, Andrés W. López, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Sean D. Reyes, Dr. Aida T. Levitan, Cid Wilson, Dr. Emma Sepúlveda, Dr. Gilberto Cárdenas, Sandy Colón-Peltyn,
Emilio Estefan Jr., Vice Chair, Rosa J. Correa, Carlos J. Ezeta, Moctesuma Esparza, Nelson Albareda, (not pictured)

On May 8, 2008, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino was signed into law (Public Law 110-229 [S.2739]). The law created a 23-member commission, made up of appointees of the President and House and Senate leadership. Commission members were tasked with studying over a two–year period the feasibility of and plan for a new national museum in the nation's capital. More

NEWS RELEASE
September 17, 2012


CONTACT:
Estuardo Rodriguez
202-631-2892, Estuardo@rabengroup.com

FRIENDS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO CALL ON CONGRESS TO JOIN BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO PASS SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN LATINO MUSEUM ACT
FRIENDS update community and national leaders during 35th Annual CHCI Policy Conference


Washington, D.C. – Last Wednesday, the Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS), a 501(c)(3) created to push forward the American Latino Museum initiative, hosted its annual reception in conjunction with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) 2012 Public Policy Conference. With sponsorship from Time Warner Cable, AARP, and CHCI, FRIENDS gathered Board members, Congressional leaders, administration officials, policy makers, and museum supporters to discuss the museum’s legislative progress and FRIENDS community engagement efforts.

Legislation to designate a location for the museum on the National Mall, the Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act, is still pending in Congress, yet grassroots support has remained strong and continues to build steadily. Through a combined effort of social media and direct community engagement, FRIENDS have amassed a base of over 300,000 fans, followers, and supporters of the cause. In addition, the FRIENDS have amassed a bipartisan list of over 50 members of the House and Senate who support the museum initiative. That list will continue to be a focus for the remainder of the year with the goal of hitting 100 members of Congress.


FRIENDS used the event to call Washington’s political leaders to action. Passing the Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act would designate space along the National Mall to the project and create a landmark to the culture and contributions of the Latino community to the founding and strengthening of our nation.

“This event is another exciting milestone in the journey toward an American Latino Museum,” said Jonathan Yorba, chair of FRIENDS. “We call on members of the House and Senate to support the museum legislation, and we call on all Americans who support this project to join our effort on our website or social networks. An historic achievement like this one does not come quickly or easily, but through the hard work of our supporters, this museum is closer than ever to becoming a reality.”

 

 

Editor:  The support needed to reach the goal of a National Museum for the American Latino in Washington, D.C. is going to require involvement from all of us. Most Americans do not realize the historic presence of Hispanics in the United States.  Serving on the Senate Task Force on Hispanic Affairs, for quite a few years, I traveled frequently to Washington, D.C. and interacted with a variety of different cultural groups.  I actually had an individual in DC ask me, if we would have anything to put into a Museum for the American Latino.  He was not kidding.  He really did not think we had any presence in the US.  Another individual asked me sharply, implying that we did not deserve a National Museum, "What have your people ever done for the United States?"

This is a summary of a  recent report from the National Hispanic Media Coalition.  One In Three Americans Falsely Believe Most Latinos Are Undocumented | More than 30 percent of non-Hispanics inaccurately think that a majority of Latinos in the U.S. are undocumented, according to a new poll from the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) and Latino Decisions about media portrayals of Latinos and immigrants. Only about 18 percent of the Latino population in the U.S. is undocumented, and 37 percent of U.S. Latinos are actually immigrants. In its report, the NHMC said media portrayals of Latinos and immigrants exacerbates “stereotypically negative opinions” about them. “It is producing attitudes among non-Latinos that contribute to hate speech and hate crimes,” said Alex Nogales, president and CEO of NHMC. The organization plans to share its results with the Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to push the agencies to study the impacts of hate speech in the media.  http://thinkprogress.org/media/2012/09/13/842111/study-one-in-three-americans -falsely-believe-most-latinos-are-undocumented/?mobile=nc   [Sent by Howard Shorr]

 

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

The National Park Service is pleased to announce its new on-line American Latino Heritage Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary.  This itinerary features units of the National Park System and places listed in the National Register of Historic Places, most of which are National Historic Landmarks.  The itinerary is available on the National Park Service website at http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/American_Latino_Heritage/.  Produced in partnership with the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, the American Latino Heritage Itinerary is the 55th in the on-line Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary Series and is part of the Department of the Interior’s American Latino Heritage Initiative. The series supports historic preservation, promotes public awareness of history, and encourages visits to historic places throughout the country.

Please let others know that the itinerary is available and share the news release widely, especially with the media in your area.  We also hope that those of you who administer appropriate websites will add a link from your websites to the new itinerary to increase knowledge of and visits to the nearly 200 featured destinations that reflect hundreds of years of American Latino heritage: the first Spanish expeditions to the New World, establishment of settlements and cultural traditions, struggles for civil rights, and much more.  Thank you to all who contributed to the preparation of the itinerary.

Best wishes, Carol D. Shull
Interim Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places
Chief, Heritage Education Services
National Park Service
1201 Eye Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-354-2234
FAX:  202-371-1616

Sent by TBowers@savingplaces.org



Adrienne Castellon, in Washington with NPS suggests (1) sending the name of the significant place, where it is located, and a few sentences about why it tells an important story to: American_Latino_Heritage@nps.gov AND/OR (2) contact your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to find out how you can nominate important places to the National Register of Historic Places. Find your SHPO at: http://www.ncshpo.org. If each one of us would try to promote a historic site in our area, we could cover the entire US with recommendations.

 

Kennedy Center chief Kaiser regrets ‘strong language’ 
in talk about diversity in 2012 Honorees

By David Montgomery, Published: September 21The Washington Post

Kennedy Center President Michael M. Kaiser said Friday that he regretted using “strong language” during a tense telephone conversation last week with Felix Sanchez, chairman of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, when the two men were discussing the lack of Latino artists among the Kennedy Center Honors recipients.

Sanchez said to The Post that he was “exasperated” during the conversation. He said he was expressing to Kaiser his concern that Latinos had been once again shut out when the 2012 Honors were announced last week. “Just the act of challenging his decision making brought out his ire in which he used profanity,” Sanchez said.

Kaiser declined to state what words were exchanged, but he did not retreat from what he said were his strong feelings in response to Sanchez’s criticism.

“I’ve spent much of the last 20 years working with organizations of color in this country — African American, Latino, Asian American, Native American. .?.?. This is a real part of who I am, and so when someone insinuates that I am a racist, it gets me extremely upset.”

Since 1978, the center has chosen two Hispanics among its more than 170 Honorees: Spanish tenor Placido Domingo and U.S.-born performer Chita Rivera, who is of Puerto Rican descent — both during Kaiser’s nearly 12-year tenure. “There will be more,” Kaiser said.

The final decision on each year’s Honorees rests with the executive committee of the center’s board of trustees, Kaiser said. He said he does not have a vote but that he can make suggestions earlier in the process.

Sanchez said the Kennedy Center is not alone in underrepresenting Latino artists, pointing to a larger absence. “This is a classic example of the problem that we, as Latinos, have in the entertainment industry, in the news industry: We are not present,” Sanchez said.

Kaiser noted that in other ways, the Kennedy Center under his leadership has promoted Latino artists. For example, the central festival of his first three years, 2001-03, celebrated Hispanic art.

In addition, through his personal efforts and through the center’s DeVos Institute of Arts Management, Kaiser has helped train hundreds of artists and strengthened arts organizations across the United States and in Latin America, according to the center. In 2006, the president of Mexico awarded Kaiser the Order of the Aztec Eagle for his work in arts management training.

Sanchez said that efforts to work with and honor Latino artists in the United States should not be confused with importing and celebrating artists and theatrical or musical pieces from Latin America.

“We see that [trend] at the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian, art exhibits — we see that across the board in arts institutions: a preference for Latinos who are coming from their country of origin, as opposed to artistic contributions from U.S. Latinos,” Sanchez said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/michael-kaiser-felix-sanchez-spar-over-kennedy-centers-lack-of-latino-
honorees/2012/09/21/46a0d7f6-043a-11e2-9b24-ff730c7f6312_story.html
 

 

 

The Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2011
52.0 million

The following data is from the 2011 Census http://www.census.gov/popest/data/national/asrh/2011/index.html

The Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2011, making people of Hispanic origin the nation's largest ethnic or race minority. Hispanics constituted 16.7 percent of the nation's total population. In addition, there are 3.7 million residents of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory.

 

1.3 million: 

Number of Hispanics added to the nation's population between July 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011. This number is more than half of the approximately 2.3 million added to the nation's population during this period.

Source: 2011 Population Estimates   National Characteristics: Population by Sex, Race, and Hispanic origin

<http://www.census.gov/popest/data/national/asrh/2011/index.html>

 

2.5%

Percentage increase in the Hispanic population between 2010 and 2011.

Source: 2011 Population Estimates   National Characteristics: Population by Sex, Race, and Hispanic origin

<http://www.census.gov/popest/data/national/asrh/2011/index.html>

 

132.8 million

The projected Hispanic population of the United States on July 1, 2050. According to this projection, Hispanics will constitute 30 percent of the nation's population by that date. Source: Population Projections

<http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/population/cb08-123.html>

 

50.5 million

The number of Hispanics counted during the 2010 Census. This was about a 43 percent increase from the Hispanic population in the 2000 Census, which was 35.3 million. Source: The Hispanic Population: 2010

<http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-04.pdf>

 

2nd

Ranking of the size of the U.S. Hispanic population worldwide, as of 2010. Only Mexico (112 million) had a larger Hispanic population than the United States (50.5 million). Source: International Data Base

<http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/idbsum.html>

 

63%

The percentage of Hispanic-origin people in the United States who were of Mexican background in 2010. Another 9.2 percent were of Puerto Rican background, 3.5 percent Cuban, 3.3 percent Salvadoran and 2.8 percent Dominican. The remainder was of some other Central American, South American or other Hispanic/Latino origin. Source: The Hispanic Population: 2010

http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-04.pdf

 

Source of summary:  Kirk Whisler,   kirk@whisler.com
Hispanic Marketing 101Latino Print Network | 3445 Catalina Dr. | Carlsbad | CA | 92010

 

Characteristics of the 60 Largest Hispanic Metropolitan Areas
In 50 of the Top 60, Mexican-Origin Hispanics are the Largest Hispanic Group


Nearly half (45%) of the nation's Hispanic population lives in just 10 metropolitan areas and more than three-in-four (76%) live in 60 of the largest Hispanic metropolitan areas, according to an analysis of 2010 American Community Survey (ACS) data by the Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center. 

The Los Angeles, California, metropolitan area has the nation's largest Hispanic population—5.7 million—and alone accounts for more than one-in-ten (11%) Hispanics nationally. The New York-Northeastern New Jersey metropolitan area is the second largest by Hispanic population (4.2 million) and is home to 8% of Hispanics nationwide. Overall, 10 metropolitan areas have one million or more Hispanic residents. 

In addition, the Pew Hispanic analysis finds that in 13 of the 60 metropolitan areas, Hispanics are a majority of all residents. In two—Laredo, Texas, and McAllen, Texas—the Hispanic population share is above 90%. 

The Hispanic origin composition in the top 60 metropolitan areas also varies. In Miami-the seventh largest Hispanic metropolitan population-Cubans make up more than half (54%) of all Hispanics. In the Washington, D.C./Maryland/Virginia, area—the 12th largest Hispanic metropolitan population—Salvadorans are the largest, making up 34% of the area's Hispanic population. Puerto Ricans are the largest Hispanic origin group in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania/New Jersey, area—the 24th largest Hispanic metropolitan area—making up more than half (53%) of all Hispanics there.

Mexican-Americans are by far the nation's largest Hispanic origin group, comprising 65% of the total Hispanic population in the United States. They are also the largest Hispanic origin group in 50 of the 60 metropolitan areas covered by this report, and make up more than half of the Hispanic population in 46 of them. Additionally, in 33 of these metro areas Mexicans are not only the largest Hispanic origin group, they are also bigger than any other racial or ethnic group. 

This report compares the 10 metropolitan areas with the largest Hispanic populations on a range of demographic and socioeconomic variables—including Hispanic origin, age, nativity, citizenship, education, English proficiency, household income, homeownership, poverty and health insurance. 

Accompanying this report are statistical profiles for each of the 60 largest metropolitan areas by Hispanic population. Each statistical profile describes the demographic, employment and income characteristics of the Hispanic population in that metropolitan area, as well as the area's non-Hispanic white and black populations. Also accompanying the report are two interactive maps showing key characteristics of the Hispanic population in each of the nation's 60 largest metropolitan areas by Hispanic population and the distribution of the six largest Hispanic origin groups across the nation's more than 3,000 counties.

The report, "Characteristics of the 60 Largest Metropolitan Areas by Hispanic Population," authored by Seth Motel and Eileen Patten, research assistants, 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.

Sent by Bill Carmena  jcarm1724@aol.com 

2012 Convention Logo
National Association of Hispanic Publications |
 
529 14th St. NW | Suite 1126 | Washington | DC | 20045

NAHP Convention and Business Expo
Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence in the
Hispanic Publishing Industry
October 18-20, 2012
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
3999 Mission Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92109
800-422-8386
Convention Room Rates from $149/night!
Mention "NAHP Convention" for Convention Rates

Join NAHP in Sunny San Diego!     

The National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP) will be celebrating 30 Years of Leadership in Hispanic Print Media at the Annual NAHP Convention and Business Expo, October 18-20, 2012, at the Catamaran Resort and Hotel in San Diego, CA. This annual convention is the nation's oldest and largest gathering of Hispanic print media publishers, senior editors and executive management in the United States.

Hispanic Print Industry leaders will travel from across the country and Mexico to participate in cutting-edge workshops and lectures for industry leaders and newcomers, touching on best practices, advertising, sales, news and social media for an ever-strengthening Hispanic audience. While traditional media outlets are experiencing audience declines, Hispanic publications are bucking the trend and delivering an audience of young, educated and loyal readers. Hispanic purchasing power now exceeds $850 billion dollars, and the Hispanic population according to recent Census data now numbers over 50 million which includes Puerto Rico.

The National Hispanic Press Foundation will once again host a one-day Student Voices in Media Day - a journalism and publishing boot-camp for area university and high school students in conjunction with the NAHP convention.

For more information, including the convention agenda, registration fees, sponsorship opportunities and more information, visit: www.nahp.orgThe Annual NAHP Convention and Business Expo is generously sponsored by Microsoft, MillerCoors, Macy's, United Airlines and refuel among others.  United Airlines is the Official Airline of the 2012 NAHP Convention and Business Expo.

Charlie Ericksen, 
MALDEF Lifetime Achievement, 
         Community Service             
Washington D.C. Awards Gala, June 20th, 2012 

 



On June 20th, 2012, MALDEF honored Charlie Ericksen, Founder of the Hispanic Link News Service for the Lifetime Achievement in Community Service. This video shows a brief glimpse of Charlie Ericksen's contribution and accomplishments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzA1gFXlZqQ&feature=relmfu

 

Charlie Ericksen, 81 years old and still working a seven-day week, dropped out of Stanford University after two quarters to start his career as a teenage copyboy with the Los Angeles Mirror in 1948. He moved quickly to the sports desk, where he wrote a regular fishing column. Enlisting in the 40th Infantry Division, a Southern California National Guard unit, at age 18, he was called to active duty during the Korean War and served for 15 months in Japan and Korea. While in the Army, he wrote regular "Gl Overseas" feature columns for the Mirror.

Following his discharge, he spent another year as a general assignment and police beat reporter with the Mirror before taking leave to enroll on the Gl Bill at Mexico City College. He quit after six months to write free-lance as he wandered across Mexico, syndicating his adventures weekly in half a dozen Southwestern U.S. dailies.

During the infamous 1954 U.S. government's "Operation Wetback" drive, he crossed the border from Mexico with undocumented workers, labored on California Imperial Valley farms and documented the workers' plight in an award-winning series of articles syndicated nationally.

Back in Mexico, he lived in a Oaxacan seacoast village for more than a year. There he fished, played dominoes, drank coconut milk and a little beer and wrote a novel (never published) before returning to Southern California in 1956 with his Zapotec wife Sebastiana Mendoza and the first of their five children, Hector.

Over the next couple of decades he wrote for two Los Angeles newspapers, three TV stations, some Latino advocacy groups, the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, imported pihatas, and served in the first administration of California Gov. Jerry Brown as chief deputy director of the state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

[Editor: Prior to starting Hispanic Link News, Charlie published a magazine called La Luz.  If you have any copies, please keep them safe for eventual inclusion in the National Museum for the Latino Community.]

Finally in 1980, with wife Sebastiana and son Hector, he founded Hispanic Link News Service, the first nationally syndicated Hispanic column service, in Washington, D.C., which has trained more than 30CU-atinos and Latinos for careers in the profession and syndicated 5,000 columns authored by 700-plus Latino and Latino writers. The Link office wall is covered with "lifetime achievement" and other writing and community service awards.

He credits Sebastiana, who never attended school but conversed with four U.S. presidents (Clinton was her favorite), with raising their children and countless other extended family members who drifted in from Mexico, and himself. The inspiration for Hispanic Link News Service, Sebastiana died of cancer in 1996.

Charlie continues to work with HLNS as editor/publisher with his youngest son, Carlos Emilio Ericksen-Mendoza, who is the publisher of its newsweekly.

The other Ericksen-Mendoza children reside happily with their families in Sacramento and San Diego. One grandson, Robert, researched and wrote an epic poem about Sebastiana as his senior thesis at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. Charlie, grandfather of ten, is a founder of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the fourth member elected to its national Hall 
of Fame. Born in Chicago, he is the son of British and Norwegian parents. Go figure.

Source: MALDEF Program of the 2012 Washington, D.C. Awards Gala, held at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel
Sent by Dr. Joe V. Martinez   jvmart@verizon.net 



2012 Hispanic Heritage Month theme: "Diversity United, Building America's Future Today"

 

HISPANIC HERITAGE earned its month by Daisy Wanda Garcia
Daughter of civil rights pioneer Dr. Hector P. Garcia. She writes monthly for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. 

CORPUS CHRISTI — During the time period of September 15 to October 15, our nation honors the contributions, heritage and culture of Hispanic Americans to our country as Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Hispanic presence was and still is evident in all aspects of the development of this country. Hispanics were instrumental in exploring the Americas and helping the colonists obtain their liberty from England. Hispanics served their country valiantly in the armed forces since the Revolutionary War and through the present time.

The Hispanic Heritage Celebration was created by President Lyndon Johnson to recognize these contributions. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended the celebration to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. The White House established the National Hispanic Heritage Awards in 1987 in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month.

In 1989, my father Dr. Hector P. Garcia and I flew to Washington, D.C., to accept the National Hispanic Heritage Award in the area of Leadership. We felt honored by this tribute because Latinos consider the Hispanic Heritage Award the highest honor for Latinos. We were greeted by American GI Forum members at the airport and taken to the Washington hotel.

While I was with my father, I received another lesson on the Garcia code about taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. The night of the ceremony Papa asked me to hand out packets of information which he assembled for the attendees. I protested that this was a formal event and I did not want to carry the packets. So he responded, "You do not understand. These people have to listen to what I say for 20 minutes. This gives me an opportunity to share information that I want to put in their hands. We need to take advantage of the situation. It will help change people."

During the ceremony, Papa was recognized for his service to his county during World War II and for his leadership in being an activist for veterans and the community and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented to him by President Ronald Reagan, the highest award a civilian can receive. The Hispanic Heritage award read:

Dr. Garcia entered the U.S. Army as an officer in the Infantry. He served as an engineer for the Corps and Medical Corps in the European theater and attained the rank of Major. For his services, he received a Bronze Star and six Battle Stars. Upon returning to the United States, Dr. Garcia saw many problems with segregation and class differences. He became an activist for his community. The G.I. Forum initially started to improve veteran benefits and enhance medical attention, but soon expanded to address educational and vocational training, housing, public education, poll taxation, voter registration, hospitalization, and employment.

When it was his turn to speak, Papa briefly thanked the committee for the honor and began to deliver a powerful message, which was at the time in response to a strong anti-immigrant movement. He spoke about the English-only movement, and the attempt to eliminate all bilingual programs. The message lasted considerably more than the 20 minutes allotted to him so I had plenty of time to distribute the packet of information that my dad wanted delivered. Among the handouts was this beautiful pen and ink sketch of an eagle clutching the Constitution and a snake named "English only" in both talons surrounded by text listing freedom of speech, the press, religion and assembly.

Twenty years later Texas Senate Bill 495, authored by state Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, was passed and signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry designating every third Wednesday of September to remember Garcia's achievements and contributions.

I still have the pen and ink sketch and the memories. When I access the National Hispanic Heritage website, I take pride in what was said about my father, "Dr. Garcia passed away in 1996, but his legacy of helping those in need lives on today."

Email her at Wanda.garcia@sbcglobal.net   Posted September 1, 2012
Published by permission of the Corpus Christi Caller Times. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. http://analytics.apnewsregistry.com/analytics/v2/image.svc/CCCT/MAI/ccct_124676_2012-09-01T120000-0500/RWS/caller.com/PC/Basic/

Today we celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which serves as a great opportunity to recognize the contributions that Latinos have made to improve our nation. To commemorate the rich heritage of our people, LULAC is unveiling a mixture of dynamic events and online networking to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which is from September 15 – October 15. We have an exciting line-up that brings health fairs and an immigration summit to select cities and Hispanic-themed programming on your television. You will also receive a daily reminder to reflect on your health, the health of your family, and the health of your community in the new campaign, el Dato del Día. In addition, you should submit your unique family history, and each week one will be shared with the membership. Read more to get details!
SHARE YOUR STORY
This year we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by asking our members to submit their unique family history of settling in the U.S. Profiles along with photographs submitted will be captured in the next edition of the LULAC News. Also, each week a story will be shared with our membership. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the many contributions that Hispanics have made to the fabric of this country. Our membership holds a wealth of information and as the stories are submitted, each week we will share a story with our membership in order to encourage everyone to learn more about the history, struggles, and successes of their Hispanic brothers and sisters. Click to share your story now!
HISPANIC HEALTH AND HERITAGE SUMMITS
The Latinos Living Healthy Hispanic Heritage Month events, or the Hispanic Health and Heritage Summits, kickoff today in Los Angeles, and provide LULAC a unique platform for the inclusive discussion of health and culture. Workshops will focus on the links between our physical environments, our health, and community planning, and development. Expert panelists will share best practices and resources that attendees will be able to use to advocate for the health of minority populations who often live in low-income neighborhoods with less access to quality and affordable health care, grocery stores, transportation options, and where public safety is a concern. These summits will reach college age students as well as families and community members. Attendees will be encouraged to become active participants in local community planning discussions, and to serve as ambassadors for local families and individuals who are impacted by poor environments. The participation of key local and national leaders offers an exciting opportunity to dispel the myth that poor health is a result of personal choices. By targeting all generations of the family unit LULAC hopes to create a diverse dialogue around the factors that lead to illness and obesity.  In September, they were held in 
DIVERSITY ON DEMAND
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, LULAC is again partnering with the cable television industry to pay tribute to the powerful and positive influence of Hispanics in America by shining a spotlight on compelling Hispanic-themed programming and movies. This is the second year for the partnership’s Hispanic Heritage On Demand initiative. The programs run the spectrum from biographies of influential Hispanics and Latinos who have triumphed in the entertainment industry; their struggles during the civil rights movement, and the many culinary contributions Hispanics have made to influence a diverse nation. During Hispanic Heritage Month, culture-hungry viewers can visit here to hear a special message from LULAC National President Margaret Moran, further explore the cross-section of On Demand programming offered, engage in discussions with others, and support Hispanic Heritage Month On Demand by “liking” the page. Click for the full release.

IMMIGRATION SUMMIT
During Hispanic Heritage Month, you are invited to advocate on behalf of the Latino community to discuss opportunities for addressing immigration reform in LULAC’s Immigration Summit on October 4 from 10 AM – 4 PM in Washington, DC. We hope that you can attend a community discussion where decision makers from ICE and USCIS will touch on recent regulatory changes like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Attendees are urged to participate in break-out sessions with members of the current Administration, policy makers, community leaders and advocates, and LULAC members to share expertise and recommendations for how to address immigration reform. Click for more info.

DATOS DEL DIA
"37 million U.S. Residents (or 12.8% of the population) speak Spanish at home, y para aprender más, lea sobre alimentos nutritivos en www.FoodSafety.gov"

Would you find information like this helpful or interesting? If so, like Latinos Living Healthy on Facebook here and follow us on Twitter, with the hashtag #LLHdato, and receive daily reminders during Hispanic Heritage Month! LULAC’s new Datos del Día campaign will offer a wide range of resources, advice and data, in English and Spanish, surrounding Latino health in the United States and encompassing information on healthcare, food safety, obesity and other illnesses, hunger and policy. Consider it a daily reminder to reflect on your health, the health of your family, and the health of your community.  ¡Celebra la herencia hispana durante todo el mes con LULAC!

LULAC National Office, 1133 19th Street NW, Suite 1000 Washington DC 20036, (202) 833-6130, (202) 833-6135 FAX

 
Resources for 2012 Hispanic Heritage Month

http://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/    This Site Hosted by The Library of Congress
Sent by Bill Carmena  JCarm1724@aol.com 

Diversity Store:  We have numerous posters, buttons, lapel pins and Hispanic crafts available to help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.http://www.diversitystore.com/ds/index.cfm/category/3/hispanic-heritage.cfm 
http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=117860 
View the President's Proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month.
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2012/09/15/obama-proclamation-extols-hispanic-contribution-to-us/ 
Sent by Rafael Ojeda rsnojeda@aol.com 

MALDEF: "AMERICA, OUR HOME" SHORT FILM COMMEMORATING LATINO PATRIOTISM
Series of photos accompanied by a single male voice singing The Star-Spangled Banner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnBa1PmLujE&feature=share&list=UUhzGLQxV-ztZn91AaGYxsHQ
 
Sent by Tom Saenz  saenztomas@sbcglobal.net

No logras visualizar el decálogo, visita esta dirección http://www.mexicanisimo.com.mx/decalogo.html
Todos los miercoles mexicanisimo te sugiere, 10 actividades para disfrutar del pais y sus riquezas

Latinopia Newsletter mounts a monthly calendar, plus highlights artists and hsitorical figures.
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=ec89aabfc1515d5d48fc626a1&id=91cfe99ea6&e=a135590979 

Journal of Latinos and Education - a LEAD Projects Scholarly Publication
In honor of the 2012 observance, we are extending a free sample copy issue of the Journal of Latinos and Education.  Link here to view V10 N4: http://bit.ly/HispanicHeritage_HJLE 

Hispanic Heritage Month PBS: http://nalip.org/announcement.php?id=288 

 


HISPANICS BREAKING
BARRIERS

Second Volume, 11th Issue

By  
Mercy Bautista-Olvera  

The 11th issue 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.  

Judge Adalberto José Jordan:  United States Judge, Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit.  

Angela Salinas:  United States Major General

Alex Padilla:  California State Senate representing 20th District.

Esperanza (Hope) Andrade:  State Secretary, New Mexico

Judge Amanda Torres:  Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, Place 1  

 


Judge Adalberto José Jordan

Judge Adalberto José Jordan is serving as Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.  

Adalberto José Jordan was born in Havana, Cuba; he came with his family to Miami, Florida as a child.  He is married to Esther, a teacher at St. Brendan High School. The couple have two daughters, Diana and Elizabeth.  

In 1980, Jordan graduated from St. Brendan High School. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Politics, magna cum laude, from the University of Miami. In 1987, he earned a Jurist Degree from the University Of Miami School Of Law, graduating second in his law school class.

Jordan served as a clerk for Judge Thomas Alonzo Clark on the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, Georgia.  

From 1988 to 1989, Jordan served for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor on the United States Supreme Court.

In 1989, Jordan returned to Miami, Florida, and served an Associate for Steel, Hector & Davis, and  in 1994, he became an Assistant United States Attorney  for the Southern District of Florida.  In 1998, he was appointed Chief of the Appellate Division.

On March 15, 1999, former President Bill Clinton nominated Jordan to the seat on the United States District Court for the southern District of Florida. 

On August 2, 2011, President Obama nominated Jordan for the judgeship. On October 13th, 2011 the Senate Judiciary Committee approved his nomination.

On February 15, 2012, the United States Senate confirmed Jordan to the seat on the Eleventh Circuit in a 94–5 vote.

 “America will be a better place because of it," she said, referring to Judge Jordan's elevation to the appeals bench. He is the first Cuban-born person to sit on that court, which has jurisdiction over Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. He's a great teacher. He's beloved by his students. He's so anxious for them to succeed. So much so that Judge Jordan hires our students as clerks, and as Legal Corps fellows,” the dean further stated, "He never says no when we ask him for something," stated Miami Law Dean Patricia D. White.    

 


Major General Angela Salinas

Angela Salinas is serving as a General. She’s the first woman to command a Recruit Depot, the first Hispanic female to become a general officer.

She is the daughter of a mechanic and a housekeeper, who worked the “ranchitos” [farms] in South Texas. As a teenager her parents gave her advice that she has never forgotten, "Make a difference with what you have that maybe someone else does not."  

Salinas earned a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in History from Dominican College of San Rafael University of California and a Master’s Degree from the Naval War College. She is also a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School, the Naval War College’s Command and Staff College, and the Army War College.  

 

In 1974, Major General Angela Salinas began her military career at Parris Island, South Carolina in South Carolina after enlisting into the Unites States Marine Corps.

After graduation she was assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at MCAS Cherry Point, serving as a legal services officer.  In 1980, Salinas was assigned to Woman Recruit Training Command in Parris Island; she served as a Series Commander, Executive Officer. In 1986, she assumed command of headquarters and Service Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion until 1987. She soon became the Deputy G-1, 1st Force Service support Group both at Camp Pendleton, California.

In 1988, Salinas was transferred to serve as the executive officer for the Recruiting Station in Charleston in West Virginia. In 1992, she served as a combat battalion Operations Officer.  

She also served as the director of Manpower Management Division, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D. C.  

On August 2, 2006, Salinas was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

In August 2009, Salinas served as Director Manpower and Reserve Affairs at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

In May 2010, she was promoted to Major General.  Major General Angela Salinas is the first woman to command a Recruit Depot, the first Hispanic female to become a general officer, and only the sixth female in the Marine Corps to reach the rank of Brigadier General.

 

 


Esperanza (Hope) Andrade

Esperanza “Hope” Andrade is Texas’ 107th Secretary of State and one of six state officials to form the Executive Department of the State of Texas. Governor Rick Perry appointed Secretary Andrade as the first Latina Secretary of State, swearing her into office on July 23, 2008.

Esperanza Andrade was born in San Antonio, Texas. She is the adopted daughter of Eloisa, a native of Texas, and Mexican born, Elpidio Puente. Her parents worked in the cotton fields. She is married to Ramiro Andrade, the coupe have one son, Michael, a daughter-in-law, and three grandsons.

She attended Our Lady of the Lake University, University of Incarnate Word, and Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Secretary Andrade was a successful entrepreneur and leader in the San Antonio business community for more than three decades. Andrade served as chair of the Texas Transportation Commission.

Secretary Andrade served as Texas’ chief elections officer, chief international protocol officer, and Border Commerce Coordinator for Governor Rick Perry.    

"I'm honored. I'm humbled. It's been an emotional period for me because we made history today as the first Latina with that comes a tremendous responsibility, because now it's up to me to do an exceptional job so that the door remains open," she said in an interview after her swearing-in by Governor Perry. She said she feels a particular

responsibility to do "an exceptional job" because her appointment is a first for a Hispanic woman.  

The Secretary’s civic service includes previous leadership roles with the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Free Trade Alliance of San Antonio, the United Way, the San Antonio Symphony, and the board of trustees for Our Lady of the Lake University.

In recognition of her service to Texas, Secretary Andrade has received a number of accolades including the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s “Lifetime Achievement” award, the “Hope for Children Esperanza” award, and the San Antonio “Leadership Hall of Fame” award. Additionally, she has been named the “Woman of the Year” by the Houston Chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar, “Mother of the Year” by Avance and Small Business, and “Advocate of the Year” by the Small Business Administration.

In April, 2012, Andrade launched a voter educational program “Make your Mark on Texas” to encourage understanding and participation in the 2012 election-cycle.

Texas Secretary of State Esperanza Andrade also stated, “My parents taught me the need to be successful in life, they value hard work and taught me to value it as well.”    

 


Alex Padilla

Alex Padilla is a member of the California State Senate representing the 20th District.  On his first day in the Senate, Padilla was appointed to the powerful Senate Rules Committee which confirms gubernatorial appointments and refers all bills in the Senate.  

He is the son of immigrant parents from Mexico; he was raised in Pacoima, California (San Fernando Valley).

Alex Padilla was accepted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He worked for Hughes Aircraft, soon after Padilla worked for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and later, then-Assembly member Tony Cardenas.  

In 1999, Alex Padilla was first elected to public office when at the age of 26 he ran for Los Angeles City Council. Just two years later, in July of 2001, his council colleagues elected him council president. Padilla was not only the first Latino, but the youngest person ever elected city council president. He was unanimously re-elected twice and served as council president of America’s second largest city for 4 ½ years. He stepped down as council president on January 1, 2006 when he launched his campaign for the State Senate.

In his council district he was well known for bringing new libraries, fire stations and a new police division to his district as well as upgrading basic infrastructure including parks, streets, sidewalks, and streetlights that impact the quality of life in neighborhoods. He also led efforts to locate and fund the construction of the new Children’s Museum of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley

As City council president, Alex Padilla provided citywide leadership at critical times - among them, hiring William Bratton as Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, developing a plan to redesign the Los Angeles International Airport, and served as Acting Mayor during the tragedy of September 11. 

His leadership abilities did not go unnoticed. He served as Chair of the Los Angeles Leadership Council of the American Diabetes Association from 2006-2007 and now serves as Chair of the Honorary Board.

From 2005 to 2006 Padilla led California’s 478 cities as President of the League of California Cities. His service with the League of California Cities provided him unique opportunities to participate in negotiations on statewide issues. He negotiated with legislative leaders and the governor to place Proposition 1A on the ballot, which subsequently was approved with more than 80% of the vote and now constitutionally protects local government funding from state raids.

As a member of the Senate, Alex Padilla represents more than 850,000 residents of San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles.  

 

Judge Amanda Torres
Judge Amanda Torres 

Judge Amanda N. Torres was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas.  

She attended Lexington Elementary, South Park Middle School, and Carroll High School. Judge Torres graduated from Texas A&M University - College Station in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a minor in Chemistry. Judge Torres attended and graduated from St. Mary's University School of Law in 2007, and is an attorney licensed to practice law in Texas.  

Judge Torres served as a judicial intern with the 13thCourt of Appeals, Corpus Christi division, where she reviewed civil and criminal cases on appeal, conducted extensive legal research, and drafted legal opinions to be used by the various justices and their law clerks.  

Judge Torres also worked as a student attorney as part of the St. Mary's Civil Justice and Litigation Clinic, offering appropriate legal services in English and Spanish to low income and homeless clients at various shelters in San Antonio, Texas.  

She worked as a prosecutor in the Nueces County District Attorney's Office handling misdemeanor and felony cases. Judge Torres was appointed by the Nueces County Commissioners as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, Place 1 and sworn into office on September 30, 2009.  

In 2010, Judge Amanda N. Torres was elected to serve on the board of directors for the Council on Alcohol and Drug AbuseCoastal Bend.  

 


Immigration News: New Data Show Population, Migration Trends


Based on the 2010 American Community Survey, researchers at the non-profit Pew Research Center have developed a ranking system and map that depict important population and migration trends among the Latino population in the United States.

While the data reported a consolidation and increase of the Latino presence in long-time strongholds including California, Texas, Florida, New York City and Chicago, the latest population numbers also document tremendous growth in places like Atlanta, Georgia, whose 530,000 Latinos made up 10.8 percent of the total metro area’s population, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where 189,279 residents, or 9.7 percent of the population, were of Latino heritage.

In both Atlanta and Charlotte, people of Mexican origin constituted the majority national group of the Latino population, with 58.5 percent and 50.5 percent of the population share, respectively.

In 2010, El Paso ranked number 14 on the list of the top 60 Latino metropolitan areas. El Paso’s 662,000 Latinos constituted 82.3 percent of the overall population, with 30 percent of the Latino community born abroad. At 96 percent, Mexican-origin residents comprised the overwhelming majority of the Latino community.

Just across the state line in New Mexico, the Las Cruces area, which consists of Dona Ana County, came in at number 50 on the list. The 138,829 Latino residents represented 65.9 percent of the entire local population. With 25.1 percent of all Latino respondents reporting a foreign birthplace, Las Cruces’ immigrant population was proportionally smaller than El Paso’s, though not by a huge difference.

Four hours north of the US-Mexico border, Albuquerque placed number 26 on Pew’s list. New Mexico’s largest city was home to 411,000 Latinos who constituted 47.0 percent of the total population in an expanding metro area. Immigrants were a much smaller share of the overall Latino population than in either El Paso or Las Cruces, with 15.9 percent of the survey takers claiming a birth place outside the United States.

Another difference between Albuquerque and El Paso-Las Cruces, which together with Ciudad Juarez has emerged as a single metro area for all practical purposes, was that a greater percentage of residents claimed a Spanish heritage.

The two biggest U.S. Latino population centers were in Los Angeles-Long Beach, with 5.7 million residents out of a total of 12.8 million, and New York City-northeast New Jersey, with 4.2 million residents out of 17.8 million. Of the 60 U.S. metropolitan areas covered in the study, immigrants were the greatest percentage of the Latino resident population in the Miami-Hialeah area, with slightly more than two-thirds of the group born outside the country’s borders.

While Mexico still remains the recent or ancestral homeland of most US Latinos, significant numbers of people also trace their roots to Cuba, Puerto Rico, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, among other places. The latest data compiled by Pew signify transcendental social, cultural, economic and political ramifications for the 21st century United States. Readers interested in the top 60 Latino metropolitan areas and accompanying map can go to:

http://www.pewhispanic.org/hispanic-population-in-select-u-s-metropolitan-areas/#map
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: e-mail fnsnews@nmsu.edu
Sent by Jerry Javier Lujan  jerry_javier_lujan@yahoo.com


Why Latinos Need to Register and Vote
By: Arturo Vargas

Arturo Vargas is the Executive Director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund.  The organization is the nation's leading non-partisan, non-profit organization that facilitates full Latino participation in the American political process, from citizenship to public service. He served on the Census Advisory Committee from 2000-2011, appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

Latinos are the fastest-growing and second largest population group in the United States. According to projections from the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, more than 12.2 million Latino voters are expected to cast ballots on Election Day, an increase of 26 percent from 2008. 

The Latino voter will again be a decisive force in the White House race, in addition to statewide and local elections across the nation.  Latinos are predicted to be the deciding factor this November in nine key states, which carry 101 Electoral College votes of the 270 needed for either President Obama or Governor Romney to win this year.

Despite the ability of the Latino voter to shape America's political landscape more than 10 million Latinos are expected not to vote this November.  

Imagine the electoral potential if all 23.5 million Latino citizens of voting-age were not only registered, but voted. Imagine if all Americans of voting-age were not only registered, but voted.

Campaigns and candidates are battling for support and for voters to rally behind their ideas and their leadership. Voting does not just send a candidate to Washington D.C., the state legislature or city hall; it speaks to the issues most pressing in a voter's life such as the economy, education, and healthcare.

We can bring change to our communities, but we need to vote.  In order to secure funding for schools, to create new jobs and safer streets we must cast our ballot in every election including the next one on November 6.

Ensuring today's voter is informed, empowered, and inspired to own this year's election means continuing to eliminate the barriers that prevent participation. Now more than ever, the need to register to vote is high.

Registering to vote hass never been easier. NALEO Educational Fund, in collaboration with other national Latino organizations and Spanish-language media, coordinates the historic non-partisan Latino ya es hora ("It's Time") civic participation campaign, which helps voters navigate the registration process.

Individuals interested in registering to vote can call ya es hora's national bilingual hotline, 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA, which is operational year-round to help voters with electoral information. While the Post Office and libraries provide voter registration forms, citizens can also register to vote easily online at www.YaEsHora.info . It takes less than 5 minutes to complete, and once complete, must be printed, stamped, and mailed. In addition, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will offer Californians the ability to register to vote online without needing to print the form by visiting www.dmv.ca.gov .

With less than three months until Election Day, it is critical people register to vote ahead of the registration deadline. The registration deadline in California is October 22, however it is never too early to register to vote or to encourage others to do the same. Registering to vote is the first step towards bettering communities and country. The second is making an informed vote on November 6 that speaks on what matters most to you. The next is continued engagement. Only through active participation, year after year, will we continue strengthening our democracy and our country.

Make your vote count on November 6. Register to vote!

# # #

Sent by Kirk Whisler 
kirk@whisler.com
Latino Print Network | 3445 Catalina Dr. | Carlsbad | CA | 92010
www.mylatinonetwork.com      Latino Marketing 101 


Heads up
HR 4646:  DEBT FREE AMERICA ACT . . .   WHAT IS IT?
Is the U.S. government proposing a 1% tax on debit card usage and/or banking transactions?  YES

The  "Debt Free America Act" (H.R. 4646 ) would impose a 1 percent "transaction tax" on every financial transaction.

This is a 1% tax on all transactions at any financial institution - banks, credit unions, savings and loans, etc. Any deposit you make, or even a transfer within your own bank from one account to another, will have a 1% tax charged. 

If your paycheck or your Social Security or whatever is direct deposit, it will get a 1% tax charged for the transaction. 

If your paycheck is $1000, then you will pay the government $10 just for the privilege of depositing your paycheck in your bank. Even if you hand carry your paycheck or any check in to your bank for a deposit, 1% tax will be charged. 

You receive a $5,000 stock dividend from your broker, the government takes $50 just to allow you to deposit that check in the bank.   If you take $1,000 cash to deposit at your bank, 1% tax will be charged. 

The plan was first submitted by Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) in 2010. 

www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/111/hr4646  
Feb 23, 2010 – Feb 23, 2010. H.R. 4646 (111th). 

HEADS UP:   Former DEATH TAX REINSTATED, AS OF JANUARY 1, 2013

http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/federal-estate-tax-reinstated-at-new-exe-31221/ 

 
"We must put an end to the arrogance of a federal establishment that accepts no blame for our condition, cannot be relied upon to give us a fair estimate of our situation, and utterly refuses to live within its means. ... We must force the entire federal bureaucracy to live in the real world of reduced spending, streamlined function, and accountability to the people it serves." --Ronald Reagan

=================

U.S. Nears Aid Deal to Relieve $1 Billion in Egyptian Debt
By STEVEN LEE MYERS

The federal administration is nearing an agreement with the country’s new government to relieve $1 billion of its debt as part of an American assistance package intended to bolster its transition to democracy

http://www.nytimes.com/?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=
1346714017-/qAGUoOR/tN6cveKbxsG7g
 

 

 

The United States has 5% of the world’s population and 66% of the world’s lawyers!  

http://www.motherjones.com/files/gse_legal_fees_breakdown.pdf   

Government paid Freddie Mac legal expenses

=================

aolemb://B99E285C-5E67-4AEE-9067-C500A0E256CA/Untitled.jpg

Wordwide Recoverable Coal Reserves 
The United States as a whole has more recoverable coal resources than any other country on the planet-
over 262 billion tons-- enough to last over 200 years

Long after the rest of the world's coal, petroleum and natural gas reserves have run out, America will still have enough coal to satisfy its energy needs.   Coal is formed from ancient plant material accumulating over long periods of time in swamp conditions so devoid of oxygen that bacteria could not exist to cause decay. Being composed almost entirely of plant fossils, coal is in effect concentrated sunlight, and is one of our most important fossil fuels.

Figure 1. Adapted from International Energy Outlook; Energy Information Administration (EIA), Office of Integrated Analysis and Forecasting, U.S. Department of Energy, May, 2009

Because coal is found in 34 of the 50 United States, it can be mined and delivered to virtually any place in the country to make electricity. Generating electricity close to where it is used minimizes power loss due to the electrical resistance on transmission lines. Coal is used to generate electricity in every U.S. state, including Hawaii.  

Coal currently generates about 50% of the electricity used in the U.S., and over 98% of that coal is mined here at home
In 2008 approximately 1.17 billion tons of coal were consumed in the U.S. to produce electricity, steel, plastics, aspirin, cosmetics, asphalt, and a variety of other products. Coal is also a valuable raw material for making liquid fuels like methanol and gasoline, as the Germans were doing during World War II and like the South Africans are doing today.

Complete report:  http://www.geocraft.com/WVFossils/Energy.html 


Two kinds of austerity by Veronique de Rugy

The Washington Examiner, May 10, 2012

 

Austerity is destroying Europe, we are told. In fact, this "anti-austerity" slogan is supposedly an important reason for defeat of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy and for the victory of newly elected socialist Francois Hollande.

First, France has yet to cut spending. In fact, to the extent that the French are frustrated with "budget cuts," it's only because the increase in future spending won't be as large as they had planned. The same can be said about the United Kingdom. Spain, Italy and Greece have had no choice to cut some spending. However, in the case of these particular countries, the cuts were implemented alongside large tax increases. In fact, The Washington Examiner's Conn Carroll calculated that "Europe raised taxes by almost 9 for every 1 in actual spending cuts."

This approach to austerity, also known in the United States as the "balanced approach," has unfortunately proven a recipe for disaster. In a 2009 paper, Harvard University's Alberto Alesina and Silvia Ardagna looked at 107 attempts to reduce the ratio of debt to gross domestic product over 30 years in countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. They found fiscal adjustments consisting of both tax increases and spending cuts generally failed to stabilize the debt and were also more likely to cause economic contractions. On the other hand, successful austerity packages resulted from making spending cuts without tax increases. They also found this form of austerity is more likely associated with economic expansion rather than with recession.

The Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia provide good examples of successful fiscal adjustments. In the last few years, and contrary to the rest of Europe, the Baltic countries have focused on significantly cutting government spending without equivalent increases in taxes. As a result, the Cato Institute's Dan Mitchell reports, between 2008 and 2011, Estonia and Lithuania reduced nominal spending by 5 percent, and Latvia by 11 percent. France and the United Kingdom increased spending more than 8 percent over the same period, and Spain and Italy increased spending by 3 percent. In contrast to these others, the Baltic states have experienced some of the largest economic gains in the world: Between 2009 and 2010, Estonia's economy rose from an annual GDP growth of minus-13 percent to 3.1 percent.

Sweden is another good example. The data show that after the recession, Sweden's finance minister, Anders Borg, not only successfully implemented reduction in welfare spending but also pursued economic stimulus through a permanent reduction in the country's taxes, including a 20-point reduction to the top marginal income tax rate. As a result, the country's economy is now the fastest-growing in Europe, with real GDP growth of 5.6 percent. Unsurprisingly, the Financial Times recently declared Borg the most effective finance minister in Europe.

While the debate over austerity continues, the evidence seems to point to the conclusion that austerity can be successful, if it isn't modeled after the "balanced approach." It's a lesson for the French and other European countries, as well as for American lawmakers who often seem tempted by the lure of closing budget gaps with higher taxes.

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

 



WITNESS TO HERITAGE

TUSD Board defies Federal Desegregation Order, eliminates Mexican American Studies.
La Raza Unida Party Reunion: What I Saw and Heard by James Rodriguez
Rag Radio: Interviews with early leaders in the Raza Unida Party in Texas
Commentary on the Significance of "El Grito" by Dr. Lino Garcia, Jr. - UTPA
 
TUSD Board defies Federal Desegregation Order by eliminating Mexican American Studies.

MAS in Tucson was created and funded by a Federal Desegregation order vand as quiet as it's kept - Arizona is still a part of the United States. They are ultimately subject to the same rule of law the rest of us are. Watch above as one of the SES attorney's Jana Happel explains to the TUSD board why they are on the wrong side of history.

Video: History of Desegregation in TUSD and that MAS is federally protected

Sent by Carlos Munoz, Ph.D. cmjr1040@gmail.com

Editor:   I just wish more would have been included in the presentation about the efforts of  Mexican Americans for historic inclusion.  


La Raza Unida Party Reunion: What I Saw and Heard by James Rodriguez

They don’t teach about La Raza Unida Party in high school. At least not at my high school, a public institution which prides
itself in preparing young students for the future that lies ahead of them.

As a young high school journalist enticed by the possibility of a freelance job, I quickly agreed to show up at Mexitas Mexican
Restaurant the morning of July 6 without bothering to ask what I would be writing about, unaware of any reunion of La Raza Unida
Party.

Still a stranger to the ideas behind La Raza Unida Party, a political party which paved the way for Hispanic youth such as myself, I entered the bingo hall adjoining Mexitas Mexican Restaurant and was greeted by the sight of thirty or so elderly Hispanic men and women bustling across the room, setting up chairs and sharing hugs and kisses for old friends, some of whom they had not seen in
decades.

Lines of tables and plastic chairs, all neatly positioned and uniformly colored, faced a stage at the far end of the hall. Two tables
for participant registration lined the walkway through the door which I had just entered. Although there was not nearly enough
people in the room to fill up all the chairs, the hall already seemed full with noise, as everyone seemed to be everywhere at
once, snapping pictures, setting up booths displaying books on La Raza Unida Party. Tejano music burst out of speakers posted
throughout the room.

The fact that I was one of only three or four people present under the age of 50 meant that I was easily distinguishable from the
rest of the crowd, and was quickly introduced to several former members of the party. They all told me that they were happy to have me there, but I remained unsure of what “there” was. It was clear to me that some research would be necessary.

I committed half an hour to skimming a few pamphlets and newspaper articles which gave me a quick glimpse into La Raza Unida Party and the reunion which was to take place the following day. I then set out to mingle amongst the former members of La Raza Unida Party while my knowledge of the party was still fresh in my mind, and quickly came to a realization. Purefacts and dates cannot convey what it meant to be a part of La Raza Unida Party.

Founded in 1970 in Crystal City, Texas with a vision of giving a stronger voice to the Mexican-American population, La Raza
Unida Party eventually grew to become a nationwide movement until its demise in 1978. Forty years after Ramsey Muniz ran as
the party’s first gubernatorial candidate in 1972, former members and candidates reunited to share experiences and remember their
accomplishments, while maintaining conversation on the future of the Hispanic community. I had heard stories from my grandfather of the disconnect between the Mexican-American majority in South Texas and the Anglo-dominated political offices. It was situations such as these around which La Raza Unida formulated its mission of giving power to the vast number of  Mexican-Americans living in South Texas.

Although the party itself hasn’t been active for over thirty years, its former members showed no signs of slowing down. Modesta
Trevino, another activist who went on to have a career in education, was adamant that she is still politically active, and eagerly
showed me a black and white picture of a smiling younger version of herself posing with Cesar Chavez. The same youthful energy which brought La Raza Unida Party to prominence in the seventies was still present, as volunteers worked tirelessly to make sure all those arriving were registered and checked in to their hotels, where they would spend the night before the following day’s main event.

Renewed cries of joy and laughter rang out as each new arrival walked through the door, another member of the family that made up La Raza Unida Party.  The pride each one of them held for their involvement in the movement was evident in the number of tan colored shirts bearing the “Raza Unida” logo and the words “La Raza Unida Party 40th Reunion” worn throughoutthe crowd.

It was less than 24 hours before the main event, and I was put to work helping carry a few boxes of books for Resistencia Bookstore, a local bookstore founded by poet and activist Raul R. Salinas which specialized in books concerning Hispanic
activism and human rights.  Resistencia, as well as a group advocating for the freedom of political prisoner Alvaro Luna Hernandez and professor of Chicano Studies at the University of California Riverside and author Dr. Armando Navarro, occupied
tables in the hall where they displayed information and books.

Preparations and registration were coming to a close and I exited the bingo hall, deep in thought about the historic event which I would be a part of. Immortal we are not, and the activists I had just met in the hall were all eager to pass on their story to a younger generation, my generation. After all, many of them were only a few years my senior when they facilitated the change
they so desired.

Through their work, La Raza Unida transcended any labels as simply a third political party and came to embody the struggle for
Mexican-Americans to be heard, a struggle that continues today and one which members do not shy away from. True, there is still
discrimination, high school dropout rates are still high and voting rates are low. But these statistics only make a reunion of La Raza Unida Party activists even more critical. It is during times like these when the work of La Raza Unida Party should be remembered most.


James Rodriguez is a LASA student
at LBJ High School in Austin, Texas.
La Voz, September 2012, Page 10

 

Rag Radio: Raza Unida Party in Texas

Rag Radio v July 6, 2012 v Legacy of La Raza Unida v Thorne Dreyer Interviews María Elena Martínez & Luz Bazán Gutiérrez  http://archive.org/details/RagRadio2012-07-06-MariaElenaMartinezLuzBazanGutierrez 

Listen to the Interview. The interview is 55 minutes.

“In 1970 young Mexican American firebrands in South Texas rose up to demand change, speaking out against discrimination and creating their own political party, which they called La Raza Unida. In the span of about eight years, La Raza Unida energized a youthful following, spread to other states and elected candidates in Texas' predominantly rural Mexican American communities where Anglos historically dominated... Now graying and with a few in their 70s and beyond, some party activists [gathered in Austin, Texas, July 6-7, 2012] for a rare La Raza Unida reunion and conference. " -- Austin American-Statesman.

Maria Elena Martinez was the last chair of the Raza Unida Party in Texas, serving from 1976–78. Maria Elena, who has a Masters in Education from the University of Texas at Austin, worked in private and public education for 34 years, specializing in bilingual education. A volunteer at Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change, a project of the Indigenous Women's Network, Martinez now dedicates her time to spiritual work and healing. Since 1992 she has studied Shamanism through the Foundation for Shamanic Studies and is a Minister of the Circle of the Sacred Earth.

Luz Bazan Gutierrez was in Crystal City at the formation of the Raza Unida Party and was the first Raza Unida Party county chair for the state of Texas. Then married to Raza Unida founder Jose Angel Guitterez, she was instrumental in a move to empower women in the male-dominated movement. Luz Bazan was named one of “100 People of Influence” by Pacific Magazine, and has received a national Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with the Latino community and a Peace and Justice award for her work related to empowering low income persons. She is president and CEO of Rural Community Development Resources in Yakima, Washington.

Host and Producer of Rag Radio: Thorne Dreyer; Engineer and Co-Producer: Tracey Schulz. Rag Radio (koop.org/ragradio) is produced in the studios of KOOP 91.7-FM, an all-volunteer, cooperatively-run community radio station in Austin, Texas, in association with The Rag Blog (theragblog.blogspot.com) and the New Journalism Project, a Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Contact: ragradio@koop.org Running time: 54:27.

This audio is part of the collection: Community Audio
It also belongs to collection: Artist/Composer: Rag Radio with Thorne Dreyer  Date: 2012-07-06
Keywords: Rag Radio; Maria Elena Martinez; Luz Bazan Gutierrez; La Raza Unida; Thorne Dreyer; 
Creative Commons license: Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 United States




COMMENTARY ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF  “ EL GRITO”

OF THE “ 16 DE  SEPTIEMBRE”

 By: Dr. Lino García,Jr.-UTPA

In 1519, Hernán Cortés and his soldiers, after having first arrived in the Port of Veracruz, traveled into mainland México and immediately heard of the vast richness of the Aztecs. Along the way, the Spaniards had made friends with an Indian tribe who were enemies of the Aztecs, and Cortés had befriended an Indian Princess named Doña Malinche. These events, plus the belief among the Aztecs that eventually a White God would someday arrive to conquer them, made it somewhat easy for Cortés and the few of his men to conquer a nation that had thousands of soldiers. However, it was not until the year 1521 when the entire Aztec nation was finally subdued and México became a possession and colony of Spain .  

Having just finished a battle against the Arabs, and defeating them at Granada in 1492, Spain was now unified in religion, race, and monarchy. Queen Isabela and King Fernando now ruled a huge empire, and the Spanish Empire looked for new ventures to conquer, thus the New World opened up to them, thrusting Spain into the mainstream of its destiny and commencing so huge an adventure unequal in world history.  After almost 800 hundred years of fighting the Moslems, Spain had developed a unique military mindset, and its soldiers needed an adventure equal to none; and Cortés was able to open the New World for its Conquest and Colonization that lasted until the year 1821, when México then  gained its Independence from Spain.  

The Mexican Empire of that time covered hundreds of miles into what is now the United States of America , extending its borders way into what is now the state of Kansas and perhaps beyond.  The entire border area covering what is now Texas was then called “El Seno Mexicano", or the Mexican Heartland, an immense area where Indians roamed and where pilgrimages from the interior of México were common as a way of  bathing  in nature and receiving a sort of cosmic awakening. In 1528, the first Spaniards to travel into what is now Texas were Cabeza de Vaca and Pánfilo de Narváez, with Cabeza de Vaca becoming the first European to write the first narrative "Los Naufragios", the first account of the flora and fauna of this land,  in addition to identifying all tribes of Indians living in Texas. We know that Captain Alonzo de Pineda drew the first map of Texas and sailed around the coast of Texas in 1519, however he never landed. These were the first excursions of Europeans Hispanics into what is now Texas, providing the Spanish authorities with information needed for further colonization. As the state became better known to the authorities in Spain. plans went into execution to colonize what is now Texas by the Spanish government. Thus began the systematic colonization of the Southwest, including what is now Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada  and California.    

Colonel José de Escandón, the colonizer of South Texas, brought Spanish/Mexican families from Queretaro, Saltillo, and Monterrey in 1749 into this area to develop its land, raise cattle, build the ranching industry, starting the first cattle drives, and to construct communities in the name of the King of Spain. The year of 1749 is still approximately 61 years before the start of the separation from Spain which occurred in a little village of Dolores Hidalgo in Mexico on September 16, 1810. Ideas from French  philosophers such as Voltaire, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu that sparked the French Revolution of 1789 made their way to “ La Nueva España’ and infused the thinking of individuals like Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla who initiated the struggle for independence, under his command and that of his colleague José María Morelos Their efforts were  defeated by the Spanish Royalists, and it was not until the year 1821 that México finally won its freedom from Spain, liberating not only what is now México, but the entire Southwest of the United States, including Texas. We know that “ El Grito” of September 16, 1810 resonated throughout Texas and  that two skirmishes in support of Padre Hidalgo occurred on Texas soil after 1810:  the “  de las Casas Revolt in 1811”  and the “ Battle of Medina in 1813” where close to one thousand Tejanos perished in support of freedom from oppression. In addition the  then Municipality of San Antonio de Béjar, consisting of Tejano councilmen, voted to support  Padre Miguel Hidalgo’s efforts. We must keep in mind that after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, the original settlers of Texas ,the TEJANOS, now became Mexican-Americans and citizens of the United States, after having resided in Texas well over 300 years, and making vast  contributions to the culture we all now enjoy, the most prominent were the ranching, the cattle industry and all of its related culture that makes Texas so unique from the rest of the nation. In other words the Tejanos did not cross the Río Grande River, the river crossed them.  Thus, the “ El Grito of 1810” also liberated the Tejanos as well. We must also remember that at various times before 1845 , a total of  32 Spanish governors ruled what is now Texas , setting the stage for the many institutions present day Texans enjoy and take for granted. Institutions such as the first concept of public education established in 1690 at first a component of the Missions, and then in 1748 for the children of San Fernando de Béjar  that set the stage for the public system of education, establishing tuition free and compulsory attendance for the students of those early days in what is now Texas. Also established by Tejanos were the code of laws that the Spanish authorities , such as water laws, family laws, and land laws still in place in this state, laws that were a replica of the “ Las Siete Partidas”, a a jurisprudence codes of conduct first introduced in Spain by Alfonso  X-El Sabio during the 13thl century;  also the first hospital, the ranching industry, cattle drives, the first municipal government, the first  system of farming, the naming of rivers, the first “ Compañía de  Caballería o de Volantes”, patterned after the “ La Santa Hermandad” of Medieval Spain, formed to protect its citizens, and brought over to  New Spain, and that later on evolved into the Texas Rangers,  the Christianization of the Indian population, banking, trade, religion townships, and other institutions that now comprise modern Texas. 

All of the above were brought to Texas by these enterprising Spanish/Mexican individuals, and these institutions are what make Texas different from other states.  Practically everything Texas brags about is TEJANO :  the longhorns, mustangs ( mesteños), rodeos, the chile, the  boots, spurs, chaps ( chaparreras), ten gallon hat ( sombrero de diez  galones) as the northern individual coming in to Texas after 1821, at the invitation of Tejano/Mexican government, shed their moccasins , their coon hat, their clothing, their habits and adopted the Tejano style; also the  patio, rancho, barbacoa ( desde la barba hasta la cola), carne seca ( jerky meat), flour tortillas, huevos rancheros, tacos, enchiladas, carne guisada,  all of these were unknown to the newly arrived immigrants from the north who were given land grants by the Mexican government who ruled Texas at that time , and who also became Mexican citizens,  as well as adopted the Catholic religion, and were asked to  form schools in their colonies by the Mexican government, their host at that time. Although , there were some vivid concern among the Tejano community that many of the northerners were coming into Texas after 1821 without proper documentation as required by México.  The “ Empresario” Esteban F. Austin ( that is how he signed his name in his perfect Spanish in corresponding with the Mexican authorities in the interior of México)  and his 30 original colonies came into Texas in 1821, via these land grants offered by the Mexican authorities two hundred and ninety three years AFTER the first Hispanics landed on Texas soil in 1528. If these early Spanish/Mexican pioneers, who tracked this land we call Texas centuries ago, had not brought these institutions, Texas would now look like Ohio or Illinois. The Tejano community deserves much credit, for “How the West was won “  and  for having prepared the land for the later on westward movement depicted in regular history books.

Having said that, let’s now connect the historical dotes:   

a.) The French Revolution of 1789 and its ideas of freedom from tyranny were imported to “ La Nueva España”. Padre Hidalgo and a few of his close associates read the ideas of freedom imparted by the French  philosophers Voltaire, Rousseau , and Montesquieu.

b.) On September 10, 1810 “ El Grito “ was proclaimed by Padre Hidalgo in support of freedom from Spain. “ El Grito “ then resonated throughout all of Texas, liberating Tejanos, and infusing them with the sentiment of freedom also .

c.) Two skirmishes were fought on Texas soil ( “ the de las Casas Revolt of 1811), and ( the Battle of Medina of 1813, where close to one thousand Tejanos perished in their pursue of freedom) ; and  all of these events happening on Texas soil before the arrival of a.) Esteban F. Austin with his colonies in 1821 at the invitation of the then Mexican Authorities who bestowed on them huge land grants as an incentive to come to then Mexican controlled Texas .b.), David Crockett, William Travis, c.) and other prominently mentioned in normal Texas History texts .

d.) These sentiment , framework and the desire for freedom within the Tejano community were formulated by Tejanos between  1810 to 1836.

f.) All of the above events then culminated in the Battle of the Alamo of 1836. Since the northerners did not arrive in Texas until 1821 it is, then , inconceivable that within fifteen years after arriving on Texas soil, the northerners would have had time to prepare  for this last mentioned Battle of the Alamo of 1836, and so they merely joined the Tejanos in their common struggle and their work in progress; thus it was the Tejanos and their thirst for liberty from Spain that ignited all future events. Tejanos were the first ones to set the framework, and the sentiment for freedom, the first ones to perish in support of liberty, and unfortunately the first ones to be forgotten in the pages of Texas History. No longer!                                                                       

Thus, all Texans, should be proud that the “ El Grito of 1810”  belongs to them also. That is why residents of this state celebrate the “ 16 de Septiembre “ in what is now modern Texas. It is their common heritage, and a pre-1836 seamless part of Texas  history that we cannot longer ignore. Furthermore “ El Grito “ or Cry for Freedom belongs to all humans, and transcends geopolitical boundaries.                   

Dr. Lino García,Jr.,is an 8th. generation Tejano with ancestral Spanish land grants dating to 1767 on Texas soil, nine years before the American Revolution.  He holds the chair of Professor Emeritus of Spanish Literature at UTPA, and can be reached at:

(956) 665-3441 or at: LGarcia@UTPA.Edu   
Sent by Placido Salazar psalazar9@satx.rr.com

ERASING HISTORIC REALITY

Opinion: Latinos Not at the Table  By Ruben Navarrette
Using Your Full Name
Opinion: Latinos Not at the Table By Ruben Navarrette
mercurynews.com  Posted: 09/13/2012 
SAN DIEGO -- I hear it from Latinos all the time: One of the things they find galling about the mainstream media is when they turn on the television and four pundits are sitting at a table discussing Latinos or some issue that impacts Latinos -- and there isn't a single Latino present. 

The optics are terrible. Can you imagine the trouble that a network would get into for having four males talk about abortion or equal pay without a woman at the table? How about having four white people talk about African-Americans without a single African-American in the conversation? 

With Latinos, this is the new normal. While the United States is multicultural, the world of commentary is still largely black and white. Even though Latinos are now the largest minority in America and represent 16 percent of the U.S. population, on most of the big five TV networks -- ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, CNN -- it's still rare to find them serving as commentators, analysts or pundits. 

In the September edition of its publication "Extra," the liberal-leaning media-watchdog organization Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting revealed the findings of a survey of the lack of Latino voices in the media. 

On television, it found that "even when the coverage directly involves and impacts Latinos, their voices are scarce. In a year's worth of cable coverage of Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio -- who was recently sued by the Justice Department for unlawful discrimination against Latinos -- those actually targeted by his policies were included in the conversation only two out of 21 times." 

And they're not the only ones lagging behind reality. People in my profession -- print journalism and opinion writing -- also need to do a lot better in terms of achieving diversity beyond black and white. 

According to the survey, in a two-month period, Latinos accounted for less than half of 1 percent of op-ed bylines in major newspapers -- two articles in The New York Times, one in The Wall Street Journal, and none in the Washington Post. 

Take it from a Latino who has been writing op-eds and columns for more than 20 years, this isn't just bad for Latinos. It's also horrible for the media. 

Some will contend that Latinos can always find their voice on Univision, the nation's largest Spanish-language network. But according to studies of the Latino population, only about 20 percent are Spanish dominant; eight out of 10 speak English, or some combination of English and Spanish. So it's English-language media that have to change with the times. 

To add insult to injury, some white commentators who try to ad-lib and say something intelligent about a population of people they don't understand will often wind up with both feet in their mouth. 

Take MSNBC's Chris Matthews, who during the Democratic National Convention marveled at the likes of Julian Castro after the San Antonio mayor gave the keynote address. In a rambling monologue that was painful to watch, Matthews talked about how there is this group of people out there who don't want to be victims or go on welfare, who are living the American dream and just want to work hard and contribute, and how they have "a very similar immigrant experience" as Americans whose ancestors came from Europe. 

Gee, Chris. Thanks, I guess. That was nice -- condescending but nice. Just one thing. Not all of the 50 million Latinos in the United States are living the "immigrant experience." Many of us, including many of the Tejanos who helped elect Castro in San Antonio, are living the "our-ancestors-have-been-here-longer-than-yours experience." 

It's the responsibility of the people in my business to explain to the country what's happening and what it means for them and their children. There are plenty of qualified Latino journalists out there who can help with that. What are news organizations waiting for? Hire them. 

Ruben Navarrette is a syndicated columnist.

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

 

USING YOUR FULL NAME 

Steve Chavez Lodge who is running for the Anaheim City Council, CA has been criticized for wanting to include his full name on the November 6 ballot.  Political opponents filed a suit against Chavez Lodge, because he had been known in the community simply as Steve Lodge, not Steve Chavez Lodge. Part of the argument was that as police officer Steve Lodge, Chavez Lodge had some complaints against him.  Steve won the right from a judge to use his full name. OC Register Sept 7, 2012

Editor:  This tidbit reminded me of when I was hired in as a language specialist by the Huntington Beach Unified High School District in the late 1970s.  The project director on the Title 7 project suggested that I use my maiden name, Lozano, instead of my married name.  Holtzman.  I had just been starting my family history research and took a certain delight in doing so.    Now that I have done significant research and taken my Lozano back to the 1600s, I am even happier that I made that choice more than 30 years ago to reclaim my lineage by using my maiden name . . .  whenever possible. 



HONORING HISPANIC LEADERSHIP

Dr. Cecilio Orozco:             October 4, 1928- September 6, 2012 died at the age of 84
Gustavo Gutierrez                                  1932-  September 1st, 2012 , died at the age of 80
Click to Juan P. Valdez:       May 25, 1938- August 25, 2014  died at the age of 74

Dr. Cecilio Orozco, died September 6, 2012 

Cecilio Orozco his Life in Fresno (from 1975-2012)



In August of 1975, the rural area of Fresno, in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, became the new home of the young Orozco scholar when he accepted a position as Assistant Professor in the School of Education of Human Development, of Fresno State. Within a year he met the love of his life who became Mrs. Laura Orozco. They were together for 36 years, and Laura was a devoted wife, an admirable mother and a splendid hostess for the new family.

As a young scholar, he became one of the first Mexican Americans to be hired at Fresno State, and the first one in the School of Education and Human Development. He opened the door to many and the existing establishment had no choice but to respect the novel instructor.


Cecilio confided to some of his close friends, that during the first department meeting after he was hired, an aggressive and skeptical Chairman addressed him in the following manner: “Well, ‘Dr.’ Orozco, welcome to our group, however, we shall see how apt and capable you are after sharing with us your credentials, and I wonder if you could mention some of the books you used to become a –Dr.-?” Cecilio cautiously remained silent, and looked straight ahead into the eyes of his challenger. This Chairman, in his attempt to humiliate the Mexican American novice Assistant Professor, thought that he had put Cecilio in his place. For the next department meeting, Cecilio arrived with two boxes filled with books – easily over 30 books in both boxes. As the meeting began, Cecilio asked permission from the Chairman to say something. Reluctantly the Chair answered: “What do you want?” Cecilio made eye contact again with the Chair, and said, “Last meeting you challenged me to share with you and this group what books I used during my doctorate. As I do not have access to all of them, because I have sold or given many to friends, I only brought a few…” Cecilio continued, raising each book for everybody to see, mentioning the title, author and short paragraph describing each book’s content and relevance. He did not use any notes – it was like he had been with those books forever. When he finished, everybody was perplexed, and a heavy silence dominated the office room that nobody dared to break. Cecilio concluded, ‘Well, those are some of the books that I used. Now, you tell me which books you used to be qualified to be Chairman?’ The Chair, overwhelmed and trying to dismiss the embarrassing incident, said, ‘Let’s begin our meeting’. Never again did anyone challenge Cecilio in the department. He refused to be intimidated by the discriminatory atmosphere, and had thoughtfully planned the best way to answer. This resulted in Cecilio being solidly recognized and respected in the School of Education; after that, the school establishment began to include culturally and ethnically diverse faculty coming to the School of Education thanks to Dr. Orozco who helped create a positive atmosphere.

Dr. Orozco made significant contributions to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction as the only bilingual instructor on the faculty. His connection with the community became one of his professional signatures; he became a bridge between the community and the University. His charismatic leadership attracted hundreds of students willing to become teachers and work under his mentoring. He brought millions of dollars in grants for bilingual education, and became an icon among Mexican American educators in California and the United States. After retiring, it was routine for Cecilio to be in a public place (restaurant, event, shopping center), and have a young man or woman come up to him and share with reverenced respect, ‘Dr. Orozco, thanks to you, I finished my teaching credential’; ‘Dr. Orozco, I always wanted to tell you how much you influenced me.’ ‘The class I had with you was the best Dr. Orozco’.

His contributions at Fresno State were far reaching and unmatched. He became a godfather for all new instructors coming to Fresno State, and in spite of his authentic, and at times ferocious, Mexican identity, he did not discriminate against races, ethnic groups, genders, or academic disciplines. If there was someone in need of support, Cecilio was always ready. Cecilio, Chicho, or Dr. Orozco was an unrivaled mentor for numerous novice scholars, such as: Dr. Berta Gonzalez, Dr. David Lopez, Dr. Mario Baca, Dr. Luz Gonzalez, Dr. Rosie Arenas, Dr. Alfredo Cuellar, and many more.

Of the many personal and professional qualities Cecilio demonstrated, two were particularly unique and highly admired: one was the constant, poignant, and sharp sense of humor. For example, he could change the tempo and climate of any meeting. In the most serious discussions, he would break ice or diffuse rivalries with a well placed joke. His keen and detailed knowledge of linguistics that made him come up with expressions that made most of this listeners wait for 3 or 5 seconds before understanding. Such as, when someone was driving and he was in a ‘copilot role’ he would instruct the driver: “Make a vuelta judía” (make a Jew turn). It wasn’t until you realized that in Spanish “a U turn” is a phoneme of “Jew” [a “U” turn is a vuelta judía]. The second quality Dr. Orozco had is one that set the professional standard for all researchers and academicians at Fresno State, often in disagreement over theories, teaching methods or pure ego driven rivalries, he never offered a word of criticism to a colleague, a fellow, an administrator, or a student. It was a model of civility and good manners.

But his civility and love for academia did not tame his passion for equity and social justice. Dr. Orozco was a fearless warrior pro-bilingual education, bringing more Latino, African American students, and culturally and ethnically diverse faculty to local schools, private and public colleges and universities, mainly his beloved Fresno State. Notably, he was invited by Senator Edward Kennedy to offer testimony as a bilingual authority to U.S. Congress.

Late in his University tenure he developed an indomitable passion for Pre Spanish America, after taking a course in Guadalajara with “his maestro”, as he used to refer to him, Historian Alfonso Rivas Salmón. He became one of the experts in understanding and reading the detail of the Sun Stone, sometimes called the Aztec Calendar. Dr. Orozco’s passion for transmitting knowledge made him publish his own instructional books and materials to teach hundreds of interested people about the wonders of this archeological artifact the Aztec Calendar, that Cecilio illuminated many times, “It is not a Calendar, it is the most extraordinary history book ever produced depicting the symbolic story of the people of Aztlan, Aztecs, or Nahuatls.”

Cecilio was a man of many passions including the outdoors, nature, and an avid reader of National Geographic. It was this in National Geographic that he read an article on the pictographs in southern Utah. This rock art dated hundreds of years before Europeans came to America. His detailed knowledge of the history of Native American and Pre-Columbian cultures, made him realize that they transcended what had previously been recorded.

Those ancient drawings represented the same astronomy and mathematical calculations found on the Sun Stone. With this information, Cecilio was able to show that the accepted common history knowledge that the cultures that flourished in Mexico had their origin in South America were incorrect and that the opposite was true, they came from North America most recently the Utah area. This extraordinary thesis made Dr. Orozco world famous, though his life and credentials were in the field of education. These contributions to the field of Pre-Columbian History and the migration of the Mexica upset many scholars who refuted and criticized his research. Nonetheless, his research withstood the criticism and was recognized and acknowledged with accolades in both Mexico and the US. As an example, research into the origins of hepatitis in Mexico, done at the University of Guadalajara, used Cecilio’s research about the people’s migration, and were able to trace the specific virus from the Utah area to Mexico.
It was not easy for such an active scholar to give up his teaching and writings, thus hesitantly he retired to better face his battle with Parkinson’s disease. His colleagues and the Fresno State administration conferred on him the title of Emeritus Professor, when he retired in 1998. However, he remained very active and accepted numerous invitations to Nayarit, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Tabasco, Yucatán, Colima, Mexico City, Veracruz, and many other states in Mexico. He also received invitations to Spain, and was always hopeful that his health will allow him to accept and make those trips.

Just before his condition worsened, it was his greatest pleasure to receive numerous visitors, many of them lifelong friends, and brag about the “chilitos” he was growing in his garden, and have a meal with a shot of tequila – he called this the “cultural communion”.

Another of his favorite pleasures was to either recite or listen to recordings of the verses of Martin Fierro. It was hard to believe, but Cecilio could recite most of these long epic “gauchescos” poetry of Jose Hernandez. His favorite verses were:

Muchas cosas pierde el hombre
Que a veces las vuelve a hallar;
Pero les debo enseñar,
Y es gúeno que lo recuerden:
Si la verguenza se pierde,
Jamás se vuelve a encontrar.

Los hermanos sean unidos
Porque ésa es la ley primera
Tengan unión verdadera
En cualquier tiempo que sea,
Porque, si entre ellos pelean,
Los devoran los de ajuera.

Respeten a los ancianos:
El burlarlos no es hazaña;
Si andan entre gente estraña
Deben ser muy precavidos,
Pues por igual es tenido
Quien con malos se acompaña.

In the middle of a small sip of tequila, a taquito and those Martin Fierro’s verses, Cecilio silently made his transition and accepted graciously his defeat against Parkinson’s.

In 2011, Editorial and Leadership Press published a biography of one of the most distinguished professors, whose exquisite knowledge of Education, Anthropology, and History, as well as his innumerable translations, writings, publications, and instructional materials, made him an unmatched role model. The educational history of the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno State, Bilingualism, and Mexican Americans could not be fully understood without reviewing and acknowledging the life and influence of Cecilio Orozco.

  1. THE FOLLOWING OBITUARY WAS POSTED IN THE FRESNO PAPER RECENTLY

    Dr. Cecilio Orozco, Father, Husband, Mentor, died September 6, 2012 in Fresno, California. Born October 4, 1928 in Glendale CA, was preceded in death by Mother Angela, Father Cecilio and Sister Rafaela (Lala). He is survived by 2 siblings, Lola (Rudy) and Rafaela. While married to Natalie (Miller) they had 2 children Cecil (Patty) and Ronald (Beth). Cecilio and his wife of 36 years Laura (Arguello) have 2 children Matthew Navo (Tylee) and Valente.

    Cecilio will be missed by his 8 grandchildren Cecil Craig (Lisa), Brian James (Abbe Rae), Xochitl (Matt), Lara (Joel), Samantha, Kennedy, Britton, and Trent, 3 step-grandchildren Sam, Joe, Mattie, and 2 great-grandchildren Lily and Owen, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

ANNOUNCING THE DEATH OF GUSTAVO "GUS" GUTIERREZ

GREETINGS To Friends/Supporters:

Thanks to an alert from Scott Washburn and from Mark Day (who also sent Gustavo's obituary), I write to inform you of the death of a former UFW Arizona Staff Member, Gustavo "Gus" Gutierrez.  In the early days of the NFWA, and later the UFWOC, Gus was the face and leadership of Cesar Chavez's farmworker movement in Arizona. A bear of a man, yet quiet, soft-spoken and a patient organizer who operated in a state climate officially hostile to farmworkers and unions of any kind! 

Whether the March to Sacramento, the Fast for Non-Violence, etc., Gus would arrive with his Arizona UFW contingent to support Cesar Chavez and the Delano Strikers. Gus lived a life of commitment to social justice . . . even on the day of his death! May he rest in peace.

Obituary of Gutierrez, Gustavo 80, of Tempe, Arizona passed away on September 1, 2012. 

Gustavo was a devoted family man, community activist and a leader who fought for greater social justice. Gustavo was the director of the Migrant Opportunity Program, which organized farm workers in Arizona from 1965 to 1968. In 1968, Gustavo founded the Arizona Farm Workers Association, and centered their efforts around issues for workers such as better sanitation, access to safe drinking water, protection from pesticides, against child labor and for livable wages. Gustavo was a founding member of Chicanos Por La Causa, the largest community development organization in Arizona and in the nation founded in 1969. In the 1980's Gustavo was a business agent for the AFL-CIO Labor Union 383. Most recently, Gustavo served on the council of Tonatierra, a community organization dedicated to promoting the preservation of indigenous traditions. Gustavo was on the Founding Council for the Peace and Dignity Journeys, an intercontinental prayer run held every four years starting in 1992 to the present. These journeys consist of runners who carry staffs and other culturally significant objects representing over 500 indigenous Nations while they spread a message of peace and dignity during a run that starts at the southernmost and northernmost ends of the American continent and converges in Central America. Gustavo is preceded in death by his parents Adela Villanueva Torrez, Espiridion Gutierrez, his stepfather Daniel Torrez and his grandson Elias Gutierrez-Johnson. Survived by his beloved wife Raquel C. Gutierrez (Ruiz) of 55 years, his daughters Alejandria (Sandy) Gutierrez, Ramona Gutierrez (Crandy Johnson), Anobel Gutierrez, Raquel D. Gutierrez-Jacox (Ward). His grandchildren, Ariana Gutierrez-Johnson, Gustavo Daniel Gutierrez, Maritza Gutierrez-Word and Gregorio Gutierrez. Also his sisters Graciela de la Garza (Melecio), Amelia (Molly) Sahli (David), and Adelina Villanueva, along with all his nieces and nephews. He is also survived by numerous other people who respectfully called him Tata or Papa. A rosary will be held at 11:30 AM with a mass at Noon on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 5444 E. Calle San Angelo in Guadalupe. The same day a Native ceremony will be held from 5PM to sunrise at the Salt River Reservation-Akimel O'odham Nation, directions will be provided at the mass and posted at www.caringbridge.org/gustavogutierrez. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Gustavo Gutierrez Contribution Support Trust at the Bank of America or to Arizona Peace and Dignity Journeys at Chase Bank

LeRoy Chatfield publishes: "Farmworker Movement Documentation Project" 
(farmworkermovement.us); "Easy Essays" (leroychatfield.us); 
"Syndic Literary Journal" (syndicjournal.us); and Don Edwards Literary Memorial (donedwardsmemorial.us) Sacramento CA.

Sent by Christine Marin Christine.Marin@asu.edu 


NATIONAL ISSUES 

Government WASTE, FRAUD, EMBEZZLEMENT   
Health care system wastes $750 billion a year, report says by Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar
IRS Pays Whistleblower $104 Million for Exposing Tax Cheats
New rules would curtail pensions for some felons, watchdog Teri Sforza

Individual WASTE, FRAUD, EMBEZZLEMENT   
Around the World on $69 Million in Welfare Funds
Ex-Chamber of Commerce Executive Faces Arraignment 
Club Treasurer accused of embezzlement
Police seek help identifying suspects in a $10 million ID-theft case


Sent by Karren Pederson 


A Few Examples of Government WASTE, FRAUD, EMBEZZLEMENT   

Health care system wastes $750 billion a year, report says
By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar 
The Associated Press, Denver Post
DenverPost.com Sept 7, 2012
WASHINGTON — The U.S. health-care system squanders $750 billion a year — roughly 30 cents of every medical dollar — through unneeded care, byzantine paperwork, fraud and other waste, the influential Institute of Medicine said Thursday in a report that ties directly into the presidential campaign.

President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney are accusing each other of trying to slash Medicare and put seniors at risk. But the counter-intuitive finding from the report is that deep cuts are possible without rationing and a leaner system might even produce better quality.

"Health care in America presents a fundamental paradox," said the report from an 18-member panel of prominent experts, including doctors, business people, and public officials. "The past 50 years have seen an explosion in biomedical knowledge, dramatic innovation in therapies and surgical procedures, and management of conditions that previously were fatal. ... Yet, American health care is falling short on basic dimensions of quality, outcomes, costs and equity."

If banking worked like health care, ATM transactions would take days, the report said. If home building were like health care, carpenters, electricians and plumbers would work from different blueprints and hardly talk to one another. If shopping were like health care, prices would not be posted and could vary widely within the same store, depending on who was paying.

How much is $750 billion? The one-year estimate of health care waste is equal to more than 10 years of Medicare cuts in Obama's health care law. It's more than the Pentagon budget. It's more than enough to care for the uninsured.

Getting health care costs better controlled is one of the keys to reducing the deficit, the biggest domestic challenge facing the next president.

The report did not lay out a policy prescription for Medicare and Medicaid but suggested there's plenty of room for lawmakers to find a path.

Panel members urged a frank discussion with the public about the value Americans are getting for their health care dollars. As a model, they cited "Choosing Wisely," a campaign launched this year by nine medical societies to challenge the widespread perception that more care is better.

"It's a huge hill to climb, and we're not going to get out of this overnight," said panel chairman Dr. Mark Smith, president of the California HealthCare Foundation, a research group. 

"The good news is that the very common notion that quality will suffer if less money is spent . . .     is simply not true."

Where the money goes:

More than 18 months in the making, the report identified six major areas of waste. Adjusting for some overlap among the categories, the panel settled on an estimate of $750 billion annually:

• Unnecessary services, $210 billion

• Inefficient delivery of care, $130 billion

• Excess administrative costs, $190 billion

• Inflated prices, $105 billion

• Prevention failures, $55 billion

• Fraud, $75 billion


Examples of wasteful care include most repeat colonoscopies within 10 years of a first such test, early imaging for most back pain, and brain scans for patients who fainted but didn't have seizures.

The report makes 10 recommendations, including payment reforms to reward quality results instead of reimbursing for each procedure, improving coordination among different kinds of service providers, leveraging technology to reinforce sound clinical decisions and educating patients to become more savvy consumers.

The Associated Press 




IRS Pays Whistleblower $104 Million for Exposing Tax Cheats
By The Associated Press 
Posted  09/11/12, Posted under: Company News  3371772923929320 
By Stephen Ohlemacher 

 

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Internal Revenue Service has awarded an ex-banker $104 million for providing information about overseas tax cheats - the largest amount ever awarded by the agency, lawyers for the whistleblower announced Tuesday.
Former Swiss banker Bradley Birkenfeld is credited with exposing widespread tax evasion at Swiss bank UBS AG (UBS). Birkenfeld himself served roughly two and-a-half years in prison for a fraud conspiracy conviction related to the case, which resulted in a $780 million fine against the bank and an unprecedented agreement requiring UBS to turn over thousands of names of suspected American tax dodgers to the IRS.

"The IRS today sent 104 million messages to whistleblowers around the world - that there is now a safe and secure way to report tax fraud and that the IRS is now paying awards," Birkenfeld's lawyers, Stephen M. Kohn and Dean A. Zerbe, said in a statement. "The IRS also sent 104 million messages to banks around the world - stop enabling tax cheats or you will get caught."

The IRS, which doesn't usually confirm individual award payments, said Birkenfeld signed a disclosure waiver, allowing the agency to confirm his award.

"The IRS believes that the whistleblower statute provides a valuable tool to combat tax non-compliance, and this award reflects our commitment to the law," IRS spokeswoman Michele Eldridge said in an email.

Birkenfeld has become something of a cause celebre among whistleblowers because of the magnitude of his case and the fact that he was jailed after cooperating with authorities.

In a summary of the award provided by Birkenfeld's lawyers, the IRS said, "The comprehensive information provided by the whistleblower was exceptional in both its breadth and depth."

"While the IRS was aware of tax compliance issues related to secret bank accounts in Switzerland and elsewhere, the information provided by the whistleblower formed the basis for unprecedented actions against UBS AG, with collateral impact on other enforcement activities and a continuing impact on future compliance by UBS AG," the IRS said in the summary.

Federal prosecutors, however, had said Birkenfeld withheld information about his own dealings with a former UBS client who pleaded guilty in 2007 to tax charges.

In 2006, Congress strengthened whistleblower rewards. The 2006 law targets high-income tax dodgers, guaranteeing rewards for qualified whistleblowers if the company in question owes a least $2 million in unpaid taxes, interest and penalties.

Some lawmakers, however, have complained that the IRS has been slow to pay out awards.

"The potential for this program is tremendous, and it's up to the IRS to continue paying rewards and demonstrating to whistleblowers that the process will work and that they will be heard and protected," said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, who helped write the law. "An award of $104 million is obviously a great deal of money, but billions of dollars in taxes owed will be collected that otherwise would not have been paid, as a result of the whistleblower information."
 
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/09/11/irs-pays-whistleblower-104-million/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-
bb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D204033
 

 


Jaramillo and Carona

New rules would curtail pensions for some felons  
by 
watchdog columist
Teri Sforza 
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/09/05/end-of-public-pensions-for-convicted-felons/161483/#more-161483 
September 5th, 2012, 3:26 pm · · posted by Teri Sforza, Register staff writer inShare2  and published in The Orange County Register, September 9th, 2012.   For more article by Sforza on the topic
All Posts End of public pensions for convicted felons?


It sticks in the craws of some folks that former Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona is doing 5.5 years in federal prison for witness tampering — but is still collecting more than $218,000 a year in pension payments. (That’s more than $1 million just for sitting in the slammer.)

And that former County Treasurer-Tax Collector Bob Citron pleaded guilty to six felonies nearly 20 years ago– including misappropriating hundreds of millions of public dollars and misleading investors — but collects  about $150,000 a year as pension nonetheless.

And that Los Angeles teacher Mark Berndt, who plead no contest to molesting 13 former students as young as 8 years old – gets a pension of some $48,000 a year.

Is something wrong with this picture? The pension reform bill passed  in Sacramento last week won’t yank checks away from these particular felons — but future felons who play fast and loose with the public trust (and/or treasury) may want to beware.

Come Jan. 1, the new law will force public employees to forfeit pensions if they’re convicted of state or federal felonies “for conduct arising out of, or in the performance of, his or her official duties.” Retirement contributions made directly by said felonious employees would be returned to them, without interest.

It’s designed to fix a problem that, in the big scheme of things, is infinitesimally small — but one which creates nagging questions of fairness.

“For people elected or employed after Jan. 1, it’s pretty Draconian,” said Mario Mainero, law professor at Chapman University. “But it only applies those elected or employed after Jan. 1, 2013. So it won’t apply to anyone who is elected in November. In a lot of ways it’s a watering-down — (Gov. Jerry) Brown’s original proposal on all this was far stronger, not just on this issue, but on everything.”

We sought clarification on precisely how all this will work, especially in light of the charges pending against Carlos Bustamante, former county executive and current Santa Ana city councilman (facing six felony counts of false imprisonment; three of assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense; one count each of stalking, attempted sexual battery by restraint and grand theft by false pretense); and more than a half-dozen former city officials in Bell, who are charged with dozens of counts of public corruption. Keep your eye on that Jan. 1 date — it’s quite important.

Will current employees convicted of felonies forfeit everything back to the date of the first commission of said felony, even if it’s before Jan. 1, 2013?  Yes, the state Department of Finance says — but only if the conviction comes after Jan. 1, 2013.

And what of current employees who are, say, in the criminal justice system right now, facing felony charges? If they can get convicted before Jan. 1, will they be able to skirt the new rules and keep their pensions?
Yes, the DOF says. The new rules will apply to people who are current employees on and after Jan. 1, whose convictions come after Jan. 1.
And what of those who are not currently employed as of Jan. 1? The retired felons, like Carona?
This will not apply to them, DOF says. “Does not apply to those who are not current employees on or after January 1, 2013. If an employee who retires before January 1, 2013 is convicted of a felony after that date, would not apply because that person would not have been a current employee on or after January 1, 2013. Would apply to a current employee employed on and/or after January 1, 2013 who retires after that date and is convicted of a felony after retiring.”So it appears as though Bustamante would keep the county and city benefits he has accrued, even if he is found guilty after Jan. 1 — because he will not be currently employed by either the county or city once the new year begins (he resigned from his county job nearly a year ago and is not running for reelection to his seat on the Santa Ana council in November).

Same thing appears to be the case for for Robert Rizzo and the cast of characters from Bell. They’re not current employees, so even if they’re found guilty, they’ll keep their pensions. Rizzo (who was originally expecting $650,000 a year) is getting $50,000, while his assistant, Angela Spaccia (who was expecting $250,000), is getting $43,000.

Now, the California Public Employees Retirement System says that revoking retirement benefits from current workers who commit crimes might not be entirely legal.

“This proposal would expand felony forfeiture provisions that currently apply to elected public officials by expanding the scope of felonies covered and by applying them to all current and future public employees,” CalPERS’ preliminary analysis said. “Although the Legislature has the authority to apply these provisions to newly hired public employees, application to current employees may not be constitutional in all cases. Therefore, this provision could be subject to legal challenge based on the argument that it impairs the vested rights of current members of the pension system.”  Better late than never?

“It looks like this was ‘red meat’ thrown into the mix to address the Citrons of the world,” said John Moorlach, chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.  ”However, the language does not seem to differ with my understanding of existing law.  You lose the employer contribution, but keep your own.”

We’ll see how this one plays out. To see how other states handle pension forfeiture, go to 
http://www.governing.com/gov-data/other/state-pension-forfeiture-laws.html
 
LITIGATION COSTS associated with a County employee felon, suing the county  . . 

 

George Jaramillo, the former assistant sheriff and convicted tax-evader, has settled his wrongful termination suit for a total payout of $947,618 by the County of Orange. July 26, 2012

Best of all for Jaramillo, he won’t have to pay it back to the county. In November, an appeals court upheld Jaramillo’s claim that his former boss, ex-sheriff and convicted witness-tamperer Mike Carona, fired him improperly in 2004. The court ordered the county to pay Jaramillo more than $362,000 in lost wages and retirement income.  In February, the California Supreme Court let that ruling stand. County Supervisors voted in March to offer Jaramillo a settlement.  The settlement includes fees for Jaramillo’s attorneys and a payment to the Orange County Employees Retirement System on Jaramillo’s behalf.

http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/07/26/final-payout-to-convicted-former-assistant-sheriff-jaramillo-948000/159883/ 


Military Financial Waste by 4-Star General
The Associated Press has learned that William E. Kip Ward, who was the first head of the new U.S. Africa Command is under investigation and facing demotion for possibly spending hundreds of thousands of dollars improperly on lavish travel, hotels and other items. Several defense officials said Wednesday that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected soon to decide the fate of Ward. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File) 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The four-star general who headed U.S. Africa Command used military vehicles to shuttle his wife on shopping trips and to a spa and billed the government for a refueling stop overnight in Bermuda, where the couple stayed in a $750 suite, a Defense Department investigation has found.

A 99-page report alleges excessive unauthorized spending and travel costs for Gen. William ‘‘Kip’’ Ward, including lengthy stays at lavish hotels for Ward, his wife and his staff members, and the use of five-vehicle motorcades when he traveled to Washington.

It also said that Ward and his wife, Joyce, accepted dinner and Broadway show tickets from a government contractor during a trip on which he went backstage to meet actor Denzel Washington and they and several staff members spent two nights at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

The allegations, coming after a 17-month investigation, deliver an embarrassing blow to the Army and to Ward, who had claimed a place in history as the military’s first commander of U.S. Africa Command.

‘‘We conclude Gen. Ward engaged in multiple forms of misconduct related to official and unofficial travel,’’ the inspector general’s report said. ‘‘He conducted official travel for primarily personal reasons and misused’’ military aircraft. It said he also misused his position and his staff’s time and received reimbursement for travel expenses that far exceeded the approved daily military rate without approval.

Ward, who is facing possible demotion for his activities, also could be forced to repay the government. The report said that there is an additional review going on to determine reimbursement for unofficial travel and daily travel costs that exceeded approved levels. It is not clear whether he could face criminal charges.

In comments throughout the report, Ward defended the spending, saying his wife performed official duties on all the trips. But investigators, who pored over emails, calendar entries and other documents, disagreed. Ward also said he was unaware that the person who gave him dinner and theater tickets in New York was a defense contractor.

Ward said the Bermuda layover was necessary as a ‘‘crew stop’’ and blamed his staff for making the decision to stay there rather than flying on to Stuttgart, Germany-based Africa Command.

The report by the Defense Department’s inspector general was obtained Friday by The Associated Press.

A prominent complaint in the report concerned Ward and his wife’s use of staff to run personal errands, traveling in government-rented cars.

One alleged incident involved Joyce Ward asking a staff member to go buy her a bag of ‘‘dark chocolate Snickers’’ bars, saying the general would provide ‘‘a couple of dollars’’ for it. Another time, staff drove her to a spa appointment and on other occasions they were asked to pick up books, gifts, sports tickets and baby items, the report said.

U.S. officials said Ward was warned several times by staff that his activities were wrong, to no avail. Instead, he appeared to reject their concerns and find ways to get around them.

In one case, Ward’s request to use military aircraft for a personal trip was denied, so he abruptly changed the trip to an official one, adding a quick meeting, and went anyway, the report said.

During one 11-day trip to Washington, Ward spent one day visiting wounded soldiers, had a 90-minute meeting on another day and a State Department meeting on a third day but billed the Pentagon more than $129,000 to cover the daily hotel and other costs for him, his wife and 13 civilian and military staff, investigators found.

The report concluded he did no other official business during that trip.

Investigators said Ward often extended his overseas trips — particularly those to the U.S. — for personal reasons, resulting in ‘‘exponential’’ increases in costs.

Although the report includes responses from Ward to a number of the allegations, investigators often found records and statements that contradicted his explanations. At one point, Ward defended the Bermuda layover, saying that it came up on short notice, which is why his security team had to stay there longer.

The report found records showing that the layover had been planned for at least four days in advance.

A common theme running through the report was Ward’s insistence that his wife travel with him at government cost, even though it was often not authorized and she performed few official duties. It said he also routinely stayed in high-priced suites in luxury hotels rather than in standard rooms or less expensive locales.

And his staff — which can include advance and security teams — often traveled days prior to his arrival, including on the Bermuda stop, and stayed after he departed, according to the report. The cost of rooms in Bermuda for Ward and his staff came to more than $10,000, not including meals, transportation or other costs.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected to make a decision on Ward’s fate before the end of the month.

Ward also came under fire for ‘‘needless and extravagant’’ gifts he distributed to others, including farewell tokens, holiday parties and souvenir books.

The report said he gave engraved pewter letter openers to Africa Command staff at a farewell event. Half of the 100 openers were inscribed with: ‘‘Presented by Gen. William E. Ward’’ on one side and ‘‘Improve the Foxhole-Make Your Teammates Better’’ on the other. The other 50 were inscribed with the Africa Command crest.

He also spent about $34,000 on holiday parties in 2009 and 2010 and spent nearly $6,000 plus airfare to bring a staff member from the U.S. to Stuttgart for nearly a month in order to help plan the party in 2010. And he spent $14,000 to print a book that memorialized his time at Africa Command.

Ward told investigators that he was told the spending was appropriate.

While the exact amount of alleged misspending was not disclosed, the estimated total evokes comparisons with the $823,000 purportedly spent by dozens of employees of the General Services Administration who were accused of lavish spending during an October 2010 conference at a Las Vegas resort.

Panetta’s options regarding Ward are limited by complex laws and military guidelines.

Panetta can demote Ward and force him to retire at a lower rank. Because Ward’s alleged offenses occurred while he was a four-star general, he could be forced to retire as a three-star, which officials said could cost him as much as $1 million in retirement pay over time.

In order for Ward to be demoted to two-star rank, investigators would have to conclude that he also had problems before moving to Africa Command, and officials said that does not appear to be the case.

In making his decision, Panetta has to certify to Congress that Ward served satisfactorily at the rank at which he is retired.

Ward stepped down early last year after serving at the Europe-based Africa Command, and he intended to retire. He did all the paperwork and was hosted at a retirement ceremony in April 2011 at Fort Myer, Va., but the Army halted his plans to leave because of the investigation.

Since then, he has been working in Northern Virginia, serving as a special assistant to the vice chief of the Army.

Online:  Inspector general’s report: http://www.dodig.mil/fo/Foia/PDFs/WardROI_Redacted.pdf

Source: Orange County Register, Sept 7, 2012

 

 

A Few Examples of Individual WASTE, FRAUD, EMBEZZLEMENT   

Around the World on $69 Million in Welfare Funds

http://videos2view.net/welfare-vacations.htm   


Ex-chamber of commerce executive faces arraignment in thefts By LARRY WELBORN and JOSH FRANCIS / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, Sept 13, 2012
SANTA ANA – A former chief executive officer of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for arraignment Thursday on charges that she stole from the chamber to pay for personal expenses such as child care, dining out and a trip to Las Vegas.

Orange County prosecutors say that Nichole Lashawn Chambers, 39, used the chamber's credit card and checking account to pay for the personal items without authorization.

Chambers of Highland is accused of stealing more than $129,000 between January 2008 and October 2010 while she was the president and chief executive officer of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, prosecutors said.

She is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in the Harbor Justice Center on three felony counts of grand theft by an employee with sentencing enhancements and allegations for over $100,000 in loss, aggravated white collar crime over $100,000, and property damage over $65,000.

If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of over six years in prison. Chambers is being held on $130,000 bail pending the court appearance.

Chambers resigned from the chamber in 2010 after a member of the board of directors became suspicious when she failed to provide proper financial records for review, prosecutors said. She has since reportedly reimbursed the chamber about $2,500, prosecutors said.

She turned herself in to authorities last month after learning there was a warrant for her arrest, according to sheriff's Lt. Lynn Koehmstedt, chief of police services in Dana Point.

Contact the writer:
lwelborn@ocregister.com or 714-834-3784

Club Treasurer accused of embezzlement
By Salvador Hernandez, The Orange County Register 

IRVINE – A former parent volunteer of a high school booster club is accused of taking thousands of dollars intended for students, police officials said. From 2009 to 2011, Irvine police allege Cecilia Zamora, 39, wrote several checks to herself, but indicated she was paying bills for coaching stipends and uniforms, according to an Irvine police statement.

The checks were written for $2,000 to $3,000 while she was treasurer of Beckman High School Cheer Booster Club, according to the statement. Irvine detectives also found deposits made to personal accounts believed to be connected to Zamora, a resident of Rancho Santa Margarita, police said.

Zamora was taken into custody at her job in Orange on suspicion of embezzlement. Police worked with the Tustin Unified School District during the investigation. According to the statement, school officials conducted additional fundraisers to make up for the losses.  Zamora was being held in county jail in lieu of $25,000 bond.

Contact the writer: shernandez@ocregister.com  or 949-454-7361 
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/school-370934-zamora-police.html 

 

Police seek help identifying suspects in a ID-theft case, 
$10 million from victims' bank accounts. 

Sept 1, 2012,  The Orange County Register, CA
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – Authorities seek the public's help in identifying suspects in a large-scale ring that police say used counterfeit IDs to steal more than $10 million from victims' bank accounts.

Huntington Beach police Monday released photos of nearly a dozen people suspected of being involved in the bank scam, a week after seven people believed to be connected to the operation were taken into custody.HUNTINGTON BEACH – Authorities seek the public's help in identifying suspects in a large-scale ring that police say used counterfeit IDs to steal more than $10 million from victims' bank accounts.

Huntington Beach police Monday released photos of nearly a dozen people suspected of being involved in the bank scam, a week after seven people believed to be connected to the operation were taken into custody.

For the past year, a federal task force that includes members of the Huntington Beach Police Department has investigated the operation, which has targeted bank branches all over the United States, Huntington Beach police officials said. The majority of the victims was from California and Washington.

Using counterfeit driver's licenses, Social Security cards and credit cards as identification, the suspects removed cash from their victims' savings and checking accounts. The amount taken ranged from $4,000 to $9,000 in a single transaction, and authorities believe that some victims lost as much as $25,000 to $35,000 in a single day.

On Aug. 21, police say, seven people were arrested in connection to the bank fraud and identity theft ring, with investigators also seizing several hundred thousand dollars in cash, jewelry and expensive cars as evidence.

Authorities are asking anyone who is able to identify the remaining suspects to contact Huntington Beach investigators at 714-960-8848 or 714-536-5948. Contact the writer: 714-796-7939 or semery@ocregister.com
Photos of 11 suspects are online at: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/police-369723-beach-bank.html?pic=2

Editor:  You sure can't tell a criminal, by looking.  Here are two involved in this $10 million scam, one looks like a busy business man and the other a gray haired grandma.



ACTION ITEM

California Historic Barrio State Historic Park Project
What Are National Heritage Areas, Anyway?
 


http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/5views
/5views.htm
 

A History of Mexican Americans in California:
INTRODUCTION

In 1846, the United States invaded and conquered California, then part of the Republic of Mexico. This event, one aspect of the 1846-1848 U.S.-Mexican War, led to U.S. annexation of California through the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Mexican American history in California had begun.

But if the Mexican American era in California was new, the roots of the Chicano1 experience stretched back some three centuries to 1519 when Spaniards and their Indian allies carried out the conquest of the Aztec Empire in central Mexico and established what they called "New Spain." Exploration and colonization spread from Mexico City in all directions. This eventually included settlements throughout the northern frontier in the areas now occupied by the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and of course, California.

Hispanic settlement of what is now California began in 1769 when the Presidio and Catholic mission of San Diego were established. By 1823, 20 more missions dotted the California coast from San Diego to Sonoma, along with several military presidios and civilian communities. With few exceptions, the settlers and their descendants stayed close to the coast. There were few extensions into the California interior.

The California economy was based on agriculture and livestock. In contrast to central New Spain, coastal colonists found little mineral wealth. Some became farmers or ranchers, working for themselves on their own land or for other colonists. Government officials, priests, soldiers, and artisans settled in towns, missions, and presidios.

Socially, a combination class-caste system developed, although it lacked the rigidity of that in central New Spain. Most residents belonged to the lower and lower-middle classes, but some colonists arrived with or attained upper-class status, mainly through ranching or the acquisition of land grants. They reflected varied backgrounds — peninsular (born in Spain), criollo (born in New Spain of pure Spanish ancestry), Indian, Black, mestizo (of Spanish and Indian ancestry), mulato (of Spanish and African ancestry), and zambo (of Indian and African ancestry). Most colonists were of mixed racial backgrounds, and the process of mestizaje (racial mixture) continued in California, including mixture with various California Indian civilizations. Many mestizos strove, sometimes successfully, to become identified as pure-blooded Spaniards because racial identity affected socio-economic mobility. Whites generally held major government positions, church offices, and private lands, while mestizos and Indians were concentrated at lower levels of the social structure. However, many people with mixed blood did succeed in becoming ranch owners and leading Californios, which sometimes brought an accompanying change of ethnic identity.

For the most part, Spanish California developed in relative isolation despite nominal central government control through appointed officials. When Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, central government control was even further diminished. In particular, Mexican independence opened the California door to trade with other countries, especially the United States. In the early 1820s, Anglo-Americans2 developed an intensive trade with California via sailing ships around Cape Horn. The Old Spanish Trail, established in 1829 to link Los Angeles and Santa Fe, New Mexico, became the first major northern Mexican interprovincial trade route. Moreover, it linked California to the Santa Fe Trail between New Mexico and the United States.

Trade with the United States began the process of economic detachment of California and New Mexico from central Mexico. Ships brought hides and tallow from California in exchange for manufactured goods from both the United States and England. Increased trade led to increased demand for consumer goods, and therefore, greater dependence on the United States as the primary source of supply. Along with a burgeoning economy, California also experienced periodic revolutions, as large landowners vied for political supremacy, and the Mexican government made intermittent, sometimes unpopular, efforts to tighten the reins

One of the most dramatic and significant events of the Mexican period occurred in 1833, when the Mexican government secularized the missions. This meant that vast mission landholdings were taken over by the government, which in turn awarded them as land grants to Californios. Soon huge sprawling ranchos became the basic socio-economic units of the province. While upward mobility remained difficult, some Mexicans succeeded in making the transition into the California elite, particularly with the help of these land grants.

During the 1821-1846 period, Anglo-Americans began to settle in California. Many of these settlers, particularly those who had come by ship, eventually married Mexican women (usually of the local aristocracy), became Mexican citizens, and obtained land grants. In contrast, Anglo overland pioneers who settled in the Sacramento Valley of northern California brought their families, stayed to themselves, and resisted integration into Mexican society. It was this group that ultimately rebelled in 1846 against its Mexican hosts and formed the short-lived secessionist Bear Flag Republic, which disappeared during the U.S. conquest of California.


1 Chicano: a term for Mexican Americans or U.S. residents of Mexican descent. - Ed.

2 Anglo-American: a term sometimes used to describe non-Hispanic White residents of the U.S. (informally, "Anglo"). - Ed.

American Indians  
Black Americans

Chinese Americans

Japanese Americans

Mexican Americans

 

What Are National Heritage Areas, Anyway?


In our summer 2012 issue, Carlos Harrison introduced you to Colorado’s sprawling Sangre de Cristo -- “a place of timelessness and tradition” and one of America’s 49 National Heritage Areas (NHAs). The story gives you a first-hand look at the diverse region that is one of only two Hispanic-themed NHAs.

But what does it take to become a NHA?

NHAs are determined by Congress to be “places where natural, cultural, and historic resources” come together to form a nationally relevant picture of our country. Created in 1984, the NHA program was designed to help celebrate America’s heritage by designating landmarks that illustrate our nation’s story. Each region is chosen for its unique contribution to history and the program helps to form bonds throughout the community by encouraging local participation in the preservation process.

The land is not federally owned or managed, but administered by state government, nonprofits, and private organizations. Though the National Park Service (NPS) distributes matching funds from Congress (each NHA can receive up to $1 million annually) and provides limited resources, control is left to the local community.

Before a region can be declared a NHA, certain criteria must be met. First and foremost, local residents must determine that the area uniquely contributes to the telling of America’s story, and has a rich cultural and historical background. Sangre de Cristo, for example, preserves some of our nation’s earliest Spanish settlements, with many of the residents keeping up centuries-old traditions.

Deciding whether a region meets these qualifications is done through a feasibility study. Residents discuss whether they have the support -- financially and within the community -- to maintain a NHA. Congress makes the final decision regarding NHA designation, based on the study results and testimony from NPS.

NHA designation has helped to protect many of our nation’s historic areas from urban sprawl and overdevelopment. In 2008, the “Journey Through Hallowed Ground” land became a NHA. The four-state, 175-mile long corridor includes nine presidential homes, 73 historic districts and 15 historic Main Street communities. Following the NHA designation, plans to build a casino near Gettysburg National Park were rejected for the second time and Walmart construction plans threatening Wilderness Battlefield were rescinded.

Unfortunately, many of these irreplaceable regions are still at risk. They are endangered by specific threats, such as closure, neglect or, in the case of the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area, a lack of funding. The delta is a rich source of popular culture as the birthplace of the blues and gospel, and where Elvis learned his signature swinging hips dance move, but without the funds necessary for upkeep, the vibrant area could be lost.

To avoid that fate, the National Trust for Historic Preservation made the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area a National Treasure, and is committed to seeking the resources needed to save it and other historically significant sites.

Check out Harrison’s article in our summer issue for more on how Sangre de Cristo “preserve(s) … and promote(s) America’s Latino heritage.”

http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/2012/online-exclusives/what-are-national-heritage.html




BUSINESS

American woman Creates Culturally Relevant Dolls and Toys for Children of Poor Guatemalan Village  By Anna-Claire Bevan

LatinaLista

| September 12, 2012
P1030504 e1346779097401 300x252 American woman creates culturally relevant dolls and toys for children of poor Guatemalan village

Rosa, Catherine’s assistant, holds indigenous dolls set to be delivered at Christmas in the rural village of El Hato in Guatemala.

“Last year I helped with a Christmas gift delivery to a school in El Hato [a rural village in Guatemala] and it was an amazing experience. But I noticed as we drove away that there were many children for whom Santa didn’t come. That was the seed – to make sure those kids weren’t forgotten about again,” says Catherine Humber.

Missouri-born Humber started thinking about how she could bring Santa to the deprived pueblo in a way that would cater to all: aid the local community, be artisanal in nature and culturally sensitive.

Since she wanted the children to be able to relate to their gift, she embarked upon a project sewing Indigenous-style Guatemalan dolls: using ‘tela typica’ to clothe the figurines and members of a small local village, San Pedro Las Huertas, to make them.
Humber, an entrepreneur and artist, originally moved to Guatemala in 2011 for her husband’s job but confesses to having had a 20-year love affair with Guatemala: a country which she describes as wild, beautiful and full of wonderful people.

Together with her full-time assistant, Rosa Gil, and two other helpers, Humber has been frantically drawing, cutting and sewing since April and admits that the first couple of weeks were challenging:  “Neither of us knew what we were doing so everything was trial and error. I actually failed the sewing portion of Home Economics in school and here I am trying to make patterns for little blouses.

“There was a lot of laughter at first, but we have it down to a science now. The first doll we made was horrible and looked like an alien, so I call her ‘Lady Gaga’. We keep her in the workshop to remind us of how far we’ve come,” says Humber.

Using materials such as ribbon, lace, buttons, wool, cloth and embroidery thread, the women made the first batch of dolls 22 inches tall, before scaling down their creations so that the project would be more financially sustainable. On average the women make 30 dolls a month and are half-way towards reaching their Christmas target of 300.

Resources are limited in their casita-come-workshop, which consists of just one sewing machine, plenty of newspapers to make patterns with, a couple of tables for cutting them out on and bags of dolls covering every other available space. But the women say being low-tech is better as it forces them to be more creative.

“I am learning almost everything,” says Guatemalan-born Gil: “to cut, to sew on the machine, to make patterns, to plan and to keep improving.”

As well as employing only local people, the project’s materials are all sourced from local suppliers – including one elderly lady who provides the women with elastic from her closet-sized, unlit tiendita in San Pedro Las Huertas.
Humber says that the support from the local community has been remarkable:
“Word travels fast on the coffee-bean grapevine, so I occasionally have little groups of women who will stop by, excited to see what we’re doing and eager to recruit themselves.”

The project, which has so far been entirely funded by Catherine’s husband, also plans to make toys for the boys of El Hato, which will be distributed alongside the dolls at Christmas time.

“Rosa and I are currently negotiating with a local craftsman to make cup-and-ball games, Trompos (tops with strings) and wooden cars and trucks – again keeping in mind the culture, the environment, and helping the local economy,” says Humber.
In the long-term, Humber plans to hold small business workshops for the local community and says the most important thing is to give her employees the skills they need to start their own businesses, hire their own workforce and keep the project moving forward in that way.

(Editor’s Note: To contact Humber to donate to her cause, she can be reached at vallartamexicat@hotmail.com.)
Anna-Claire Bevan is a Guatemala-based freelance correspondent for Latina Lista.

Sent by Dorinda Moreno  
pueblosenmovimientonorte@gmail.com
http://latinalista.com/2012/09/one-american-womans-mission-to-create-culturally-relevant-dolls-for-poor-rural-guatemalan-village/


 

HEALTH ISSUES

Marijuana & Cancer: Scientists Find Cannabis Compound Stops
Metastasis In Aggressive Cancers
9/11 Anniversary Marked Under Cloud Of Health Problems, Funding Fights
What an Outrage, Drug Abuse at Medicare's Expense
 

Marijuana And Cancer: Scientists Find Cannabis Compound Stops Metastasis In Aggressive Cancers
A pair of scientists at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco has found that a compound derived from marijuana could stop metastasis in many kinds of aggressive cancer, potentially altering the fatality of the disease forever.  "It took us about 20 years of research to figure this out, but we are very excited," said Pierre Desprez, one of the scientists behind the discovery, to The Huffington Post. "We want to get started with trials as soon as possible."

The Daily Beast first reported on the finding, which has already undergone both laboratory and animal testing, and is awaiting permission for clinical trials in humans.

Desprez, a molecular biologist, spent decades studying ID-1, the gene that causes cancer to spread. Meanwhile, fellow researcher Sean McAllister was studying the effects of Cannabidiol, or CBD, a non-toxic, non-psychoactive chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Finally, the pair collaborated, combining CBD and cells containing high levels of ID-1 in a petri dish.

"What we found was that his Cannabidiol could essentially 'turn off' the ID-1," Desprez told HuffPost. The cells stopped spreading and returned to normal.  "We likely would not have found this on our own," he added. "That's why collaboration is so essential to scientific discovery."

Desprez and McAllister first published a paper about the finding in 2007. Since then, their team has found that CBD works both in the lab and in animals. And now, they've found even more good news.

"We started by researching breast cancer," said Desprez. "But now we've found that Cannabidiol works with many kinds of aggressive cancers--brain, prostate--any kind in which these high levels of ID-1 are present."  Desprez hopes that clinical trials will begin immediately.

"We've found no toxicity in the animals we've tested, and Cannabidiol is already used in humans for a variety of other ailments," he said. Indeed, the compound is used to relieve anxiety and nausea, and, since it is non-psychoactive, does not cause the "high" associated with THC.

While marijuana advocates will surely praise the discovery, Desprez explained that it's not so easy as just lighting up. "We used injections in the animal testing and are also testing pills," he said. "But you could never get enough Cannabidiol for it to be effective just from smoking."

Furthermore, the team has started synthesizing the compound in the lab instead of using the plant in an effort to make it more potent."It's a common practice," explained Desprez. "But hopefully it will also keep us clear of any obstacles while seeking approval."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/19/marijuana-and-cancer_n_1898208.html 
Sent by Luke Holtzman 

 
9/11 Anniversary Marked Under Cloud 
Of Health Problems, Funding Fights

By Chris Francescani
Reuters | Posted:

Tribute in Light shines skyward over One World Trade Center, and lower Manhattan.

AP Photo/Mark Lennihan

* Politicians excluded from speaking at anniversary
* At least 1,000 emergency workers have died from respiratory ailments
* WTC collapse, jet fuel and burning plastics released carcinogens

NEW YORK, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Eleven years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, New Yorkers will mark the anniversary on Tuesday against a backdrop of health concerns for emergency workers and a feud over financing that has stopped construction of the $1 billion Ground Zero museum.

While notable progress on redevelopment of the World Trade Center has been made since early disputes over financial, design and security issues, the project remains hobbled by political battles and billions of dollars in cost overruns.

A major sticking point is the museum at the heart of the World Trade Center (WTC) site redevelopment. Construction has been suspended because of a feud over finances between the National September 11 Memorial and Museum foundation and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

When the foundation announced recently that for the first time, politicians would be excluded from having speaking roles in the Sept. 11 anniversary ceremonies, it was seen by many victims' families and others in the 9/11 community as a public reflection of these behind-the-scenes disputes.

Overall site redevelopment costs have grown to nearly $15 billion, up from $11 billion in 2008, according to a recent project audit.

But for many of the families of 9/11 victims and ailing Ground Zero workers, the redevelopment disputes are a disheartening sideshow to the rising loss of human lives.

When the 110-storey Twin Towers came down, thousands of tons of steel, concrete, window glass and asbestos came down with it. While thousands of gallons (litres) of flaming jet fuel and burning plastics released deadly carcinogens.

Last week, the New York City Fire Department added nine names to the 55 already etched on a wall honoring members who have died of illnesses related to Ground Zero rescue and recovery work.

Some estimates put the overall death toll from 9/11-related illness at more than 1,000. Nationwide, at least 20,000 Ground Zero workers are being treated and 40,000 are being monitored by the World Trade Center Health Program.

"We're burying guys left and right," said Nancy Carbone, executive director of Friends of Firefighters, a Brooklyn-based non-profit that helps treat first responders. "This is an ongoing epidemic."

In the past seven weeks, three New York City cops, two firefighters and a construction union worker who toiled at Ground Zero have died of cancer or respiratory illnesses, according John Feal, who runs a non profit that monitors Ground Zero health care issues.

The staggered nature of the respiratory diagnoses have complicated efforts to distribute $2.7 billion in federal victim compensation funds. A range of cancers is expected to be added to the list of ailments covered by the fund this month.

Leslie Haskins, who lost her husband on 9/11, said she has grown disillusioned by the politics of the reconstruction, and wants to see more attention paid to the ailing workers.

"They are sick and dying and their marriages are breaking up," she said. "Why are we pouring all this money into buildings when men don't have enough insurance to buy breathing apparatus?"


PROGRESS AND SETBACKS

Retired Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) battalion chief Jim Riches, who spent nine months digging through the rubble at Ground Zero before his firefighter son's body was recovered, called the reconstruction disputes "a disgrace."

Seven years ago, Riches was hospitalized with acute respiratory disease and fell into a 16-hour coma. He came out of the coma with stroke-like symptoms.

"We can send men to the moon but we can't rebuild some buildings in more than 10 years?" he asked.

Some progress has been made by Larry Silverstein, the developer who owned the lease on the Twin Towers and is now building three office tower at the Ground Zero site, and the Port Authority. The September 11 foundation has also raised hundreds of millions in private and public funding for the overall project.

One step forward was last fall's opening of the September 11 Memorial at Ground Zero, twin reflecting pools in the footprints of the towers. More than four million people have visited.

Also, One World Trade Center, one of the tallest towers in the country, is near completion and expected to open in 2014.

Yet disagreements over costs have undermined the rebuilding and hurt public relations. Among the disputes, the September 11 foundation insists the Port Authority owes it $140 million, according to a source familiar with the financial issues.

The Port Authority believes it is owed $300 million, the source said.

Feal, a demolitions expert who lost part of his leg doing post 9/11 recovery work, is among those who said they are tired of reading about the contentious World Trade Center project when health concerns persist.

"2,751 lives were lost that day," he said "That's sad, but they didn't suffer long. These first responders have been slowly dying for 11 years."

What an Outrage, Drug Abuse at Medicare's Expense

After a Georgia woman went looking for painkillers, she decided One doctor wasn't enough to supply her needs. Instead, she was able to find 58 people willing to prescribe the narcotic oxycodone in 2008 alone. In total, the woman received 3,655 pills that year-equivalent to a 1,679-day supply of the medication-all paid for by Medicare.  The woman is far from alone. Her case was identified in a Government Accountability Office report last year that found some 170,000 Medicare beneficiaries nationwide allegedy doctor shopping," visiting five or more physicians for prescriptions of 14 types of frequently abused drugs. o Some lawmakers have said that the Centers for Medicare & Medi-caid Services is not doing enough to address

the problem, which also occurs In the Medicaid program. "States have overwhelmingly confirmed that CMS has been an absent partner in helping to lower prescription drug abuse," Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-lowa, said at a Senate hearing in March. o CMS officials said they are using a variety of programs and technologies to weed out fraud and abuse. And they insist that they are working with states. "We have increased information sharing between the DEA, CMS and the states and improved training for states ... so that states can more easily identify aberrant prescribing practices," the agency said in a statement. -

 Michelle Diament
AARP, September 2012



EDUCATION

Oct 22:  Click to Guardian Angel for book signing event in Dallas
The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine
Dr. Pepper $100,000 college scholarship
For Some Texas Schools, Demographic Future Is Now
University of Texas at El Paso Ranked Among the Best Universities
Pair of Programs Push for College Preparation
Dr. Richard R. Valencia, receives a 2012 Critics Choice Book Award from the
American Educational Studies Association
Green Dot Wins $11.7 Million Teacher Incentive Fund Grant
 
The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine   http://www.hispanicoutlook.com/hispanics-on-the-move/ 
 
At the University of Alabama, a junior at  Brigham Young University, Anthony Asplund, wins Dr. Pepper  college tuition by throwing more footballs into a giant replica of a Dr. Pepper can than his opponent. He attributed his victory to saving time by grabbing two footballs at once instead of having to turn and reach for one after each shot. . .  The top score winner earned himself  $100,000. towards his tuition.  OC Register, Sept 7, 2012
 
For Some Texas Schools, 
Demographic Future Is Now
By Morgan Smith, August 31, 2012


Pre-kindergarten students at Escobar Elementary School wait outside their classroom before going to music class.
Photo by: Reynaldo Leal

Certain characteristics set the Laredo Independent School District apart from most districts in the state. Its western boundary aligns directly with the Mexican border. Nearly all its students are poor, and nearly all are Hispanic. Most rely on the school to provide two meals a day. On the first day of school this week, some showed up without shoes or without parents accompanying them.

“It’s hard to work on teaching them about reading and writing and math when they haven’t eaten. It’s hard to really welcome them into their class with their textbooks and their lockers when they don’t have on shoes,” said Marcus Nelson, the Laredo superintendent, who said the district solicited donations of shoes and dress-code appropriate clothes all summer to prepare for the new school year.

But geography aside, Texas public schools may increasingly find more in common with the South Texas district. In 2011, the state reached two landmarks. For the first time, Hispanics became the majority of public school students. And to cope with a historic budget deficit, the Legislature did not finance enrollment growth in the state’s schools — something that had not happened since the modernization of the state’s public school system in 1949. Though the first turning point passed quietly and the second with much political strife, they both underscored the challenges ahead as a dramatic demographic shift occurs in public school classrooms statewide.

By 2050, the number of Texas public school students is expected to swell to nine million from roughly five million now, and nearly two-thirds will be Hispanic, according to Steve Murdock, a demographer and director of Rice University’s Hobby Center for the Study of Texas. The overall percentage of white students will drop by half to about 15 percent. Without a change in Hispanics’ current socioeconomic status, that also means Texas students will continue to grow poorer — and their education more expensive — in the next four decades, Murdock added. 

State population figures over the last decade show the shift is well under way in the public school system. Economically disadvantaged children in Texas classrooms make up 60 percent of all children in public schools, up from less than half in 2000. Students with limited English skills now make up 16 percent of them. Of about 979,000 children added to the state’s under-18 population from 2000 to 2010, 931,000 were Hispanic.

“When you look at children, there is no doubt. The future of Texas — the future of the United States — is tied to the minority population,” said Murdock, a former state demographer and director of the United States Census Bureau. “It’s just mathematically true.”

If current trends hold, such projections make for a bleak forecast. According to state data, Hispanic students are statistically less likely to leave high school with a diploma than their white peers. Of the Hispanic students who do graduate, few are prepared for college. In 2010, 42 percent met college-readiness benchmarks in both English and math, compared with 66 percent of white students. Among economically disadvantaged and students with limited English proficiency, the gap continues to widen. Thirty-eight percent of students who came from low-income households did well enough on their Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills or college entrance exams to qualify as “college ready.” Only 5 percent of those with limited English language skills did so.

The Laredo district, along with a handful of others including Pharr-San Juan-Alamo District near McAllen, has had a head start in educating the kinds of students who will make up more of the state’s public schools. It has had successes — graduation rates for both districts have consistently surpassed the state average for Hispanics — but has also had to learn to embrace the additional challenges that come with serving students from at-risk backgrounds.

The methods that Nelson said Laredo uses to reach its students range from the simple, like having days where students wear their favorite college shirts to class, to the more complicated task of familiarizing teachers with the problems their students confront outside the classroom. That can mean starting out with the basics — defining words like “assessment” and “equation” — so that students know how they are being evaluated.

The district has also created a partnership with a community college to create an early college high school in which students can take courses that allow them to graduate with college credits in hand. All of the efforts revolve around the goal of changing the expectations that students had for themselves, Nelson said.

Much of that, he said, is emphasizing that “what you were born into does not have to be your lot in life, you are just going to have to dig down and really buy into our system of teaching and learning in the 21st century.”

“We’ve got kids that are poor, and we’ve got kids that are Hispanic, but we’ve also got kids that are some of the best and brightest kids in the state,” Nelson said.

That is a shift in perspective that needs to happen in the way policy makers at the state and district level think about educating Hispanic and low-income students, said Patricia Lopez, an associate researcher at the University of Texas at Austin’s Texas Center for Education Policy.

Too often, Lopez said, students are looked at as the problem, rather than the institutions that serve them. “We don’t sit back and ask is the challenge really about the capacities of the schools and the people within those schools not being up to par,” she said. “We have not invested in that, so that those kids aren’t coming into a context where failure is seen as a function of them.”

The 2011 budget cuts, when lawmakers reduced public education financing by more than $5 billion, have exacerbated that, Lopez said. But the issue also needs to be addressed in teacher and principal recruitment programs, which she said could help make school leaders aware of their own biases in the classroom and better understand the world their students inhabit.

“It’s more common to hear things like kids take poverty into schools, kids take broken home into schools, but people who are educators also take their baggage into schools,” she said.

If Texas can adequately educate the new student majority, Murdock said, the potential reward is large. As a state with a population that is growing younger instead of older its work force would be competitively poised to replace a generation of retiring baby boomers, he said, taking advantage of the accompanying economic opportunity and higher incomes.

There has been some improvement. Over the last decade, the gap between the academic achievement of white and Hispanic students in the state has narrowed. But if the current rate of closure remains, it still would not be enough to ensure the state’s success, Murdock said.

“It says I need to run fairly quickly from here to the finish line or maybe I wont get to the finish line,” he said.

Other stories in our Beyond the Data series have looked at how many Texas students are dropping out of high school, whether they are prepared for college, how much schools spend per student and trends in school district staffing.

http://www.texastribune.org/texas-education/public-education/some-schools-texas-demographic-future-here-now 

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

 

 

 

Dear Friends,

I’m pleased to share with you the exciting news that UTEP was just ranked among the best universities in the nation by Washington Monthly magazine. As you can see, at #12 overall, we’re in fine company among America’s top colleges and universities.

This ranking adds to UTEP’s reputation for making a big difference in the lives of our students, the El Paso region and our nation. In fact, in terms of social mobility, UTEP was recognized as #1 among all U.S. universities for success in enabling students to achieve the American Dream through our affordable and high quality academic programs.

You can find more information about this important new validation of UTEP’s success at Washington Monthly. Thank you for all you do to support our efforts to enable UTEP students to achieve their highest aspirations.

Go Miners!

President Diana Natalicio

Editor: For more on President Natalicio, Click here: UT El Paso - President's Biography

 

Pair of Programs Push for College Preparation
mkocruz@Exchange.FULLERTON.EDU, Sept. 10, 2012

Mildred García



CSUF President Mildred García spoke at “Destino Universidad.” Photo: Matt Gush

Dulce Guerrero, left, tells Gloria Marroquin, right, and her son Daniel about academic programs at Cal Poly Pomona. Photo: Stephen Weissbart

Attendees getting information

Gloria Marroquin and her 14-year-old son Daniel spent Saturday morning loading up on college knowledge. Clutching campus brochures, financial aid guides and other information, the grateful mom and son were just two of about 1,000 people who converged on Cal State Fullerton Sept. 8 to take part in two events aimed at preparing underrepresented youths for admission and success in higher education.

“We are learning so many things we didn’t know about getting into college,” said Marroquin, who attended “Destino Universidad,” a bilingual college-planning event co-sponsored by the College Board. “This is just awesome. My son wants to be an aerospace engineer, and he is learning what it takes to get into a good school and pursue his dream.”

Daniel echoed his mother’s sentiments: “I’m learning I have a lot of options, and I can do it if I prepare.”

That was the point of both Destino Universidad and the 16th annual Parent and Student Educational Symposium, presented by the Council of African American Parents. At both events, representatives from parent and student support groups and from area colleges and universities provided information about academic programs, financial aid and student services. In addition, speakers talked movingly to their audiences about pursuing college degrees, even when faced with obstacles.

"I'm a first-generation college graduate,” CSUF President Mildred García told those gathered for 
Destino Universidad. “I started out in Brooklyn, New York. My parents worked in factories, poor, but they knew that the only inheritance that a poor family could leave you is a good education. … And, 
here I am, president of Cal State Fullerton because of a university education. So, I say to you, if a kid from Brooklyn can make it from a factory family to the presidency, what can you do?”

Civil rights attorney Constance “Connie” Rice, author of “Power Concedes Nothing: One Woman's 
Quest for Social Justice in America, from the Courtroom to the Kill Zones,” delivered the keynote address at the Parent and Student Educational Symposium.

“Let’s be clear,” said Rice, a Harvard Law School graduate. “It’s not enough to just get out of high school and get into college. You have to go the extra mile. You have to get a culture of overachievement, become super achievers. It has to be ingrained. I want you to focus on mastering what’s in front of you.”

She said that she and her cousin, Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. secretary of state, come from slavery.

“The Rice slaves in my family worked in the slave-owner’s home, so they were taught to read,” Rice said. “When my ancestors came off the Rice plantation, they knew how to read. I am fourth-generation college educated. Condoleezza and I should be at the top of our game. A lot of folks came from slavery. They’d have been beaten if they opened a book, but we had a jump start. I should be excelling, and we have an obligation to do as much as we can to pull everybody forward with us. Know your history and push yourself.”

Many of the youngsters in attendance at both college-planning events will be the first in their families to attend college, and the information they received Saturday will help them navigate their way to a college degree.

Besides college planning, speakers also explained the challenges involved in creating a path to citizenship for young undocumented immigrants who are college students and military service members. They talked about AB 540, the California law that allows undocumented and out-of-state students to be exempt from paying non-resident tuition at public colleges and universities; and President Barack Obama’s “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” a program allowing some young undocumented immigrants to remain in the U.S. and work legally for two years.

Immigration attorney and CNN radio host Rosa Elena Sahagun provided a step-by-step session in Spanish and English on the application forms that are available at www.uscis.gov and the eligibility requirements for the deferred action program.

“Education is the most important goal,” Berenecea Y. Johnson Eanes, CSUF vice president for student affairs, said about both events. “We are dedicated to serving the community and opening our doors so that students will choose higher education.”

Added Eddie Arteaga, College Board senior educational manager: “For every 100 students in the United States who start the first grade, fewer than 30 graduate from high school and even fewer graduate from college.”

“That is a very scary statistic,” he said. “That’s why the College Board's Destino Universidad program provides resources. We know a college education is not easy, and it’s not cheap.”

Arteaga left a room full of students with several suggestions: “I want you to really invest in your future. Think about what you want to do the rest of your life. Preparation is key. You have college, career and funding options available to you. College is possible.”

By: Mimi Ko Cruz, 657-278-7586
mkocruz@Exchange.FULLERTON.EDU
http://news.fullerton.edu/2012fa/college-prep.asp
http://www.flickr.com/photos/csufnewsphotos/sets/72157631501428968/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/csufnewsphotos/7973325892/in/set-72157631501428968 

 

Dr. Richard R. Valencia, receives a 2012 Critics Choice Book Award from the 
American Educational Studies Association
Dr. Richard R. Valencia--- Professor of Educational Psychology and Faculty Associate of the Center for Mexican American Studies at The University of Texas at Austin--- has received a 2012 Critics Choice Book Award from the American Educational Studies Association (AESA) for his Chicano School Failure and Success: Past, Present, and Future (3rd ed.)

His first edition, published in 1991 (awarded an "Outstanding Academic Book of the Year" by Choice), is considered by many scholars to be the foundational text in Mexican American education. Chicano School Failure and Success has introduced thousands of students and scores of scholars over the years to the growing and dynamic field of Mexican American education. The third edition will continue this mission. Released in December of 2011, the third edition is already being adopted as a class text by a number of professors across the country. The AESA Critics Choice Book Award Committee lauds Chicano School Failure and Success (3rd ed.) as "an outstanding contribution in the Social Foundations of Education field." This award is Dr. Valencia's second consecutive AESA Critics Choice Book Award and his fourth prestigious book award in the last two years. Included is the American Educational Research Association 2011 Outstanding Book Award for Dismantling Contemporary Deficit Thinking: Educational Thought and Practice, deemed by many to be the top national book award for authors of education-related publications.

University of Texas at Austin

Richard R. Valencia is Professor of Educational Psychology and Faculty Associate of the Center for Mexican American Studies at The University of Texas at Austin. He is also Fellow in the Lee Hage Jamail Regents Chair in Education. Dr. Valencia’s area of scholarly specialization is racial/ethnic minority education, with a particular focus on Mexican Americans (educational history; testing/assessment issues; social thought; demographic trends; educational litigation; intellectual/academic test performance; educational policy). Dr. Valencia’s honors include the 2001 Distinguished Career Contribution Award, awarded by the American Educational Research Association, and the 2001 Distinguished Faculty Award from the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education. During his career, Dr. Valencia has served as an expert witness for plaintiffs of color in a number of education lawsuits, most recently in the 2006 federal-level Santamaria v. Dallas Independent School District segregation case in which the plaintiffs prevailed.

E-mail Richard R. Valencia at: richard.valencia@mail.utexas.edu

 

Green Dot Wins $11.7 Million Teacher Incentive Fund Grant
Funding to Go Toward Continued Development & Support of Effective Teachers in High-need Schools
Los Angeles - Green Dot Public Schools has been awarded a nearly $12-million federal grant to support the development of teachers and increase the number of college-ready students in their 18 schools, the US Department of Education announced today. Green Dot is one of only 35 organizations nationally to be awarded the 2012 Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) grant. 

"This grant will help us continue the work we have started in supporting, developing and evaluating teachers using multiple measures," said Marco Petruzzi, CEO of Green Dot Public Schools. "We are proud of our record of working collaboratively with our teachers, giving them the support they need to make teaching a rewarding and fulfilling career, and providing our students with the best classroom experience possible." 

The five-year $11.7 million federal grant, with $1.87 million awarded in the first two years and $9.86 million in the following three years, will be used to support Green Dot's robust professional development system for teachers, counselors and principals.

"We are thrilled we can further our efforts to develop and support our teachers and counselors, ensuring there are a range of leadership and career pathways available to them," added Arielle Zurzolo, President of Asociación de Maestros Unidos, the labor organization that represents more than 500 teachers and counselors at Green Dot's schools. "This grant is an important recognition of our efforts toward improving student achievement by helping teachers improve their practice."

Green Dot was awarded the TIF grant from a pool of more than 120 applicants nationwide. In its application, Green Dot demonstrated its readiness to transition to a new multi-faceted professional development and assessment system. Earlier this year, Green Dot negotiated a new contract agreement with its teachers union that includes a teacher-designed professional support and evaluation process that is serving as a model to school districts throughout California.

For more information about the US Department of Education's 2012 Teacher Incentive Fund, visit www.ed.gov

About Green Dot Public Schools

Green Dot Public Schools is the one the largest Charter Management Organizations in Southern California, operating 18 public charter schools - 14 public high schools and 4 middle schools - in Los Angeles' highest-need communities.  

Green Dot's teachers and classified staff are members of Asociación de Maestros Unidos and Ánimo Classified Employees Association, local affiliates of the California Teachers Association, giving these teachers and staff the respect and flexibility to do their best work for students.  These schools are publicly funded and free to attend. For more information visit: www.greendot.org  




CULTURE

Hawaii Hispanic News
Pasodoble Islas Canarias, Youtube  
'Mariachi Gringo'...It's Not An Oxymoron, It's An Award Winning Film
For all you Flamenco lovers

HAWAII HISPANIC NEWS


Editor: 
Sorry, I could not capture these two articles in a readable size.  However, do click, read and enjoy the accomplishments of Stevina (Chan) Kiyabu and Bobby Gonzalez.   

Stevina is the product of a Hong Kong Chinese father and a Columbian mother.  Raised in Puerto Rico, Stevina followed her interest in the culinary arts, eventually opening the Coquito's Latin Cuisine restaurant in Hawaii.

Bobby was born in Manhattan, but raised in the Bronx.  His parents migrated to New York from Puerto Rico. His family celebrated their Latino/Puerto Rican/Taino heritage. We have celebrated Bobby's activism as a multicultural motivational speaker and grassroots community philosopher in many previous issues.  

 

Pasodoble Islas Canarias (Los Sabedenos) Youtube . . .

Pasodoble Islas Canarias (Los Sabedenos) Youtube . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxzVFmONyAg&feature=related

 

'Mariachi Gringo'...It's Not An Oxymoron, It's An Award Winning Film

Gil Sperry thought you would like this article found on Examiner.com: 'Mariachi Gringo'...It's Not An Oxymoron, It's An Award Winning Film
You received this email because Gil Sperry recommended this link. enjoy the trailer

 

National Folklore Society, Archiving Initiative Survey Reminder
The American Folklore Society, founded in 1888, is an association of people who study folklore and communicate knowledge about folklore throughout the world. Our more than 2,200 members and subscribers are scholars, teachers, and libraries at colleges and universities; professionals in arts and cultural organizations; and community members studying and conserving folk traditions. Join us in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 24-27, 2012, for our 124th annual meeting, on the theme of "The Continuity and Creativity of Culture." For annual meeting details and membership information, or to learn more about folklore, the Society, and the work of folklorists, please visit our web site http://www.afsnet.org.

The National Folklore Archives Initiative http://www.afsnet.org/default.asp?page=NFAI  (NFAI) is a project of the American Folklore Society http://www.afsnet.org  being carried out with funding support from the National Endowment for the Humanities http://www.neh.gov

As part of the NFAI project, an online survey was taken to identify archival collections pertaining to folklore and folklife--especially primary source materials reflecting people and organizations that practice, document, study or present folk culture and traditional arts.  For questions regarding the survey please contact Steve Green, Archivist at the Western Folklife Center, sgreen@westernfolklife.org 

For questions about the National Folklore Archives Initiative, please contact me at mailto:lloyd.100@osu.edu .
Timothy Lloyd, PhD, Executive Director
American Folklore Society
Mershon Center
The Ohio State University
Columbus Ohio
Anne Hartman
Editorial & Production Coordinator
Society of American Archivists
17 N. State Street Suite 1425
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Phone: (312) 606-0722  Fax: (312) 606-0728 
 ahartman@archivists.org  

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

For all you Flamenco lovers

For all you Flamenco lovers ...... These are Great . 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnFtLjQ_rr8&feature=related 

La Bodega de Julian, Esp Dia de Canarias, parte 8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXShnfUlPcs&feature=related
 

Folías. Olga Cerpa y Mestisay, Luis Morera, Totoyo Millares y Jose Manuel Ramos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMcSsaI5xpI&feature=related
 

Enjoy. Bill Carmena JCarm1724@aol.com



LITERATURE

Click to: National Assn of Hispanic Publications (NAHP) Annual Convention, October 18-20 

The 2012 Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage Conference
Entering a new chapter after turning the page by Ron Gonzales
Teofilo Ruiz: A Beautiful Mind by Robin Keats  
No habla Espanol, The new Latino Media universe is young, political, and all-American
     by Ruth Samuelson

Somos en escrito Magazine

Recovering the past, creating the future 
The 2012 Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage Conference: 
Literatures of Dissent/Cultures of Resistance, 
October 19-20, 2012 in Houston, Texas

A registration fee of $50.00 professors and $20.00 students and community members will be charged for the conference. Please submit your registration form and payment by September 1, 2012.  
www.latinoteca.com 
Rebeca Reyes
Assistant to the Director
Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage Project
University of Houston § 4902 Gulf Fwy, Bldg. 19, Room 100 § Houston, Texas 77204-2004
(713) 743-3128 § (713) 743-2847 Fax
Find Arte Público on: Twitter / Facebook / MySpace



Entering a new chapter after turning the page
by Ron Gonzales 

SANTA ANA -- Rueben Martinez, the Santa Ana barber who created a  new life through a love of books and reading, is entering a new  phase of life.    Librería Martínez Books and Art Gallery has become Librería  Martínez de Chapman University, a nonprofit bookstore and  educational center focused on learning and literacy, the  university announced recently. Sept. 22, 2012

For more about and up to date Latino activity in Orange County, Ca, go to: http://oclatinolink.ocregister.com/ 
Martinez, 72, opened his first Santa Ana shop in 1975, across the  street from his store's current location. In 1993, he began  selling books he would buy in Tijuana for Spanish-speaking  customers, and in 1996 he launched Librería Martínez on Main  Street, moving the operation to its Broadway site about three  years ago.

It has drawn big-name authors such as Jorge Ramos, the late  Carlos Fuentes and Sandra Cisneros and international attention,  but like a lot of retail bookstores, it has struggled, too.

Martinez, a Presidential Fellow, has been working for Chapman  University for about three years. Born into a family of copper  miners in Miami, Ariz, he recruits first-generation students. He  has donated the contents of his store to the new endeavor -- more  than 7,000 books. Chapman's College of Educational Studies will  raise funds to cover the costs of operating Libreria Martinez,  relying on sales, grants and donations.

"It is a matter of social entrepreneurship. For this initiative  to work, it must be a community effort," said Don Cardinal, dean  of Chapman's College of Educational Studies who spearheaded the  effort. "We have faith that the community will help support this  effort, and donors will see the value of a community business  helping support the needs of the local community."   Martinez tells us about the change, and what it means for the  community, and himself.

How did your partnership with Chapman come about?

They came to me. It was their idea, because they saw me working  every day. And then, recruiting students for Chapman University  -- a lot of them I meet here.

They knew that I was losing money, that I was putting my savings  into it. It was costing me close to $5,000 a month. It hurt me to  write a check. Sometimes I had to move moneys around, scrounge  around. They saw me. Actually it was the dean, Don Cardinal; he  came up with the idea. 'What do you think if you and the  bookstore partnered with Chapman University?' I said that would  be fantastic, And he said, 'Let me dig into it. Let me look  around.' So after about a year and a half, Don made a  presentation to the board of directors of Chapman. And they all  supported it.

How tough did it get?

I haven't made a nickel in this store in the last three years.

A lot of publishers think, 'How does Martinez do it?' And what it  is is never giving up, believing in what you're doing... The  struggles took up too big a challenge. But I always paid my rent.

It would be really hard for me to close. The store has been so  good to me and to my customers and to my friends. Everybody is  always giving me advice -- to close, because you're losing money.  'Look at yourself, man. You look tired. Beat up. You're spending  your savings.'

Business was coming down. I had a nice apartment, and I put  everything in storage. And in 2003, I went to live in the Main  Street store, because I didn't want to lose the store. Nobody  knew. And I didn't care.

It was always rough. Even when we had our good days, when we had  our author signings. You'd have Jorge Ramos; you'd sell 200 or  300 books. It pays the rent, pays expenses, and then before you  know it, there's more bills. I was running short. I knew the  store was not generating the income that it should to pay all the  expenses, so I sacrificed. I had a kitchen. I had a stove, a  refrigerator. I had everything a house should have. I then had a  shower in there and two bathrooms. What more could you want? I  sacrificed, and I stayed there, because I wanted the store. I  lived there for about a year. Then the MacArthur came (a 2004  $500,000 "genius grant" from the MacArthur Foundation).

Why didn't you close?

I've always wanted families tor read. I've always told young  people, 'A book can be a friend today and forever.' If they read  today, they're going to become good writers when they enter  college. That's why I never felt like closing the store. That  would be like tearing my heart out.

What do you envision at Librería Martínez de Chapman University?   Action. Activities. More people. Readings. Lectures. Student  classes. Professors providing education to students. Children.  One-on-one.

We're going to continue our English classes for adults here.  We're going to be teaching Spanish classes, too.

We're going to have laptop or computer classes -- Edison is going  to donate some laptops to us.

Here, in this room, I will be bringing in parents of students,  and we're going to have somebody from financial aid, from  admissions come and talk to parents about the future of their  children, and how to go about applying for grants, how to apply  for universities across the nation. We don't care where the  student goes, as long as they go onto higher education. If they  want to go to Chapman, fine, we're here to help.

And not only are we going to be selling books, we're going to be  selling apparel -- a T-shirt or sweatshirt that says 'Librería  Martínez de Chapman University.' We're going to have newspapers  -- all the newspapers -- and magazines. Also we're going to have  bestsellers -- we're going to have the bestselling authors in the  United States come and visit us. We're going to have art  exhibits.

What does this mean for you?

It's not about me. It's not about Chapman. It's about this young  population today.

This has given me more strength, more character, to go out and  talk to kids. I'm still going to visit high schools and grade  schools, from pre-schools all the way to college.

I'm going to write a letter to all principals, saying that we're  here, and for them to bring their classes here, or I will go to  their schools and continue to encourage them to read, to write,  to write their goals down, to have that vision, to have that  imagination of where you're going to be 5 years, 10 years or 20  years from now. Because at my age, I still have goals. I still  write my goals down. If you write them down and you work at it,  they happen, they come true.

I am excited about this. It's like another chapter in my life. I  hope that I have another five years for my life because it's  exciting. Who would ever think that at my age -- 72 -- I would  still be working every day, doing the thing that I enjoy doing?

Do you think I want to give this up? Heck no, there's much more  to go. And now with Chapman University here? Now it's not going  to be one cabeza (head). It's going to be many cabezas putting  this together.

This is a good time of my life. I'm excited. Because if you're  excited and you're happy, things happen.

Contact the writer: 714-796-6999 or  rgonzales@ocregister.com

 

 

Teofilo Ruiz: 

A BEAUTIFUL MIND 
By Robin Keats    


UCLA MAGAZINE JULY 2012, pg. 22,24

     Teofilo Ruiz wastes no time grabbing his students' rapt attention. The acclaimed UCLA historian has been known.to enter a medieval history class on the first day, sign his name on the board as "Stephen Dedaius" and initiate a lecture on James Joyce's Ulysses.

     WHEN THE STUDENTS tell him that it is a history class, he gathers his things and leaves. And returns shortly afterwards. That, needless to say, gets their attention,

     But memorable class openers are far from the only way Ruiz gets his young charges to attend to his words. The Cuban-born scholar is hailed for his teaching style, his warmth, his scholarship, his books, his personal history - and the passion that is evident in everything he undertakes.

     In February, the internationally recognized historian traveled to Washington, D.C., to be awarded the National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony. The prestigious annual award honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities, broadened the en gagement of American citizens with the humanities, or helped preserve and expam access to important resources in the humanities. Previous medallists have included Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, novelist John Updike, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and author Elie Wiesel, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg.

     According to a White House announcement, Ruiz's "erudite studies have deepened our understanding of medieval Spain and Europe, while his late exami nation of how society has coped with terror has taught important lessons about, the dark side of Western progress." Princeton University Press published Ruiz's new book, The Terror of History: On the Uncertainties of Life in West­ern Civilization, last year.

The National Humanities Medal is only the latest in a series of honors that highlight Ruiz's career. He's been chosen as "Outstanding Master's Universities and Colleges Professor of the Year" by the Carnegie Foundation; been given the American Historical Associa­tion Biennial Award for the best book on Spanish history; was the 250th Anniversary Visiting Professor for Distinguished Teaching at Princeton; been honored by the Institute for Advanced Study; received an NEH Fellowship; and was a Guggenheim Fellow. Articles and books (published in America and Europe) including his latest, A King Travels: Festive Traditions in Late Medieval and Early Modern Spain flow from his pen.

Bullets and Books

Born into a middle-class family, Ruiz grew up in Cuba in an environ­ment that fostered learning. Seven of his aunts were teachers. His father, an attorney, had a library that was a transfer point where Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo and Sir Walter Scott entered his life. Across the street from his boyhood home was the Hemingway Farm that had an outdoor stone table at which he would sit and read.

At 17, Ruiz joined the fight against the regime of Fulgencio Batista. "I was swept by the Revolution," he says. "It had a tremendous impact on my life and my point of view, and it still does."

But when a friend was killed in 1960, Ruiz became disaffected in the swirl of revolutionary events. He walked away from the revolution and in April 1961 was arrested and thrown in jail. Ruiz was eventu­ally released after.the failed Bay of Pigs invasion that same month. In October of 1961, he immigrated to Miami and then moved to New York City, where he attended City College of New York (now City University of New York, or CUNY) and supported himself by driving a cab and working at Continental Can Company.

In 1974, Ruiz received his Ph.D. from Princeton University. He taught at Brooklyn College, Princeton, the CUNY Graduate Center, the University of Michigan, and France's prestigious Eco/e des hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences). In 1998, Ruiz joined the faculty at UCLA.

A Native Son Returns

It has taken a half-century for Ruiz to return to the land of his birth. He traveled to Cuba on a UCLA Alumni Association excursion this past winter. "I had two sets of memories, [of] what was and [of] what is," he says of the trip. "Walking through my hometown [just outside of Havana] was depressing. And it was also exhilarating."

In an account of this odyssey written for friends, Ruiz says, "I could not or would not return in the early years because of threats to my freedom. Then, the restrictions imposed by the Cuban government on those Cubans wishing to visit the island kept me away. Finally, already old, I continuously reminded myself of how much I needed for a whole series of complex issues to take this sojourn. Yet, always at the very last moment, some other voyage beckoned, and I kept postponing and/or delaying the trip ... If I resisted my return, it was be­cause I fully understood and feared the psychological impact of such re-encounter with my lost youth, of the probable erasure that may occur of my carefully nurtured memories of my early life, of places, people, and events."

Such an erasure did not occur. His boyhood home seemed much smaller to him now, as it does for all those who go home again. Still, Ruiz came to terms with his personal history.

"I had not cried at the sight of my hometown's ruins," he writes. "I, who do not cry for the dead, cried at the shimmering beauty of the place that had once been my home and was, finally, home again."

History Through a Poet's Eyes

Teo Ruiz also speaks of another, more abstract but just as unique geography the place where poetry and history converge. "Keats, Byron and Shelley wrote in a time of incredible upheaval," the scholar explains. "The poet's work is always linked to historical context."

Poetry is integral to the context of his perspectives on history and beliefs (and lack of belief). He quotes Baudelaire and Rimbaud and enjoys the playfulness of language that's at the core of e.e. cummings' work. His thoughts mix and merge with those of Yeats, Browning and Dylan Thomas, as well as lesser-known poets like James Thomson.

Raised as a Catholic, he became an atheist. Raised middle class, he became egalitarian. He is a pessimist whose outlook is betrayed by exuberance. Looking back at his youth, for example, Ruiz sees passion that may have been na'i've, but which came to be informed and persis­tent. "I was very political when I was 18 or 19, in the first year of the Cuban Revolution," he recalls. "I was absolutely convinced that I could change the world. Now, as I know, the world has changed me. But I never gave up that idea. I have a combative attitude."

That attitude is apparent in his opinion of the world. "There is no monument of civilization that is not a monument of barbarism," he says, in a self-conscious quotation of the left-wing thinker Walter Benjamin. And, again, there is no contradiction or contraindications in his thoughts. It is just Teo Ruiz looking at life through both sides of a well-honed lens and reporting as accurately as he can.

"The things that are beautiful, that move us and change us are also essentially painful," he says. "The capturing of that moment in time in which you can see into the heart... that is beautiful and painful. What­ever is beautiful, we grasp for the moment like the sunset. It is that instant we comprehend and then it withdraws and we are left bereft."

Ruiz loves the warm sun and the sunsets of L.A. and the way it graces his embrace of life and learning. The man who adores Bach, who calls his weathered cell phone "Jurassic," who has read Harry Pot­ter and has been captivated by the intrigues of Masterpiece Theatre has much history to examine, much to write and so many still yet to teach to even consider attempting to set a slower pace.

"The art of writing is an act of prolonging our lives," Ruiz says. "So is the art of teaching. We remember our writers, our teachers. As long as you remember me, as I always tell my students, I am alive."

 

Feature — September / October 2012

No habla Español

The new Latino media universe is young, political, and all-American

By Ruth Samuelson


Lalo Alcaraz has always embraced the word pocho. It refers to Mexican-Americans who have lost their Mexican culture and speak English, and it’s what relatives occasionally called Alcaraz when he was growing up in San Diego. He has leveraged it ever since. In the 1990s, Alcaraz and a friend founded POCHO Magazine, which led to pocho.com. Both projects used English when, for years, “Hispanic media” usually meant Spanish-language content. They satirized Latino issues and poked fun at biculturalism. “We had the National Pochismo Institute,” he says, “where we would send out a fake survey and ‘rate your pochismo.’ ” Currently, Alcaraz hosts a radio show called the “Pocho Hour of Power” on KPFK in Los Angeles.

He was ahead of his time. Pocho is popping up everywhere these days, from Twitter handles to bands and performers. Not surprisingly, a new crop of news websites has emerged to tap the bicultural Latino market, too. Fox News Latino, HuffPost LatinoVoices, and the start-up NewsTaco all were born between mid-2010 and 2011, to cite some of the more prominent entries. This summer, NBC Latino launched an English-language website, and Univision, which had created a news Tumblr to generate buzz for its own new English-language site, says it plans to go live by the end of the summer. Alcaraz shuttered his magazine in the late 1990s, and his website petered out around 2004. But he kept the domain name, and earlier this year he re-launched pocho.com, now called Pocho: Ñews y Satire. “It’s sad that it took everybody so long,” he says.

* * *

It’s no secret why there’s a boom in these websites. The US Latino community now exceeds 50 million—16.3 percent of the population—and accounted for more than half the country’s growth between 2000 and 2010, according to Pew Hispanic Center’s census analysis. “That certainly was a moment that converted a lot of people,” says Miguel Ferrer, editor of HuffPost LatinoVoices about the census.

More important, native-born Hispanics outnumber their foreign-born counterparts roughly 32 million to 19 million. They also are younger (the median age is 18), more likely to own a cellphone, and more comfortable with and immersed in the digital media culture than foreign-born Latinos. In short, they are squarely in the sweet spot for marketers and the media. Carlos Pelay, president of the Charlotte-based Media Economics Group, said in an email that younger Latinos tend to be more educated and affluent, and their purchasing habits are more influential on the broader culture than those of older generations.

The census numbers also highlight Hispanics’ importance in the 2012 election. In the last presidential election, Hispanics favored the Democratic ticket over the Republican one “by a margin of more than two-to-one,” according to Pew. But that hasn’t dissuaded presumed Republican nominee Mitt Romney from courting Latinos. He’s targeted them with Spanish-language advertisements, a Spanish-language website, and an outreach team, Juntos Con Romney.

That newfound political power certainly struck the late Carlos Guerra, a former columnist for the San Antonio Express-News who’d been a youth leader in the Chicano civil rights movement. He co-founded NewsTaco in 2010 (he died later that year).

“Carlos came from a time and place where Latinos were disenfranchised,” says Sara Inés Calderón, another co-founder and former editor of the site. “He was really excited about what [the election] would mean for Latino empowerment, Latino media, and Latinos having a voice.”

Today, campaign news looks similar across the sites. Yes, HuffPost LatinoVoices has HuffPost’s usual channel of opinion writers—some prominent, some not. And NBC Latino builds its brand by sending its commentators onto MSNBC, and those clips are then featured on the site. But in general, the approaches vary minimally—they all track the candidates’ views on the DREAM Act, Arizona SB-1070, and the Hispanic vote.

While the readership and influence of these sites is growing, Univision, which in 2007 hosted the country’s first Spanish-language presidential debate with the Democratic primary candidates, is still the biggest name in Latino political coverage. Univision has the fifth-largest primetime audience in the country, occasionally besting the other major networks in ratings, according to data from Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism.

But even this powerhouse realizes its audience is evolving, as evidenced by its new English-language website and plans to launch an English-language channel with ABC News by 2013.

* * *

To some, the entire concept of “Latino news in English” is misguided. When journalism professor Moses Shumow showed HuffPost LatinoVoices to his students, they weren’t sure “why the site was going to be entirely relevant to them,” he says. Shumow teaches at Florida International University, and roughly 70 percent of his students are Hispanic—not terribly surprising for a Miami-based institution. In that majority-minority city, people don’t favor broad labels. “There are huge Puerto Rican festivals, huge Dominican festivals,” he says. “There are gigantic Cuban celebrations. There are tremendous Colombian and Peruvian activities that take place.”

You don’t hear about “Latino festivals,” he says. Nevertheless he adds: “I definitely think it’s still a relevant term in other parts of the country.”

That’s debatable.

On NBC Latino, syndicated columnist Esther Cepeda declared, “‘Latino’ bugs me to no end. It’s like nails on a chalkboard to me, especially when I’ve been asked where I’m from and the answer ‘Chicago’ doesn’t stop the questioner from insisting on guessing my ethnicity.”

She was discussing the Pew Hispanic Center’s report “When Labels Don’t Fit: Hispanics and Their Views of Identity,” which found that only 24 percent of survey respondents “prefer a pan-ethnic label.”

Cepeda and Shumow’s complaint raises a question that is becoming more relevant with America’s young, English-speaking Hispanics: What is “Latino news,” anyway?

Lalo Alcaraz says the threshold for relevance seems low among the new Latino sites. “They’ll run a story about some woman that, whatever, beheads her baby or husband or something,” he says. “And they’ll just run it because the person’s Latino. That’s not what the Internet’s for, if you’re trying to talk about Latino life.”

Here, for example, is a representative headline from HuffPost LatinoVoices: “Brazil Cannibal Empanadas: Brazilian Women Murdered, Eaten And Made Into Human Pastries.” Fox News Latino also ran a story on the flesh-eating incident.

That’s another thing: There tends to be a lot of redundancy among the sites. Not only do they cover the same topics, they’ll often use the same AP stories. Sometimes, that’s unavoidable, says Chris Peña, executive editor of NBC Latino. “There are going to be some parallel rails here, especially when it comes to news and politics,” he says, pointing as an example to the reporting earlier this year on Florida Senator Marco Rubio’s vice-presidential prospects.

Nevertheless, stories on food, education, and parenting will stand out, Peña says. NBC Latino also unearths “firsts,” like Carmen Ortiz, “the very first Hispanic—and woman—to be named Massachusetts chief federal prosecutor,” he says. “Frankly, if we’re not finding those stories, who’s going to find them?”

In fact, though, Fox News Latino has a similar feature, “Our American Dream,” which profiles inspiring Latinos. (The network declined my interview request.)

Another issue: The sites often “fall under clichés,” says Univision social-media editor Conz Preti. “They just upload a video of Sofia Vergara on Saturday Night Live,” she says. “Of course, that made news, and there’s a lot of ratings. But what else? It’s not just throwing names out there or targeting entertainment only.”

Overall, she’s glad there’s more Latino news. “But we do feel that we know our audience better,” she says.

The skepticism isn’t limited to competitors like Preti. The business community also is unconvinced that English-speaking Latinos are a true market niche, says Rosa Alonso, a marketing consultant who’s studied this group, and who used to run an English-language site of her own, MyLatinoVoice.com, which has been on hiatus since late last year. Businesses know how to target Spanish-speakers, but bicultural Latinos are often considered part of “a general market pool,” she says. “Well, that’s ridiculous. African-Americans speak English. There’s this cultural element—that’s what you’re trying to get to.”

These criticisms in part reflect the fact that the new English-language sites are young and still trying to differentiate themselves, win a larger share of the audience, and pay the bills. As of June, comScore was only monitoring Fox News Latino and HuffPost LatinoVoices, so reliable, comprehensive numbers on traffic are hard to get. Between April and June, LatinoVoices drew 1.8 million unique visitors a month on average, while Fox News Latino attracted just over 2 million.

NBC Latino hopes to gain a competitive advantage, in part by creating a “superior mobile experience,” says editor Peña. Compared to non-Hispanic whites, Latinos are more likely to use the Internet via their phones than at home, says the Pew Hispanic Center.

To compete with Fox News and companies with “all the resources in the world,” NewsTaco editor Victor Landa says his site offers stories ignored by the mainstream media—pieces by food bloggers, activists, political consultants, and other professionals, not just journalists. He also partnered with VOXXI, another English-language site aimed at Latinos, and says he hopes to form relationships with nonprofits and other publications.

In May, AOL Latino became HuffPost Voces, a Spanish-language sister site to HuffPost LatinoVoices. The two operations will increasingly link to each other, regardless of whether the pieces are in Spanish or English. “Let those who can slip between the two languages do so,” says editor Ferrer, who oversees both sites. “Let those who only want to stick to one language have that ability.”

As for Lalo Alcaraz, he has big plans for pocho.com, too. He’d like to produce original videos, collaborate with a “major site and/or TV network,” and farm out his writers as on-air pundits. He’s already started contributing video and written commentaries to NBC Latino.

The audience will broaden beyond Latinos, Alcaraz believes. Case in point: In addition to an Argentinian and half a dozen Chicano and Chicana contributors, his staff includes a Jewish guy and the “whitest white dude I think I ever met,” he says.

As the media have finally evolved, so have the readers. “It just goes to show,” Alcaraz says, “that the English-language Latino thing is becoming a pop-culture thing.”

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

Subscribe to Somos en escrito Magazine at www.somosenescrito.blogspot.com
It’s easy and ensures you get the latest obras immediately.  Sent by Armando Rendon  armandorendon@sbcglobal.net 



BOOKS

Guardian Angel by Richard Menchaca 
La Junta, the Gathering by Abel Alejandre
The Sandoval Sisters’ Secret of Old Blood by Sandra Ramos O’Briant
An Underground Cultural History of El Paso and Juarez: 1893-1923
     by David Dorado Romo
Ban This, Edited by Santino J. Rivera
Politics and the History Curriculum; The Struggle over Standards in Texas and the
     Nation, edited by Keith Erekson
José María de Jesús Carvajal: The Life and Times of a Mexican Revolutionary,
by Joseph E. Chance, review by Josefina Zoraida Vazquez,

Guardian Angel 

El Centro College, Dallas will host a Meet the Author presentation in its Performance Hall from 10:00 to 1:00 p.m. on October  22nd in author Richard Menchaca’s honor. 

Richard Menchaca will unveil his early background autobiography. The book charts Richard’s early life in San Antonio through his graduation from Lanier High School and attributes his personal and track accomplishments to his coach and mentor, Carlos Belton.  Hence the name, Guardian Angel.



Richard has established a scholarship fund for all royalties from the sale of the book in Coach Belton’s name.  I thought it would be meaningful to Richard if as many friends and colleagues as possible could attend this presentation. So will you circle that date on your calendars and plan to attend?

Richard Menchaca has been on the reading faculty of El Centro College, Dallas  County Community College District for forty-five years and in education for the past fifty years. He is the department chair as well as entrepreneur, businessman and owner, commercial real estate investor, motivational speaker, community advocate, and most importantly, a philanthropist.

Additionally, he has been inducted into the National Hispanic Sports Hall of Fame, University of North Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and had his Sidney Lanier High School State Championship jersey retired and displayed at the Nemo Herrera High School.


Dallas County Community College District
| District FAQs | El Centro College
El Centro College Downtown Campus: 
801 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75202 |
 Telephone: 214-860-2000

Sent by John D. Pettit, Jr. Ph.D.

LA JUNTA/THE GATHERING
by Abel Alejandre 

Hello, my friends: 

I want to share some newsworthy highlights. 

My first solo show in Mexico was amazing! My hosts and those in attendance made it one of the most pleasant experiences to date. I was interviewed by two newspapers and a local TV crew. You can see some images on my Flickr account.

My art book "La Junta/ The Gathering" is now available on Amazon. It is written in Spanish and English and contains mostly my artwork with various works from a selection executed during the last twelve years. These are works in my show in Mexico and at Coagula Curatorial here in LA. I hope you enjoy it. 

I received confirmation that I am a finalist for the LA Metro Expo Line! It was very competitive and I am told that I am in good company. I will have to kick some serious butt in the proposal in order to be awarded my own train station!


abel@alejandre.org
 


About the author:
Abel Alejandre is an international artist who works with several mediums including film, painting, drawing, and printmaking. He immigrated to Los Angeles in 1975 from Apatzingán, Michoacán, Mexico with his mother and his siblings. In 1984, Alejandre painted his first mural for the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics. More recently, he completed a film documentary called "Resurrected Histories: Voices from the Chicano Arts Collectives of Highland Park".

Although, most of his work deals with issues of masculinity, Alejandre also deals with contemporary: culture, class, politics, and race. He uses his art as a buffer between himself and the world. Alejandre creates aesthetically inviting work on the surface, underneath, he confronts his own issues with his emotional experiences and his understanding of the human experience. Alejandre's work is a personal experiential journey with himself, his viewers, and his art.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0615677401/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_pg5mqb0FM7DCR  
Price: $20   Paperback: 72 pages
Publisher: Artmaker Studio (August 19, 2012)
Language: English  ISBN-10: 0615677401 ISBN-13: 978-0615677408
Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.2 inches
abel@alejandre.org  | PO Box 17013 | Long Beach | CA | 90807


 

The Sandoval Sisters’ Secret of Old Blood  by Sandra Ramos O’Briant 


Sandra Ramos O’Briant writes about New Mexican women during the Mexican-American War. “No Statue of Liberty ever greeted our arrival in this country...we did not, in fact, come to the United States at all. The United States came to us.”  ~ Luis Valdez

The U.S. conquers its first foreign capital: Santa Fe. The story is set on a rough frontier where women struggle not just against the elements, or men, but sometimes against one another. Three sisters on the brink of life and love contend with the avarice of the occupiers and the superstitions of their own people. They survive the hostilities from two important fronts­–New Mexico and Texas. Their money and ancient knowledge offer some protection, but their lives are changed forever. 

When Alma flees with her young lover to Texas to escape an arranged marriage with a much older man, she sets in motion a drama that will put the sisters and their legacy at risk. Pilar, a 14-year-old tomboy, is offered as a replacement bride, and what follows is a sensuous courtship and marriage clouded by the curses of her husband’s former lover, Consuelo. She will stop at nothing, even the use of black magic, in her effort to destroy the Sandoval family. The Mexican-American war begins and the Americans invade Santa Fe. The sisters survive the hostilities from two important fronts-New Mexico and Texas. Their money and ancient knowledge offer some protection, but their lives are changed forever. "This story of love, mysticism and betrayal tests the ultimate boundaries of sisterhood. I loved this brave, lushly written tale of life in old Santa Fe." Jill Smolinski, author of Objects of My Affection and The Next Thing on My List.

Sandra Ramos O’Briant grew up in Santa Fe and spent summers in Texas. Her short stories and creative nonfiction have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies. A complete list is here. Readings are scheduled for Latino Heritage month at the Autry, at Vromans, and at the Latino Book and Family Festival.   For a complete list of her work, go to www.thesandovalsisters.com .

Product Details: · Paperback: 272 pages 
· Publisher: La Gente Press (August 28, 2012)  · Language: English 
· ISBN-10: 0615615104   · ISBN-13: 978-0615615103 
· Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches 

 

 


Ringside Seat To a Revolution: 
An Underground Cultural History of El Paso and Juarez: 1893-1923 by David Dorado Romo

History Often Trails But It Corrects Itself  
by Rodolfo F. Acuña, 29 August 2012

If you haven’t read David Dorado Romo’s “Ringside Seat To a Revolution: An Underground Cultural History of El Paso and Juarez: 1893-1923,” (Cinco Puntos Press), do so. It is a book I wish that I would have written. A pictorial history of the Mexican Revolution, it also sees events through a trans-border prism that includes a Chicana/o lens.
My favorite story is of the Mexican gas baths forcefully given Mexican immigrants upon entering the country (for over 50 years) and the little known story of Carmelita Torres, a seventeen year old Mexican maid who crossed over into El Paso from Juarez to clean houses in 1917.

Carmelita refused to take a gasoline bath when she entered the United States. The soldiers would often stare at the disrobed Mexican women as they were forced to take the baths. Carmelita was aware that a similar gasoline bath had burned the inmates in the El Paso jail to death when a fire ignited the gas. Carmelita, tired of suffering this indignity, agitated the other passengers on the trolley. Thirty passengers joined the protest, touching off two days of uprisings.

The Los Angeles Times reported on January 30, 1917, “Nine hundred and twenty-nine Mexicans were given baths at the United States immigration station today, the third day of the enforcement of quarantine regulations as a preventative of typhus fever. … The only disturbance today was when two Mexican men and one woman were arrested by local police officers at the American end of the international bridge. They were placed in the City Jail on charges of inciting a riot, the specific charge being that they crossed the international line and assaulted Sgt. J. M. Peck of the Twenty-Third United States Infantry and Inspector Roy Scuyler of the customs service. The woman was later dismissed and the men fined in Police Court.”

The night before the Times reported that “THOUSANDS OF MEXICANS BLOCK TRAFFIC IN ANTI-AMERICAN DEMONSTRATION.” The Mexican government of Venustiano Carranza cooperated with American authorities in putting down the rebellion. The Times continued, “The rioters were mostly Mexican women, employed as servants in El Paso, who resented the placing in effect of an American quarantine order that all persons of unclean appearance seeking to cross the bridge be given a shower bath and their clothing be disinfected to kill the typhus-bearing vermin.”

The Times added that “Stories also were circulated that American soldiers were photographing the women while bathing, and making the pictures public.” The account described the women as defiant:

Excited women thronged the Mexican side of the bridge, held up streetcars and completely blocked traffic for several hours. They shouted defiantly, waved controller bars at the helpless manager of the street car system, scurried against the shade of the bridge walls when a moving picture man tried to take them, and had a good time generally. Some of the American carmen were roughly handled and several car windows were broken. Mexican men, who attempted to cross to El Paso, had their hats snatched off and thrown into the Rio Grande…

The women also defied Mexican authorities shouting, “Viva Villa!” The Mexican troops of Venustiano Carranza pressed the women back from the bridge. They fired supposedly to scare the crowd. A demonstrator was later executed by the Carranza’s army.

Despite the importance of the Carmelita Torres story, it like hundreds of others was untold. Romo is one of the first scholars to highlight it. Significantly many such incidents have emerged in the last twenty years.

This no doubt can be attributed to the dramatic growth in the Latino population that has forced changes not only on public policy but in scholarship. It is no longer strictly a white narrative. While Latino students made up 4.6 percent of the school-age population in 1968, twenty years later they comprised 10.5 percent of the populace. In 1970 the census estimated that 9.07 million Spanish-surnamed persons lived in the United States; at least 4.53 million were of Mexican origin, living mostly along the 2,000 mile border separating Mexico and the United States. There were small pockets in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. There are now 35 million Mexican Americans and they span the entire nation.

In 2010, the Los Angeles Times reported that Latinos would become majority California-born by the time the 2010 census. There was also an exponential growth in Mexican popular culture and scholarship. In the Southwest a cultural revolution took place -- not only in music and the arts but in foods. Salsa is the No. 1 condiment in the United States. Mexican folklore, music, Cinco de Mayo, the Day of the Dead and foods all became part of American culture. Mariachi music has become a standard part of most statewide and national political events. The only thing that has marred the fiesta is a vicious rise in white supremacy and racist nativism rhetoric.

An almost unnoticed consequence of the shift in population is the growth of Mexican American and Latino research. Before December 31, 1970, there was not a single dissertation written under the category of “Chicano”; by 2010 870 dissertations had been recorded under this grouping. Under “Mexican American” 82 dissertations had been accepted before 1971, and 2,824 after that date -- under Latinos, 6 before 1971 and 2,887 after. The growth of the Chicano population also produced a renaissance in interest on Mexico. Before 1971, 660 dissertations on Mexico could be found in the Proquest data bank contrasted to 9,078 that were written after this date to 2010. The number of books and journal articles on Chicanas/os and Latinos exploded.

A growth in the Chicana/o middle class took place because of the Chicana/o Movement. This is in spite of the horrendous Mexican American dropout rate.

This advance in the production of knowledge will have future implications for places like Arizona because it will determine what future generations know and think about today. It will not be like in the case of Carmelita Torres who was discovered a century after her courageous stand for human rights.

Take the case of the Tucson Unified School District: Most of the local coverage has been controlled by local news media, which are controlled by a cabal.

In just the past couple of months two books have been published that are highly critical of what is happening there, i.e., Jeff Biggers’ State Out of the Union: Arizona and the Final Showdown Over the American Dream and Otto Santa Ana’s anthology Arizona Firestorm have just come out and I know of at least six other books including one by me that are in the works. Most take a definite stand against the privatization of the state’s resources, exposing the chicanery of school and state officials. Some even name names.

Many of those who are relying on anonymity will be exposed; books on Tucson will have a much wider reader ship than let’s say my book Occupied America simply because the Mexican American population has grown exponentially so much larger than in 1972. It is at that point that the Southern Arizona Leadership Council will become universally known as the Robber Barons and Arizona as the Mississippi of the West.

Based on my reading of history the stock of Sean Arce will reach epic levels. If he were living in California or Texas there would have been at least a half dozen corridos (ballads) written about him.

Like in the Ballad of Gregorio Cortez, Arce took on the gringo or more specifically injustice. Like Aurelio Pompa he may lose but the sacrifice will be recognized. It is very rare that a corrido is dedicated to a politician and almost never to a businessman. It is reserved for a hero. Arce even looks the part. (You can picture Sean riding with Pancho).

History will absolve those who stood with the Tucson Mexican American Studies program. In this case the truth comes in numbers. Who would you prefer standing with? Carranza or Pancho Villa?

However, how this awareness is translated into progressive change will greatly depend on Democrats who should recognize that their future depends on Mexican Americans knowing about Carmelita Torres and the Sean Arces and that it is better to have Mexicans in the schools than in prison.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nz-253RaQo 

Edited by Santino J. Rivera

WARNING: This book is a weapon. This book is extremely dangerous. This book is explosive. This book is illegal. This book could land you in jail! Broken Sword Publications proudly presents, ¡Ban This! The BSP Anthology of Xican@ Literature, an unparalleled survey of some the best Xican@ voices of the modern era. Santino J. Rivera, author and indie publisher, introduces readers to the most significant and compelling voices of the Xican@ movement since Message to Aztlán. Selecting the best literature available from barrios coast to coast, Rivera has created an anthology that in itself is an act of defiance to those who would ban books, censor culture and re-write history. 

This collection reflects both a dynamic and cohesive portrait of modern Xican@ literature - which is American literature. These are the stories for a new generation of revolutionaries. This groundbreaking anthology includes works by Francisco X. Alarcón, Gustavo Arellano, Lalo Alcaraz, Luis Alberto Urrea, Rodolfo Acuña as well as works from many new voices culled from the woodsheds of Neo Aztlán. ¡Ban This! The BSP Anthology of Xican@ Literature is a weapon of mass education. These are our stories and they deserve to be heard. This book is a tightly-packed tome of literary rebellion just waiting to be unleashed.   Show More

 Politics and the History Curriculum; 
The Struggle over Standards in Texas and the Nation
Edited by Keith Erekson


Beto,  Folks might be interested in the recent publication, Politics and the History Curriculum; The Struggle over Standards in Texas and the Nation, which addresses the recent fight with the Texas Board of Education over the public school curriculum. The anthology, edited by Keith Erekson (UTEP, Department of History), includes 12 essays by persons who were involved in one way or another. The contributing authors are Keith, Preuss, Muñoz, Noboa, de la Teja, Cure, Hughes, Sebesta, Fisher, Black, Salvucci, and myself. 

Emilio Zamora, Professor  e.zamora@austin.utexas.edu 
Sent by Roberto Calderon, Ph.D.  beto@utn.edu 


Josefina Zoraida Vázquez 

Joseph E. Chance, José María de Jesús Carvajal: The Life and Times of a Mexican Revolutionary, San Antonio, Texas, Trinity University Press, 2006, 283 pp. ISBN 9781595340207


Review by Josefina Zoraida Vazquez, 2012

Joseph Chance dedicó varios años de su vida a reunir material para rescatar del olvido a José María Carvajal, a quien considera intellectual liberal reformista mexicano. La historiografía mexicana del noreste lo pinta más bien como aventurero y contrabandista de cierto mal nombre por su recurrencia a combatir al gobierno mexicano con mercenarios estadounidenses. La presente biografía de Carvajal resulta interesante y sin duda alumbra algunos problemas de la complicada historia fronteriza, a lo que él contribuyó con diversos movimientos federalistas o antitarifarios. Los interesados en la frontera y la historia de Texas seguramente disfrutarán el libro. El autor, desde luego, sigue su vida en el contexto que le tocó vivir, desde la temprana colonización de Texas hasta los tiempos de la restauración de la República.

La vida de Carvajal se desarrolló paralela a los problemas entre México y Estados Unidos. Nació en 1809 en San Antonio Béxar, pequeña villa que presenció la incursión de Gutiérrez de Lara con mercenarios estadounidenses que declaró la independencia de México en 1812. La recuperación del lugar por el comandante de las provincias internas Joaquín Arredondo, fue violenta y es posible que el padre de Carvajal muriera en alguno de los enfrentamientos. Tal vez este inicio lo inclinó a sus constantes correrías.

En la adolescencia, José María presenció la llegada de colonos Angloamericanos al departamento, evento que marcó su vida y personalidad. Carvajal llamó la atención del empresario Stephen Austin, quien se convirtió en verdadero padre sustituto y quien le inspiró curiosidad hacia Estados Unidos. En 1823 se le present la oportunidad de acompañar a uno de los colonos a Kentucky, donde inició su educación y decidió convertirse a la secta protestante de los Discípulos de Cristo. Uno de sus fundadores, Campbell, lo adoptó y con él convivió Carvajal entre 1826-1830 en una pequeña universidad de West Virginia. Su inmersión en la cultura angloamericana fue completa, tanto que en una carta, le confesó a su madre que casi había olvidado su lengua. Se había convertido en el tipo del nuevo fronterizo confundido a menudo con su identidad y, como símbolo de su transformación, empezó a firmar Joseph M. J. Carvajal. Como buen neófito protestante, Carvajal envió Biblias a Texas para venderlas por medio de Austin, para redimir a sus paisanos.

A su vuelta a Texas, Carvajal tuvo que elegir ocupación y de nuevo, Austin lo encaminó a convertirse en agrimesor para lo cual él mismo lo entrenó. Austin conocía la necesidad de escriturar las tierras otorgadas a los colonos y su influencia le permitió recomendarlo al gobierno de Coahuila y Texas. Así en 1831 empezó a medir y escriturar tierras en Anáhuac, lugar donde se había establecido la primera aduana, al haber vencido los primeros plazos de exención de impuestos. Acostumbrados al privilegiado estatus, la tarea era delicada. Consciente de esto, don Manuel Mier y Terán encargó al angloamericano George Fisher la aduana. La elección fue desafortunada, pues Fisher era conflictivo y la estableció en un lugar poco apropiado. Los arrogantes estadounidenses cuyas naves comerciaban con los texanos, de inmediato se sublevaron contra la medida y simplemente dispararon contra los soldados mexicanos que vigilaban la aduana, con el apoyo desde tierra de los colonos. Este incidente se sumaba al malestar ya existente con el establecimiento de una Comandancia militar en el mismo lugar, presidida por el general Juan Davis Bradburn, un virginiano llegado a la Nueva España con la expedición de Francisco Xavier Mina e incorporado después a las filas de Guerrero. Como buen anglosajón, Bradburn mostró diligencia para aplicar las leyes mexicanas al pie de la letra, tarea difícil en un lugar donde los colonos las violaban rutinariamente. Los colonos se sintieron agraviados ante la negativa de Bradburn de regresar dos esclavos fugitivos de Luisiana, de acuerdo con las leyes mexicanas que habían abolido la esclavitud. A esto se sumó el arresto de Madero y Carvajal por Bradburn por empeñarse en escriturar terrenos federales o sea la franja costera o fronteriza que empezaban a ocupar ilegales. Irritados, los colonos optaron por la violencia e hicieron huir a Bradburn. El incidente en realidad respondía al descontento de los colonos con el antiesclavismo mexicano y de pago de impuestos después de una década de exención.

Aunque la diferencia cultural de los angloamericanos había producido algunos problemas, la dura vida de la frontera y los ataques indígenas los habían minimizado. Pero a fines de 1830 había empezado a entrar una oleada de colonos de distinta clase, cuyos afanes eran especulativos o abiertamente secesionistas en busca de anexar Texas a Estados Unidos. Don Manuel Mier y Terán había hecho un informe minucioso de la situación de Texas en 1829, en el que expresaba su temor de que se perdiera la provincia. Este informe lo utilize don Lucas Alamán para promover una nueva ley de colonización que prohibía la entrada de angloamericanos. Mier criticó la forma poco diplomática en que se había redactado y como fue nombrado inspector y comandante, trató de aplicarla con tacto y de manera de no afectar a personas que ya estaban en camino hacia Texas.

Al estallar el levantamiento de Antonio López de Santa Anna en enero de 1832, Mier se multiplicó para evitar que el ejército a su mando se adhiriera, consciente de que cualquier desorden lo podían aprovechar los texanos descontentos. Pero sus esfuerzos se vieron frustrados en julio al desembarcar en Brazos el general José Antonio Mejía y partir con Austin hacia su colonia, la que no tardó en adherirse al movimiento. Mier, cansado y deprimido vio con desesperación la situación y terminó por suicidarse.

Austin aprovechó el desorden de la República para organizer dos convenciones que le encargaron viajar a México para exigir la separación de Texas de Coahuila, la anulación de la prohibición de la entrada de angloamericanos y pedir una extensión de la exención de impuestos. Como contaba con muchos aliados entre los radicales del Congreso de 1833, se le concedió la anulación de la prohibición y la extensión de impuestos y se le prometió que la separación de Texas de Coahuila se consideraría en un momento más oportuno. Además, el gobierno federal solicitó a Coahuila y Texas hacer una serie de reformas para dar mayor representación a los colonos. El estado dividió el departamento en tres distritos para que tuviera mayor representación y autorizó el uso del inglés en asuntos administrativos y judiciales, aprobó el juicio por jurado (trial by jury) y nombró a un angloamericano para encabezar la justicia en Texas. Pero la principal preocupación de los colonos era la esclavitud, ya que aunque la abolición de 1829 había exceptuado a Texas, la constitución del Estado declaraba que nadie nacía esclavo, lo que condenaba a la desaparición, en un futuro cercano, a la “institución peculiar”. De esa manera, vencida la extensión de plazo de exención en 1835, la apertura de la Aduana, el decreto de reducción de milicias cívicas sirvió de pretexto para promover la separación. Por eso el establecimiento del centralismo en octubre de 1835 sirvió sólo para justificarla.

Esta explicación está ausente en el libro de Chance quien como historiador texano da por sentada la interpretación tradicional, que justifica la independencia por el militarismo y la dictadura de Santa Anna, inexistentes en ese momento. La historiografía mexicana ha puesto en claro que los dos intentos militaristas fracasaron y que la primera dictadura de Santa Anna no se estableció, sino hasta 1841. Andreas Reichstein en The Making of the Lone Star, ha mostrado que para 1835 el gobierno mexicano había resuelto los principals agravios de los colonos. Fue en ese momento en que existía la posibilidad de que México reconquistara el departamento de Texas, que George Fisher desde Nueva Orleáns, sugirió la conveniencia de promover que los federalistas del noreste se separaran y fundaran una República nortemexicana, como dique de contención.

Carvajal simpatizó con los texanos y compró armas para la lucha en Luisiana, pero un accidente impidió que llegaran a Texas y tuvo la mala suerte de que a pesar de su total integración lo alcanzaran los prejuicios antimexicanos y, como otros mexicanos, resultara sospechoso y tuviera que trasladarse a vivir en Camargo, cerca del río Grande.

En realidad el desafío de Zacatecas y de Coahuila y Texas en 1835, fue el que condujo al establecimiento del centralismo, ante el temor de que el federalismo estuviera patrocinando la desintegración del territorio. De todas maneras el regionalismo aseguró que se multiplicaran los movimientos federalistas y uno de ellos afectara el noreste entre 1838-1840. De acuerdo con la mecánica de los pronunciamientos mexicanos, los federalistas instalaron un gobierno provisional en 1838 en Laredo. Aunque eso no significaba otra cosa que el desconocimiento del gobierno central, los periódicos texanos lo interpretaron como la fundación de la supuesta república del río Grande. El desconocimiento de la historia mexicana lleva a Chance a darla por un hecho. Los líderes del movimiento, fueron los miembros del clan formado por Antonio Canales, Molano y Cárdenas, a los que se unió Carvajal. Como fronterizos no dudaron en contratar mercenarios texanos para su movimiento armado, pero como éstos sólo estaban interesados en el saqueo y no en el restablecimiento del federalismo, los rebeldes terminaron por amnistiarse ante las tropas del general Mariano Arista.

Los principios regionalistas volvieron a expresarse ante el peligro de la invasión estadounidense. Canales discurrió distraer al ejército estadounidense, al presentarse como enemigos del gobierno dictatorial de Mariano Paredes. Por su familiaridad con la cultura del país del norte, Carvajal fue elegido para entrevistarse ante el general Zachary Taylor, para plantearle que necesitaban armas y recursos. Canales mismo informó a Paredes del proyecto. A pesar de las órdenes recibidas de favorecer los movimientos secesionistas mexicanos, Taylor no tragó el anzuelo y decidió consultar con su gobierno, de manera que el fracaso del plan obligó a Canales y Carvajal a organizar guerrillas.

Aunque los ataques indígenas, el filibusterismo, el abigeato y el contrabando estaban a la orden del día, con la firma de paz, la nueva frontera ofreció nuevas oportunidades de intercambio comercial. Carvajal las aprovechó, pero la presencia del ejército y las limitaciones aduanales obstaculizaban sus negocios, por lo que no tardó en pronunciarse con el Plan de la Loba. Nuevamente los texanos interpretaron su movimiento como intento secesionista para fundar ahora la República de la Sierra Madre. El rumor incluyó al president Mariano Arista, quien era combatido por conservadores y radicales, que aprovecharon para acusarlo de traición, de forma que terminó por renunciar. Puesto que Carvajal utilizaba a Texas como base para abastecerse de armas y mercenarios, el ministro mexicano en Washington y la cancillería reclamaron por la violación a la ley de Neutralidad y del artículo 11 del Tratado de Guadalupe. Aunque por algún tiempo el gobierno de Estados Unidos evadió el problema, terminó por apresar y juzgar a Carvajal, pero como otros filibusteros, no tardó en ser liberado.

Como aventurero inquieto, Carvajal también se sumó a la lucha contra la dictadura santanista y después en la guerra de Reforma, que en el norte liberal complicaban los intereses particulares. Después, Carvajal tampoco desaprovechó la lucha contra la intervención francesa y se movilizó al mando del batallón “Fieles de Tamaulipas”. Su conocimiento del inglés y de Estados Unidos, llevó a Juárez a comisionarlo para la búsqueda de apoyo financiero. Sobre ese momento, Chance da una versión interesante con base en documentación desconocida, que muestra un Carvajal ingenuo e irresponsable. En Nueva York se relacionó con personajes de dudosa reputación y para obtener fondos, puso en marcha la venta de bonos que ofrecían ganancias fantasiosas y que generarían reclamaciones estadounidenses. Por fortuna el representante official del gobierno mexicano, Matías Romero, se dio cuenta del absurdo proyecto y logró anularlo en parte. El gobierno de Juárez anuló su comisión, lo que obligó a Carvajal a trasladarse a Brownsville, donde todavía participó en la recuperación de Matamoros en 1866 y ejerció fugazmente el gobierno. Pero sus correrías habían terminado, de manera que envejecido y cansado, se retiró a Soto la Marina, donde lo sorprendió la muerte en 1874.

El desconocimiento del español provoca limitaciones en el libro. Esto lo deducimos de la cantidad de errores ortográficos que tiene el texto y de la ausencia en la bibliografía y documentación mexicanas. Eso hace que el trasfondo histórico sea obsoleto y sesgado. Eso no obsta para que el libro permita comprender algunas facetas de la historia de la frontera, lo que hace que valga la pena leerlo, aunque con la cautela para detectar los errores de interpretación. El libro es otra muestra de la incapacidad que ha mostrado la historiografía texana de superar sus interpretaciones tradicionales.

Josefina Zoraida Vázquez

Sent by Roberto Calderon beto@unt.edu

 


Latino soldiers
 Cebu, Phillipines, WW II

USA LATINO PATRIOTS

Tony Santiago, Latino Alliance "Champions of Character"
Resources

Picture

TONY SANTIAGO,  Latino Alliance "Champions of Character"
"Regular people like us, we all can do some extraordinary things!"
















Tony "The Marine" Santiago
 serving in Vietnam

 

Tony "The Marine" Santiago chronicles Latino achievement, heroism, and leadership!

We're celebrating the achievements, leadership, and success of our Latino Alliance "Champions of Character"!  Their continuing example provides inspiration to us all. They've gone above and beyond the everyday to reach the extraordinary. We look with pride on their accomplishments and wonder "can we achieve some things like that?"
Our answer is "Yes, if we can muster the strong sense of responsibility, dedication, and perseverance that they have." Take a good look, and draw some example and strength from these "Champions of Character." They shine through!
Latino Alliance is thrilled to highlight our "Champion of Character" Tony "The Marine" Santiago, prominent Latino historian, writer, and strong advocate for Latino achievement, leadership, and success!

Tony's goal has been to furnish younger Latinos with inspiration by providing information on the significant contributions that numerous Latinos have made in many fields, including US military service, science, business, and education. Latinos everywhere can be inspired by Tony's illustrious efforts and accomplishments as well!
Tony grew up in a rough and humble barrio in New York City where he was a gang leader as a youth.
"The only role models and heroes we Latino kids had were "El Zorro", the "Cisco Kid", and "Speedy Gonzales". In school, our history books failed to make mention of the numerous contributions which Hispanics have made to the formation of our country," he notes.

He had asked himself what contributions have Latinos made besides being entertainers? That is when he made it his objective in life to write about the positive contributions which Latinos have made, including the contributions and sacrifices in every military conflict that our nation has been involved. He believes that by providing our youth with the stories of Latino positive role models, that our youth can be inspired to seek a higher level of education and continue to make positive contributions to our country and the world in general.

After completing his high school education in the borough of the Queens, Tony joined the US Marine Corps in 1969, and served with the 2nd Batallion 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division in the Vietnam war as Gunner in the 81 MM Mortar, and later, in the Military Police. Honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Tony then moved to Puerto Rico where he married Milagros Rivera.

He enrolled in the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, and as a ''magna cum laude'' student majored in business administration and accounting. He also studied in the Puerto Rico Real Estate Academy, the American Banking Institute, and the Polytechnical Institute of Caguas, Puerto Rico, and worked in business for many years.

As a historian and writer, Tony has written more than 600 articles for Wikipedia, and contributes stories to El Boricua, Somos Primos, and other media outlets. In addition, "The Marine" serves as the Official Historian of the Association of Naval Service Officers (ANSO).

In 2007, to help fulfill a debt of honor at the request of the grateful Kouts family, Tony searched for and reunited with them the family of David M. Gonzales, the Medal of Honor recipient who died saving the life of William Kouts in World War II (See Wikipedia article on David M. Gonzales and story in The Arizona Republic).

Tony has received numerous awards for his tireless work, and has been recognized by Wikipedia, many US military officials, and by the Governor, Senate, and Secretary of State of Puerto Rico.

Tony and his wife Milagros now reside in the Phoenix, Arizona area. They have three children and four grandchildren.
Latino Alliance proudly salutes Tony "The Marine" Santiago for his own service to his country, and for his continuing efforts on behalf of preserving and promoting the achievements, heroism, and success of Latinos!
See Tony's story "Two Unsung Heroes of 9/11" on our Profiles In Courage page!

Sen. Ken McClintock, Sen. Hillary Clinton, Tony & wife Milagros, 
Chelsea Clinton, and former Pres. Bill Clinton


Tony "The Marine" Santiago

Nmb2418@aol.com

http://www.latinoalliance.net/
champions-of-character.html

 

 
Hispanic Americans in the U.S. Army
Resources . . . http://www.army.mil/hispanicamericans/english/about/about.html 

Resources:  http://www.army.mil/contact 
To request information, http://www.army.mil/faq   help@us.army.mil or by phone: 1-866-335-2769

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=RZ7968BbMnU&vq=medium  
Video on Benavides, Medal of Honor Recipient 

EARLY LATINO AMERICAN PATRIOTS

South Coast SAR charts traffic on Granville Hough's Research
The Battle of Galveston or the Second Battle of Galveston
Yo Solo, Bernardo de Gálvez on stage of the American Revolution 

South Coast SAR charts traffic on Granville Hough's Research


In a message dated 9/5/2012, Jim Churchyard sent a message concerning the traffic on a website of  Granville Hough's research.

"In the month of July we had 757 distinct visitors to the site with 1056 different visits, so the average was 1.36 visits per visitor. They looked at 1762 pages (1.66 pages per visit). The 4th of July was our busiest day – 103 visits. The other days in July had about 20 to 40 visits per day. The most popular single topic was the Spanish soldiers in the Revolution and the recovery of John Paul Jones’ body. Many copies of Granville Hough’s Borderland Studies books were downloaded. So it was a busy month for the site!"

In addition, be sure and explore the whole website.  Lots of information and support for those wanting to claim their Sons of the American Revolution identity through their Spanish soldier ancestors.  For more information, please contact Jim Churchyard.

Jim Churchyard
1694 Santa Margarita Dr.
Fallbrook, CA 92028-1639
760.731-7280
jim.churchyard@att.net 


The Battle of Galveston or the Second Battle of Galveston

The Battle of Galveston or the Second Battle of Galveston was a naval and land battle that occurred on January 1, 1863, during the American Civil War when Confederate forces under Maj. Gen. John B. Magruder attacked and expelled occupying Union troops from the city of Galveston, Texas.

The First Battle of Galveston was a naval engagement fought on October 4, 1862, during early Union attempts to blockade Galveston Harbor.
Sent by John Inclan  fromgalveston@yahoo.com 

 


Yo Solo, Bernardo de Gálvez on stage of the American Revolution

Greetings all:

A must see is now available online titled: Yo Solo, Bernardo de Gálvez on stage of the American Revolution’s. Double click here: http://www.wsre.org/galvez/ 

Chaz Mena reenacts the life of Bernardo de Gálvez, Count de Gálvez of Spain, an aristocrat born in Spain and trained for a military career, became governor of the Spanish colony of Louisiana in 1777. When Spain entered the Revolutionary War on the side of the American colonies, he helped fight the British in Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida. He highlight Spain's enormous contribution in helping the United States achieve liberty.

Yo Solo is a one-man show about the Spanish general and viceroy who besieged British Pensacola in 1781 and ultimately changed the course of the American Revolution. Last January, Yo Solo (I Alone), a solo piece on the life of Gálvez, was commissioned by University of West Florida, and videotaped at Pensacola's PBS station WSRE with a live studio audience. An accomplished actor with an impressive resume of dramatic accomplishments , Chaz has performed in regional theaters, film, and television and is a regular on Nickelodeon's Spanish language series, “Grachi.” For more about the production, see here: http://www.wsre.org/galvez/production.asp 

“Over the objections of his naval captains and fearless of the heavy guns guarding the mouth of Pensacola Bay, Bernardo de Gálvez took his personal schooner and ran the gauntlet entering the Bay and thus exposing the port,” explains Dr. Thomas Chávez in his book Spain and the Independence of the United States . “His action resulted in a major British defeat that impacted the path of the War for United States Independence. As a result of this action, the King of Spain decreed that henceforth the Gálvez family shield have the words "Yo Solo," or "I Alone." This was just one event of many for Bernardo de Gálvez who, as a high ranking officer in the Spanish military, is a personal example of the role that Spain played in helping to secure the birth of a new nation.”

Editor:  Congratulations and thank you to Chaz Mena for informing us of his work.  

Spanish SURNAMES

Smith Family of Baja California 
by Donna Przecha

San Diego, California, July 2012
Contributors to research, Harry Crosby,  Joaquin Gracida, and Carole Salazar 
Please contact Joaquin for more information, jcg2002@k-online.com

All these surnames are related in early California history.

They tell the fascinating story that was taking place all over the southwest.  
Aguayo
Alviso
Ames
Anderson
Arce
Aripez
Azuna
Belarde
Bojorques
Brown
Camacho
Cano
Castro
Cesena
Chacon
Cota
Espinosa
Estrada
Farnsworth
Fernández
Fisher
Foxen
Gallardo
Gibson

 

 

Gonzales
Gonzalez
Henning
Howard
Jerado
Lizzie
Lopez
Maquilla
Martinez
Maze
McNeil
Meza
Mojica
Moreno
Mott
Murillo
Olson
Ortega
Osben
Osborne
Osuna
Peralta
Quintano
Ramirez
Real
Romero
Rosas
Salazar
Santos
Schmidt
Smith
Valesquez
Vargas
Vera
Veracia
Verdugo
Walsh

This is an update of research notes on the family of Thomas Smith and Maria Meza. After sending out the initial report many researchers submitted further information. This report is mainly limited to the children and grandchildren of Thomas and Maria but some lines have been extended a bit further.

We did discover that there is a lot of good research that has been done by several family members, much of it well documented. Harry Crosby and I hope that someone will be interested in using this information as a starting point for a more complete history of the family, including later generations.

I will admit that the documentation is not complete. It is more a question of indicating where or to whom to go for complete source information. The census information is brief, usually only a year and place. Most people access census returns now through an index, rather than through districts, EDs, pages, etc. I have listed the people as I found them, usually in Ancestry.com or Heritage Quest, even if the spelling is incorrect since this is the way they are indexed.

The endnotes are embedded so that it is easy to see the source. To save space and make reading easier, I have used “Guia Familiar” rather than the complete citation: Pablo L. Martínez, Guía Familiar de Baja California, 1700-1900
(Mexico, D.F.: Editorial Baja California, 1965). Many of the references to
Guía Familiar are left in Spanish. The

abbreviations used in these entries are: 
b. = baptized n. = born c. = married h. l. de = legitimate child of
h. de = child born out of wedlock of nat. de = native of, born at 
Abs. pats. = paternal grandparents Abs. mats. = maternal grandparents
celibe = unmarried finado, –ada = deceased orig. de = born at

Abbreviations used in census return:
b. = born imm. = year of immigration
mo = mother fa = father mo b = mother’s birthplace
fa b = father’s birthplace parents b = birthplace of both parents
mo of or mo x = number of children born to the mother living = number still living
dau = daughter gr-dau = granddaughter gr-son = grandson

In the descendants report:  [x] - Numbers in brackets indicate this person will be found in another place in the report. This indicates a cousin marriage. The individual will appear as a child to his parents in one place and as a spouse in another place. (See separate listing of cousin marriages.)

Page 1

Descendants of George Smith

1 George Smith b: NY
.. +Ann Mary Mott b: NY
...... 2 Thomas Smith b: 1781 New York, New York d: Aft. 1850
.......... +Maria Meza b: Abt. 1792 San José de Comondú or Loreto d: Aft. 1852
............... 3 Juan Smith b: 1810 d: Aft. 1875
................... +Tomasa Arce d: Bef. 1875
....................... 4 Maria Loreto Smith b: Abt. 1830 L Cal
....................... 4 Loreto Smith b: Abt. 1832 Calif
....................... 4 Marcelino Smith b: June 01, 1836 Mexico d: June 10, 1913 San Diego, CA
........................... +Gertrudis Romero b: November 16, 1834 Mexico d: May 09, 1918 San Diego, CA
................................ 5 Isidoro Smith b: April 04, 1856 Mexico
.................................... +Angela Aus b: Abt. 1861 Mexico
........................................ 6 Gertrudis Smith b: July 14, 1895 San Diego, CA
................................ *2nd Wife of Isidoro Smith:
.................................... +Braulia Rosas
........................................ 6 Amelia Smith b: October 01, 1887 San Jose del Cabo
........................................ 6 Maria Victoria Smith b: December 23, 1886 San Jose del Cabo, B C
................................ 5 Gumersindo Smith b: January 13, 1860 Comondú
................................ 5 Gumersinda Smith b: February 13, 1861 L Cal d: December 02, 1942 San Diego, CA
.................................... +Francisco Ames m: February 14, 1890 San Diego, CA
................................ 5 Tomasa Smith b: November 10, 1862 Comondú
.................................... +Sacramento Cano b: Abt. 1847 Hermosillo, Son m: October 20, 1878 Comondú
........................................ 6 Esther Cano b: September 21, 1879 Comondú
........................................ 6 Florentina Cano b: January 17, 1881 Comondú
........................................ 6 Carlos Cano b: March 30, 1889 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 Jorge Cano b: April 23, 1897 San Diego, CA
................................ 5 Jesus Smith b: March 30, 1864
................................ 5 Esquipulas Smith b: November 30, 1864 B Cal Sur, Mex
.................................... +Candelaria Martinez b: Abt. 1873 Los Angeles, CA d: 1905
........................................ 6 Marcelino Smith b: July 1893 Calif
........................................ 6 Tomasa Smith b: December 1894 Calif d: December 19, 1914 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 Paz Smith b: December 1896 US
........................................ 6 [10] Aurora Smith b: December 1898
............................................ +[9] Yldefonso Matias Smith b: Abt. 1890 Mexico m: November 1915 San Diego, CA
................................................. 7 [11] Ildefonso [Yldefonso] Smith b: Abt. 1918 Calif
................................................. 7 [12] Edwardo Smith b: Abt. 1919 Calif
................................................. 7 [13] Irene Smith
................................................. 7 [14] Beatriz Smith
........................................ 6 Erminia Gabriela Smith b: March 18, 1904 Lakeside, San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 Edward Smith b: Abt. 1900
................................ *2nd Wife of Esquipulas Smith:
.................................... +Josephine Romero b: Abt. 1883
........................................ 6 Juanita [Jeannie] Smith b: February 03, 1906 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 Esquipulas [Escapula] Smith b: May 08, 1907 Calif
........................................ 6 William Smith b: June 22, 1908 Calif
........................................ 6 Sarah Smith b: January 05, 1910 Calif
........................................ 6 Gilbert Smith b: September 10, 1911
................................ 5 Paz Smith b: January 24, 1867 d: December 29, 1923 San Diego, CA
.................................... +Joaquin William Gutierrez b: June 25, 1859 San Juan Capistrano, Los Angeles, CA
d: November 27, 1920 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 Rita Gutierrez b: Abt. 1890
........................................ 6 Rosa Maria Gutierrez b: August 30, 1892


Page 2

........................................ 6 Alejandra Gutierrez b: 1893
........................................ 6 Fidel Joaquin Gutierrez b: April 24, 1894
........................................ 6 Abraham Gutierrez b: January 1896
........................................ 6 Guadelupe Gutierrez b: November 1897
........................................ 6 Linda Gutierrez b: November 01, 1900
........................................ 6 Angelita Gutierrez b: Abt. 1903
................................ 5 Pauline Smith b: January 15, 1871 Mexico d: November 02, 1954 San Diego, CA
.................................... +Miguel Fernandez b: September 29, 1886 Mexico d: July 24, 1955 San Diego, CA
................................ 5 Romualdo [Romeo] Smith b: February 07, 1871 Mexico
.................................... +Lydia Cesena b: Abt. 1887 Mexico
........................................ 6 [2] Clorinda Georgia Smith b: May 25, 1909 San Diego, CA d: 1979
............................................ +[1] Frank Smith b: August 26, 1906 Colton, San Bernardino, CA
d: February 24, 1968 Colton, San Bernardino, CA
................................................. 7 [3] Raymond Smith b: 1956 d: 1979
........................................ 6 Florinda Smith b: May 25, 1909 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 Florinda Smith b: April 16, 1910 San Diego, CA
................................ 5 Eulogio [Hugh] Smith b: March 11, 1873 d: July 15, 1939
.................................... +Beatrice Victoria Peralta
................................ 5 Severiano Martin Smith b: March 1875 d: Abt. 1875
................................ 5 Juan [John] Angelo Smith b: February 1877 Mexico d: October 12, 1904 San Diego, CA
................................ 5 Maria Nieves Smith b: July 29, 1881 Comondú d: April 06, 1955 San Diego, CA
.................................... +Leon Amos Farnsworth b: April 06, 1884 m: July 25, 1907 d: August 07, 1960
....................... *2nd Wife of Marcelino Smith:
........................... +Ramona Peralta b: Comundú
................................ 5 Otilio Smith b: 1869 Conomdú
.................................... +Antonia Alberti m: June 20, 1891 Ensenada de Todos Santos
....................... 4 Peter Smith b: Abt. 1836 Calif
....................... 4 Pilar Smith b: April 22, 1843 Mexico d: September 21, 1913 San Diego, CA
........................... +R[efugio?] Murillo
................................ 5 Salvadora Murillo b: Abt. 1861 Mexico
................................ 5 Lugarda Murillo b: January 01, 1863 Mexico d: January 19, 1941 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 Ernest Murillo b: Abt. 1893
........................................ 6 Ollalo Murillo b: Abt. 1895
................................ 5 Olallo Murillo b: November 28, 1866 Mexico d: April 02, 1918 San Diego, CA
.................................... +Francisca [Effie] Jerado b: Mexico
................................ 5 Martina Murillo b: February 25, 1878 Mexico d: July 25, 1958 San Diego, CA
.................................... +Manuel Romero b: April 18, 1871 Mexico d: March 25, 1917 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 Manuel Romero b: Abt. 1897 Mexico
........................................ 6 Juan Romero b: Abt. 1903 Mexico
........................................ 6 George Romero b: Abt. 1905 Calif
........................................ 6 Julio Romero b: June 03, 1906 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 Mary Romero b: April 09, 1908 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 Michael Romero b: Abt. 1911 Calif
........................................ 6 Rosa Romero b: Abt. 1913
................................ 5 Santiago Murillo b: December 25, 1881 Mexico d: May 02, 1948 San Diego, CA
............... 3 Manuel/Emanuel Smith b: Abt. 1814 L Cal
................... +Dolores Gonzalez b: Abt. 1819 L Cal
....................... 4 Peter Smith b: Abt. 1838 L Cal
....................... 4 George Smith b: Abt. 1840 L Cal
........................... +Theresa b: Abt. 1850 Calif
....................... 4 Rosa Smith b: Abt. 1844 L Cal
....................... 4 Maria Cleofas Smith b: August 24, 1846 L Cal d: January 05, 1911 Hollister, San Benito, CA
........................... +Matias Vargas b: February 1834 d: January 29, 1901 Hollister, San Benito, CA


Page 3

................................ 5 Marcos Vargas b: Abt. 1860 Calif
................................ 5 Manuel Vargas b: Abt. 1861 Calif
.................................... +Ellen Gallardo m: May 24, 1892 Hollister, San Benito, CA
................................ 5 Matilda Vargas b: Bet. 1862 - 1866 Calif d: January 10, 1921 Santa Clara, CA
.................................... +John A Henning m: Abt. 1898
................................ 5 Leopold Vargas b: November 15, 1864
................................ 5 Francisco Javier Vargas b: January 16, 1865 Monterey, CA
................................ 5 Leopold Thomas Vargas b: December 15, 1866 Calif d: June 20, 1938 San Benito, CA
.................................... +Trinidad Ramirez m: April 15, 1888 San Juan, San Benito, CA
................................ 5 Maria Elena Vargas b: August 1869 Monterey, CA
.................................... +Ysidoro Salvador Bojorques m: March 09, 1886 Hollister, San Benito, CA
................................ 5 Maria Julia Apolonia Vargas b: April 10, 1871 Calif d: May 08, 1941 Santa Clara, CA
.................................... +Manuel Maze
................................ *2nd Husband of Maria Julia Apolonia Vargas:
.................................... +Joseph Santos
................................ 5 Sasardio [Charley] Vargas b: Abt. 1872 Calif
................................ 5 Maria Margarita Guadalupe Vargas b: February 22, 1874 Monterey, CA
d: January 28, 1937 Alameda, CA
.................................... +Francis Walsh m: September 20, 1891 Hollister, San Benito, CA
................................ 5 Joseph Charles Vargas b: June 15, 1875 Calis
.................................... +Bernabela Castro m: August 31, 1891 Hollister, San Benito, CA
................................ 5 Frank Vargas b: Abt. 1877 Calif d: December 26, 1920 Santa Clara, CA
.................................... +Lizzie m: Abt. 1906
................................ 5 Rebecca Vargas b: September 1879 Calif
................................ 5 Alphonso [Allie] Vargas b: April 05, 1882 Hollister, San Benito, CA, d: February 27, 1939 Hollister, San Benito, CA
.................................... +Merced Alviso m: July 25, 1909 Hollister, San Benito, CA
................................ 5 Matias Leonard Vargas b: March 09, 1884 Calif d: October 30, 1947 San Benito, CA
.................................... +Hilaria Vera m: September 30, 1918 Hollister, San Benito, CA
................................ 5 Antonio Vargas b: April 10, 1885 Calif d: March 20, 1966 Alameda, CA
.................................... +Annie m: Abt. 1908
................................ 5 Josefa [Josie] Vargas b: April 1888 Calif d: April 27, 1931 San Benito, CA
.................................... +Primitivo Ortega
................................ *2nd Husband of Josefa [Josie] Vargas:
.................................... +Jesus Chacon m: September 13, 1903 New Idria, San Benito, CA
....................... 4 Salome Smith b: December 1848 Calif
....................... 4 Nicolas Smith b: October 20, 1852 Calif d: December 12, 1934 Brentwood, Contra Costa, CA
........................... +Francisca Lopez d: Bef. 1910
................................ 5 Philip Smith b: 1882 d: January 23, 1929 San Benito, CA
................................ 5 Josie Smith b: 1883 Monterey, CA
.................................... +Foxen
................................ *2nd Husband of Josie Smith:
.................................... +Anselmo J Mojica
................................ 5 Angelina Custodia Smith b: May 10, 1884 Salinas, Monterey, CA, d: August 08, 1970
Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, CA
.................................... +James Alonza Brown
................................ *2nd Husband of Angelina Custodia Smith:
.................................... +Frederick McNeil
................................ 5 Virginia Margaret Smith b: May 11, 1886 Monterey, CA d: July 17, 1951 San Joaquin, CA
.................................... +Anthony J Castro
................................ 5 Charles Benito Smith b: 1891 Soledad, Monterey, CA d: May 01, 1926 Salinas, Monterey, CA
....................... 4 Maria Smith b: Abt. 1854


Page 4 

........................... +Jose Nicolas George Lopez m: October 26, 1869 Monterey, CA
................................ 5 Angelo Lopez b: Abt. 1870 Calif
................................ 5 Pintino Lopez b: Abt. 1873 Calif
................................ 5 Lucy Lopez b: Abt. 1872 Calif
................................ 5 Tecola Lopez b: Abt. 1874 Calif
................................ 5 Isabel Lopez b: Abt. 1876
................................ 5 Dallia Lopez b: Abt. 1879
................................ 5 Miguel Lopez b: May 1889
....................... 4 Gavino Smith b: Abt. 1857
........................... +Veracia b: Abt. 1863
....................... 4 Dolores Smith b: Abt. 1859 d: March 29, 1877 Monterey, CA
....................... 4 Pedro Claudio Smith b: October 19, 1862 Calif
............... 3 Jose Maria (Joseph) Smith b: Abt. 1817 L Cal d: Bef. 1901 Monterey, Calif
................... +Juliana [Maria J] Camacho b: Abt. 1821 L Cal d: Bef. 1901
....................... 4 Ramon [Gil] Smith b: Abt. 1837 L Cal
........................... +Maria J Castro
................................ 5 Hilario Daniel Smith b: January 14, 1862 Monterey, CA
................................ 5 Adon Daniel Smith b: July 30, 1863 Monterey, CA
....................... 4 Louisa Smith b: Abt. 1839 L Cal d: February 1870 Ventura, CA
........................... +Guillermo (Wilhelm) P Smith/Schmidt b: Abt. 1820 Olenburg, Germany m: February 13, 1857 Monterey, CA
d: 1883 Calif
................................ 5 Andres [Andrew] Gil Smith b: February 04, 1858 Monterey, CA d: July 20, 1946 San Bernardino, CA
.................................... +Rosenda Aguayo b: March 1863 Calif m: January 08, 1885 San Bernardino, CA
d: March 31, 1918 Calif
........................................ 6 [8] Louisa Smith b: January 16, 1886 Calif
............................................ +[7] John Belarde
........................................ 6 Joseph Leonardo Smith b: April 1887 Calif
........................................ 6 Rosa Smith b: May 28, 1889 Colton, Calif
........................................ 6 Margaret Smith b: December 16, 1890 Calif
........................................ 6 Josephine Smith b: March 04, 1895 Calif
........................................ 6 Antonio Smith b: April 11, 1897 Calif
........................................ 6 [6] John Smith b: December 07, 1899 Calif
............................................ +[5] Stella Smith b: April 06, 1905 Calif d: April 26, 1995 El Cajon, San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 Virginia Smith b: April 17, 1902 Calif
........................................ 6 [1] Frank Smith b: August 26, 1906 Colton, San Bernardino, CA d: February 24, 1968 Colton, San
Bernardino, CA
............................................ +[2] Clorinda Georgia Smith b: May 25, 1909 San Diego, CA d: 1979
................................................. 7 [3] Raymond Smith b: 1956 d: 1979
................................ 5 Antonio Victor Smith b: February 26, 1860 Monterey, CA d: January 20, 1912 San Bernardino, CA
.................................... +Carolina b: 1866 d: 1891
........................................ 6 Ellis Smith b: December 17, 1886 San Bernardino Co, CA d: October 26, 1948 San Bernardino, San
Bernardino Co, CA
............................................ +[4] Felicitas Lopez b: 1874 Calif d: 1956 Calif
................................................. 7 Mary Antonia Smith b: 1913 Calif
................................................. 7 Robert Smith b: 1915 Calif
................................................. 7 Caroline Smith b: February 19, 1917 Calif d: July 20, 1987 Oxnard, CA
........................................ 6 Virginia Smith
................................ *2nd Wife of Antonio Victor Smith:
.................................... +[4] Felicitas Lopez b: 1874 Calif m: 1899 CA d: 1956 Calif
........................................ 6 Mary Smith b: 1899 Calif
........................................ 6 Beatrice Smith b: October 20, 1902 Calif


Page 5 

........................................ 6 Frankie Smith b: 1904
........................................ 6 [5] Stella Smith b: April 06, 1905 Calif d: April 26, 1995 El Cajon, San Diego, CA
............................................ +[6] John Smith b: December 07, 1899 Calif
........................................ 6 Clara Marie Smith b: March 30, 1907 d: December 02, 1996 Ft Bragg, CA
........................................ 6 Andrew Smith b: August 16, 1908 San Bernardino, CA
................................ 5 Juliana Smith b: March 29, 1862 Monterey, CA d: July 28, 1950 Colton, CA
.................................... +Juan Bautista Belarde b: 1868 Calif m: 1895 CA d: 1945 Calif
........................................ 6 Ben Belarde
........................................ 6 [7] John Belarde
............................................ +[8] Louisa Smith b: January 16, 1886 Calif
........................................ 6 Ruby Belarde
................................ 5 Magdalena Smith b: March 29, 1862 Monterey, CA d: November 27, 1949 Colton, CA
.................................... +Jose Maria Espinosa b: 1867 Calif m: 1893 CA d: 1960 Calif
....................... *2nd Husband of Louisa Smith:
........................... +Charles Gibson b: 1831 VA m: February 21, 1867 Salinas, CA d: 1904 Calif
................................ 5 William Gibson b: 1869
....................... 4 Joseph [Jose Maria] Smith b: Abt. 1840 L Cal d: Bef. 1895
........................... +Trinidad Romero m: Abt. 1870 d: Bef. 1895
................................ 5 Ramona Smith b: Abt. 1872 Monterey, CA d: Abt. 1906 Calmalli, L Cal
.................................... +Charles Howard b: Abt. 1865 Iowa
........................................ 6 Lucy Irene Howard b: March 29, 1899 L Cal d: July 15, 1986 Kern Co, CA
............................................ +Anderson
........................................ 6 Nellie Howard b: March 29, 1899 L Cal
........................................ 6 Eddie Howard b: Abt. 1900 L Cal
........................................ 6 Charles Howard b: Abt. 1902
........................................ 6 Frank Howard b: Abt. 1906 L Cal
................................ *2nd Husband of Ramona Smith:
.................................... +Jose Estrada b: Abt. 1861 El Triunfo m: November 10, 1895 San Jose de las Flores
................................ 5 [16] Manuel Mauricio Smith b: 1871 L Cal d: March 10, 1944
.................................... +[15] Apolonia Meza b: January 09, 1874 Comondú m: Dec 22, 1894 Comondú, d: December 12, 1955
........................................ 6 [17] Adalberto (Albert) Smith b: 1895 Las Flores, L Cal d: 1965 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 [18] Francisca Smith b: Abt. 1896 Las Flores, L Cal
........................................ 6 [19] Maria Smith b: 1900 Calmalli, L Cal d: 1982 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 [20] Manuel Smith b: July 22, 1908 L Cal d: March 18, 1938 Imperial Co, CA
........................................ 6 [21] Jesse (Jesus) Smith b: December 26, 1913 Calexico, CA d: January 14, 1993 San Diego, CA
................................ 5 Osidiano Smith b: Calif
.................................... +Maria Olson
........................................ 6 Andres Smith b: March 21, 1901 Comondu
....................... 4 Eliades (Yavis) Smith b: Abt. 1844 Calif
....................... 4 Theresa Smith b: Abt. 1849 Calif
....................... 4 Osiviana Smith b: July 1853 Monterey, CA
....................... 4 Yldefonso [Alfonso] Segundo Smith b: May 29, 1858 Monterey, CA, d: Jan 25, 1913 El Cajon, San Diego, CA
........................... +Tomasa Real b: 1867 d: April 24, 1921 Lakeside, San Diego, CA
................................ 5 José Maria Eduardo Smith b: October 03, 1885 Comondú
.................................... +Elena Salazar
................................ 5 Jacinto Nemesio Smith b: December 19, 1886 d: July 25, 1934 San Diego, CA
.................................... +Concepcion Cesena m: November 1914 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 Maria Tomasa Smith
........................................ 6 Joseph Alfonso Smith
........................................ 6 Carlos Martin Smith


Page 6
................................ 5 [9] Yldefonso Matias Smith b: Abt. 1890 Mexico
.................................... +[10] Aurora Smith b: December 1898 m: November 1915 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 [11] Ildefonso [Yldefonso] Smith b: Abt. 1918 Calif
........................................ 6 [12] Edwardo Smith b: Abt. 1919 Calif
........................................ 6 [13] Irene Smith
........................................ 6 [14] Beatriz Smith
................................ 5 Juan Smith
.................................... +Mercy Aripez
........................................ 6 Ninfa Smith
........................................ 6 Francis Smith
........................................ 6 John Smith
........................................ 6 Jerry Smith
........................................ 6 Jo Ann Smith
................................ 5 Ramona Smith
.................................... +Carlos Aripez
........................................ 6 Albert Aripez
................................ 5 Rafael Smith
.................................... +Epimenia Verdugo
........................................ 6 Bob Smith
........................................ 6 Estela Smith
................................ *2nd Wife of Rafael Smith:
.................................... +Ninfa Gonzales
................................ 5 Soledad Smith b: Aft. 1904 San Diego, CA d: El Cajon, CA at age 2
................................ 5 Gilberto Smith b: Aft. 1904 San Diego, CA d: El Cajon, CA at age 7
....................... 4 Clotilde Bruna Smith b: October 06, 1864 Monterey, CA
............... 3 Juan [Washington] Bautista Smith b: Bet. 1817 - 1824 Sonora
................... +Pilar Quintano
....................... 4 Jacinta [Aguilar] Smith b: Abt. 1843 Comundú d: November 15, 1914 Comondu
........................... +Manuel Murillo m: November 24, 1861 La Paz
................................ 5 Ramona Ysidora Murillo b: April 04, 1864 Comondú
................................ 5 Maria Matea Murillo b: January 07, 1871 Comondú
................................ 5 Jose Regino Murillo b: January 07, 1873 Comondú
................................ 5 Jose Juan Murillo b: September 15, 1875
................................ 5 Maria Jacinta Murillo b: December 04, 1878 Comondú
................................ 5 Concepcion Murillo b: Bef. 1880 Comondú
.................................... +Catarino Moreno b: Bef. 1880 Comundú m: July 14, 1900 Comondú
........................................ 6 Ursula Moreno b: July 30, 1900 Comondú
................................ 5 Maria Luisa Murillo b: June 21, 1880 Comondú
................................ 5 Maria del Pilar Murillo b: April 22, 1882 Comondú
................................ 5 Amparo Murillo b: June 07, 1885 Conomdú
....................... 4 Rosana? Smith b: 1849 Calif
....................... 4 Isabell? Smith b: 1850
............... *2nd Wife of Juan [Washington] Bautista Smith:
................... +Teresa Espinosa?
............... 3 Juana Smith b: 1820 d: Bef. 1869
................... +Severo Real b: 1820 d: Bef. 1893
....................... 4 Jacinto Real b: 1842 Comondú
........................... +Soledad Azuna
................................ 5 Carmen de la Cruz Real b: July 16, 1861 Comondú
................................ 5 Dolores Real b: October 03, 1869 Comondu
................................ 5 Santiago Real b: July 25, 1875 Comundou
................................ 5 Tomasa Real b: March 07, 1877 Comondu
................................ 5 Ramona Real b: December 21, 1879 Comondu


Page 7

..................................... +Tomas Meza
........................................ 6 Jose Meza b: December 20, 1899 Comondú
....................... *2nd Wife of Jacinto Real:
........................... +Josefa Real
................................ 5 Josefa Real b: April 26, 1874 Comondu
....................... *3rd Wife of Jacinto Real:
........................... +Dolores Meza b: 1862 Comondú m: April 07, 1893 Comondú
....................... 4 Manuala Real
........................... +Francisco Meza
................................ 5 Elena Meza b: August 18, 1875 Comondu
............... *2nd Husband of Juana Smith:
................... +Andres Camacho d: Bef. 1842
....................... 4 Juan de Dios Camacho
........................... +Josefa Cota
................................ 5 Ramona Camacho b: November 22, 1863
................................ 5 Juana Camacho b: March 09, 1870
................................ 5 Jose Maria Camacho b: May 20, 1873
................................ 5 Angela Camacho b: May 15, 1875
................................ 5 Crostovale Camacho b: March 09, 1878
................................ 5 Andres Camacho b: February 26, 1875
............... 3 Romualda Smith b: Abt. 1825 d: August 13, 1895 Comondu
................... +Mariano Osuna
....................... 4 Ben_in Osuna b: December 15, 1863 Comondu
....................... 4 Tirso Antonio Osuna b: February 12, 1860
....................... 4 Anatonio Osuna b: September 05, 1864
............... *2nd Husband of Romualda Smith:
................... +Isidoro Arce
....................... 4 Antonio Arce
....................... 4 Encarnacion Arce
....................... 4 Florencia Arce
....................... 4 Paulino Arce b: Abt. 1852 Comondú d: April 20, 1921 San Diego, CA
........................... +Guadalupe Verdugo b: Abt. 1848 m: July 24, 1874 Comondú
................................ 5 Clemencia Arce
................................ 5 Isidro Arce b: Abt. 1879 La Paz, Baja California, Mex d: October 01, 1962 Calexico, CA
................................ 5 Isabel Arce b: Abt. 1880 Mexico d: February 15, 1935 San Diego, CA
................................ 5 Peter Arce b: Abt. 1887 d: November 23, 1967 Tucson, AZ
................................ 5 Carolina Arce b: October 31, 1888 Mexico d: March 30, 1972 San Diego, CA
.................................... +Frank Osuna b: Abt. 1885 Mexico
....................... 4 Maria ANTONIA Arce b: Abt. 1855
........................... +Pablo Meza b: Abt. 1853
................................ 5 Guadalupe Meza b: December 11, 1874
....................... 4 Timoteo Arce b: October 1856 Comondu, Baja CA, Mex d: December 31, 1928 Honolulu, HI
........................... +Mercedes Moreno Duchalsky
....................... 4 Ramon Smith b: Abt. 1852 L Cal d: April 09, 1942 San Miguel de Comondu
........................... +Rosario Meza b: Abt. 1852 L Cal
................................ 5 Arcadia Smith b: Abt. 1870 L Cal
.................................... +Jesus Murillo b: Abt. 1851
........................................ 6 Adolfo Murillo b: February 07, 1892 Comondú
........................................ 6 Adolfo Murillo b: December 07, 1892 Comondú
................................ 5 [23] Maria de Jesus Solome Smith b: December 1874 Comondú
.................................... +[22] Jose Silvestra Meza b: December 31, 1878 Comondú
........................................ 6 [24] Cruz Meza b: May 03, 1907 Comondu
........................................ 6 [25] Julio de Jesus Meza b: February 05, 1909 Comondu


Page 8
........................................ 6 [26] Jose Luis Meza b: October 11, 1911
................................ 5 Maria Cleofas Smith b: September 25, 1881 Comondú
................................ 5 Jesus Smith b: Abt. 1882 d: August 17, 1938 San Miguel de Comondu
................................ 5 Jose Smith b: September 23, 1884 Comondú
................................ 5 Adolfina Smith b: February 20, 1888
................................ 5 Gildardo Smith b: Abt. 1892
................................ 5 Rosario Smith b: Abt. 1893
.................................... +Jose Maria Meza
........................................ 6 Betsabe Meza b: May 02, 1912 Comondu
........................................ 6 Alfonso Meza b: June 17, 1913 Comondu
........................................ 6 Cruz Meza b: May 03, 1920 Comondu
............... 3 Salvadora Smith b: Abt. 1827 d: June 04, 1893
................... +Robert Henry Fisher b: 1822 Eaton, OH m: November 23, 1849 Monterey, CA d: September 04, 1885 Nogales, AZ
....................... 4 Maria Ysabell del Rosario Fisher b: April 14, 1850 Monterey, CA d: August 16, 1853 Monterey, CA
....................... 4 John Fisher b: Abt. 1851 Calif
....................... 4 James William Fisher b: August 17, 1854 Sacramento, CA
........................... +Aurora Peralta b: March 27, 1859 Barcelona, Spain m: December 02, 1877
................................ 5 Robert Joseph Fisher b: 1880 Arizona d: April 30, 1933 Tucson, Pima, AZ
................................ 5 Regina [Queen] Fisher b: 1882 Arizona
................................ 5 Mary Salvadora Fisher b: January 05, 1885
................................ 5 Amparo Mary Fisher b: April 24, 1886 Arizona
................................ 5 Isabelle Mary Fisher b: October 30, 1892 Arizona
................................ 5 William James Fisher b: January 05, 1896 Arizona
....................... 4 Roberto Fisher b: 1857 Comondú d: January 20, 1862 La Paz
....................... 4 Isabel Rosario Fisher b: September 27, 1860 Comondú
........................... +Patricio Maquilla b: Ireland m: Abt. 1861
....................... 4 Juan Tomas Fisher b: 1863 d: October 30, 1868 La Paz
............... 3 Nieves Smith b: Abt. 1830 Comondú
................... +Andres (Osben) Osborne b: Kentucky
....................... 4 Amparo Osben
....................... 4 Antonio Osben b: September 18, 1860 Comondú
....................... 4 Andres [Osben] Osborne b: Abt. 1860 Comondu, Baja CA, Mex d: January 10, 1862 La Paz, B C Sur
............... 3 Antonio Felix Smith b: February 21, 1831 Comondú
................... +Andrea Real
....................... 4 Trinidad Smith b: Abt. 1856 Comondú
........................... +Jose Espinosa b: Todos Santos m: September 23, 1875 Comondú
................................ 5 Joseph Espinosa b: Abt. 1876 Mexico
............... *2nd Wife of Antonio Felix Smith:
................... +Carmen Aguilar b: 1827 La Paz m: June 05, 1851 La Paz, BC
....................... 4 Maria Smith b: April 17, 1852
........................... +Loreto Meza b: Abt. 1850
................................ 5 Librada Meza b: August 08, 1872 Comondu
................................ 5 [15] Apolonia Meza b: January 09, 1874 Comondú d: December 12, 1955
.................................... +[16] Manuel Mauricio Smith b: 1871 L Cal m: December 22, 1894 Comondú, d: March 10, 1944
........................................ 6 [17] Adalberto (Albert) Smith b: 1895 Las Flores, L Cal d: 1965 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 [18] Francisca Smith b: Abt. 1896 Las Flores, L Cal
........................................ 6 [19] Maria Smith b: 1900 Calmalli, L Cal d: 1982 San Diego, CA
........................................ 6 [20] Manuel Smith b: July 22, 1908 L Cal d: March 18, 1938 Imperial Co, CA


Page 9 

........................................ 6 [21] Jesse (Jesus) Smith b: December 26, 1913 Calexico, CA d: January 14, 1993 San Diego, CA
................................ 5 Micaela Elodia Meza b: September 1874 Comondú
.................................... +Francisco Romero b: Abt. 1870 Comondú m: April 16, 1896 Comondú
................................ 5 Vicenta Antonia Meza b: July 24, 1877 Comondú
................................ 5 Santiago Marcelino Meza b: April 24, 1881 d: Aft. 1955
................................ 5 Maria Austreberta Meza b: April 27, 1885 Comondú
................................ 5 Martina Meza b: March 10, 1887 Mexico d: November 24, 1981 San Diego, CA
.................................... +Olayo Romero b: Abt. 1883 Mexico m: Abt. 1905
........................................ 6 Mary Romero b: Abt. 1905 Mexico
........................................ 6 Hazel Romero b: Abt. 1919 Mexico
........................................ 6 Helen Romero b: Abt. 1926 Calif
........................................ 6 Salvador Romero b: Abt. 1929 Calif
........................................ 6 Olayo Romero b: Abt. 1930 Calif
................................ 5 Liborio Meza b: June 23, 1892 L Cal d: July 02, 1980 San Diego, CA
................................ 5 Loreto Meza d: Aft. 1955
....................... 4 Rosamel Smith b: May 03, 1854 Comondú d: 1924 Lakeside, CA
........................... +Josefa Murillo b: 1861 Loreto d: 1945 Lakeside, CA
................................ 5 Jose Angel Smith b: October 03, 1885 Comondú d: Abt. 1886 Comondú
................................ 5 Margarita Smith b: November 22, 1888 Santo Tomas d: December 15, 1961 Calif
................................ 5 Carmen Smith b: July 07, 1890 Santo Tomas d: July 23, 1906 El Cajon, CA
................................ 5 Angel Smith b: May 05, 1892 d: 1957 Calif
................................ 5 Loupe Smith b: December 12, 1894 d: 1979 Calif
................................ 5 Pedro Smith b: January 31, 1897 Santo Tomas d: February 18, 1982 El Cajon, CA
................................ 5 Javier Smith b: December 16, 1898 Santo Tomas d: 1968 Calif
................................ 5 Nieves Smith b: January 03, 1901 Santo Tomas d: 1972 El Cajon, CA
................................ 5 John Smith b: Aft. 1902 Lakeside, CA d: Calif
....................... 4 Balbino Smith b: March 16, 1857 Comondú d: September 14, 1937 San Diego, CA
........................... +Selmira Mendoza b: Abt. 1868 San Antonio
................................ 5 Francisca Ramond Smith b: December 03, 1886
................................ 5 Manuela Smith b: June 17, 1888 Conomdú
................................ 5 Abraham Smith b: May 20, 1893 Santo Tomas
................................ 5 Juana Balbina Smith b: March 30, 1894
................................ 5 Balbina Smith b: December 19, 1896 Santo Tomas
................................ 5 Guillerma Smith b: January 10, 1900 Santo Tomas
....................... 4 Julia Smith b: Abt. 1860 d: December 23, 1938 Comondu
........................... +Julio Meza b: Abt. 1854
................................ 5 [22] Jose Silvestra Meza b: December 31, 1878 Comondú
.................................... +[23] Maria de Jesus Solome Smith b: December 1874 Comondú
........................................ 6 [24] Cruz Meza b: May 03, 1907 Comondu
........................................ 6 [25] Julio de Jesus Meza b: February 05, 1909 Comondu
........................................ 6 [26] Jose Luis Meza b: October 11, 1911
................................ 5 Maria Josefa Meza b: March 19, 1880 Comondú
.................................... +Amado Beltran b: Comondú m: June 30, 1900 Comondú
................................ 5 Salvador Meza b: January 01, 1882 Conomdú d: June 10, 1969 San Diego, CA
................................ 5 Regina Meza b: September 07, 1885
................................ 5 Antonio Meza b: May 10, 1887
................................ 5 Carmen Meza b: February 17, 1892 Comondu
................................ 5 Marcos Meza b: June 18, 1895 Comondú
................................ 5 Gabina Meza b: February 19, 1897 Comondú
................................ 5 Arturo Meza b: February 19, 1899
................................ 5 Fidel Meza b: Abt. 1901
....................... 4 Margarita Smith b: 1863


Page 10 

....................... 4 Encarnacion Smith b: March 25, 1865 Comondú
........................... +Nicolas Fernández b: Abt. 1860
................................ 5 Eloísa Fernández b: July 1886
................................ 5 Maria Carmen Fernández b: March 19, 1888 Comundú
....................... 4 Loreto Smith b: September 08, 1868
........................... +Rafael Meza b: 1864
................................ 5 Ernesto Meza b: November 07, 1886 Comondu
................................ 5 Francisco Eduardo Meza b: August 19, 1887 Comondu
....................... 4 Antonio Smith b: June 05, 1870 Comondú
........................... +Gertrudis González b: Abt. 1881 San Jose del Cabo m: April 13, 1898 San Tomas
................................ 5 Hermenegildo Honorio Smith b: May 13, 1900 Santo Tomas
....................... *2nd Wife of Antonio Smith:
........................... +Manuela Arce b: 1891 m: August 08, 1906 Ensenada, Baja Calif
....................... 4 Javier Smith b: October 28, 1873

 

Page 11 

Descendants of George Smith

Generation No. 1

1. GEORGE SMITH (Source: Antonio Smith document, 16 May 1903.) was born in NY (Source: Antonio Smith document, 16 May 1903.). He married ANN MARY MOTT (Source: Antonio Smith document, 16 May 1903.). She was born in NY.

Notes for GEORGE SMITH:  Thomas Smith stated in military papers that he was from New York City. No record of his birth or parents' marriage has been found. There are no Revolutionary War records that apply to George and Mary from New York.

-------------------------------

There are quite a few Motts and Smiths from the Hempstead area of Long Island. It is very likely that Thomas's parents were from there originally.

Of particular interest is the 1790 census of the township of North Hempstead, LI, NY, p. 37
Numbers represent: Males over 16, Males under 16, Free white females, all other free persons, slaves 

Thomas Smith - 1 - 2 - 2 - 0 -4
James Smith - 2 - 0 - 2 - 0 - 1
Joseph Mott - 4 - 0 - 2- 0 - 6
Free Hannah 0 - 0 - 0- 4 - 0
William Smith - 1 - 0 - 3 - 0 - 6
George W Smith - 1 - 2 - 3 - 0 - 0 
Andrew Smith - 1 - 0 - 3 - 0 - 0

On p 39, there is Daniel, Stephen and Samuel Mott together and, on the same page, Adam Mott

-----------------------

Some people believe that Thomas Smith's father was George Smith, born 7 Jun 1750 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and died 1832 in Grants Lick, Campbell County, Kentucky. Many trees on Ancestry have this information. One says he married Ann Maria Mott from Dartmouth, MA. The marriage record source is for 26 Dec 1892 for George Smith and Mary Smith (not Mott) at Dartmouth (Dodd, Jordan, Liahona Research, comp. Massachusetts Marriages, 1633-1850, Ancestry.com)

Several trees cite his arrival in Philadelphia in 1753 using the source COLDHAM, PETER WILSON. Emigrants from England to the American Colonies, 1773-1776. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1988. 182p. (Ancestry.com). If Thomas was born in PA, he would not have been an immigrant from England.

If he was born in Lancaster, PA and died in KY, it does not account for Thomas being from New York City. Some trees say that James Wilcox was the brother of Thomas but research has shown that this man was a Wilcocks, not a Smith.

There were Smith families in Campbell Co, KY. A George Smith was born to John Smith and Margaret Paul, who were from New Jersey. One tree shows this George married Mary and died in Grants Lick (no documentation). They had 7 children, none named Thomas.

Notes for ANN MARY MOTT:

There are several Mott families from Long Island. Adam Mott settled in Hempstead in about 1655 and left many descendants. This is documented in "The Descendants of Adam Mott of Hempstead, Long Island" by Edw. Doubleday Harris. Unfortunately, only the male lines are followed. There are several marriages to Smiths.


Page 12 

There were two possible Mary Motts baptized in Saint George's church, Hempstead, Nassau, New York: Miriam Mott, baptized 12 Apr 1761, daughter of John and Abigail Mott and Mary Mott, baptized 8 May 1755, daughter of Joseph and Deborah.

[FamilySearch.org]

On http://longislandgenealogy.com/ligmott.html , it indicates that Miriam married Benjamin Birdsall in 1777. Her parents were Jacob and Abigail Jackson who married in 1735.

There is a will for Joseph, married to Deborah, (probated 1765, Dutchess County) at http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mottgene/Newnames/f272.html . There is no mention of Mary but there are two daughters and one son who are married to Smiths.

On jenforum.com, Smith family, there are lots of entries for Motts marrying Smiths.

Child of GEORGE SMITH and ANN MOTT is: 2. I. THOMAS2 SMITH, b. 1781, New York, New York; d. Aft. 1850.

Generation No. 2

2. THOMAS2 SMITH (GEORGE1) was born 1781 in New York, New York (Source: Provincias Internas, #206.), and died Aft. 1850. He married MARIA MEZA (Source: San Ignacio Baptisms, #3212.), daughter of JOSE MEZA and MARIA VALESQUEZ. She was born Abt. 1792 in San José de Comondú or Loreto (Source: Antonio Smith document, 16 May 1903,

Antonio Smith says she was born in Loreto.), and died Aft. 1852 (Source: 1852 California census.).

Notes for THOMAS SMITH:

1807 - Thomas Smith, an assistant carpenter on the Maryland, jumps ship and stays in Baja. (Note: the ship had been incorrectly identified as the Dromo and many people have repeated this.) A diary kept by Isaac Iselin on the "Maryland" mentions the desertion, identifying Thomas only as T.S. On Apr 9, 1806, the ship made a second visit to San Jose and he recorded "We have reason to think that our head carpenter, a Frenchman, and T. S. who ran away from the ship during our former visit, are skulking about here under the protection of the Padre.

From Harry Crosby's unpublished manuscript, which will be incorporated into his future book, "The California of Xavier Aguilar, 1743 to 1821"

It is odd that Iselin chose to identify him only as "T. S.", and that no one with those initials appears in his published crew list for the Maryland, a list that includes LeRoy and notes his February desertion at San Jose del Cabo. However, during the course of a number of subsequent events, the identity of T. S. would gradually be revealed.

The first available clue was recorded two years after the Maryland's final departure from California. In April of 1809, hearings began in Loreto to determine what charges would be leveled against Cirujano [Surgeon] Don Francisco Araujo, the doctor-surgeon who had served the Presidio de Loreto since 1805.

Araujo stood accused of a bizarre series of misdeeds, offenses such as abusing and planning to murder his wife, and multiple sexual trysts with local women, some of them wives of absent soldiers or sailors. Moreover, six foreign sailors, one Irish, the remainder Americans, unaccountably, had been living in Araujo's dwelling place. The doctor was reported by several witnesses, one a confessed mistress, to have been conspiring with those sailors to steal a presidial sailing craft and flee California, taking with them this mistress and perhaps other women.

With that information in hand, Governador Goycoechea ordered Alferez Jose Lujan to conduct hearings that would involve not only Araujo but also the women with whom he was alleged to have had affairs, other men and women called as witnesses, and the sailors with whom the doctor was said to have plotted.

When the time came to question those foreigners, a translator was required. For that, a new figure entered the records, introduced as a man who knew Spanish well and was fluent in English. Moreover, he had already translated statements that the Irishman and 


Page 13 

some of the Americans had written earlier, obviously in English. The hearings were carried out and the interpreter performed well, being quoted several times in the official accounts of the proceedings. Written reports of each sailor's testimony were signed by Alferez Lujan, by the assigned scribe, Soldado Jose Antonio Aguilar, and, in a most graceful hand, by the interpreter, surprisingly named "Francisco Xavier Aguilar."

At the end of April, the hearings ended. Then, after submitting transcripts of those hearings, and after the months required for further exchanges with authorities in Mexico, Governador Goycoechea sent Francisco Araujo under guard to the mainland to face his superiors.

Four months after those hearings ended, on 5 September 1809, Cabo Jose Fernandez in Santa Anna sent a message to Governador Goycoechea indirectly revealing the identity of the mysterious interpreter.

I inform you, Sir, that, on day 20 of August in San Antonio, the American Tomas was baptized after expressing his deep desire to enter the Catholic faith. And his godparents were Alferez Don Francisco Aguilar and his wife Doña Xaviera Trasviña. . . . . the book of baptisms for Mission de San Ignacio displays this entry:

On 11 March 1812 I formally baptised a boy child born the day before, son of Vicente Redona and Martina Toledo, converts of this mission now free. I placed upon him the name Baltasar de Maria. His godparents were Xavier Aguilar, Anglo-Americano from New York, and his wife Maria de Mesa.

— Fray Pedro Gonzalez

A document created a year later confirms that the American had adopted his godfather's name. In an account book of the Presidio de Loreto, "Tomas Francisco Aguilar" was accorded his own page, listing him as a sailor on one of the presidio's craft, and as receiving wages and an allowance of rations"

---------------------------------------

1812 - San Ignacio baptism 3212: The godparents were Senor Xavier Aguilar Anglo-American from New York and Maria Mesa, his wife: The child, named Baltasar de Maria, being baptized was born to a couple of colorful local characters.

1817 - Enlistment: Xavier Aguilar, son of Joseph George and of Mary [M]ot. Native of the City of New York in the United States. Married at the Presidio de Loreto. Resident in Baja California for nine years. Five feet and one inch tall. Age 36 years. His religion Roman Catholic. His description: fair skin, hair the same; eyes dark brown; nose regular. On the 15th of April just passed, entered this company with the rank and pay of corporal as skipper of an auxiliary launch of the Port of Guaymas following the order of the Commander General of the Province, dated 11 March.

Pitic, 1 of May 1817
Don Jeso Esteban, Captain of the Cavalry Company of Orcisitas. [AGNM, Provincias Internas 206] Cabo Xavier Aguilar appears on that presidio's monthly rosters for the remainder of 1817.

Only one child of Thomas and Maria, Juan Bautista, gives Sonora as his birthplace. In various records the other children usually gave Lower California as their birthplace. In one case Juan Bautista said Sonora and another Mexico. He may have been the only child born in Sonora. It is not know if Maria accompanied her husband to Sonora. She may have spent most of her time in Comondu as it was a fairly short commute from Guayman across the bay to Comondu.

Around 1821, at the end of the War of Mexican Independence, Thomas's services were no longer needed at the Presidio and he was out of a job. He and his family then returned to Comondu.

In many records it is difficult to distinguish between Xavier Aguilar the elder and his namesake. However, The elder was only able to sign his name but otherwise could not write. Thomas could write and often served as a scribe and translator.

Evacuation - THOMAS, J, JOHN, JOSE MARIA SMITH

From Joaquin Gracida: The Smith family members that were evacuated from San Jose del Cabo to Monterey, CA, left on or about August 1848. And the list of claimants who received financial compensation from the evacuation only shows these Smith names: (5.)- J. Smith, (9.) - John Smith, (18.) Jose Maria Smith, and (25) Thomas Smith. From Nunis book "The Mexican War in Baja California" pgs. 71 and 149.



Page 14
Thomas, of course, is the father and Jose Maria his son. John and J Smith could be Juan Smith and Juan Bautista.

--------------------------------
1850 census, Monterey, Monterey, CA:
Robert Fisher, 36, b TX
Salvador Fisher, 24, b Cal
Marvis? [Nieves] Smith, 22, b L Cal
Maria Smith, 50, b L Cal
Esevier (Isabella?) Smith, 5/12, b Cal
Hacunda (Jacinta?) Smith, 6 b NY? [daughter of Juan Bautista?]
Thomas Smith, 60, b NY
Antonio Smith, 20, b L Cal

1852 California State Census, Monterey
Age Born Last residence
Maria Smith, age 60, B Lower Cal, Last residence: Lower Cal
Nieves Smith, 20 do do
Jacinta Smith, 9 do do [daughter of Juan Bautista?]
Rosaria Smith, 7 do do [daughter of Juan Bautista?]
Salvadora Fisher, 24 do do
Isabel Fisher 3 California California
John Fisher 1 do do

Thomas has not been found in the 1852 census. We know son Antonio returned to Baja by 1851 and it is possible that Thomas went with him, or he may have died by then (he would have been 70 in 1851).

Thomas and Maria seemed to be very close to the family of Robert and Salvadora Fisher. The Fishers returned to Baja California sometime between 1852 and 1857. Thomas and Maria could have returned with them and spent the rest of their lives in Baja.

Between 1852 and 1856, Marcellino also returned to Mexico, perhaps accompanying his father and mother, Juan and Tomasa. Jacinta, daughter of Juan Bautista, who was living with Thomas and Maria in 1850 and 1852, was married in Mexico in 1861 so presumably she also returned to Mexico with the family group.

We know from voters' registrations that sons Jose Maria and Washington Bautista were in California in 1866, 1867, 1868 and

1869.

--------------------------------------

9 children have been attributed to Thomas and Maria. We have direct evidence on all but one: ANTONIO: Document written by him ("I, Antonio," but unsigned) giving his birth date and parents' names. Marriage record (FamilySearch.org) in La Paz in 1851 names his father as Francisco Xavier Aguilar and his mother as "Mera". (These records use a z that does not extend below the line so it looks like an r.)

SALVADORA: Guia Familiar, p 708: Baptism: "Ysabel Rosario Filcher (varon), reg 3 Jul 1861, born 27 Sep 1860, son of Roberto Filcher y Salvadora Aguiar, Abs Mats: Fabian [Javier?] Aguiar, nat de Neuva York y Maria Meza." In 1850, Thomas and Maria are living with the Fishers.

Jose Maria Smit and Nieves Smith were godparents to Maria Ysabel de Rosario, child of Robert Fisher and Salvadora, in 1850.

NIEVES: Guia Familiar, p 708-9: Baptism: "Antonio Osben, reg 3 Jul 1861, born 18 Sep 1860, son of Andres Osben, nat de E U y Nieves Aguilar de este lugar. Abs Mats Javier Aguilar y Maria Meza."

Page 15 

JUAN BAPTISTA:

Pg. 725, Guia Familiar, by Pablo L. Martinez shows a 3 Apr 1840 entry in the church book of a petition originating in Comondu. It is an entry from Juan Bautista Aguilar (Smith) requesting forgiveness and permission to marry Teresan Espinoza. His request is based on Juan having intimate relations with two of his fiancee's cousins. The entry states that he was 23 years old and was born in the State of Sonora. His father is listed as Javier Aguilar who was born in the USA. and his mother is listed as Maria Meza.

In 1852 Juan Baptista is living next to Jose Maria and Manuel. His daughter, Jacinta, is living with Maria (her grandmother). MANUEL: In an 1853 letter from Manual to Juan Cooper, he refers to "my brother Washington." Godparents for Salome, daughter of Manuel Smit and Dolores Gonzales, baptized 3 Jan 1849, was Nieves Smit and Antonio Smit.

JUAN: A letter dated 100 Apr 1900 from C M Verdugo to his uncle, Loreto Aguilar Smith, names Javier Aguilar as the grandfather of Loreto Aguilar Smith. It also names Loreto's father as Juan Aguilar Smith thus making Juan the son of Javier Aguilar (Thomas Smith). Juan was probably one of the evacuees from Baja in 1848 as the list included J and John. A 1988 letter from Lillian Kelly (granddaughter of Hugh [Eligio], great granddaughter of Marcelino and great great granddaughter of Juan) to Joaquin Gracida says Juan and Antonio were brothers.

ROMULADA - Isidoro Arce married Romualda Aguilar, daughter of Xavier (Javier) Aguilar and María Meza (San Ignacio Marriages).    Death record for Romulada names her parents as Javiar Smith and Maria Meza.

JOSE MARIA - Circumstantial evidence
Jose Maria was evacuated from Baja in 1848 along with Thomas, J and John Smith. Washington Baptista is listed in voter's registration lists with Jose Maria Smith and was naturalized on the same day.

Jose Maria, Manuel and Robert Fisher all signed a lease for the Sur rancho. 

I think Jose Maria is closely enough associated with Manual and Robert Fisher to be part of the family. He and wife Juliana were godparents to a son of Gil Smith at Monterey in 1862. Jose Maria Smit was godfather to Salvadora Fisher's child. Jose Maria and Juliana had a child, Clotilde Bruna, who was baptized in Monterey in 1864.

JUANA - No record linking her to Thomas and Maria. She married Severo Real and they had a child in Comondu in 1842. She is the right age to be their daughter.

-----------------------------------

RETURNS TO BAJA

JUAN - Returned to Mexico and children re-immigrated. The J Smith or John Smith on listed of evacuees in 1848. No record after 1850 census. Son Marcellino (born 1835) had children born in Mexico (per 1900 census) between 1856 and 1871. He probably returned with his family and married in Mexico. Marcellino's family returned to the US about 1887 and settled in the San Diego area. Son Loreto in the 1900 census, unmarried, is living with his brother, Marcellino in Capitan Grande (Poway), San Diego County, CA. He immigrated in 1892 and was blind. Daughter Pilar Murillo immigrated to San Diego about 1903.

MANUEL - This family appears to have stayed in California. In the 1850, 1852 and 1870 census. At Sur Rancho in 1853 according to letter written to Cooper. Daughter Cleofas married and raised a large family in California. George, Gabino, Mary

(Lopez), Peter and Nicholas are all found in the 1880 census on the same census page in Monterey, California. George and Peter are in the 1900 census, claiming they and their parents were born in California.

JOSE MARIA - On list of evacuees in 1848. Not found in any census after 1852. He is found in voters' registrations for 1866-69. He and wife Juliana were godparents to a son of Gil Smith at Monterey in 1862. Jose Maria Smit was godfather to Salvadora Fisher's child. Jose Maria and Juliana had a child, Clotilde Bruna, who was baptized in Monterey in 1864. He was naturalized Aug 28, 1867 which also provided citizenship for sons Jose and Eliades.


Page 16
Son Ramon (Gil) is the head of household in the 1860 census with his six siblings.

Daughter Louisa did marry in the US and died in 1870 in Calif. Son Eliades is listed in the voters registration 1866-68 and son Jose 1866-69. Son Gil is listed for 1868-69. This family apparently spent quite a bit of time in California. Grandson Andres Gil Smith was reported to have said his grandfather died in Monterey.

A biography of son Yldefonso says he was originally from Monterey, moved to Comondu in the mid 1860s where he married. In 1904 he moved to San Diego.

Jose Maria Jr. returned to Mexico. His 3 children were all involved in following mining in Baja. One son, Manuel Mauricio, ended up in San Diego.

JUAN (WASHINGTON) BAUTISTA - The J Smith or John Smith on listed of evacuees in 1848. He appears in the 1852 census. At Sur Rancho in 1853 per letter from Manual. On the 29 Jul 1862, D Juan Aguilar and D. Roberto Fisher were godparents for Petra Morena, daughter of Antonio Morena and Paul Aguiar, in Comondu. In the voters' registration 1866-69. His daughter, Jacinta, returned to Mexico where she was married in 1861 and had a child in 1864. He was naturalized in 1867.

JUANA - No information. She may not have left Mexico since she was married by then and did not carry the Smith name. Her husband, Severo Real was a civil judge and records many births in Comundu in the 1870s. She is recorded as deceased by 1869.

ROMUALDA - She may not have left Mexico since she was married by then and did not carry the Smith name. Romualda, daughter of Javier Smith and Maria Meza, died in Loreto in 1895. (Comondu Civil Registration). One son, Timoteo, moved to Hawaii and another, Paulino, was living in San Diego in 1920 with his Murillo cousins (children and grandchildren of Pilar Smith Murillo, daughter of Juan.)

SALVADORA - She married in Monterey in 1849 to Robert Fisher (from Texas, may have been born in Ohio). In the 1852 census. Returned to Mexico by 1857 when son Robert was baptized. On the 29 Jul 1862, D. Roberto Fisher and D Juan Aguilar were godparents for Petra Morena, daughter of Antonio Morena and Paul Aguiar, in Comondu. In 1862 and 1868, Robert registered the death of two sons in La Paz. Apparently living in Nogales when Robert died in 1885 and she in 1893. Son James lived in Arizona for the births of his children 1880-1895. He disappears from records but his wife/widow lived in Los Angeles in 1920 and 1930.

NIEVES - Nieves Smith was a godmother to Ysabel Fisher in Monterey in 1850. In the 1850 and 1852 census. She married Andres Osben (Osborn), born in Kentucky (marriage place not known). Their son, Antonio, was baptized in 1860 in Baja. In 1862 Andres registered the death of their son, Andres, in La Paz; born in Comondu in 1860. She was a witness in Nogales, AZ when sister Salvadora applied for a widow's pension.

ANTONIO - In the 1850 census. He married in Baja in 1851. His son Rosamel was born in Baja as were most of his children. Rosamel came to the San Diego area first and then brought his family in 1901.

More About THOMAS SMITH: 
Baptism: August 20, 1809, San Antonio (Source: San Ignacio Baptisms, #3212.)
Residence: March 16, 1812, San Ignacio (Source: San Ignacio Baptisms, #3212.)

Marriage Notes for THOMAS SMITH and MARIA MEZA:

"Su consorte"


Page 17 
Children of THOMAS SMITH and MARIA MEZA are:
3. I. JUAN3 SMITH, b. 1810; d. Aft. 1875.4. ii. MANUEL/EMANUEL SMITH, b. Abt. 1814, L Cal.
5. iii. JOSE MARIA (JOSEPH) SMITH, b. Abt. 1817, L Cal; d. Bef. 1901, Monterey, Calif.
6. iv. JUAN [WASHINGTON] BAUTISTA SMITH, b. Bet. 1817 - 1824, Sonora.
7. v. JUANA SMITH, b. 1820; d. Bef. 1869.
8. vi. ROMUALDA SMITH, b. Abt. 1825; d. August 13, 1895, Comondu.
9. vii. SALVADORA SMITH, b. Abt. 1827; d. June 04, 1893.
10. viii. NIEVES SMITH, b. Abt. 1830, Comondú.
11. ix. ANTONIO FELIX SMITH, b. February 21, 1831, Comondú.

Generation No. 3

3. JUAN3 SMITH (THOMAS2, GEORGE1) was born 1810 (Source: 1850 US census.), and died Aft. 1875 (Source: FamilySearch.org, Comondu, Nacimientos 1862-1933 [image 30]:, Juan Angelo, son of Marcelino Smith, grandson of Juan Smith and deceased Tomasa Arce, born 2_ Feb 1875.). He married TOMASA ARCE. She was born (Source: Antonio Smith document, 16 May 1903.), and died Bef. 1875 (Source: Comondu Civil Registration, Nacimientos 1862-1933 [FamilySearch.org], Described as deceased on 1875 civil registration for grandson Juan Angelo Smith.).

Notes for JUAN SMITH:

Often referred to by researchers as Juan Bauptista Smith but all records pertaining to the man born about 1810 call him Juan. 1850 census, Monterey, Monterey, CA, family 51:

Juan Smith 40, b Lower Cal [b c 1810]
Mary Smith 20, b Lower Cal [b c 1830]
Lovett Smith 18, b Cal [Loreto] [b c 1832]
Marcellinas Smith 15, b Cal [b c 1835]
Petar Smith 14, b Cal [b c 1836]

The census does not have the ditto mark for "Lower" in front of the last three children. However, from other records, it does appear they were born in Mexico, not the US.

Juan does not appear in later censuses. The family probably returned to Baja between 1851 and 1854. In 1892, D. Juan Aguilar and D. Roberto Fisher were witnesses at the registration of a child of Antonio Morena in Comondu. Son Marcellino married about 1855. He registered 7 children in 1874, born between 1856 and 1873, and on later census gives Mexico as the birthplace for all. On 8 Mar 1875, Juan Angelo, son of Marcelino, was registered. The paternal grandparents were "Juan Smith y la finada Tomsas Arce" which suggests that Juan was still alive.

Comondu, Registro Civil, Nacimientos: Guia Familiar, Martinez:

11 Nov 1874: Seven children, Ysidoro (b 4 Apr 1856), Gumersinda (13 Feb 1861), Tomasa (10 Nov 1862), Esquipulas (30 Nov 1864), Paz (24 Jan 1867), Eulogio (11 Mar 1873) and Romualdo (b 7 Feb 1871), all children of Marcelino Smith and Gertrudis Romero. Abs Pats Juan Smith and Tomasa Arce. This establishes a line from Juan Smith and Tomasa Arce through Marcelino Smith and Gertrudis Romero.

Calvary Cemetery , San Diego http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=PED&db=calvary&id=I4884  where Marcelino is buried, gives his parents as Juan Smith and Tomasa Arce. [See entry on Marcellino regarding confusion over cemetery where he is buried.]


Page 18 

A Juan Smith, born in Mexico, no birth or death date, is listed on the Calvary Cemetery database. Researchers who recorded the cemetery, identify him as the father of Marcellino and Pilar and husband of Tomasa Arce. Caveat also says not all people in the database are buried in Calvary Cemetery so he may not be buried there. No cemetery information is listed on his record.

Also Calvary Cemetery:

Name: Pilar SMITH
Sex: F

Birth: 22 Apr 1843 in , , México
Death: 21 Sep 1913 in San Diego, San Diego, California of cerebral hemorrhage, influenza
Burial: Sep 1913 Calvary Cemetery, San Diego, San Diego, California

DEATH: Death certificate on file at the San Diego County Recorder, County Administration Building, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 260, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 237-0502; state file no. 13-029307, Pilar S. Smith, father - John Smith, born in Mexico, mother - Tomasa Arze, born in Mexico, informant - Olallo Murillo

BURIAL: Calvary Cemetery [now a part of Calvary Pioneer Memorial Park, aka Pioneer Park; aka Catholic Cemetery, aka Mission Hills Cemetery, aka Old Catholic Cemetery], 1501 Washington Place, San Diego, CA 92103

Father: Juan SMITH b: in , , México
Mother: Tomasa ARCE b: in , , México

Marriage 1 R. MURILLO Children 1. Olallo MURILLO b: 28 Nov 1866 in , , México

**********************

The following letter establishes Javier Aguilar as the grandfather of Loreto Aguilar Smith. It also names Loreto's father as Juan Aguilar Smith thus making Juan the son of Javier Aguilar (Thomas Smith)

Comondu April 10 1900

Senor Loreto Aguilar Smith

San Diego

Dear Uncle, 

As I offered in my previous correspondence, today I'm sending you the Comondu Viejo property documents, and am attaching several claims of appeals from the attorney in Mexico, and resolutions from the Ministry of Economic Development.

Look carefully at the Trust Deed of the sale that Vidan Mazaga gave to your father or grandfather, Javier Aguilar, where it says that he makes the sale respecting the parcel sold to Don Juan Jose Romero and the same thing is stated in the Trust Deed given to your father Don Juan; in the deed of Don Juan J. Romero, it says that the parcel of land sold is from 'San Juan'• going down, and from this parcel nothing was taken so the parcel is from San Juan to Mesquitito, consequently what right does Don Juan Antonio have to this land that belonged to your father Juan Aguilar Smith. Make them prove it because you can prove that it is yours from the documents that accompany these letters. It might be necessary to open your father's estate but you yourself are the executor.

Think about challenging the estate to avoid further legal hassles. Finally, don't drop the issue as you're at a point of winning (because you have the upper hand/documentation). Keep me up to date on what's happening and let me know if you need any further documents.

C. M. Verdugo

*******************

A letter dated 2 Nov 1988 from Illian Kelly to Joaquin Gracida provides further evidence. She says her 2nd great grandparents were Juan Smith and Tomasa Arce. (Her great grandfather was Marcelino Smith and her grandfather Hugh [Eulogio] Smith.) She states that Juan and Antonio were brothers.

*********************

Page 19 


Originally it was believed that Juan and Juan (Washington) Baptista were the same person but conflicting dates kept contradicting this. We now believe that Juan and Juan Baptista were two different people. Below are some of the comments affecting this decision.

Ancestry page by Joaquin Gracida
http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/18040525/person/595358796/comments?pg=32768&pgpl=pid 

Comments (3)
Smith- Aguilar Children of Thomas Smith/Javier Aguilar
Joaquin Gracida added this on 27 Sep 2011

Long time ago I talked to Harry Crosby, the historian and author of "Last of the Californios" who unraveled the mystery surrounding the Smith/Aguilar name change. Many of the earlier Baja California church records were lost or destroyed for several reasons. But he told me that when Thomas married Maria he was sailing between Baja and Guaymas. He also told me that Maria moved to Guaymas where they lived during the first few years of their marriage. So, he told me that the oldest of their children were born in Guaymas. Since their marriage was on or about 1810 it makes sense that Juan Bautista, Jose Maria, and Emanuel may have been born in Guaymas and sometime between after 1810. I have not really looked for any records in Guaymas. 
Juan Bautista Smith

Carole Salazar added this on 27 Sep 2011
I notice everyone has his birth year as 1824. That would make him the father of Marcelino at age 11. ?? I'd assume that the 1840 entry by Pablo Martinez puts Juan Bautista's birth year as 1816, since my ancestor, Jose Maria, was born in 1817. I had also seen a document that had Juan B. born in 1810, and that's what my mom had in her old records. I'm looking for proof of that now.

Joaquin Gracida added this on 24 May 2010
Petition for dispensation to marry. 
Pg. 725, Guia Familiar, by Pablo L. Martinez shows a 3 Apr 1840 entry in the church book of a petition originating in Comondu.

It is an entry from Juan Bautista Aguilar (Smith) requesting forgiveness and permission to marry Teresan Espinoza. His request is based on Juan having intimate relations with two of his fiancee's cousins. The entry states that he was 23 years old [b c 1817] and was born in the State of Sonora. His father is listed as Javier Aguilar (Catholic baptismal name of Thomas Smith) who was born in the USA. and his mother is listed as Maria Meza. [This would be the later Juan called Washington Bautista Smith.]

Children of JUAN SMITH and TOMASA ARCE are:

I. MARIA LORETO SMITH (Source: 4 "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.), b. Abt. 1830, L Cal 
(Source: 1850 US census, Age in 1850: 20.).

ii. LORETO SMITH (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.), b. Abt. 1832, Calif 
(Source: 1850 US census, Age in 1850: 18.).

Notes for LORETO SMITH: 
In the 1900 census, Loreto, unmarried, is living with his brother, Marcellino. He immigrated in 1892 and is blind. 

iii. MARCELINO SMITH, b. June 01, 1836, Mexico (Source: (1) Calvary Cemetery, San Diego, database http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~clement/Calvary/home.htm , Also 1860 census, Poway, CA., (2) 1850 US census, Age 15.); d. June 10, 1913, San Diego, CA (Source: Calvary Cemetery, San Diego, database http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~clement/Calvary/home.htm ; m. (1) GERTRUDIS ROMERO 
(Source:
Guía Familiar, p. 710.) (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 710.); b. November 16, 1834, Mexico (Source: Calvary Cemetery, San Diego, database http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~clement/Calvary/home.htm  ; d. May 09, 1918, San Diego, CA  (Source: Calvary Cemetery, San Diego, database
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~clement/Calvary/home.htm .); m. (2) RAMONA PERALTA (Source:
Guía Familiar, p 760.); b. Comundú.

Page 20 

Notes for MARCELINO SMITH:

Various birth dates have been given for Marcellino. Death certificate says Jun 1, 1836. 1900 census says June 1835. "Marcellinas", age 15, is enumerated in the 1850 census in Monterey, CA, in the household of Juan Smith. Presumably, the family returned to Baja California between 1851 and 1854. Marcellino married about 1855. He registered 7 children in 1874, born between 1856 and 1873, and on later census give Mexico as the birthplace for all.

The family returned to the US in 1886 or 1887. In 1900, they were living in Poway. By 1910 they had moved to nearby Lakeside. Marcellino is listed in the database for the Calvary Cemetery but his death certificate show the El Cajon Cemetery.

Descendant Lois Rattray says he and Grutridus are buried in El Cajon but the records are not clear and the actual grave site has not been identified.

Note: in 1900, Gertrudis said she was the mother of 11, 10 living. More than that have been attributed to her. The birth date of Jesus, 30 Mar 1864, and Esquipulas, 30 Nov 1864, is highly unlikely. Lois Rattray has speculated that Jesus and Esquipulas were actually the same person which is possible. However, the exact date for each is confusing.

1900 census: Capitan Grande, San Diego, California
[Poway, San Diego, California], all b Mexico, parents b Mexico
Marceleno Smith 64, b Jun 1835, , md 45 yrs, imm 1886, alien, farmer
Gertrudis Smith 64, b Nov 1835, mo 11, 10 living,
Isidore Smith 50, b Apr 1850, imm 1887, gold miner (Md 8 years?), son
Garmelinda Smith 42, dau, b Jan 1860, (md 10 yrs?), mo 6, 5 living
Paule Smith 30, dau, b Jan 1870, single [Paz?]
John Smith 23, son, b Feb 1877, single
Loreto Smith 69, brother, b Dec 1830, single, imm 1892, blind
Angie Beltram 26, adopted son, b Aug 1873, b Mex, parents b Mex, farm laborer, imm 1886, alien.

Note: Isidore clearly indicated as son. Gertrudis and Marceleno would have been about 15 when he was born.
1910 census, Lakeside, CA:
Marceline Smith 74, md 55 yrs, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1887, alien
Gertrude Smith 74, md 55 yrs, mo 10, 9 living, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1888
Niguel Fernandez 26, son in law, 1 marr, md 4 yrs, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1905
Pauline Fernandez 30, dau, 1st marr, md 4 yrs, no children, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1888

More About MARCELINO SMITH:
Burial: El Cajon Cem, El Cajon, Ca (Source: Calvary Cemetery, San Diego, database
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~clement/Calvary/home.htm 

More About GERTRUDIS ROMERO:
Burial: El Cajon Cem, El Cajon, Ca (Source: Calvary Cemetery, San Diego, database
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~clement/Calvary/home.htm 

iv. PETER SMITH (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.), b. Abt. 1836, Calif (Source: 1850 US census, Age in 1850: 14.).

v. PILAR SMITH (Source: Calvary Cemetery, San Diego, database http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~clement/Calvary/home.htm   b. April 22, 1843, Mexico; d. September 21,1913, San Diego, CA; m. R[EFUGIO?] MURILLO (Source: Calvary Cemetery, San Diego, database http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~clement/Calvary/home.htm  


Page 21 
Notes for PILAR SMITH:
Note: This might possibly be the person referred to in the 1850 census as son Petar, age 14

It is difficult to tell which children belong to Pilar and which to Lugarda as they are all Murillos and fairly close in age.

1910, San Diego - all b Mex, parents b Mex
Pilar Mixer 60, head, widow, imm 1903
Lugarda Mixer 45, dau, single, imm 1903
Santiago Mixer 30 [32] , son, single, imm 1903
Saladora Mixer 30, dau, single, imm 1903
Ernest Mixer 19, son, single [more likely sons of Lugarda]
Ollalla Mixer 16, son. single [more liekly sons of Lugarda]

1920 census, San Diego, CA
Ernesto Murillo 27, head, 27, b Mexico, parents b Mex, imm 1903; naturalized 1913
Santiago Murillo 42, brother, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1903
Ollalo Murillo 25, brother, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1903
Lugardo Murillo 55, mother, widow, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1903
Salvadora Murillo 42, aunt, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1903

Entry from Calvary Cemetery database:
Name: Pilar SMITH
Surname: Smith
Given Name: Pilar
Sex: F
Birth: 22 Apr 1843 in , , México
Death: 21 Sep 1913 in San Diego, San Diego, California of cerebral hemorrhage, influenza
Burial: Sep 1913 Calvary Cemetery, San Diego, San Diego, California

DEATH: Death certificate on file at the San Diego County Recorder, County Administration Building, 1600 Pacific
Highway, Room 260, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 237-0502; state file no. 13-029307, Pilar S. Smith, father - John
Smith, born in Mexico, mother - Tomasa Arze, born in Mexico, informant - Olallo Murillo

A 1904 directory of San Diego (Ancestry.com) lists the following living at 623 B:
Lugarda Murillo
Mrs Pilar Murillo
Prajedis Murillo, sailor
Salvadora Murillo
Santiage Murillo, sailor

4. MANUEL/EMANUEL SMITH (THOMAS 3 2, GEORGE1) (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.) wasborn Abt. 1814 in L Cal (Source: 1850 US census, Age in 1850: 36.). He married DOLORES GONZALEZ (Source: (1) "BajaCalifornia Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida., (2) 1850 US census.). She was born Abt. 1819 in L Cal (Source: 1850 US census,Age in 1850: 31.).

Notes for MANUEL/EMANUEL SMITH:
From the ages of the children and their birthplaces, it appears that Manuel and family were evacuated from Baja in 1848 with the
rest of the family. However, he does not appear on the list of claimants.
Joseph (Jose Maria), Juan and Emanuel are all living adjacent to each other in the 1850 census. In the 1852 he is living between
Jose M Smith and Juan Baptista Smith (age 28), so he certainly appears to belong in this family.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

22

Manual Smith, Jose Maria Smith and Robert Fisher took out a lease on Rancho del Sur from JBR Cooper in 1851. (See entry on Jose Maria for details.)

On June 7, 1853, Manuel Smith wrote, in Spanish, to Don Juan B R Cooper which says "An unfortunate incident happened to us this month here on your ranch. My brother Washington [Juan Bautista] and a son of mine both broke their legs." He goes on to ask for flour and coffee to be put on their account. [Obtained and translated by Carole Salazar, Bancroft Library C-B 36:140] Manuel and Dolores disappear from records after 1870. Daughter Cleofas married Matias Vargas, stayed in the Hollister area and raised a family of 15. Daughter Maria married Nicholas Lopez and also stayed in the area and her descendants are still in the Monterey area. In 1880 several family members are found on the same census page for Monterey. Ages and places of birth contain several errors but it does appear to be the same family: George and family, Gabina and family, Mary Lopez and family, Peter and Nicholas.

1850 census, Monterey, Monterey, CA
Emanuel Smith, 36, b L Cal
Dolores Smith, 31, b L Cal
Peter Smith, 12, b L Cal
George Smith, 10, b L Cal
Rosa Smith, 6, b L Cal
Cleofa Smith, 4, b L Cal
Salama Smith, b Calif.

1852 census, Monterey, Monterey, CA, p 10
Manuel Smith, 35, b L Calif, Ranchero
Dolores Smith, 33, b L Calif
Pedro Smith, 14, b L Calif
George Smith, 12, b L Calif
Rosa Smith, 8, b L Calif
Chofa Smith, 6 (f), b L Calif
Salima Smith, 4 (f), b Calif
Nicolas Smith, 1, b Calif

1870 Alisal, CA
Manuel Smith 54, farmer, b L Cal
Dolores Gonzalez Smith 50, b L Cal
Pedro Smith 32, b L Cal
George Smith 30, b L Cal
Nicolas Smith 17, b Cal
Gavino Smith 14, b Cal
Dolores Smith 11, b Cal
Claudio Smith 8, b Cal
Nicolas Lopes 31, labourer, b Calif
Maria Smith Lopes 16, Keeping house, b Calif.
Jose Bonefacio 10, b Calif

Children of MANUEL/EMANUEL SMITH and DOLORES GONZALEZ are:

I. PETER SMITH (Source: 4 "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.), b. Abt. 1838, L Cal (Source: 1850

US census, Age in 1850: 12.).

Notes for PETER SMITH:

1910, census, Soledad, CA 
Pedro Smith 69, head, single, b CA, parents b CA, farm laborer
George Smith 67, boarder, divorced, b CA, parents b CA, farm laborer
ii. GEORGE SMITH, b. Abt. 1840, L Cal (Source:
"Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida, Age in 1850: 10.);
m. THERESA (Source: 1880 US census.); b. Abt. 1850, Calif.

Notes for GEORGE SMITH:

1880, Monterey Twp, Monterey, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

23

George Smith 34, b Cal, fa b Eng, mo b Ca
Tharessa Smith 30, b CA, parents b CA
Mary Smith 3, b CA, parents b CA

1910, census, Soledad, CA
Pedro Smith 69, head, single, b CA, parents b CA, farm laborer
George Smith 67, boarder, divorced, b CA, parents b CA, farm laborer

iii. ROSA SMITH, b. Abt. 1844, L Cal (Source: 1850 US census, Age in 1850: 4.).  iv. MARIA CLEOFAS SMITH (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida, Age in 1850: 4.), b. August 24, 1846, L Cal (Source: Norman, Deborah, "Register Report for Emanuel Smith", 15 Feb 2012, Family records of Michele Stephenson.); d. January 05, 1911, Hollister, San Benito, CA (Source: Norman, Deborah, "Register Report for Emanuel Smith", 15 Feb 2012.); m. MATIAS VARGAS (Source: Norman, Deborah, "Register Report for Emanuel Smith", 15 Feb 2012.); b. February 1834 (Source: 1900 US census, Hollister, San Benito, CA.); d. January 29, 1901, Hollister, San Benito, CA (Source: Norman, Deborah, "Register Report for Emanuel Smith", 15 Feb 2012, Death announcement, Hollister Free Lance, 1 Feb 1901.).

Notes for MARIA CLEOFAS SMITH:

Cleofas stayed in California. At the time of her death she had 14 children: Antonio, Josie, Matias, Allie, Lupie,Elena V, Joseph, Manuel, Charley, Matilda, Frank, Leopold, Rebecca and Julia.

In 1860, Cleofas has not been found in the census. Matias, age 26, is living in a household headed by Guadalupe Jimano with 8 other Vargas children. If Marcos was her child, she would have been only 15 or 16 when he wasborn.

Per Bev Davide: Records from the Diocese of Monterey: Record of Leopold's birth, 15 Nov 1864, "legitimate child of Matias Vargas and Cleofas Smith". Francisco Javier Vargas, "legitimate son" of Matias and Cleofas, born Jan 16, 1865; baptised Jan 26, 1865

Leopold gave his birth date as Dec 15, 1866. Possible explanation: a Leopold was born Nov 1864 but died as an infant. Francisco Javier was actually born Jan 1866 but the recorder hadn't made the mental transition to 1866 yet. The second Leopold was born in Dec 1866.

Very close, but possible.

1870 census, Monterey, Monterey, CA 
Mateo Vargas 36, shoemaker, b Mexico
Cliafos smith Vargas 26, b Lower Cal 
Marcos Vargas 11 all children b Calif
Manuel Vargas 9
Matilda Vargas 8
Cleopolda Vargas 2
Elena Vargas 1

1880 census, San Benito, CA, all children sons and daughters 
Matens Vargas 44, shoemaker, b CA, parents b Mexico
Cleophas Vargas 35, b Lower Cal, fa b Mexico, mo b Lower Cal 
Leopold Vargas 12, All children b Cal, fa b CA, mo b Lower Cal 
Ellen Vargas 11
Julia Vargas 9
Sasardis Vargas 8
Guadalupa Vargas 6
Joseph Vargas 4
Frank Vargas 3
Rebecka Vargas 1
Manuel Vargas 19

1900 census, Hollister, San Benito, CA
Cleophas Vargas 54, b Aug 1846, Md, md 39 yrs, mother of 14, 11 living, b Mexico, parents b Mexico, imm 1847
Rebecca Vargas 19, dau, b Sep 1880, b CA, parents b Mexico

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24

Josie Vargas 12, dau, b Apr 1888, b CA, parents b Mexico

In 1900, her husband was in the San Benito County Hospital in Hollister. 
1910, Hollister, San Benito, CA

Cleofas Vargas 62, widow, mo 17, 14 living, b Mexico, fa b ?, mo b Mexico, imm 1846
Manuel Vargas 49, son, widowed, b CA, parents b Mex 
Antone Vargas 25, son, 1 marriage, md 2 yrs, b Ca, parents b Mexico
Matias Vargas 26, son, b CA, parents b Mexico
Annie Vargas 21, daughter-in-law [wife of Antone), b CA, parents b CA, mo of 1, 0 living
Amelia Welch 15, granddaughter, b CA, parents b CA

More About MARIA CLEOFAS SMITH:

Burial: January 09, 1911, Calvary Cem, Hollister, San Benito, CA (Source: Norman, Deborah, "Register Report for Emanuel Smith", 15 Feb 2012, San Benito County Register of Deaths, Book 2T, San Benito County Superior Courthouse, Hollister, CA.) v. SALOME SMITH (Source: (1) "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida., (2) Early California Population Project (missions.huntington.org).), b. December 1848, Calif (Source: 1850 US census, Age in 1850: 1.).

Notes for SALOME SMITH:

Baptized 3 Jan 1849, age 27 days, daughter of Manuel Smit and Dolores Gonzales; Godparents: Nieves Smit and Antonio Smit. vi. NICOLAS SMITH (Source: 1852 California census.), b. October 20, 1852, Calif (Source: Alexander King, Death certificate.); d. December 12, 1934, Brentwood, Contra Costa, CA (Source: Alexander King, Death certificate.); m. FRANCISCA LOPEZ (Source: Alexander King.); d. Bef. 1910.

Notes for NICOLAS SMITH:

1880 census, Monterey, CA 
Peter Smith 40, b CA, parents b CA
Nicholas Smith 25, b CA, parents b CA, brother

1910, Soledad, Monterey, CA
Nicholas Smith, age ?7 (57?), widower, b CA, parents b Mexico

The mother may have died before 1900. Only two children have been found in the 1900 census:
1900 San Jose, San Luis Obispo, CA
Sebula Lazeano 66, head, b May 1834, widow, b Mexico, parents b Mexico
Bernardo Lazeano 79, brother-in-law, b Aug 1820, single, b Mexico, parents b Mexico
Angelina Smith 16, servant, b May 1884, b CA, fa b Mex, mo b CA
Virginia Smith 14, servant, b May 1886, b CA, fa b Mexico, mo b CA

More About NICOLAS SMITH:

Burial: December 15, 1934, Union Cem, Brentwood, Contra Costa, CA
vii. MARIA SMITH (Source: (1)
Norman, Deborah, "Register Report for Emanuel Smith", 15 Feb 2012., (2) Norman, Deborah, "Register Report for Maria Smith", 27 Feb 2012, (Based on information from Bev Davide), based on information from Bev Davide.), b. Abt. 1854; m. JOSE NICOLAS GEORGE LOPEZ, October 26, 1869, Monterey, CA (Source: Norman, Deborah, "Register Report for Maria Smith", 27 Feb 2012, (Based on information from Bev Davide), Our Lady of Refuge Marriages 1869-1931, p 4, #4. Mary Smith, daughter of Manuel Smith and Dolores Gonzales.).

Notes for MARIA SMITH:

1880 census, Monterey, CA; all b CA; parents b CA

Nicholas Lapaz 45
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25
Mary Lapaz 23 
Angelo Lapaz 10
Pintino Lapaz 7
Lucy Lapaz 8
Tecola Lapaz 6
Isabel Lapaz 4
Dallia Lapaz 1

viii. GAVINO SMITH (Source: 1870 US Census.), b. Abt. 1857; m. VERACIA (Source: 1880 US census.); b. Abt. 1863.

Notes for GAVINO SMITH: 
1880, Monterey Twp, Monterey, CA 
Gabino Smith 27, b CA, fa b Eng, mo b CA
Varacia Smith 17, b CA, fa b L Cal, mo b CA
Manuel Smith 1, b CA, parents b CA

ix. DOLORES SMITH (Source: 1870 US Census.), b. Abt. 1859; d. March 29, 1877, Monterey, CA.

Death announcement in the Salinas City Index, Apr 5, 1877: Died, in Monterey, March 29, 1877, Dolores, daughter of Manuel and Dolores Smith, aged 14 years.

x. PEDRO CLAUDIO SMITH (Source: 1870 US Census.), b. October 19, 1862, Calif.

Copy of baptism from Catholic Diocese of Monterey: Pedro Claudio Smith, born 19 Oct 1862, baptized 30 Oct 1862, legitimate son of Manuel Smith and Dolores Gonzales.

5. JOSE MARIA (JOSEPH) SMITH (THOMAS 3 2, GEORGE1) (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.) was born Abt. 1817 in L Cal (Source: 1850 US census, Age in 1850: 33.), and died Bef. 1901 in Monterey, Calif. He married JULIANA [MARIA J] CAMACHO (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.). She was born Abt. 1821 in L Cal (Source: 1850 US census, Age in 1850: 29.), and died Bef. 1901 (Source: Baja California 1901-1905, 111, (per Carole Salazar).).

Notes for JOSE MARIA (JOSEPH) SMITH:

Per Joaquin Gracida:

1- Jose Ma. is evacuated from Baja in 1848 to Monterey, CA, aboard the Navy ship Lexington.
2- After arrival he and his wife have Ildefonso (Yldefonso, Defonso or Alfonso) who is baptized in 1848 at Monterey, CA
3- Jose Ma. shows up in the 1852 Census in Monterey, CA
4- If Hilario (Hil, Jil, Gil) Daniel Smith was also baptized in Monterey, CA (1862) when he was Godfather
5- And Cleotilde Bruna Smith was baptized in Monterey, CA. (1864/65)

I would lean to think that Jose Ma. was in Monterey in 1860 and never moved since later Jose Ma. registered to vote in 1867 also in Monterey, CA.

*********************************

1850 census, Monterey
Joseph Smith, 33, b L Cal
Juliana Smith, 29, b L Cal
Ramon Smith, 13, b L Cal
Louisa Smith, 11, b L Cal
Joseph Smith, 10, b L Cal
Yavis Smith, 6, b Cal [AKA Eliades, in 1852; Alijes in 1860)
Theresa Smith, 1, b Cal
1852 Census, p 10, Monterey, Monterey, CA
Jose M Smith, 35, Ranchero, b L Calif, Last residence L Calif
Juliana Smith, 31, b L Calif
Ramon Smith, 15, b L Calif

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26

Luisa Smith 13, b L Calif
Jose Maria Smith, 12, b L Calif
Eliades Smith, 8, b L Calif
Teresa Smith, 4, b Calif

Jose Maria is not found in any later censuses although he is found other records: Catholic Diocese of Monterey: Baptism for Hilario Daniel Smith, born 14 Jan 1862; baptized 13 July 1862. Legitimate son of Gil Smith and Maria J. Castro; Godparents were Jose M. Smith and Juliana Camacho. Catholic Diocese of Monterey; Baptism of Clotilde Bruna Smith, born 6 Oct 1864. Noted as daughter of Jose M Smith and Juliana Camacho. 

Voters' registration for 1866: Jose Maria (50), b L Cal and Washington Baptista (44) b Mexico, Jose (24) b L Cal, Eliades (22), b
L Cal

Voters registration 1867: Jose Maria (50), Washington Bautista (44), Jose (24), Eliades (22)
Voters' registration for 1868: Jose Maria (50) (b L Cal), Jose (24), b L Cal, Eliades (22) b L Cal); Washington Bautista (44), b
Mexico, Gil (31)

Voters' registrations for 1869: Jose Maria, (50) Washington Bautista (44), Jose (24), Gil (31) 
The 1866 registration notes that Jose Maria and Washington Bautista were naturalized on Aug 28, 1867 by the Monterey County Court. Notes on Eliades and Jose say "Father naturalized." Since they were naturalized and registered to vote, it appears they intended to stay in the US but are not found in any records. Jose Maria's daughter, Louisa, did stay in the US, marrying a German named Wilhelm Schmidt.

Grandson, Andres Gil Smith, told his granddaughter that his grandfather died in Monterey. Since his paternal grandfather stayed in Germany it appears that this statement would apply to Jose Maria.

Both Jose Maria and Juliana were deceased in the 1901 records of their grandson, Andres Smith. [This may be an error. See entry on Andres Smith.]

*****************

Articles of Agreement, JBR Cooper et al, 22 Aug 1851, Bancroft Library, Berkeley, CA (Carole Salazar) John B R Cooper signed an agreement for a three year rental of Sur Ranch to Robt H Fisher, Jose Maria Smith and Manuel Smith of Monterey on 22 Aug 1852. The consideration for rent was only $1 per year but the renters agreed to make several improvements.

History of El Sur ranch [elsurranch.com]

The El Sur Ranch was originally formed as one of several hundred ranchos created during the 1800s, in California’s Spanish-Mexican period. The El Sur grant was made in 1834 by Governor Jose Figueroa to Juan Bautista Alvarado. The ranch was managed and then assumed by Alvarado’s Uncle, Captain John Rogers Cooper. Early records indicate a 5-year contract signed in 1843, to lease El Sur to John Dye, a Kentucky native who used the ranch to raise mules. In the 1850s, El Sur was again leased to dairymen who milked cows and produced cheese for the Monterey market. Cooper himself, at this point, began to use the ranch to run his own herd of beef cattle.

Children of JOSE SMITH and JULIANA CAMACHO are: 
I. RAMON [GIL] SMITH (Source:
4 "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.), b. Abt. 1837, L Cal (Source: 1850 US census, Age in 1850: 13.); m. MARIA J CASTRO.

Notes for RAMON [GIL] SMITH:

Gil Smith appears in California records. Carole Salazar believes that Ramon went by Gil in later life - per her e-mail of 12/16/2011:

My theory is that Ramon Smith and Gil Smith are one and the same person, and son of Jose Maria Smith and Juliana Camacho.

- Birth year is 1837;
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27

- is listed along with Luisa, his sister, and other siblings in censuses; 
- Is Godparent to Luisa's son in 1858;
- Jose Maria and Juliana are Godparents to his son;
- Is listed in voter registers with the two Jose Marias (father & son).

1860 census, Monterey, Monterey, CA [These would all be siblings] 
Gil Smith 23, b Lower Cal
Louisa Smith 22, b Lower Cal
Jose Smith 20, b Lower Cal
Alijes Smith (male) 19, b Lower Cal
Teresa Smith 16, b Cal
Josefina Smith 13, b Cal
Defonso Smith (male) 10, b Cal

He appears in voters registration lists in 1868 and 1869 in Monterey County. The 1868 list shows he is living in Salinas and was naturalized (no date) in the 3 District count in Monterey County.

Hilario Daniel Smith, born 14 Jan 1862; baptized 13 July 1862. Legitimate son of Gil Smith and Maria J. Castro; Godparents were Jose M. Smith and Juliana Camacho.

ii. LOUISA SMITH (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.), b. Abt. 1839, L Cal (Source: 1850 US census, Age in 1850: 11.); d. February 1870, Ventura, CA; m. (1) GUILLERMO (WILHELM) P SMITH/SCHMIDT (Source: Marriage certificate in possession of Carole Salazar, (Catholic Diocese, Monterey, CA).), February 13, 1857, Monterey, CA (Source: Marriage certificate in possession of Carole Salazar, (Catholic Diocese, Monterey, CA).); b. Abt. 1820, Olenburg, Germany; d. 1883, Calif; m. (2) CHARLES GIBSON (Source: Carole Salazar personal knowledge.), February 21, 1867, Salinas, CA; b. 1831, VA; d. 1904, Calif.

Notes for LOUISA SMITH:

Further information from Carole Salazar: "I have a Certified Copy of Vital Records from the County of Monterey, Salinas CA, for Luisa's marriage to Charles Gibson of Virginia. License issued Feb. 12, 1867; signed by County Judge W. H. Ramsey(?) on Feb. 15; and signed by Michael Bacca (Priest) on Feb. 21, 1867.

"Andres and Antonio are listed in the 1870 Census as Gibson (not Smith) with their stepfather, Charles Gibson and his son William in Los Angeles. Louisa had already died. Oral history is that Gibson gave the twin girls out for adoption after the death of Louisa, and that Magdalena was raised by the Mathew family in San Francisco. (I found her as Lena Smith in their household in 1880 census.) I'm trying to track Juliana, but want to be sure of her facts. When Lena found out about her "real" family, she promptly left SF for Colton CA. Louisa's children all raised their families in the Colton area.

"Louisa's death/burial is in a Mission records listing as occurring in San Buenaventura Mission; however, I recently contacted that particular Mission with no luck in obtaining further records."

Notes for GUILLERMO (WILHELM) P SMITH/SCHMIDT:

He was not a descendant of Thomas Smith. He went by various names: Guillermo, Pedro, Antonio as well as Smith or Schmidt.

iii. JOSEPH [JOSE MARIA] SMITH (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.), b. Abt. 1840, L Cal (Source: 1850 US census, Age in 1850: 10.); d. Bef. 1895 (Source: Guía Familiar, p 115.); m. TRINIDAD ROMERO (Source: Guía Familiar, p 115.), Abt. 1870; b. (Source: Guía Familiar, p 702.); d. Bef. 1895 (Source: Guía Familiar, p 115.).

Notes for JOSEPH [JOSE MARIA] SMITH:

Voters' registration for 1866: Jose Maria (50), b L Cal and Washington Baptista (44) b Mexico, Jose (24) b L Cal, Eliades (22), b L Cal
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28

Voters registration 1867: Jose Maria (50), Washington Bautista (44), Jose (24), Eliades (22)
Voters' registration for 1868: Jose Maria (50) (b L Cal), Jose (24), b L Cal, Eliades (22) b L Cal); Washington Bautista (44), b Mexico, Gil (31)

Voters' registrations for 1869: Jose Maria, (50) Washington Bautista (44), Jose (24), Gil (31) 
"Familia" by Robert R Alvarez, Jr. says Manuel Smith's parents were Jose Maria Smith and Trinidad Romero. "Guia Familiar" says the mother was Trinidad Espinosa.

1870 census, Alisal, Monterey, CA 
Riley Gray, 37, Saloon keeper, b KY
Jose Smith, 29, laborer, b L Cal
Elias Smith, 26, laborer, b L Cal

Robert R Alvarez, Jr in "Familia" says Jose Maria Smith and Trinidad Romero were parents of Manuel Smith and Ramona Smith. The Guia Familiar, shows Ramona as the daughter of Jose Maria and Trinidad Romero (p 115) but Manuel the son of Jose Maria and Trinidad Espinosa (p 702). Ramero seems to be correct. Espinosa may have been her mother's name and was entered in the record through a misunderstanding.

iv. ELIADES (YAVIS) SMITH (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.), b. Abt. 1844, Calif (Source:1850 US census, Age in 1850: 6.).

Notes for ELIADES (YAVIS) SMITH:  
Voters' registration for 1866: Jose Maria (50), b L Cal and Washington Baptista (44) b Mexico, Eliades (22)
 
Voters registration 1867: Jose Maria (50), Washington Bautista (44), Jose (24), Eliades (22)
Voters' registration for 1868: Jose Maria (b L Cal, Jose (24), b L Cal, Eliades (22) b L Cal); Washington Bautista (44), b Mexico

1870 census, Alisal, Monterey, CA
Riley Gray, 37, Saloon keeper, b KY
Jose Smith, 29, laborer, b L Cal
Elias Smith, 26, laborer, b L Cal
This may be the same person as the age is right and many Smiths settled in the El Cajon area.

1910 census, San Diego, El Cajon, District 0125: (living alone)
Eliado Smith, 66, head, b Mex, parents b Mex, laborer, odd jobs, imm unknown

v. THERESA SMITH (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.), b. Abt. 1849, Calif (Source: 1850 US census, Age in 1850: 1.).

vi. OSIVIANA SMITH (Source: San Carlos de Borromeo de Monterey, Baptism records in possession of Carole Salazar, (Catholic Dioces
e, Monterey, CA).), b. July 1853, Monterey, CA.

vii. YLDEFONSO [ALFONSO] SEGUNDO SMITH (Source: San Carlos de Borromeo de Monterey, Baptism records in possession of Carole Salazar, (Catholic Diocese, Monterey, CA), Noted as son of Jose M Smith and Maria J Camacho.), b. May 29, 1858, Monterey, CA (Source: San Carlos de Borromeo de Monterey, Baptism records in possession of Carole Salazar, (Catholic Diocese, Monterey, CA).); d. January 25, 1913, El Cajon, San Diego, CA; m. TOMASA REAL; b. 1867 (Source: Findagrave.com, by Marsha Snelling.); d. April 24, 1921, Lakeside, San Diego, CA (Source: Findagrave.com, by Marsha Snelling.).

Notes for YLDEFONSO [ALFONSO] SEGUNDO SMITH:

Per "Baja California 1901-1905", p. 111, from Carole Salazar - there is a reference to Rafael Smith Real, both in Calmalli [Baja California] in 1903 to Ildefonso Smith of Monterey and Tomasa Real of Comondu. Paternal grandparents were Jose Maria Smith and Juliana Camacho, both deceased."

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29

This may have been the 10 year old Delfonso Smith living with the Gil Smith family in 1860 in Monterey. Since he was born in 1858, he would not be 10 in 1860. It has been suggested that the census taker took the information in Spanish and when the informant reported that Delfonso was two years old (dos), the census taker heard ten (diez).

Per San Diego County Pioneer Families, San Diego Historical Society: From Monterey, moved to Comondu in the mid 1860s. Moved to San Diego in 1904.

1910 census, El Cajon, CA: 
Ildeponso Smith 51, first marriage, md 26 yrs, b CA, parents b Mexico
Thomasso Smith 42, mo 12 children, 8 living, b CA, parents b CA
Jose M Smith 25, b Mex, parents b CA, imm 1904
Jacinto Smith 24, b Mex, parents b CA, imm 1904
Ildeponso Smith 21, b Mex, parents b CA, imm 1904
Juan Smith 14, b Mex, parents b CA, imm 1904
Ramona Smith 12, b Mex, parents b CA, imm 1904
Rabail Smith 7, b Mex, parents b CA, imm 1904
Hill Smith 4, b CA, parents b CA
Soledad Smith 3/12, b CA, parents b CA
Maria Smith, granddaughter, 4, b CA, parents b CA

More About YLDEFONSO [ALFONSO] SEGUNDO SMITH:

Burial: El Cajon Cem, San Diego, CA (Source: Findagrave.com, by Marsha Snelling.) 
More About TOMASA REAL: Burial: El Cajon Cem, El Cajon, Ca

viii. CLOTILDE BRUNA SMITH (Source: San Carlos de Borromeo de Monterey, Baptism records in possession of

Carole Salazar, (Catholic Diocese, Monterey, CA), Noted as daughter of Jose M Smith and Juliana Camacho.), b. October 06, 1864, Monterey, CA.

6. JUAN [WASHINGTON] BAUTISTA SMITH (3 THOMAS2, GEORGE1) was born Bet. 1817 - 1824 in Sonora. He married (1) PILAR QUINTANO (Source: Guía Familiar, p 481.). died (Source: Registro Civil, Loreto, Baja California.). He married (2)

TERESA ESPINOSA?.

Various records show Juan [Washington] Baptista Smith being born around 1817-24. These probably all refer to the same person who was a bit careless when reporting his age. Because of the request for a dispensation to marry in 1840, where he gives his age as 23, the 1817 date seems more likely. On records he gave his birth place as Sonora or Mexico rather than Lower California. Thomas was in Sonora in 1817 when he enlisted at the presidio's naval base at Guaymas on May 1st. Petition for dispensation to marry.

Pg. 725, Guia Familiar, by Pablo L. Martinez shows a 3 Apr 1840 entry in the church book of a petition originating in Comondu. It is an entry from Juan Bautista Aguilar (Smith) requesting forgiveness and permission to marry Teresan Espinoza. His request is based on Juan having intimate relations with two of his fiancee's cousins. The entry states that he was 23 years old and was born
in the State of Sonora. His father is listed as Javier Aguilar (Catholic baptismal name of Thomas Smith) who was born in theUSA. and his mother is listed as Maria Meza.     [No documentation to show this marriage actually took place.]

In 1850 three young children are living with Thomas and Maria Smith in Monterey - Isabella 5 months [b 1850], Rosana 3 [b c 1847] and Jacinta 6 [b c 1843]. Presumably these were all siblings and may have been the children of Juan Bautista and Pilar Quintano. Jacinta (age 9) and Rosaria (age 7) are living with Maria Smith (60) and Salvadora Fisher (24) in 1852.

Guia Familiar: La Paz, Archivo Eclesiastico, Matrimonios, p. 481: Manuel Morillo y Jacinta Smith, c. el 24 Nov 1861. El, nat. de Comondu y residente de este, h l de Olayo Morillo y Maria Arce; ella nat. de Comondu, v de La Paz, h l de Juan Bautista Smith y Pilar Quintano.

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30

1852 census (households not separated but listed as follows:) 
Jose M Smith (b L Cal) and children in descending order
Manual Smith (b L Cal)and children in descending order
2 individuals (apparently servants of Manuel) listed as Indian
Juan Baptista Smith, 28 [B C 1824], Rancher, b Sonora, lived last in Lower Cal.

(I believe he is the only family member to claim Sonora as his birthplace. Harry says children born before 1821 could have been born in Sonora but even Jose Maria gives his birthplace as L Cal)

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Voters' registration for 1866: Jose Maria (50), b L Cal and Washington Baptista (44) b Mexico, Jose (24) b L Cal, Eliades (22), b L Cal

Voters registration 1867: Jose Maria (50), Washington Bautista (44), Jose (24), Eliades (22) 
Voters' registration for 1868: Jose Maria (50) (b L Cal), Jose (24), b L Cal, Eliades (22) b L Cal); Washington Bautista (44), b Mexico, Gil (31)

Voters' registrations for 1869: Jose Maria, (50) Washington Bautista (44), Jose (24), Gil (31) 
According to the 1866 list, he was naturalized on Aug. 28, 1867 at the County Court in Monterey. In an 1853 letter (Bancroft Library in possession of Carole Salazar), Manuel Smith says that his brother is Washington.

**************

No further records have been found for Washington/Juan. Since he was naturalized and registered to vote it appeared that he intended to stay in the US. It is apparent that his daughter, Jacinta, returned to Mexico but she may have been raised by her grandparents or other family members.

Children of JUAN SMITH and PILAR QUINTANO are: 
I. JACINTA [AGUILAR] SMITH (Source:
Guía 4 Familiar, p 481, Also 1850 census, age 6.), b. Abt. 1843, Comundú; d. November 15, 1914, Comondu; m. MANUEL MURILLO, November 24, 1861, La Paz (Source: Guía Familiar, p 481.). Jacinta  would have been born about 1843 and would have been 18 at the time of her marriage. Guia Familiar: La Paz, Archivo Eclesiastico, Matrimonios, p. 481:

Manuel Morillo y Jacinta Smith, c. el 24 Nov 1861. El, nat. de Comondu y residente de este, h l de Olayo Morillo y Maria Arce; ella nat. de Comondu, v de La Paz, h l de Juan Bautista Smith y Pilar Quintano.

In the 1850 census, place of birth for Jacinta was N York, then crossed out. Rosana's birthplace was Cal without dittos for Lower from lines above. In 1852, Jacinta and Rosario were both shown as born in Lower Cal. Guia Familiar, p 676: Ramona Ysidora Murillo, born 4 Apr 1864, dau of Manuel Murillo y Jacinta Aguilar.

Death registered in Comondu 4 Jan 1915, by son Ramon Murillo. She was 70 years old, died of Grippa (flu), married to Manuel Murillo, daughter of the deceased (plural) Bautista Smith and Pilar Quintero.

ii. ROSANA? SMITH (Source: 1850 US census, Also 1852 Calif census.), b. 1849, Calif.

iii. ISABELL? SMITH (Source: 1850 US census.), b. 1850.

7. JUANA3 SMITH (THOMAS2, GEORGE1) was born 1820 (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.), and died Bef. 1869 (Source: Guía Familiar, p 700, In Comondu birth registrations, she is cited as "finada" in 1869 on the record for Dolores Real.). She married (1) SEVERO REAL (Source: Guía Familiar, p 700.). He was born 1820 (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.), and died Bef. 1893 (Source: Guía Familiar, p 700.). She married (2) ANDRES CAMACHO

(Source: Comondu Civil Registration, Nacimientos 1862-1933 [FamilySearch.org], Images 39-40.). He died Bef. 1842.

 

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31

Children of JUANA SMITH and SEVERO REAL are:

I. JACINTO REAL (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 700.), b. 1842, 4 Comondú (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 700.); m. (1) SOLEDAD AZUNA (Source: Guía Familiar, p 709.); m. (2) JOSEFA REAL (Source: Comondu Civil Registration, Nacimientos 1862-1933 [FamilySearch.org], 30.); m. (3) DOLORES MEZA (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 700.), April 07, 1893, Comondú (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 700.); b. 1862, Comondú (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 700.).

ii. MANUALA REAL (Source: Comondu Civil Registration, Nacimientos 1862-1933 [FamilySearch.org], image 62.),

m. FRANCISCO MEZA.

Child of JUANA SMITH and ANDRES CAMACHO is:

iii. JUAN DE DIOS4 CAMACHO, m. JOSEFA COTA (Source: Comondu Civil Registration, Nacimientos 1862-1933 [FamilySearch.org], Images 39-40.).

Notes for JUAN DE DIOS CAMACHO:

On Mar 30, 1875, Juan de Dios Camacho registered six children which he fathered with Josefa Cota. The paternal grandparents are the deceased (plural) Andres Camacho and Juana Smith; the maternal grandparents are the deceased (singular) Eligis Cota and la Senora Dolores Murillo.

8. ROMUALDA3 SMITH (THOMAS2, GEORGE1) was born Abt. 1825, and died August 13, 1895 in Comondu (Source: Registro Civil, Loreto, Baja California.). She married (1) MARIANO OSUNA. She married (2) ISIDORO ARCE (Source: San Ignacio Marriages, Confirmations.).

Notes for ROMUALDA SMITH:

It appears that Ramon Smith was her child. Various birth dates are recorded for Paulino but he could have been born as late as 1856 making is possible she had a child in 1852 before she married Ysodoro Arce. Comondu Civil Registration: 15 Jun 1875: Paulino Arce, brought a male child born ..... 1863 named B....., legitimate child of Mariano Ozuna and Rumualda Smith; paternal grandparents the deceased Mariano Ozuna and ... Murillo; maternal grandparents the deceased (defuncto- singular) Javier Smith and Maria Meza.

Comondu Civil Registration: Romualdo Smith died 13 Aug 1895, reported by Sebastian Meza. She was a widow, daughter of Javier Smith and Maria Meza, both deceased. Witnesses were Paulino Arce and Ramon Smith, both sons of the deceased.

More About ISIDORO ARCE:

Residence: 1854, San Ignacio (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 698.)

Children of ROMUALDA SMITH and MARIANO OSUNA are: 
I. BEN_IN
4 OSUNA (Source: Comondu Civil Registration, Nacimientos 1862-1933 [FamilySearch.org], image 60-1.), b. December 15, 1863, Comondu.

ii. TIRSO ANTONIO OSUNA, b. February 12, 1860.

iii. ANATONIO OSUNA, b. September 05, 1864.

Children of ROMUALDA SMITH and ISIDORO ARCE are: 
iv. ANTONIO
4 ARCE.  More About ANTONIO ARCE:
Confirmation: 1854, San Ignacio

v. ENCARNACION ARCE.

More About ENCARNACION ARCE:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

32

Confirmation: 1854, San Ignacio

vi. FLORENCIA ARCE. More About FLORENCIA ARCE: 
Confirmation: 1854, San Ignacio

vii. PAULINO ARCE (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 698.), b. Abt. 1852, Comondú (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 698.); d. April 20, 1921, San Diego, CA (Source: Ancestry.com, Family Trees: Hovermale (Marsha Snelling).); m. GUADALUPE VERDUGO, July 24, 1874, Comondú (Source: Guía Familiar, p 698.); b. Abt. 1848 (Source: Guía Familiar, p 698.).

Notes for PAULINO ARCE:

Dates of his birth vary widely.  In 1895 Paulino was a witness on the death certificate of his mother. Paulino and daughter Isobel were on the City of Topeka, from Guaymas, arriving in San Francisco, on 29 Oct 1905 in transit to Honolulu. He indicated he had been in San Francisco previously in Dec 1874. Their last residence was Guaymas. His age was 48 yrs, 11 mos (therefore born about 1856) and hers was 28 years, 6 mos. He was a widower and miner.

1920 census, San Diego 
Living with the Murillo and Romero families:
Paulina [sic] Arcie 70, border, b Mex
Isobel Arcie, 42, border, b Mex
San Diego Union, Apr 23, 1921, death announcement: Palina Arce, aged ??, father of Mrs Carolyn Osuna, Miss Isabella Arce of San Diego, Mrs Clemencia Arce, Calexico; Peter Arce, Tucson, AZ and A Arce, Lower California

More About PAULINO ARCE:

Burial: Holy Cross Cem, San Diego, CA (Source: Ancestry.com, Family Trees: Hovermale (Marsha Snelling).)

viii. MARIA ANTONIA ARCE, b. Abt. 1855; m. PABLO MEZA (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 710.); b. Abt. 1853.

ix. TIMOTEO ARCE (Source: Ancestry.com, Family Trees: Hovermale (Marsha Snelling).), b. October 1856, Comondu,

Baja CA, Mex; d. December 31, 1928, Honolulu, HI; m. MERCEDES MORENO DUCHALSKY (Source: Ancestry.com, Family Trees: Hovermale (Marsha Snelling).).

Suzanne Adams had information that Timothy Arcia was born 20 Aug 1854 in Comondu, the son of Isodoro Arce, also known as Rolando Arce, and unknown Smith who was born in Santiago, Lower Baja Cal. She did not know the source of the information. Confirmation: 1854, San Ignacio

1910 census, Honolulu, Hawaii Territory 
Timothy B Arcia 54, md 31 yrs, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1864
Merce Arcia 51, mo 9, 7 living, b Hawaii, parents b Mex
William V Arcia 18, son, b Hawaii, fa b Mex, mo b Hawaii
Lucia Knauber 24, dau, b Hawaii, fa b Mex, mo b Hawaii
Florance Knauber 2, granddau, b Hawaii, fa b PA, mo b Hawaii

1920 census, Honolulu, Hawaii Territory
Timothy B Arcia 67, race Mulatto, b CA, fa b Mex, mo b CA
Marcelis Arcia 54, wife, b Hawaii, fa b Poland, mo b CA
Mollie A Lake 38, dau, b Hawaii, fa b CA, mo b Hawaii

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

33

Charles Lake 14, gr-son, b Hawaii, fa b CA, mo b Hawaii
Myrtle Lake 12, gr-dau, b Hawaii, fa b CA, mo b Hawaii

Child of ROMUALDA SMITH is:

x. RAMON SMITH, b. Abt. 1852, L 4 Cal (Source: 1930 - 5th census of Mexico, Age in 1930: 78.); d. April 09, 1942, San Miguel de Comondu; m. ROSARIO MEZA; b. Abt. 1852, L Cal (Source: 1930 - 5th census of Mexico, Age in 1930: 78.).

Notes for RAMON SMITH:

Ramon is a bit of a mystery but it appears he was probably the illegitimate son of Romualda Smith. The death certificate for Romualda Smith (1895) gives the names of witnesses as Paulino Arce and Ramon Smit, sons of the deceased.

1930 - 5th census of Mexico, San Miguel de Comondú, Comondú, Baja California Sur, all born Baja Calif 
Ramón Smith 78
Rosario M De Smith 78
Gilderdo Smith 38
Jesús Smith 50

Civil Registration of grandson Cruz Meza, (Comondu) 1907, both aged 55. 
Civil Registration, San Miguel de Comondu, (FamilySearch.org), image 87); reported by son Gildardo Smith, age 50, single: Ramon Smith Meza, age 89, widower, native of this area, son of Javier Smith and Romualda Meza.

The circumstances of Ramon's birth were probably never discussed in the family and Gildardo may never have known of his father's parentage. His grandparents probably died before he was born. He tried to put together family history from names he might have heard about.

9. SALVADORA3 SMITH (THOMAS2, GEORGE1) was born Abt. 1827 (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.), and died June 04, 1893. She married ROBERT HENRY FISHER November 23, 1849 in Monterey, CA (Source: Guía Familiar, #708.). He was born 1822 in Eaton, OH (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 708.), and died September 04, 1885 in Nogales, AZ.

Notes for SALVADORA SMITH:

Marriage record obtained by Deborah Norman and Carole Salazar: Salvadora Smith, single, age 22, native of Baja California married Rober Feiher/Rover/Fuher (spelled both ways in record), single, age 28, on November 23, 1849. Marriage number XC01223. Officiant: Ygnacio Ramirez de Arrellano. Marriage site: Monterey.

Registration of : Ysabel Rosario Filcher (varon), reg el 3 de Jul de 1861. n. el 27 de Sept. de 1860, h. l. de Roberto Fischer y Salvadora Aguiar, el 1 nat. de San Augustin, Texas, la 2 na. y v. del lugar. Abs. Pats. Pedro Filcher e Ysabel Jarlilsen, nats. de Carolina del Sur, E. U.; Abs. Mats. Fabian Aguiar, nat de Nueva York, E. Y, y Maria Meza, nat y v. del lugar. (El appellido del infante a veces se usa como Fitch y a veces como Fitcher).

In 1850, Salvadora is 24 (born c 1826) |
In 1852, Salvadora is 24 (born c 1828)
On an 1849 marriage record, she is 22 (born c 1827)

After Robert died, Salvadora applied for a widow's pension on 5 Feb 1886. It was granted for $8 a month.

Notes for ROBERT HENRY FISHER:
Robert H Fisher was born in Eaton, Ohio in 1822. He enlisted at San Augustine, Texas, in May 1846 and served as private in the 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

34

2nd Regiment Texas Mounted Volunteers under Col. George T Wood. He was in Company A, commanded by Captain Wheeler. He died 4 Sep 1885 in Nogales, Arizona. According to the pension information, he married 14 Nov 1848 in Monterey. After his death his widow applied for a pension on 26 April 1886. She was dropped from rolls on her death 4 Jun 1893.

1850 census, Monterey, Monterey, CA:
Robert Fisher, 36, b TX 
Salvador Fisher, 24, b Cal
Maria Smith, 22, b L Cal
Maria Smith, 50, b L Cal
Esevier (Isabella?) Smith, 5/12, b Cal
Hacunda (Jacinta?) Smith, 6 b NY?
Thomas Smith, 60, b NY
Antonio Smsith, 20, b L Cal

1852 California State Census, Monterey 
Age Born Last residence
Maria Smith, age 60, B Lower Cal, Last residence: Lower Cal
Nieves Smith, 20 do do
Jacinta Smith, 9 do do
Rosaria Smith, 7 do do
Salvadora Fisher, 24 do do
Isabel Fisher 3 California California
John Fisher 1 do do

In 1852 Robert may have been living separately. This entry appears for Monterey: Robert Fisher, 31, Carpenter, b Ohio, last lived in Texas.  If son James was born in Sacramento, he may have been engaged in gold hunting.  He is named in the lease for "Sur Rancho" (Big Sur) signed in November 1851 to run for 3 years.

By 1857, they had returned to Baja California and there are no US records until his death in Arizona in 1885. They were living in La Paz in 1862 when their five year old son, Roberto, died and also in 1868 when son Juan Tomas Ficher died. In July 1862, Robert was a witness to a registration of a son of a Paulo Aguiar in Comondu.

More About ROBERT HENRY FISHER:

Residence: Comondú

Children of SALVADORA SMITH and ROBERT FISHER are:

I. MARIA YSABELL DEL ROSARIO 4 FISHER, b. April 14, 1850, Monterey, CA (Source: San Carlos de Borromeo de Monterey, Baptism records in possession of Carole Salazar, (Catholic Diocese, Monterey, CA).); d. August 16, 1853, Monterey, CA.

More About MARIA YSABELL DEL ROSARIO FISHER: 
Burial: August 17, 1853, Monterey, CA

ii. JOHN FISHER (Source: 1852 California census, Age in 1852: 1.), b. Abt. 1851, Calif.

iii. JAMES WILLIAM FISHER, b. August 17, 1854, Sacramento, CA (Source: Falk, Mary Fisher, Letter Jun 1972.); m.

AURORA PERALTA (Source: Falk, Mary Fisher, Letter Jun 1972.), December 02, 1877 (Source: Falk, Mary Fisher, Letter Jun 1972.); b. March 27, 1859, Barcelona, Spain.

Notes for JAMES WILLIAM FISHER: 
Information on James William Fisher comes from Mary Fisher Falk, his daughter, in a 1972 letter. It is believed he was born in Sacramento. The death certificate for his son, Robert Joseph Fisher, gives his father as James Fisher,

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

35

born Sacramento, California.

Very little is known about James. According to descendant William Fisher, "The family lore is that he left the family around 1900 and was never heard from again. That is why Aurora Fisher called herself a widow. As a side note, Aurora tried to have her husband, James William Fisher, declared insane in 1892 claiming he was a hazard to the children because she found him "mastibating" sic. A warrant was actually issued for his arrest. I've been unable to determine what became of the warrant or her accusations. However they must have patched things up somewhat since they had another child three years later."

1900, Pima Co, Ariz, Tucson 
Aurora Fisher 40, b Mar 1860, Widow, mo 9, 6 living, b Mexico, parents b Mexico, imm 1881
Robert Fisher 19, b Sep 1880, All children b Ariz, fa b Calif, mo b Mex
Queen Fisher 18, b Nov 1881
Mary Fisher 15, b Jan 1885
Amfare Fisher 14, b Sep 1886
Belle Fisher 9, b Oct 1890
James Fisher 5, b Jun 1895

1910, Kern Co, CA [Possibly this is Aurora's husband]
James W Fisher 50, widower, b CA, fa b OH, mo b CA

1920 census, Los Angeles, CA, Assembly Dist 73
Aurora Fisher 61, widow, imm 1866, b Spain, parents b Spain
Robert J Fisher 36, widower, son, b AZ, fa b CA, mo b Spain
James W Fisher 24, son, b AZ, fa b CA, mo b Spain
Mary Falk 34, dau, b AZ, fa b CA, mo b Spain
Charles Falk 40, son-in-law, b MO, parents b MO
Mable Fisher 26, daughter law?, b Kansas, parents b Kansas
Maria Falk 15, granddau, b AZ, fa b CA, mo b Spain
Charles R Falk 12, son, b AZ, fa b CA, mo b Spain
Zelma Andrew 17, roomer, b Minnesota, fa b Canada, mo b ND

1930 census, Los Angeles, CA 
Aurora Fisher 73, widow, b Spain, imm 1869

iv. ROBERTO FISHER (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 565.), b. 1857, Comondú (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 565.); d. January 20, 1862, La Paz (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 565.).

v. ISABEL ROSARIO FISHER (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 708.), b. September 27, 1860, Comondú (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 708.); m. PATRICIO MAQUILLA, Abt. 1861; b. Ireland.

Notes for ISABEL ROSARIO FISHER:  Birth and marriage dates do not make sense.

Guia Familiar p 481: Undated marriage between 1 Sep 1860 and 24 Nov 1861: Patricio Maquilla (tal vez Mac Millan) born in San Juan, Ireland, living here 5 years, widower, and Rosario Fiches, nat de Comondu, living here six months, h l de Roberto Fiches y Salvadora Smith.  Guia Familiar p 708: Ysabel Rosario Filcher (varon), n 27 Sep 1860, h de Roberto Filcher & Salvadora Aguiar; Abs   Mats Febian Aguiar, nat de Nueva York y Maria Meza.

vi. JUAN TOMAS FISHER (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 565.), b. 1863 (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 565.); d. October 30, 1868, La Paz (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 565.).

10. NIEVES SMITH (THOMAS , GEORGE ) was born Abt. 3 2 1 1830 in Comondú (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by Joaquin Gracida.). She married ANDRES (OSBEN) OSBORNE (Source: Guía Familiar, #708.). He was born in Kentucky
(Source:
Guía Familiar, p. 708-9.).

Notes for NIEVES SMITH:
Jose Maria Smit and Nieves Smith were the godparents of Ysabel del Rosario Ficher (Fisher) who was baptized in 1850 in
Monterey.

Antonio was baptized in 1860 in Mexico so they may have returned to Baja California with the rest of the family. In 1862, they
were in La Paz where Antonio Arce reported the death of their two year old son, Andres, native of Comondu.
Registration of son Antonio: Antonio Osben, reg. el 3 de Jul. de 1861, n. el 18 de Sept. de 1860, h. l. de Andres Osben, nat. de E.
U., y Nieves Aguilar, de este lugar. Abs. Pats. Teodoro Osben y Maria Vonuel, de Kentucky, E. U.; Abs Mats. Javier Aguilar y
Maria Meza.

In the 1900, 4 children were registered in Tecate, children of Ramon Osben native of La Paz and Luisa Chacon. The Paternal
grandparents were Andres Osben and Refugio Valazquez.

Eureterio Osben, b 3 Mar 1893
Andres Osben, b 13 Jun 1895
Enrique Osben, b 6 Jul 1896
Barbara Osben, b 8 Mar 1898

Nieves Osborne attested to the pension application made by Salvadora Fisher on 26 Apr 1886. She says she is 57 years old, of
Nogales and has known Salvadora for 50 years.

Children of NIEVES SMITH and ANDRES OSBORNE are:
I. AMPARO4 OSBEN.Confirmation: 1854, San Ignacio
ii. ANTONIO OSBEN (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 708.), b. September 18, 1860, Comondú (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 708.).iii. ANDRES [OSBEN] OSBORNE (Source: FamilySearch.org, La Paz, defunciones, p 57.), b. Abt. 1860, Comondu, Baja
CA, Mex; d. January 10, 1862, La Paz, B C Sur (Source: FamilySearch.org, La Pas, Defunciones 1860-84, image 57..).
11. ANTONIO FELIX3 SMITH (THOMAS2, GEORGE1) (Source: Guía Familiar, p 829.) was born February 21, 1831 inComondú (Source: Antonio Smith document, 16 May 1903.). He met (1) ANDREA REAL (Source: Guía Familiar, p 698.). Hemarried (2) CARMEN AGUILAR (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 778.) June 05, 1851 in La Paz, BC (Source: Antonio Smith document, 16 May 1903.). She was born 1827 in La Paz (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 778.).

Notes for ANTONIO FELIX SMITH:
According to "Familia" by Robert R Alvarez, Jr. Antonio and his wife and family traveled with Manuel Smith (grandson of
Antonio's brother, Jose Maria) and his wife, Apolonia Meza.  Many inconsistencies on his birth date:
Marriage: born 1829 [this would appear to be the most accurate]

Rosamel document says he was born in 1821.
Antonio Smith document says he was born 21 Feb 1831
Guia Familiar, p 778: age in 1898: 77 (marriage of son Antonio) [b c 1821]
Guia Familiar p 829: Age in 1896: 67 (birth of Balbina Smith) [ b c 1829]
1850 US census: age 20 [b c 1830] 

Civil Registration for Librada Meza in 1872 gives his name as Antonio Felix Smith.
Civil Registration for grandson Arturo, Feb. 1899 (Civil Registration, Comondu, Nacimientos, image 121), says he is from
Comondu and a resident of Ensenada de Todos Santos. In 1896, Antonio was 68 and a resident of Ensenada de Todos Santos.
FamilySearch.org - Mexico Marriages, 1570-1950: Antonio Aguilar and Carmen Aguilar, 5 Jul 1851, Nuestra Senora de la Paz, 
La Paz, Baja, California. Grooms father: Francisco Xavier Aguilar, mother Meza. Groom age 22, born 1829, Bride child of Jose
del Rosario Aguilar and Celestina Orantes, born 1833, age 18 [Indexing batch 64612-2; film 1389954 - Registros parroquiales,
1752-1939 Iglesia Católica. Nuestra Señora de la Paz (La Paz, Baja California Sur)]

Child of ANTONIO SMITH and ANDREA REAL is:
I. TRINIDAD SMITH, b. Abt. 1856, Comondú; m. JOSE ESPINOSA 4 (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 698.), September 23,1875, Comondú (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 698.); b. Todos Santos.Trinidad was the illegitimate daughter of Antonio and Andrea Real.

Children of ANTONIO SMITH and CARMEN AGUILAR are:
ii. MARIA4 SMITH, b. April 17, 1852; m. LORETO MEZA (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by JoaquinGracida.); b. Abt. 1850.iii. ROSAMEL SMITH (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 829.), b. May 03, 1854, Comondú (Source: (1) Guía Familiar, p.829., (2) Antonio Smith document, 16 May 1903.); d. 1924, Lakeside, CA (Source: Rosamel Smith document (from Joaquin
Gracida).); m. JOSEFA MURILLO; b. 1861, Loreto (Source: Rosamel Smith document (from Joaquin Gracida).); d. 1945,
Lakeside, CA (Source: Rosamel Smith document (from Joaquin Gracida).).

1910 census, Lakeside, San Diego, CA: All b Mexico, all parents b Mexico, immigrated 1901 except Elmida (1908)

Rosamel Smith 56, md 26 yrs, odd jobs
Josepha Smith 47, mo 10, 6 living
Angel Smith 18, son
Guadalupe Smith 15, dau
Peter Smith 13, son
Javier Smith 10, son
Nieves Smith 9, dau
Elmida Smith 8, niece


1920 census, El Cajon, San Diego, CA, all b Mexico
Rosamel Smith 65, imm 1901, laborer, general farm
Josefa Smith 59, imm 1901
Pete Smith 23, imm 1901
Nieves Smith 19, imm 1901
Elmira Smith 17, niece, imm 1912
Onofrio Smith 11, nephew, imm 1912


In 1920, his son Angel, is living next door with his family. Also adjacent is Salvador and Margarita Meza
(presumably his daughter) and 5 children.

Notes for JOSEFA MURILLO:
Border Crossings: From Mexico to U.S., 1895-1957 about Josefa Murillo De Smith
Name: Josefa Murillo De Smith
Arrival Date: 5 Nov 1930
Port of Arrival: San Ysidro, California, United States
Accompanied by: Son Margarita Smith De Meza; Daughter Nieves Smith De Totips; Daughter Angel Smith
Arrival Contact: Son Angel Smith
Age: 69
Birth Date: abt 1861
Birth Location: Larado [probably should be Loreto]
Gender: Female
Race/Nationality: Mexican (Latino)
Record has photo?: Yes
Record Type: Cards
iv. BALBINO SMITH (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 823.), b. March 16, 1857, Comondú (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 823.); d.September 14, 1937, San Diego, CA; m. SELMIRA MENDOZA; b. Abt. 1868, San Antonio (Source: "Baja California Smiths"

Chart by Joaquin Gracida, Guia Familiar, p 823: age in 1893 - 25.).Notes for BALBINO SMITH:
1920 census, El Cajon, CA

Balvina Smith 50, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1903
Selmira Smith 48, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1903
Francisca Smith 30, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1903
Antonio Smith 27, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1903
Abraham Smith 25, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1903
Elvira Smith 19, b Mex, parents b Mex, imm 1903
Eulojia Smith 15 (f), b CA, parents b Mex
Gilbert Smith 9, b CA, parents b Mex

On the same census page as Yldefonso Smith, his first cousin, once removed.

More About BALBINO SMITH:
Burial: El Cajon Cem, San Diego, CA (Source: Findagrave.com.)
v. JULIA SMITH (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 713.), b. Abt. 1860 (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 714, Age in 1897: 37.); d.December 23, 1938, Comondu (Source: San Miguel de Comondu Civil Registrations (FamilySearch.org), Defunciones, image
50.); m. JULIO MEZA (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 713.); b. Abt. 1854 (Source: "Baja California Smiths" chart by JoaquinGracida, Guia Familiar, p 714, age 43 in 1897.).

Notes for JULIA SMITH:
Death Civil Registration, San Miguel de Comondu (FamilySearch.org, image 50), 23 Dec 1938, reported by son
Fidel Meza Smith, age 37: Julia Smith, age 86, daughter of Antonio Smith and Carmen Aguilar.

vi. MARGARITA SMITH, b. 1863 (Source: Antonio Smith document, 16 May 1903.).
vii. ENCARNACION SMITH (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 676.), b. March 25, 1865, Comondú (Source: Guía Familiar, p.676.); m. NICOLAS FERNÁNDEZ (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 779-80.) 
(Source: Guía Familiar, p. 779-80.); b. Abt. 1860(Source: "Baja California Smiths"chart by Joaquin Gracida.).
viii. LORETO SMITH (Source: Antonio Smith document, 16 May 1903.), b. September 08, 1868; m. RAFAEL MEZA; b.
1864.

Notes for LORETO SMITH:
Loreto died between 1887 and 1897. Eduardo and Ernesto, sons of Loreto, were registered in 1900. The next registration was for Gilberto Meza, born 1897, son of Rafael and Martina Olson.

ix. ANTONIO SMITH (Source: Antonio Smith document, 16 May 1903.), b. June 05, 1870, Comondú (Source: Guía Familiar, p. 778.); m. (1) GERTRUDIS GONZÁLEZ (Source: Guía Familiar, p 778, Age at marriage in 1898: 17.), April 13,1898, San Tomas (Source: Guía Familiar, p 778.); b. Abt. 1881, San Jose del Cabo; m. (2) MANUELA ARCE, August 08, 1906,Ensenada, Baja Calif (Source: FamilySearch.org.); b. 1891.

x. JAVIER SMITH (Source: Antonio Smith document, 16 May 1903.), b. October 28, 1873.

-COUSIN MARRIAGES
John Belerde and Louisa Smith -first cousins
Jose Maria Smith
i

Common parent Louisa Smith (m Wm. Smith)
i i

Siblings Juliana (m Juan Belerde) Andrew Smith
i i

1 cousins st John Belerde Louisa Smith

-----------------------------

Manuel Smith and Apolonia Meza - second cousins
Siblings Jose Maria Smith Antonio Smith
i i

1st cousins Jose Maria Smith Maria Smith (m L Meza)
i i

2nd cousins Manuel Smith Apolonia Meza

--------------------------------

Jose Silvestra Meza and Maria de Jesus Salome Smith - second cousins
Siblings Antonio Smith Romualda Smith
i i

1st cousins Julia Smith (m Julia Meza) Ramon Smith
i i

2nd cousins Jose Silvestra Meza Maria de Jesus Smith

--------------------------

Yldefonso Smith and Aurora Smith - second cousins, once removed
Siblings Jose Maria Smith Juan Smith
i i

1st cousins Yldefonso Smith Marcelino Smith
i i

2nd cousins Yldefonso Smith Esquipulas Smith
i

Once removed Aurora Smith

------------------------------

Frank V Smith and Clorinda Gloria Smith - 3rd cousins
Siblings Jose Maria Smith Juan Smith

i i

1 cousins Louisa
st Smith (m Wm Smith) Marcelino Smith
i i

2
nd cousins Andres Gil Smith Romualdo (Romeo) Smith
i i

3
rd cousins Frank V Smith Clorinda Gloria Smith
Father and son married same woman
Antonio Victor Smith married Carolina and had a son Ellis
After Carolina died, he married Felicita (Antonio was 14 years older)
When Antonio died, Ellis married Felecita (Ellis was 13 years younger)

 

Index of Individuals
Aguayo -
Rosenda: 4
Aguilar -
Carmen: 8, 36, 37
Alberti -
Antonia: 2
Alviso -
Merced: 3
Ames -
Francisco: 1
Anderson -
Unnamed: 5
Annie -
Unnamed: 3
Arce -
Antonio: 7, 31
Carolina: 7
Clemencia: 7
Encarnacion: 7, 31
Florencia: 7, 32
Isabel: 7
Isidoro: 7, 31
Isidro: 7
Manuela: 10, 38
Maria ANTONIA: 7, 32
Paulino: 7, 32
Peter: 7
Timoteo: 7, 32
Tomasa: 1, 17, 19
Aripez -
Albert: 6
Carlos: 6
Mercy: 6
Aus -
Angela: 1
Azuna -
Soledad: 6, 31
Belarde -
Ben: 5
John: 4, 5
Juan Bautista: 5
Ruby: 5
Beltran -
Amado: 9
Bojorques -
Ysidoro Salvador: 3
Brown -
James Alonza: 3
Camacho -
Andres: 7, 30, 31
Andres: 7
Angela: 7
Crostovale: 7
Jose Maria: 7
Juan de Dios: 7, 31
Juana: 7
Juliana [Maria J]: 4, 25, 26
Ramona: 7
Cano -
Carlos: 1
Esther: 1
Florentina: 1
Jorge: 1
Sacramento: 1
Carolina -
Unnamed: 4
Castro -
Anthony J: 3
Bernabela: 3
Maria J: 4, 26
Cesena -
Concepcion: 5
Lydia: 2
Chacon -
Jesus: 3
Cota -
Josefa: 7, 31
Duchalsky -
Mercedes Moreno: 7, 32
Espinosa -
Jose: 8, 37
Jose Maria: 5
Joseph: 8
Espinosa? -
Teresa: 6, 29
Estrada -
Jose: 5
Farnsworth -
Leon Amos: 2
Fernández -
Eloísa: 10
Maria Carmen: 10
Fernandez -
Miguel: 2
Fernández -
Nicolas: 10, 38
Fisher -
Amparo Mary: 8
Isabel Rosario: 8, 35
Isabelle Mary: 8
James William: 8, 34
John: 8, 34
Juan Tomas: 8, 35
Maria Ysabell del Rosario: 8, 34
Mary Salvadora: 8
Regina [Queen]: 8
Robert Henry: 8, 33, 34
Robert Joseph: 8
Roberto: 8, 35
William James: 8
Foxen -
Unnamed: 3
Gallardo -
Ellen: 3
Gibson -
Charles: 5, 27
William: 5
Gonzales -
Ninfa: 6
Gonzalez -
Dolores: 2, 21, 22
González -
Gertrudis: 10, 38

Gutierrez -
Abraham: 2
Alejandra: 2
Angelita: 2
Fidel Joaquin: 2
Guadelupe: 2
Joaquin William: 1
Linda: 2
Rita: 1
Rosa Maria: 1
Henning -
John A: 3
Howard -
Charles: 5
Charles: 5
Eddie: 5
Frank: 5
Lucy Irene: 5
Nellie: 5
Jerado -
Francisca [Effie]: 2
Lizzie -
Unnamed: 3
Lopez -
Angelo: 4
Dallia: 4
Felicitas: 4
Francisca: 3, 24
Isabel: 4
Jose Nicolas George: 4, 24
Lucy: 4
Miguel Lopez: 4
Pintino: 4
Tecola: 4
Maquilla -
Patricio: 8, 35
Martinez -
Candelaria: 1
Maze -
Manuel: 3
McNeil -
Frederick: 3
Mendoza -
Selmira: 9, 37
Meza -
Alfonso: 8
Antonio: 9
Apolonia: 5, 8
Arturo: 9
Betsabe: 8
Carmen: 9
Cruz: 7, 9
Cruz: 8
Dolores: 7, 31
Elena: 7
Ernesto: 10
Fidel: 9
Francisco: 7, 31
Francisco Eduardo: 10
Gabina: 9
Guadalupe: 7
Jose: 7
Jose Luis: 8, 9
Jose Maria: 12
Jose Maria: 8
Jose Silvestra: 7, 9
Julio: 9, 38
Julio de Jesus: 7, 9
Liborio: 9
Librada: 8
Loreto: 9
Loreto: 8, 37
Marcos: 9
Maria: 1, 12, 17
Maria Austreberta: 9
Maria Josefa: 9
Martina: 9
Micaela Elodia: 9
Pablo: 7, 32
Rafael: 10, 38
Regina: 9
Rosario: 7, 33
Salvador: 9
Santiago Marcelino: 9
Tomas: 7
Vicenta Antonia: 9
Mojica -
Anselmo J: 3
Moreno -
Catarino: 6
Ursula: 6
Mott -
Ann Mary: 1, 11, 12
Murillo -
Adolfo: 7
Adolfo: 7
Amparo: 6
Concepcion: 6
Ernest: 2
Jesus: 7
Jose Juan: 6
Jose Regino: 6
Josefa: 9, 37
Lugarda: 2
Manuel: 6, 30
Maria del Pilar: 6
Maria Jacinta: 6
Maria Luisa: 6
Maria Matea: 6
Martina: 2
Olallo: 2
Ollalo: 2
R[efugio?]: 2, 20
Ramona Ysidora: 6
Salvadora: 2
Santiago: 2
Olson -
Maria: 5
Ortega -
Primitivo: 3
Osben -
Amparo: 8, 36
Antonio: 8, 36
Osborne -
Andres (Osben): 8, 35, 36
Andres [Osben]: 8, 36
Osuna -
Anatonio: 7, 31
Ben_in: 7, 31
Frank: 7
Mariano: 7, 31
Tirso Antonio: 7, 31
Peralta -
Aurora: 8, 34
Beatrice Victoria: 2
Ramona: 2, 20
Quintano -
Pilar: 6, 29, 30
Ramirez -
Trinidad: 3
Real -
Andrea: 8, 36, 37
Carmen de la Cruz: 6
Dolores: 6
Jacinto: 6, 7, 31
Josefa: 7, 31
Josefa: 7
Manuala: 7, 31
Ramona: 6
Santiago: 6
Severo: 6, 30, 31
Tomasa: 5, 28, 29
Tomasa: 6
Romero -
Francisco: 9
George: 2
Gertrudis: 1, 19, 20
Hazel: 9
Helen: 9
Josephine: 1
Juan: 2
Julio: 2
Manuel: 2
Manuel: 2
Mary: 9
Mary: 2
Michael: 2
Olayo: 9
Olayo: 9
Rosa: 2
Salvador: 9
Trinidad: 5, 27, 28
Rosas -
Braulia: 1
Salazar -
Elena: 5
Santos -
Joseph: 3
Smith -
Abraham: 9
Adalberto (Albert): 5, 8
Adolfina: 8
Adon Daniel: 4
Amelia: 1
Andres: 5
Andres [Andrew] Gil: 4
Andrew: 5
Angel: 9
Angelina Custodia: 3
Antonio: 10, 38
Antonio: 4
Antonio Felix: 8, 17, 36, 37
Antonio Victor: 4
Arcadia: 7
Aurora: 1, 6
Balbina: 9
Balbino: 9, 37, 38
Beatrice: 4
Beatriz: 1, 6
Bob: 6
Carlos Martin: 5
Carmen: 9
Caroline: 4
Charles Benito: 3
Clara Marie: 5
Clorinda Georgia: 2, 4
Clotilde Bruna: 6, 29
Dolores: 4, 25
Edward: 1
Edwardo: 1, 6
Eliades (Yavis): 5, 28
Ellis: 4
Encarnacion: 10, 38
Erminia Gabriela: 1
Esquipulas: 1
Esquipulas [Escapula]: 1
Estela: 6
Eulogio [Hugh]: 2
Florinda: 2
Florinda: 2
Francis: 6
Francisca: 5, 8
Francisca Ramond: 9
Frank: 2, 4
Frankie: 5
Gavino: 4, 25
George: 1, 11, 12, 17, 21, 25, 29-31, 33, 35, 36
George: 2, 22
Gertrudis: 1
Gilbert: 1
Gilberto: 6
Gildardo: 8
Guillerma: 9
Gumersinda: 1
Gumersindo: 1
Hermenegildo Honorio: 10
Hilario Daniel: 4
Ildefonso [Yldefonso]: 1, 6
Irene: 1, 6
Isabell?: 6, 30
Isidoro: 1
Jacinta [Aguilar]: 6, 30
Jacinto Nemesio: 5
Javier: 10, 38
Javier: 9
Jerry: 6
Jesse (Jesus): 5, 9
Jesus: 1
Jesus: 8
Jo Ann: 6
John: 6
John: 4, 5
John: 9
Jose: 8
Jose Angel: 9
Smith continues -
Jose Maria (Joseph): 4, 17, 25, 26
José Maria Eduardo: 5
Joseph [Jose Maria]: 5, 27
Joseph Alfonso: 5
Joseph Leonardo: 4
Josephine: 4
Josie: 3
Juan: 6
Juan: 1, 17, 19
Juan [John] Angelo: 2
Juan [Washington] Bautista: 6, 17, 29, 30
Juana: 6, 7, 17, 30, 31
Juana Balbina: 9
Juanita [Jeannie]: 1
Julia: 9, 38
Juliana: 5
Loreto: 1, 19
Loreto: 10, 38
Louisa: 4, 5, 27
Louisa: 4, 5
Loupe: 9
Magdalena: 5
Manuel: 5, 8
Manuel Mauricio: 5, 8
Manuel/Emanuel: 2, 17, 21, 22
Manuela: 9
Marcelino: 1, 2, 19, 20
Marcelino: 1
Margaret: 4
Margarita: 9, 38
Margarita: 9
Maria: 8, 37
Maria: 3, 24
Maria: 5, 8
Maria Cleofas: 2, 23, 24
Maria Cleofas: 8
Maria de Jesus Solome: 7, 9
Maria Loreto: 1, 19
Maria Nieves: 2
Maria Tomasa: 5
Maria Victoria: 1
Mary: 4
Mary Antonia: 4
Nicolas: 3, 24
Nieves: 8, 17, 35, 36
Nieves: 9
Ninfa: 6
Osidiano: 5
Osiviana: 5, 28
Otilio: 2
Pauline: 2
Paz: 1
Paz: 1
Pedro: 9
Pedro Claudio: 4, 25
Peter: 2, 20
Peter: 2, 22
Philip: 3
Pilar: 2, 20
Rafael: 6
Ramon: 7, 33
Ramon [Gil]: 4, 26
Ramona: 6
Ramona: 5
Raymond: 2, 4
Robert: 4
Romualda: 7, 17, 31, 33
Romualdo [Romeo]: 2
Rosa: 2, 23
Rosa: 4
Rosamel: 9, 37
Rosana?: 6, 30
Rosario: 8
Salome: 3, 24
Salvadora: 8, 17, 33, 34
Sarah: 1
Severiano Martin: 2
Soledad: 6
Stella: 4, 5
Theresa: 5, 28
Thomas: 1, 12, 16, 17, 21, 25, 29-31, 33, 35, 36
Tomasa: 1
Tomasa: 1
Trinidad: 8, 37
Virginia: 4
Virginia: 4
Virginia Margaret: 3
William: 1
Yldefonso [Alfonso] Segundo: 5, 28, 29
Yldefonso Matias: 1, 6
Smith/Schmidt -
Guillermo (Wilhelm) P: 4, 27
Theresa -
Unnamed: 2, 22
Valesquez -
Maria: 12
Vargas -
Alphonso [Allie]: 3
Antonio: 3
Francisco Javier: 3
Frank: 3
Josefa [Josie]: 3
Joseph Charles: 3
Leopold: 3
Leopold Thomas: 3
Manuel: 3
Marcos: 3
Maria Elena: 3
Maria Julia Apolonia: 3
Maria Margarita Guadalupe: 3
Matias: 2, 23
Matias Leonard: 3
Matilda: 3
Rebecca: 3
Sasardio [Charley]: 3
Vera -
Hilaria: 3
Veracia -
Unnamed: 4, 25
Verdugo -
Epimenia: 6
Guadalupe: 7, 32
Walsh -
Francis: 3


CUENTOS

Juan P. Valdez, [Land Rights Activist]  by Mike Scarborough 
The Education of Mi Hijita By John Phillip Santos 
A Mother's Love

Juan P. Valdez by Mike Scarborough 


This picture was taken only six days before Juan passed

Mike Scarborough 
justice1O1@aol.com


I promised Juan some ten years ago if  he passed first I would "say a few words at his service, which I did. I have written a number of posts about him since his passing and they can be found at trespassersonourownland.blogspot.comLegacy.com has a guest page about him and there are comments from all over the states. The local AP journalist, Contreras, wrote an article about Juan's passing and it was run in 133 media outlets across the country. Lucky for me I went to Canjilon the Sunday before he passed and spent several hours with him and took pictures.

 

"Juan P. Valdez was born May 25, 1938 in Canjilon, New Mexico, the second of Amarante and Philomena Valdez' seven children. Juan's father took him out of school after the third grade to help with the raising of crops and tending of livestock necessary to support the family.  After having been continuously denied grazing permits by the U.S. Forest Service it was necessary for Juan to sneak his family's cattle on and off the forest pastures on a daily basis.   While in his mid-twenties Juan met Reies Lopez Tijerina, a charismatic former preacher who was traveling from village to village in Northern New Mexico speaking out about how the United States had stolen hundred of thousands of acres of grant lands that were supposed to have been protected by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. 



Juan's remains were placed 100 yards south of where 
he was born and 100 yards north of where he passed.

"Juan was the first of eight members of Tijerina's Alianza
to enter the Rio Arriba County courthouse on June 5, 1967 in a failed attempted to arrest the local district attorney, Alfonso Sanchez.  Ironically, the judge in the courthouse that day was J.M. Scarborough, the father of Mike Scarborough who would wind up assisting Juan in the telling of his family history.

Trespassers On Our Own Land is the history of the Valdez family from the time Spain granted Juan Bautista Valdez, Juan's great, great, great-grandfather an interest in a land grant located around the present village of Cañones, New Mexico." 
 [Text from the back cover of  Trespassers on our own Land]

The man holding the urn is Juan's son, Amarante, the others are his grandsons.  This in one of Juan's nephews
Those in the other pictures are his son and grandsons.
Rose, Juan's wife is in the front row with her arm around one of their great-granddaughter's.  

Juan and Rose had twenty-one grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

The children released about thirty white balloons and one black one.

 His wife Rose is in the group picture holding one of their eleven great-grandchildren. The man holding the urn is his son, Amarante.

More on Juan Valdez:  http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20120829/NEWS04/308299934/0/NEWS09 


The Education of Mi Hijita 
by John Phillip Santos September 2012

My daughter is only two, but I’m already planning to teach her what it means to be a Texan—and a Tejana.
Photograph by Sarah Lim
Her Texas story
began with relámpagos de calor.






The night I learned I would become a father, I was getting ready for a dinner party. It was August 2009, in the midst of a historic South Texas drought and a mounting global economic collapse, so some mood leavening was in order. Since our dinner companions were all buoyantly childless, the revels would begin at twilight, go on for hours, and be relatively carefree. I’d finished dressing and was sending a few last emails when my wife, Frances, came to show me the wand of her pregnancy test, from which a blinking indigo plus sign shot forth like the beacon of some superhero.

I hadn’t ever really planned on becoming a father. It had always seemed vaguely presumptuous to take on imperial authority over the formation of offspring. Like many of my closest friends, I didn’t become a parent until well into the tale, in my case when I was about to turn 52. After we had married the year before, Frances and I had decided to leave the matter to nature, and nature’s ineluctable ways had made the process almost inadvertent. Yet the result was indisputable. After a lifetime of wandering far from home, I would be raising a Texan. Like the coho salmon, I had swum upstream to my birthplace to spawn.

I had returned to San Antonio a few years before, in 2005, after a long exile, most recently in New York City. I’d lived there for 22 years, but I was never a committed New Yorquino, always subscribing to Hill Country storyteller Hondo Crouch’s sage observation that “New York’d never amount to anything because it was too far.” I spent much of my time traveling, making documentaries all over the world, studying and writing. Yet I was rooted in South Texas. The lauded mystique of America’s Northeastern Brahmins could never match the millennial, epic story of the world I came from. All that Yankee lore seemed like the glorified preoccupation of newcomers.


But I didn’t really become Texan until I left. Growing up, I was likelier to be called “meskin” or “greaser”; outside the Lone Star State, the extranjeros would invariably see me as Texan, maybe because I was always shod in Tony Lamas. As I wore out my boots in each of my faraway redoubts, it became a habit to deposit them as mementos in the local river—the St. Joseph; the Cherwell and Thames; the Spree, after a spell in Berlin; and finally the East River, in New York City. Just before leaving, I would fill my boots with discarded writings and a few personal effects, tie them together, and drop them into the waters, to settle into the mud for some future archaeologist to ponder over.

During my distant sojourns, the question of Tejas—its provenance, progeny, and posterity—became my greatest literary obsession. I became fascinated with my ancestral story and its roots in the history of Nueva España. I have now written two books about my ancestors: the first about my father’s Coahuilense familia and their ties to San Antonio and indigenous Mexico, the second about my mother’s Spanish ancestors and their settlement in what became South Texas. In both cases, I discovered how our family history connected us to the saga of humanity itself. But despite my preoccupation with these lineages, I had yet to make a personal contribution of my own to their futurity.

The dinner party that night was convivial and only mildly riotous. Our hosts and old friends wondered about Frances’s sudden abstemiousness, but we demurred and kept the secret. After dessert, folks gradually ambled out into the tranquil hilltop street, in the Monte Vista neighborhood of San Antonio, just northwest of downtown, where we observed a grand spectacle. Imposing massifs of clouds were piled up, horizon to heavens in the southeast. The city skyline and Tower of the Americas were backlit in sharp relief as innumerable veins of lightning flashes ran up and down the cumulonimbus—a rare display of classic Texas heat lightning, relámpagos de calor. By the time we learned the baby was a girl, she wasn’t just Francesca—she would be Francesca de la Luz. (Originally her name was to be Luz Francesca, but my brothers convinced us that this name would make her life, particularly in high school, impossible. Monolingual bullies can’t resist puns.)

A new Tejana had been announced in mystic effulgences. But what is a Tejana? What is a Texan? Was there a difference? How do you become one? Would it mean something different for my daughter than it has meant for me?

Presently Francesca, who turned two earlier this year, is too concerned with the rigors of potty training, keeping track of where her Winnie the Pooh and Ganesha dolls are hiding, and accessing her favorite videos on the iPad to fret about any of this. But they are questions that my poet wife and I, both Texans of an admittedly nuanced sort, have wrestled with since that night of heat lightning. Now that we have made a Texan, what will she make of Texas—and what will Texas make of her?

My family’s story
is deeply intertwined with the history of these lands. In spite of the painful legacy of discrimination that my elders recounted and that still touched me as a kid, I knew growing up that our story was quintessential to the place. Ours was the Texas experience—a family that had emerged out of the myriad New World encounters between peoples who had journeyed far from their first homes to make a new life here. Many of our ancestors came here to escape some tyranny or discord, with an almost magical expectation that in these tierras they could be transformed into someone new (a scenario still playing out every day along our southern border).

Frances’s and my Mexican families settled in these lands long before American statehood, long before the Mexican Republic. My mother’s family arrived in northern New Spain in the 1620’s. Many generations later, our grandparents were born in Mexico or on the border. Our parents were all born in Texas, yet today when I ask my 86-year-old mother, Laredo born, reared in Cotulla and San Antonio, if her mother and father raised her and her siblings to think of themselves as Texans, she immediately answers, “We were Mexicanos. Nobody ever said anything about being Texan in our house.”

Somehow, by the time I came along in the late fifties, in addition to remaining Mexicanos, we were also incontrovertibly American and Texan—but loaded with unspoken codas, emotionally encrypted historical footnotes. My father imparted to me my sense of balance between our families’ Mexicano-Tejano past, our Texan-American present, and our global future. He was bien Mexicano but also a proud Texan and a veteran of World War II. He taught me that discrimination came from fear and would often laugh it off. “Those gringos sure are smart,” he’d say, chuckling. He harbored no ill will for the history of dispossession, sought no settling of scores for the deprecations put upon him. When I went to study in England, he wrote me a song to remind me of my roots:

I wear a pair of shiny boots, a big ten-gallon hat,

And every time I go somewhere, there’s always someone who

Asks the same old question: “Mister, where you from?”

And that is when I tell them that I was Texas born,

I was born in Texas, and I come from San Antone.

Oh-h-h, I-I-I was born in Texas, and it’s the best place to be from.

He gave my brothers and me a taste of Texas ranch life on a small sandy spread he bought just south of San Antonio. On weekends the extended Santos family would gather there for barbecuing, feasting, and singing. Without ever speaking of it, he gave us a reverence for the landscape, the parched and prickly along with the lush and riverine, and imparted the wild wisdom that some part of our inner lives was reflected in the outward qualities of these Texas places. For him, driving Ranch Road 1376, from Boerne through Sisterdale to Luckenbach, with its vast, rocky valley vistas, was like going to church. I recall staring at him during those drives as he looked out the window with awe.

The old ranch is gone, and my father died in 1998. Most of my family elders are dead now too, certainly all of those who spoke only Spanish, from whom I first learned to speak the language with a Coahuila accent. Earlier this year we lost Uncle Beto, from Nueva Rosita, a tireless jester and Spanglish wordsmith. He left Francesca an animatronic Chihuahua doll in a Santa cap that sings “Jingle Bells” with a thick Spanish accent. And in July my father’s last surviving brother, Uncle Roger, died. Long ago, he taught us where all the fishing spots were on the Salado and Cibolo creeks.

The world that I was nurtured in is gone; in many ways it was the twilight time of the old world of Mexicano Texas that had been slowly vanishing since 1836. During my lifetime many of the buildings and spaces that were the remains of colonial San Antonio de Béjar, such as the historic Mercado, were torn down and replaced by Hollywood versions of a certain ambiente mexicano. That old world is evident today only in glimpses of scenes at the missions and the Spanish Governor’s Palace and in the lurking presence of the Alamo with its ever-confounding Rashomon-like tale.

In Francesca’s case, we’ll need to seek out and provide her with the proper influences from disparate available sources. She can already count to twenty in the mother tongue, and when we’re setting out from the house, she will shout, “¡Vámonos!”; but without the full retinue of family elders whispering in her ears, she’ll have to study Spanish in school to become fluent. And though I’d like to find a Hill Country getaway for us, where I could learn her in folklore and the bracing joy of swimming holes, the truth is that we’re fully urbanized, with no remaining everyday connections to the ranch life. As for Mexico, the ancestral place I grew up visiting is on a remote stretch of Coahuila highway, far too dangerous in the midst of the narco war for a family vacation. So we are left to raise our daughter partly as sort of a greenhouse Tejana, offering her a cultivated simulacrum of what we experienced growing up—the life on the ranches and the countryside, moving easily between English and Spanish—as we share with her a sense of Texas identity that seeks to encompass all of our ancestral sites and stories: Indígena, Iberiano, Mestizo, Mexicano, Tejano, Americano.

A lot of what
we worry about for Francesca’s first years has to do with schooling. My own study of Texas history in middle and high school included nothing from the annals of families like mine. Even though there was a long literary tradition that described this history, in such books as Américo Paredes’s George Washington Gómez and Jovita González’s Caballero, it was ignored in my schools. It wasn’t until later that I discovered the many important books that emerged from the world of Tejanidad.

So we’re determined not to let that happen to Francesca. We’ve found pre-Columbian-themed coloring books for her and a recent children’s book, That’s Not Fair!, that tells the story of Emma Tenayuca’s leadership of the 1938 pecan shellers’ strike in San Antonio. I’ll read to her from Cabeza de Vaca’s accounts of wondrous meetings with the first peoples of these lands, and as she gets older, I’ll give her Paredes and González, as well as the poems of my old friend Ricardo Sánchez and the music of Lydia Mendoza and Isidro “El Indio” Lopez. Our recovered library of Tejano heritage will be hers to explore. Eventually I hope she’ll spend time with the writings of J. Frank Dobie, who once collected folklore on the porch of my grandfather Leonides’s grocery store in Cotulla. Dobie’s classics, such as Cow People, Apache Gold and Yaqui Silver, and my personal favorite, A Texan in England, teach a way of being Texan that is both grounded and worldly. Beyond that, Gloria Anzaldúa’s revelatory Borderlands/La Frontera awaits, and the immortal William Goyen’s House of Breath, the portal to his visionary oeuvre.

There are films she’ll need to see as well. Perhaps in early adolescence, I’ll sit her down in front of Viva Max!, the 1969 movie based on the novel by onetime San Antonian Jim Lehrer, in which the modern-day Mexican brigadier general Maximilian Rodrigues de Santos leads a ragtag platoon on a campaign to reoccupy the Alamo. I confess that this film affected me far more than John Wayne’s The Alamo ever did. I saw part of it being filmed—the Mexican soldiers’ final march down Houston Street—and later found it hilarious and inspiring in the way it reimagined the Alamo’s past and future. Though the film is not in circulation, one of Francesca’s padrinos owns a rare bootleg copy.

I’ll explain to her that the irreverence of Viva Max! is itself very Texan. In our family, to be Texan describes a person raised in the hinterlands, at the “orillas del mundo,” or the “edge of the world,” as memoirist Arturo Madrid recently put it. So far from the historical seats of power in both Washington, D.C., and Mexico City, Texans were renegade to all regimes. The prevailing gentry, from any geographic location, any intellectual or cultural arena, held no sway.

Given an ample opportunity to learn this history, would she come to see herself as a Texan? Would she be accepted as a Texan in a way I was not as a child? And what kind of Texan might she choose to be? Urbane and cosmopolitan or pura ranchera? Or some other kind, as yet unknown? New identities such as those of the emerging Texans of today will take shape out of an alchemy of subtle changes, particularly in times of tremendous demographic transformation. Since its early settlement, when Indians still outnumbered the Spaniards, San Antonio has always been majority Hispano-Mexicano and Mexican American (today that population accounts for 63.2 percent of the city’s residents), but the rest of the state will soon follow. Texas is already one of five majority-minority states in the union and, according to official projections, will become a majority Hispanic state in the next three to five years. When a majority of Texans share the experience of growing up in Hispanic communities, what new dimensions will Texan identity take on?

Clearly, a new chapter is under way, a story of an American people once dispossessed of their lands, discriminated against and excluded in heritage territories, who are gradually returning to prominence and now being called upon to envision a society that is compassionate in its values and global in its cultural sensibilities. It’s my hope that the Texans of my daughter’s generation will inhabit a place that embraces the stories, myths, and belief traditions of all humanity, a Tejas Cósmico.

So where exactly
does Francesca de la Luz’s Texan formation stand at the age of two years and four months? She helps me collect kindling for our barbecues in the backyard. Out at restaurants or the local H-E-B, las viejitas come up to touch her, explaining they have to do that to avoid giving her mal de ojo. She gingerly samples salsas and has learned the rudiments of taco assemblage, taking a piece of a tortilla, laying some huevo frito inside, and then, “You fold it!” she exults, before taking a big chomp.

Last year, she was baptized, albeit with a unique ritual designed by us to welcome a Texan of the new millennium. It took place on a Saturday morning in the intimate sanctuary of San Antonio’s Mission Espada, founded in 1690, with an Episcopalian social justice minister officiating and incorporating readings from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim scripture, as well as some timeless lines from William Blake. After the baptism, we exited the sanctuary into brilliant spring daylight, where the Tap Pilam Coahuilteca head elder Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez, faith-keeper on the very grounds of that mission, announced our daughter’s name to the four directions, blessing her with sage smoke and giving her the name Little Feather, not knowing of her early predilection for owls. And so the ceremony concluded. It may not have followed any single religious tradition to the letter, but it evoked how much of the world has come into our family’s heart, and, ojalá, it has prepared her, spiritually, for the future. That’s what a baptism’s for, no?

We have taken her to the Valley, to Pharr, the region that my mother’s and Frances’s father’s families come from. She ate grapefruits from the ancient tree in front of her paternal grandfather’s homestead. And when we went to South Padre, she ran down the beach to plunge into the waves of the Gulf for another sort of baptism.

Her introduction to horses didn’t go as well. We visited Becky Crouch Patterson, Hondo’s daughter, at her family’s homestead, Stieren Hill Ranch, near Fredericksburg. Her husband, Oscar Barrales, was a charro champion in Mexico and trains horses at the ranch today. He brought out a spirited mare for us to ride, but Francesca screamed when I got up in the saddle and refused to join me there, even for the occasion of a photograph, which she ordinarily delights in. But we’ll return to the Hill Country soon for another try.

Other new rituals are already taking shape. Recently, my longtime friend Rolando Briseño, an artist and self-described “cultural adjuster,” staged the third of his “Spinning San Antonio” fiestas in Alamo Plaza, across from the historic shrine. Briseño created a larger-than-life-size statue of San Antonio, the city’s patron saint, with an inverted model of the Alamo under his feet. The figure is mounted on an axle so that it can be rotated. When San Antonio is upside-down, the Alamo is right side up, and vice versa. The sculpture hearkens to the folk belief that burying a figure of San Antonio upside down will assist you in finding something lost. The ceremony is intended to revive the traditional Mexican practice, long observed in old San Antonio, of the fiesta patronal, a rite of celebration on the feast day of a town’s patron saint. This was the feast day of San Antonio.

Under a scorching early twilight sun, the procession set out into Alamo Plaza, led by the artist and a delegation waving large olive branches. The statue was held aloft by four porters evoking Texas history. One was dressed as a slave in chains, another as a pachuco. The last two were in orange jumpsuits with “illegal immigrant” scrawled on their backs; one was Mexicano, the other was an Anglo in a coonskin cap.

After the celebrants circumambulated Alamo Plaza with the statue, it was placed on a large table; two of the porters then mounted the table and proceeded to slowly spin the statue over and over on its axle while Los Nahuatlatos, a band of San Antonio musicians, performed a rocking cumbia. Francesca, already an enthusiastic dancer, wanted to join in the festivities, and she jumped forward, tilting her head side to side and stomping slowly. Frances and I threw ourselves in too, and so did many of the onlookers. As we danced in a circle around the continuously flipping statue, some tourists asked what exactly they were witnessing. When I replied jokingly that it was a ritual dating back to the 1500’s, they nodded knowingly, if a bit warily, and snapped pictures of the tumult with their phones.

After the dancing ceased, attention moved to a large Alamo piñata hanging from a nearby oak, with golden streamers flying. A dozen or more children lined up to take a whack at the revered icon. Francesca was determined to take a turn with the palito, and being a toddler, she was moved to the head of the line. She’d already been taking haymaker swings at balls with plastic bats and golf clubs in the backyard. Now she pulled back and followed through with a mighty swing, finding her target, leaving a nick on the Alamo’s facade. Then she unloaded with two more, leaving the Alamo a little more battered, and walked away, very satisfied.

One of the bigger kids soon delivered the coup de grâce, and a great cavity opened up in the piñata. But disappointment spread quickly among the young: alas, there was no candy. Instead, out poured a horde of tiny black and brown baby dolls, scattering in heaps across the stones of Alamo Plaza. The kids scrambled to pick them up anyway, wondering what strange sort of piñata this was.

A few days later, I may have witnessed one of Francesca’s first oblique moments of Texas consciousness. She was playing in the next room from where I was reading the morning newspapers, babbling along to herself, when I heard her suddenly shout, “Alamo!” Boisterous laughter followed.

When I came around the corner and peeked through the door, she was doing her familiar jubilation dance, marching and tilting her head side to side again, laughing and holding her strawberry-colored cowboy hat overhead by its stampede strings, as if she were counting coup or displaying a rare trophy or exotic anthropological artifact meant for some Texas museum of the future.


A Mother's Love

Editor:  Sharing a bit of humanity found in nature, tenderness both canine and people.  During an early morning response to a house fire, firefighters were amazed. A mother dog risked her life to save her puppies from the fire surrounding the burning house...  The mother dog, Amanda, raced back and forth between the house, putting her 
10-day old puppies in the safest place she could find - a fire truck! 
She didn't stop racing back into the fire until all of her puppies were safely away from the fire.
The firemen on scene could not believe their eyes. Most people have never seen a dog this smart or this brave!
After rescuing all of her pups from the blaze, Amanda sat down next to them, protecting them with her body.

Onlookers called an emergency veterinary service and she and her pups were rushed to the hospital. Aside from one puppy being treated for serious burns, the entire family are alive and well - thanks to the bravery of Amanda! What a heroic mother! 

Editor:  I don't have the location, but the interest and kindness of the fire fighters and community adds even more to the story sent by Ernesto Uribe, Euribe000@aol.com

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH

FamilySearch Webinar
U.S. Vital Records Online by State
Four Ways to Publish Those Family Treasures


FamilySearch Webinar

FamilySearch Historical Records and Library Catalog, June 21, 2012
In this 30 minute webinar Robert Kehrer, the Senior Manager of Search for FamilySearch discusses:
-How to search the International Genealogical Index (IGI)
-How to find more records than are just on the IGI
-All about My Source Box
-How to use the new FamilySearch Catalog

https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/lesson/familysearch-webinar-robert-kehrer-june-21-2012/576 

 
U.S. Vital Records Online by State
Search indexed vital records online or browse actual digitized images of certificates of births, deaths and marriages online. Many of these online sources are free, and the ones that require a subscription or payment for access are clearly marked.   See More About: historic newspapers genealogy search obituaries

From Kimberly Powell, your Guide to Genealogy



Four Ways to Publish Those Family Treasures 

Four Ways to Publish Those Family Treasures, 
https://www.familylink.com/subscription 
Posted by David Rodeback on September 7th, 2012

In 1990 my mother, my brother, and I compiled, edited, and published several of my maternal grandmother’s essays. Most were autobiographical — “My Childhood,” “My Marriage and Family,” and the like — but two were about others. One was “Our Other Grandma,” a tribute to her husband’s mother, whom she refused to call her mother-in-law, because she didn’t like all the critical jokes about mothers-in-law. The other essay she entitled, “Sheepherders I Have Known.”

The resulting short volume (about three dozen letter-size pages) was not a sterling example of the publisher’s art. I printed 15 or 20 copies on my dot matrix printer, then had them bound at a local copy center. There were no illustrations or photographs, not even a sample image or two of the handwritten originals. But it was an instant and enduring hit among its small audience.

This summer I decided to reissue the collection. My mother passed away several years ago, and my brother was busy getting married, so I did it myself. It occupied two or three evenings plus a full, long, 20-hour day off work, but it was ready in time for our annual reunion in early August.


 ONE

I couldn’t find the old word processor file, so I used my scanner and the OCR software which came with it. The output text didn’t need much cleanup. I added some old photos, a name index, and a place index. I improved the front cover and the formatting generally. Then I printed about a dozen copies on my laser printer and hauled them to the nearest “big box” office supply store and copy center.

I wanted a Velo binding, as we’d used before. It looks better and is far more durable than . . . anything they actually do at that copy center, as it turned out. They sent me to the local Kinko’s (officially, FedEx Office store), telling me it was the only place in town that could do that kind of binding for me. So I went; it was only about 200 yards away.

Aha! They could do it. But alas! They’d have to send it offsite, because they don’t actually do it here in American Fork. Where? I asked. To Orem, they said. So I thanked them and took it to Orem myself, since it’s on my way to work. By the end of the day, the job was done, and I was pleased with the results: a good-looking binding and a durable, frosted plastic cover, front and back. Between the binding costs and my printing costs, each book cost me about $9.00.
My plan was to give a copy to each of my mother’s six surviving siblings, and also to a couple of relatives who helped a lot with the reunion. (My sister and I were in charge this year.) I couldn’t afford to give it to the next two generations, even if my mother’s generation insisting on paying me for what I intended to be a gift.

Making money was never our object with this publication; we have just wanted to put it into the hands of lots of family members, in the hope that they will read it.

TWO

As I was planning the second edition, I realized that I now have at my disposal three relatively new ways to distribute a document inexpensively. I decided to use them all.

A PDF file of the entire document is about half a megabyte, so it is easily e-mailed. Almost anyone with a personal computer or smart phone can read a PDF file, and the original appearance is faithfully preserved. So I announced to the family that I’ll send the PDF file free of charge, upon request.

THREE AND FOUR

That might have been enough, but I made bigger plans. I published the book electronically at Amazon.com for Kindle and the various free Kindle apps, and at BarnesAndNoble.com for Nook and the free Nook apps. I wasn’t happy with the automatic conversions, especially from HTML, but the conversions from Microsoft Word produced a tolerably good reading experience. One of these first months I’ll have to figure out their raw format, so I can exert more control over the appearance and positioning of images (photos), among other things. In the meantime, it will do.

I set a minimal price for the book at both sites: $0.99. That’s a lot cheaper than printing hard copies, and within the budget of any family member who can afford a Kindle, Nook, or smart phone, I think.

The old, the new, the Kindle app on my iPod

It’s an experiment. I don’t expect the e-books to catch on like wildfire (a painful simile this summer in the American West), but I’m curious to see how they do in the long term. So far, there have been four purchases in all, and one was mine. Twenty sales in the next year or two would delight but not surprise me.

If there’s enough interest among the family, I’ll be happy to publish some other good documents in future years. I haven’t heard of anyone else publishing for small family audiences on Kindle and Nook, and I don’t see very many genealogical works that are available as e-books. But if it catches on among my family, it will be an economical means of getting ancestors’ histories into their descendants’ hands and, one may hope, into their minds and hearts.

In case you’re curious about such things, I pledged to pass on the minimal royalties to the annual reunion fund.

FIVE (An Unadvertised Bonus)

My more knowledgeable colleague at MyHeritage, Mark Olsen, learned of my efforts and pointed out another local opportunity. It may exist in some form local to you, too.

At nearby Brigham Young University, the campus bookstore has a custom publishing service which can turn out relatively affordable soft-bound books very quickly, and pricier hardbacks less quickly. They estimated the cost of producing additional soft-bound copies of my grandmother’s essays about about $7.50 per volume. That’s roughly the same amount I paid elsewhere, but in this case for something that looks a lot like a real book.

Sometime soon I’ll give them a try. All they need is a pair of PDF files: one with the cover, and the other with the rest of the book.
Meanwhile, I’d be interested in hearing how readers are publishing family history documents these days.  As I’ve said before, as important as the names, dates, and places are, the history is by far my favorite part of family history.



DNA

Oct 8: Castas, DNA & Identity by Ángel de Cervantes 
Maria Magdalena Martinez MtDNA Report by Crispin Rendon
Family Tree DNA New You Tube Channel by 
DNA Testing:  Discover the Journey of YOU
The Sum of Me: by Leonard "Lenny" Trujillo
'Junk' DNA Holds Clues to Common Diseases
Castas, DNA & Identity
Hello, I would like to invite you to attend a lecture on Castas, DNA & Identity. If you would like to learn more about how DNA can trace your ancestry this presentation is for you. There will be a presentation on the subject on October 8, through the University of New Mexico Continuing Education program. 
Class Description:  (Haplogroup R1b1) The Basques are an indigenous people who inhabit parts of both Spain and France. Today, the Basque Country, or Euskal Herria, is composed of seven provinces which are arranged in three district parts. Three provinces in Spain: Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, and Araba - Compose the Basque Autonomous Community. The historically Basque province of Navarre forms its own community in Spain. The last three provinces: Zuberoa, Lapurdi, and Behe-Nafarroa-lie on the French side of the border. The connection between certain New Mexican families and the Basque will be explored. A short film that will trace the history of these people will be shown. We will discuss which families show the markers that are most identified with this ancient civilization.
Class ID: 47760 A  Tuition: $20.00   Instructor: Cervantes  Location: CE South Building Map
Monday, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm; 1 session starting October 8, 2012, ending October 8, 2012

Here is a link to sign up for the presentation:
http://newmexico.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_
class_id=47760&int_category_id=18&int_sub_category_id=182&int_catalog_id=0


Best Regards, Ángel de Cervantes
Project Administrator
New Mexico DNA Project
Iberian Peninsula DNA Project

 


Maria Magdalena Martinez MtDNA Report

http://home.earthlink.net/~nemexfh/mmm17.pdf

Best Regards, Crispin Rendon  
crispin.rendon@gmail.com
  

Family Tree DNA New YouTube Channel  
by Roberta Jestes  robertajestes

Family Tree DNA has introduced a new YouTube channel.  Take a look at this video –Discover the Journey of You.
If you are active in the Genetic Genealogy community, you’ll see people and names you’ll probably recognize, including yours truly.  This was filmed, in part, at the Family Tree DNA sponsored International Conference for Genetic Genealogy in November of 2011.

Mimi  . . .I actually appear in this video "Discover the Journey of You" at minutes 2:50 and 11:40-15:00.
http://dna-explained.com/2012/08/28/family-tree-dna-new-youtube-channel/ 
Lenny Trujillo  lennytrujillo51@aol.com 


Leonard “Lenny” Trujillo in August 2012. Photo courtesy of Leonard Trujillo.

I want to say congratulations to Lenny Trujillo, one of the people featured in this video.  Lenny is one of my clients and made wonderful discoveries beginning with his DNA test.  His discoveries have continued as a result of the doors opened by his DNA.

Eventually, Lenny also took the WTY test, and it was through Lenny that we discovered a new, critical, SNP for Native Americans which further identified the Native American haplogroup, Q1a3a.  You can read about this wonderful discovery in an article on my website.


Lenny Trujillo, on a recent visit to explore the Mayan ruins.

See what can happen as a result of  swabbing…..you can make history for yourself and your family, discover your ancestors and contribute to science that will help others as well.
DNA Testing:Discover the Journey of YOU
Posted on September 10, 2012 by Shirley Pena


Sir Alec John Jeffreys, FRS (born 9 January 1950 in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England) is a British geneticist, who developed techniques for DNA fingerprinting and DNA profiling which are now used all over the world in forensic science to assist police detective work, and also to resolve paternity and immigration disputes. He is a professor of genetics at the University of Leicester,and he became an honorary freeman of the City of Leicester on 26 November 1992. In 1994, he was knighted by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, for Services to Science and Technology .

DNA testing, and its uses thereof, have come a long way since its humble beginnings in the United Kingdom, where it was first used in forensic science to assist police detective work, and also to resolve paternity and immigration disputes.

Today, its use has an ever increasing impact on both individuals and the study of humanity as a whole. It has become an invaluable tool to assist in the branch of science concerned with identification of specific haplogroups and sub-branches of the various races of humanity. This branch of science is concerned with identifying not just WHO you are, but WHERE your family roots originate from.

As the testing becomes more refined, and test results become more specific and detailed, it is revealing truly startling revelations about humanity’s true history, and just how our ancestors’ journeys across various continents took us to where we are today.

Today’s advancements in DNA testing have allowed many people to finally discover their true & complete family history, something that only a few years ago would never have been possible. Among them is my cousin Leonard “Lenny” Trujillo of North Hollywood, Ca. Lenny, a retired postal worker, had longed to discover his complete and accurate identity and to uncover his familial history on a deeper level than what our family’s written records and oral history could provide. Thanks to recent advancements in DNA testing he was finally able to do so. Here is Lenny’s amazing and inspiring story, told in his own words:

Mimi . . .  I actually appear in the video seen below: “Discover the Journey of You.” I can be seen discussing the findings of my DNA testing, and what it means to both myself and to science, at minutes 2:50 and 11:40-15:00.-Lenny Trujillo
http://thelosangelesbeat.com/2012/09/dna-testingdiscover-the-journey-of-you 

 

The Sum of Me: by Leonard “Lenny” Trujillo

I was born a little brown boy behind the Orange County Curtain in 1951. The post war economy was booming, the cold war with the Soviet Union was on, and the right wing politicians of the season were holding their alleged anti-American hearings in Washington D.C.

Unfortunately, my sisters and I were not taught Spanish in the home, although both my parents and grandparents were fluent in Spanish. By the time I was in 3rd grade my family settled in Brea, California. Brea was almost entirely Anglo-American, some Hispanics and one or two Asians. Brea was a de-facto “Sundown Town” until the very late 1960’s, with no African-American students and no African-American residents.

For my elementary school project I actually wrote a letter to Rafael Trujillo, longtime dictator of the Dominican Republic, to inform him we shared the same surname. His office responded, and sent me 2 large volumes of the history of the Dominican Republic. Rafael was assassinated in 1965.


Although I was a confused kid, I always maintained interest and remembered the elder’s conversations. They spoke of a woman living on the same street as my grandmother, whom they said was Indian and a cousin of my grandmother. I heard my maternal 2nd great grandmother was born at the Los Angeles pueblo and she was Native. And there were the intriguing stories of my paternal ancestors from New Mexico who established the first settlement in Riverside, California in the 1840’s and were described as Native Americans.

I have always concluded much of my identity by looking in the mirror. The reflection is who I am, regardless of what contemporary society dictates. When I completed the 2010 census, I was again discouraged, as the choices did not satisfy my vision of identity. The census categories were: Hispanic, (Mexican, Mexican-American, Chicano), Puerto Rican, Cuban, other (Argentina, Colombia, Salvadoreno, Spaniard.


Fernando Trujillo, his wife and children, circa 1890. 
Photo courtesy of Leonard Trujillo.

For race, I had the choice of White, Black, African-American, Negro, American Indian or Alaska Native, other, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Native Hawaiian, Samoan or Some Other Race. American Indians were further described as: a person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America AND who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment. I checked “Some Other Race.”

If I had lived in 18th century New Mexico, I would have had an additional census
choice: that of genizaro. Genizaro’s were Native American individuals who were captured during inter-tribal warfare and sold or traded to either the Spanish or other Native Americans. The Genizaro was forced into servitude slightly different from outright slavery. These displaced peoples were forced to abandon their native culture and learn the Spanish language, the Catholic religion and were given Spanish surnames. This is where in about 1730 my family obtained the surname Trujillo.

The Genizaros were from the Hopi, Zuni, Comanche, Yuta, Apache, Navajo, Zia, Pawnee, Kiowa and Paiute Tribes. Families always pass down oral history. This oral history is mostly accurate, although somewhat romanticized. In 19th century California everyone’s great grandmother fed the infamous “bandits” Joaquin Murrieta and Tiburcio Vasquez. In 20th century Northern Mexico, everyone’s grandmother fed and everyone’s grandfather rode with the noted revolutionary Pancho Villa. My family had some tales that the Trujillo’s came from Spain, landed in St. Augustine, Florida and made their way to New Mexico. I also heard my 3rd great grandfather Lorenzo Trujillo was a Pueblo Indian from New Mexico.

I actually had cousins, aunts and uncles who proudly traveled to a region in Southern Spain named ‘Trujillo’ and returned with Trujillo family coat of arms, etc. This contradiction was difficult to accept as I heard these same relatives proudly proclaim Lorenzo Trujillo was Pueblo Indian. In his book, “A Colony for California”, Tom Paterson wrote on page 124, “Lorenzo Trujillo and some of the other settlers were said to have been Pueblo Indians, although one account says that Trujillo himself was a Comanche who had been captured as a child and raised by Pueblos.”

As these questions of identity consumed me, along came DNA breakthroughs. After viewing the National Geographic documentary ‘Journey of Man’, I was hooked. This documentary traced Man’s journey out of Africa: one branch headed south to India and on to Australia. After visiting Australia, the researchers returned to India to confirm the theory of shared DNA between some in India and the Aboriginal people of Australia.

Another branch traveled out of Africa, through the modern day Middle East, probably through Persia and into Central Asia. The researchers discovered a man living in Kazakhstan who carried the same DNA as those individuals who left the Middle East for Central Asia. At this point mankind split in 2 directions: west to Europe and east to Siberia. The people of Siberia crossed the frozen (now submerged) landmass of Beringia and entered the Americas through Alaska, some 10 to 15,000 years ago. DNA testing confirmed these are indeed my direct male ancestors.

I began my first DNA testing the Y chromosome. Only males carry the Y chromosome and this Y chromosome is passed down intact between generations from father to son to grandson. Haplogroups are the major branches of the human paternal family tree. Each haplogroup has many sub-branches.

My hapolgroup was determined to be Q1a3. This haplogroup is not exclusive to North and South America, as it is found in low frequencies in Asia and Europe. At this point, without further testing, I could not conclude my direct male ancestors were Native American. My DNA advocate stated, “Probably the most remarkable finding in your analysis is the extreme rarity of your DNA sequence as a whole …”. I thought I was the “Missing Link.”

My next test (the “Walk Through The Y Project”) hit the jackpot, which led a scientific breakthrough resulting in a New Native American Haplogroup. In addition, my population finder results are as follows: 43.69% West European, 37.73% Native American, 12.84% Middle East-North African and 5.74% East Asian-Siberian. Population Finder results are your personal genetic ancestry that reflects the last 100-2,000 years (about 4 to 80 generations).

Finally, my quest to find the sum of me advanced significantly with the assistance of continued scientific DNA discoveries. I am most grateful to pass this gift to my 7 year old grandson, who is only beginning to establish his identity. The DNA each of us carries is like the tree rings of our ancestors. Our mirror reflection is like the surface of the ocean or the Earth. Below that surface is another world waiting for exploration. As more individuals perform DNA testing, particularly those with Native American ancestry, we will get a clearer picture of our ancestor’s migration patterns in the Americas.

Confirming my Native American ancestry hasn’t altered me. My respect for Mother Earth endures, as does my respect for my ancestors and those descendants who are yet to be born. It just all makes a little more sense.



'Junk' DNA Holds Clues to Common Diseases

With the new annotation of the human genome, researchers are finding that most of the code between genes is controlling crucial functions for life and health

By Katherine Harmon, Scientific American, Sept 5, 2012
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=junk-dna-encode 

When the draft of the human genome was published in 2000, researchers thought that they had obtained the secret decoder ring for the human body. Armed with the code of 3 billion base pairs of As, Ts, Cs and Gs and the 21,000 protein-coding genes, they hoped to be able to find the genetic scaffolds of life—both in sickness and in health.

But in the 12 years since then, very few diseases—almost all of them very rare—have been linked definitively to changes in the genes themselves. And large, genome-wide studies searching for genetic underpinnings for more common diseases, such as lung cancer or autism, have pointed to the nether regions of the genome between the protein-producing genes—areas that were often thought to contain “junk” DNA that was not part of the pantheon of known genes. 

An international consortium of hundreds of scientists has now deciphered a large portion of the strangelanguage of this junk DNA and found it to be not junk atall. Rather it contains important signals for regulating our genes, determining disease risk, height and many of the other complex aspects of human biology that make each one of us different. The findings are described in 30 linked papers published online September 5 in Nature and other journals and described at the consortium's Web site. (Scientific American is part of Nature Publishing Group.) 

Called the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE), the group is focused on understanding not just the elements of the genome but also how they work together. "The complexity of our biology resides not in the number of our genes but in the regulatory switches," Eric Green, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute and collaborator on the ENCODE project, said in a press briefing September 5. Through more than 1,600 separate experiments, analysis of more than 140 cell types and a 
massive amount of data analysis, the group found about 4 million of these so-called switches and can now assign functions to more than 80 percent of the entire genome. Compare that to the roughly 2 percent of the genome that is responsible for the protein-coding genes that researchers have been relying on to look for diseases and traits. "The genome project was about establishing the set of letters that make up the blueprint," Green said. "When we finally put that blueprint together, we realized we could only really understand very little of it."

These newly catalogued switches not only activate and de-activate genes, but also control how much of eachprotein gets made and when. They are involved in epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, which hasbeen implicated in cardiovascular disease and other conditions. The new data promise to improve our understanding of many common diseases that might have similar genetic underpinnings. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have continuously come up short inidentifying specific genes for common diseases, JohnStamatoyannopoulos, associate professor of genome sciences at the University of Washington School of
Medicine and ENCODE collaborator, said in the briefing. "Frustratingly, about 95 percent of information fromthese studies has been pointing to regions of the genome that do not make proteins," he said. But, now with theENCODE data, they can begin to decipher what genetic switches and functions might be common within and among these diseases. "We're now exploring previously hidden connections between diseases that may explain similar clinical [symptoms]," he noted.

It will most likely be some time before these new findings, which are freely available, are put to use inapproved therapies. "The pharmaceutical industry haslargely given up on the genome," Stamatoyannopoulos  said. "And I think this is going to tremendously
reinvigorate the utility of the genome." These additional genetic elements, however, are already in use for screening and testing for diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and autoimmune diseases, Richard Myers, president of HudsonAlpha Institute for
Biotechnology in Ala., noted in the briefing.

The group has funding to continue their efforts and does not anticipate a slowdown in discoveries going forward. "Our blueprint is remarkably complicated, and we need to be committed for the long haul to understand it," Green said. Compared with the publication of draft human genome 12 years ago—and with initial findings from the ENCODE project published over the past several years—"the questions that we can now ask are more sophisticated," Green said. And hopefully, those better questions will lead to more satisfying and medically useful answers.

Sent by moderator@PORTSIDE.ORG

ORANGE COUNTY, CA

October 13, SHHAR meeting
October 20, Delhi Fundraiser features author and editor Gustavo Arellano
Orange County Family Reunions  
On the Tracks to the Westminster Mexican Barrio, 1870-1940, Part 4 of 6, Albert V Vela, Ph.D.

October 13, 2012
Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research
presents:

         WRITING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY  BY TOM SAENZ        

          Orange Family History Center               
674 S.Yorba Street      

Orange, California       

9 -10 am: Hands-on Computer Assistance 
10 -11:30 Tom Saenz 

Tom Saenz, retired school administrator and member of the SHHAR Board of Directors, will share his experiences in researching his paternal and maternal genealogy and in writing his family history.  His presentation will include specific ideas and suggestions for compiling needed information to write your family genealogy and history.  Sample copies of family books will be shared.  Mr. Saenz' ancestors are from Northern Mexico and South Texas, some of which were recipients of Spanish and Mexican Land Grants.

SHHAR was first organized in 1986. Many of the early members were Northern Mexico and South Texas.  There is a good collection of books and  films on indefinite loan at the Orange Family History Center. 

Among, some recent books donated to the Orange FHC with a focus on Northern Mexico and Texas history are the following: thern/Central Mexico researchers at the Orange Family History Center

1) Raul Guerra, Nadine Vasquez, and Baldomera Vela, Two Volumes Marriage Dispensations
2) Maria de la Luz Montejano Hilton, Four volumes, Libros Parroquiales de la Ciudad de Mexico, Estractos
3) Carl Lawrence Duaine, With All Arms
4) Martha Duron Jimenez, Igfnacio Narro Etchegaray Diccionario Biografico de Saltillo
5) Lilia E. Villanueva de Cavazos, 246 Testamentos de Monterrey
6) Los Tejanos, Journal of Hispanic Genealogy and History, Houston 1992
7) Baptisms of Our Lady of Monserrat Catholic Church 1767-1792 Located in
Crullas, Tamaulipas, Mexico by Irma Garza Cantu Jones and Maria de la Garza Dellinger
8) Marriages of Bexar County, Texas,
San Antonio Genealogical and Historical Society
Books E & F Aug 27, 1866- May 29, 1879
Books G & H May 31, 1879 - June 3, 1885
Books K & L April 13, 1890 - Feb 29, 2894
Books I & J June 6, 1885- May 3, 1890
9) Wills & Inventories of Bexar County, Texas 1742-1899 2 copies
10) Index to Naturalization Records of Bexar County, Texas through 1906 2 copies
11) 1850 Census of Bexar County, Texas

    

 

 

 


ORANGE COUNTY SEPTEMBER FAMILY REUNIONS

Click here: OC Latino Link   posted by Ron Gonzales



Helen Parga, who attended the 2011 Logan reunion, grew up in the Santa Ana neighborhood.


http://oclatinolink.ocregister.com/2012/09/25/reunion
-weekend-coming-up-for-santa-anas-logan-neighborhood/
  
The last weekend of September was very active with three large family reunions.  Included below are contact names.  
If you family roots are in Orange County and you missed it this year, do make contact and plan to attend next year.  

The Logan Barrio Reunion was held in Chepa Park
Contact: Helen Moraga 714-771-4474/ Norma Peralta 714-543-5743

The Olive Street Reunion was held in Sigler Park
Contact: Norma Castillo 714-879-6424/ Mary Ann Chavez 714-891-5337
The Colonia Santa Anita of Santa Ana was held in  Hart Park
Contact: Valerie Calleros 714-667-1062 / Linda Grajeda 714-583-2024
 

The 2011 Olive Street Reunion offered plenty of opportunities to look at old family photos from the Westminster neighborhood.

http://oclatinolink.ocregister.com/2012/09/26/reunion-
coming-up-for-westminsters-olive-street/
 

 

 

ON THE TRACKS TO THE WESTMINSTER MEXICAN BARRIO, 1870 – 1940 
Part 4 of 6
© Albert V Vela, Ph.D.
October 1, 2012

 This is Part Four of a six-part series of an article about the origins of the Westminster Mexican barrio. Since 2005 the author has been doing research for a book on the history of the Mexican barrio in Westminster, CA. Westminster was a Presbyterian Colony founded by Rev. Lemuel P. Webber in 1869/70. It is in the western part of Orange County in Southern California. Cities within 15 miles of Westminster are Santa Ana, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Stanton, Buena Park, Anaheim, Fullerton, La Habra, Orange, Seal Beach, Sunset Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach.

Part Four focuses on the education of Mexican children, the Missionary Society of Columban Fathers, the Mexican Methodist Church, Mexican Pentecostals, and the Penhall family.  

Dedicated 1934

In Méndez vs. Westminster
School official accepted Vidaurri children September 1944 
Gonzalo Méndez’ children had to register at Mexican Hoover School 
Reasons: Méndez was a Mexican surname & children darker
5-20 minute walk from Mexican barrio  

1st & 22n Grades Westminster Elementary 1917
   
Photo: courtesy Westminster Historical Society

The Westminster Elementary School panoramic picture (above left) of May 1917 has a number of Mexican kids. Most are standing on the right in the top and middle rows. Forty-two percent (13 out of 31) are recognizable as Mexicans. Three Mexican girls are in the front row. This is a combination class of first and second grades. Miss Knoll is the teacher.  

A second panoramic school photo of the Westminster Main School (partially shown above) taken in 1928 shows Mexican students who fortunately are identified. If pupils in the upper grades were alive today they would be super-centenarians, 110+. The picture shows Mexican barrio pupils: Cheto Rivera, Tom Vásquez, Lupe Rivera, Joe Rivera, Connie Méndez, Sophía (Sofía) Peña, and Maggie Arroyo. Cheto Rivera, standing in back with upper class students, is probably in the eighth grade but looks old enough to be in high school. Sofía Peña would later marry Dolores Méndez very likely around 1938. At least 36 Mexican students from the barrio are recognizable as of Mexican heritage including a number of Japanese. The four Rivera brothers, Tranquilino, Andrés, Locadio, and Fidencio, arrived in the Westminster barrio ca. 1923.

Westminster Main School 
17th Street School
, CA, 1928

Photo: courtesy Catalina Vásquez d. 2011

Los Alamitos Sugar Beet Factory in background      

 Garden Grove Grammar School 1897  Las Bolsas Union HS  


Las Bolsas Union HS/ Huntington Beach High School 1927 
Note oil derricks on the right.

Las Bolsas Union High School (LBUHS) / Huntington Beach Union High School (HBUHS). HBUHS was called the “School on Wheels” because it was on the move from temporary locations. Founded in 1903, HBUHS was first known as Las Bolsas Union HS. Organizers were forced to abandon a 40-acre site on the Bolsa Ward tract on Bolsa Avenue due to local opposition. They decided to hold classes on the second floor hall of the Garden Grove Grammar School in 1904.  

Perhaps classes were held at two sites because Doig (1962) wrote that an old hotel at Euclid and Ocean (Garden Grove Blvd.) “was bustling with activity” (p. 2). The reason--it housed some of the classes of the Las Bolsas Union HS in 1904. Doig relates that his sister was a freshman at the high school that year (p. 2). Eight grammar school districts (Westminster, Garden Grove, Los Alamitos, Bolsa, New Hope, Fountain Valley, Chico, and Ocean View) sent its graduates to LBUHS (Hill, 1952, p. 175).  

Las Bolsas Union HS in Wintersburg. In 1905 the school moved to the Old Armory building in Wintersburg. At this juncture Newport Beach and Huntington Beach joined Fountain Valley, Ocean View, and Springdale as the district that sent its graduates to Huntington Beach Union HS. With 12 students enrolled in 1905/1906, the high school held its first graduation class of four students. From 1906 to 1909 classes were held in the basement of the Methodist Camp Grounds Auditorium (Hill, 1952, pp. 106, 175-76; Doig, 1971, p. 76).  

Principal Raymond E. Elliott. Construction of the school on the present site occurred in 1909. The board of trustees approved the construction of a new building in 1926 to replace the old one. Principal Raymond E. Elliott raved that the new edifice was “one most attractive and complete high schools in California.” The 1933 Long Beach earthquake caused minimal damage! A two-ton truck transported students from Westminster in 1912 (Elliott, pp 175-76, in Hill, One Hundred Years of Public Education in Orange County, 1952). 

Westminster and Santa Ana High School. Students from Newport Beach and Balboa Island rode Pacific Electric’s (P.E.) “Red Cars” to Huntington Beach HS (Elliott, 1952, pp. 175-78). Pupils from Cypress, Artesia, Stanton, and Garden Grove took the Red Cars to Santa Ana High School (Osterman, 1982, p. 100). The P.E. connected Los Angeles’ Watts terminus with Santa Ana’s Fourth Street in 1905 in a direct line through the three cities named above paying $22,000 for the right of way (Osterman, p. 100). 


High Schools in Orange County in 1904.
About this time only five cities in Orange County had high schools: Santa Ana (1892), Fullerton (1893), Anaheim (1898), Las Bolsas Union (1904), and Orange (1904). Las Bolsas Union HS had an enrollment of 33 students in 1904 (Hill, 1952, p. 145; Doig, 1962, p. 27). Before Huntington Beach Union HS was established, residents from Westminster, Orange, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Villa Park, and El Toro attended Santa Ana High School (Hill, 1952, pp. 144-45). High school enrollments in 1909/10 were Santa Ana (415), Orange (187), Fullerton (144), Anaheim (106), and Huntington Beach (66). Seven high schools were established later: Capistrano (1924), Garden Grove (1924), Tustin (1924), Brea-Olinda (1929), Newport Harbor (1934), Laguna Beach (1934), and Valencia (1934) (Hill, 1952).

  
Sal Vela, his ’30 Model A Ford
HBUHS ca. 1948/49
                    Classmate Tuddy Cabral  

Poll Tax Election Results for New School  
Westminster Elementary

1871-1872. Tax Election Passed 12-1

 

Mexican Catholics in Orange County 1900s. Up to 90 percent of Mexican families in the Westminster barrio were Roman Catholic. They did the hard labor in the surrounding farms, citrus orchards and in maintaining the railroad tracks for the Southern Pacific. Like other Mexican families in Orange County barrios, some in Westminster traveled north to the San Joaquín Valley (Central California) by driving up the Grapevine route to work in places like Bakersfield, Arvin and Fresno. Juan and Trinidad Mendoza also traveled south to the Valle Imperial  (Imperial Valley), Indio, Calexico, and El Centro to pick the crops (Valverde, September 17, 2008, www.ocregister.com/common).  

In 1900 Catholics numbered 1,515 in Orange County out of a total population of 19,696. This amounted to 7.7 percent of the county population. Anaheim’s Saint Boniface parish had 675 parishioners or 44.6 percent of the county’s Catholic population (George, 2012, p. 22). The majority of the 675 parishioners were California-born persons of Mexican descent. It is worth mentioning in passing that the population of San Francisco in 1900 came to 342.782 (Historical Census Populations of Counties, Places, Towns, and Cities in California, 1850-1990, [on-line data file], California Digital Library, 2001).  

They lived in Stanton, Bolsa (Fountain Valley), Talbert (Fountain Valley), Anaheim, Fullerton, Placentia, La Habra, Garden Grove, Los Alamitos, and Westminster (George, 2012, pp 22-23).  The clapboard St. Boniface Church, built in 1860, was the first Catholic Church in Anaheim. The Anaheim Union Water Company donated town lot 15 to the Diocese of Los Angeles for the building of a Catholic Church (Montrose, 1961, p. 31; Friis, 1968, p. 36). San Juan Capistrano (1776) was the earliest parish in Orange County followed by St Bonifice (1860) in Anaheim.

 

Don Bernardo Yorba Adobe Drawing by Donald Smith (1965)
Based on 1905 photo of don Bernardo Yorba’s Ranch
(Courtesy Pacific Coast Archaeological Society 2012)

 San Antonio de Padua church (1859) was regarded as a station and not a parish. They were serviced by the priests from St Boniface Church (Msgr Weber, 1990, p. 129).  

Westminster Barrio Catholics. In 1919 the Catholics in the barrio had a choice of attending Sunday Mass at St Boniface, St Joseph’s in Santa Ana, St Anthony’s in Long Beach or San Juan Capistrano. St Boniface and St Joseph’s were closest, about eight miles from Westminster. Santa Ana’s first Catholic Church, Our Lady of the Rosary, was dedicated in 1886 but fire destroyed it in 1896 (Montrose, pp 48-49). George Thomas Montgomery, Bishop of Montgomery-Los Angeles dedicated the new church in 1896 naming it St. Joseph Church in 1896.  

 

Don Bernardo Yorba. Don Bernardo’s Chapel in the Santa Ana Canyon was roughly 15 miles away in the Santa Ana Canyon, too distant for Mexican Catholics in Westminster. After the Yorba Chapel fell into disuse, the new San Antonio Church was built in the 1890s. Catholics in the Canyon numbered 265 in 1899 (Yorba, 1939, p. 74). Abandoned by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles about 1948, it was razed in 1956 (Orange County Board of Supervisors, 1976, p. 21). The new San Antonio de Padua del Cañón was dedicated in 1977.  

Original San Antonio Church de Padua de Santa Ana Erected
In 1880 Replaced 1859Adobe Yorba Chapel Santa Ana Canyon

Rancho Cajón de Santa Ana
granted by Mexican Gov. Figueroa

St Isidore, Mission Church, Los Alamitos. When the Mexican mission church of Saint Isidore in Los Alamitos opened in 1921, Mexican Catholics from Westminster began to attend services there and receive the sacraments (Montrose, p. 231). It was no more than five miles from the barrio. The owners of sugar beet factory in Los Alamitos had donated two choice lots in 1918 for the construction of a Catholic church for the factory’s Mexican workers. The owners were hoping that a church would go far in retaining Mexicans for the sugar beet factory.  

In a letter dated January 24, 1918 to the Bishop of Los Angeles-Monterey, John J. Cantwell, Pastor James A Reardon of St Anthony’s (in Long Beach, writes,  

I went to Los Alamitos on Tuesday and made arrangements for the Holy Sacrifice with your Lordship’s permission, beginning Sunday next. There are a number of Mexicans there and about a dozen splendid Irish-Americans, who are most anxious for a church. Once [sic, One] of these Catholic men is the Mayor of the town, the other the Justice of the Peace and Postmaster. Also the Sugar Company (there is a large factory there), is anxious to help because a church there will mean keeping their employees on the ground constantly. The land company has offered us two choice lots, on the Boulevard.  Altogether, the outlook seems very favorable to me… (typescript n.d., p. 1, copy of typescript in author’s possession).  

In June Father Reardon of St Anthony’s writes again to Bishop Cantwell regarding the mission at Huntington Beach. He explains that Catholics at Huntington Beach prefer attending Sunday Mass in Santa Ana because it’s “about five miles closer” than Long Beach. The pastor mentions that “quite a number of people at Huntington. . .are of the Teutonic pursuasion [sic], at least linguistically, and any priest with that tincture would appeal more directly to them” (transcript of June 21, 1918).  

Then Fr Reardon compares the Teutonic group with the Mexicans at Los Alamitos writing:  

At present, it [the mission at Huntington Beach] is poorer from a financial standpoint than Los Alamitos where the people are mostly poor Mexicans, while many at Huntington have considerable wealth.            

Bishop responds to Fr Reardon regarding the mission at Huntington Beach:  

Both of us are anxious to do the best we can for the people of Huntington Beach. I realize as well as you, that you have all that you can attend to at Long Beach, and that the revenue from Huntington Beach is not very much. The people in Huntington Beach do not seem anxious to have a resident pastor Letter of June 24, 1918).  

Accordingly, the Bishop’s Chancellor, Rev John Cawley, informs Fr Reardon that a Father Charles Breitkopf will be in charge of the Huntington Beach mission who will live there and “have exclusive revenues therefrom” (Letter of October 2, 1918). The beginning of the Parish of Sts. Simon and Jude in Huntington Beach took place on October 17, 1921. Father Maurice Harnett celebrates the first Mass on November 6, 1921. Then parishioners completed a new church and rectory on July 16, 1923. The town’s population was 6,000.  

Bishop Cantwell invited the Missionary Society of  Columban Fathers to service the Mexican population in the western part of Orange County. Fathers John McFadden (48) and Robert Ross (27) arrived at St. Isidore’s Church (now St Hedwig) in 1939 (Arsenault & Veneroso, 1997, p. 11). The much-loved Padre Juanito McFadden would say Mass in the barrio home of José and Florentina Pérez and in the drafty barn of don Ignacio Cervantes. A more commodious location was the Boy Scout log cabin at Sigler Park.  

 

In 1942 the Diocese of Los Angeles bought the Japanese church on Olive Street (Arsenault & Veneroso, pp 17-18). Finally barrio Catholics could worship at their “new” Blessed Sacrament Church no more than a ten-minute walk from the barrio.   




Blessed Sacrament’s first church on Olive Street,  circa 1944 

New church built by parishioners 
First Mass in Church, December 25, 1950

First Presbyterian Church located across the street.           

 



Holy Cross Cemetery
. Where did Mexican Catholics bury their loved ones in the 1900s? The Yorbas in upper Santa Ana maintained a private cemetery. Another one was located at San Juan Capistrano 20 miles to the south. We recall that at the turn of the 20th century, 675 Catholics in Orange County were parishioners of St. Boniface (George, p. 23). In her investigation of Holy Cross Cemetery, Stephanie George found that burials “. . . .were predominantly of Mexican descent, with close to 80 percent of those buried possessing Hispanic surnames or having at least one Hispanic parent” (p. 23). In time, George relates, it became known as the “Mexican cemetery” (p. 23).




Estrada Funeral, Holy Cross Cem.
1930 (Courtesy Anaheim Pub Lib)


Mexican Methodist Church in Westminster. As evident in the “Misión Mexicana” (Mexican Revival) picture, although a great majority were Catholic, a small minority of Mexicans were Protestant. An article in the Westminster Gazette invited the public to “attend an all-talking religious moving picture. . .next Wednesday evening, July 16th at 8 o’clock,” (July 10, 1941). They said a “small charge” would be made. Titles of the movies were “Pilgrimage Through Palestine,” “Kentucky Jubilee Singers’ and “The Story of the Prodigal Son.”  

The Methodists in Orange and Los Angeles Counties won over Mexican Catholics because their Mexican ministers spoke Spanish and they offered Mexicans material assistance and educational opportunities (Deverell, 2005, p. 44). Salvador Vela recalls the Methodist church located on the north side of Sigler Park. He said that in 1939/40 when he, Marcos González and friends were in the 3rd grade, they would go to the Methodist Church for the candy that was offered them (telephone conversation, June 3, 2012).  

Methodist Church in Westminster CA  1916 
(Courtesy OC Recorder’s Office, Chris Jepsen)                                       

=
IJoseph P Koral, Orange County Supervisor. When Joseph P Koral was asked about “the other churches” in his hometown of Delhi, he replied, “Only one and that’s the Catholic church because, as you know, the Mexican people in the east barrio [there were the west and east barrios] were nearly all Catholics. . .I would say approximately 98 percent of the people were Catholic in that area. . .” (Taped oral interview by Suzanne Wood, February 24, 1984, p. 18). It’s interesting to note that Mr Koral referred to the basically Anglo west side as a barrio. The eastside was Mexican; the west side, Anglo.  

 

 

Pentecostals in Westminster Mexican Barrio  Olive Street  Photo courtesy  of Catalina Vásquez & Robert Castillo  




Campaña en Westminster, 1945 / Religious revival in Westminster. Pentecostals, known as Aleluias in the barrio, held a Revival in 1945. It was led by Rev. G. López. Sofía Peña Méndez rented the building to this religious denomination. Sofía, Gonzalo Méndez’ mother, Josefita Méndez, Trini Vega Castillo, and doña Juanita Medina are in the picture. Author’s classmates from Hoover and the 17th Street School are Johnny Zapata, Robert Medina and Angie Vega.  

The Uriah Penhall Family. The Penhall family traces its lineage to Uriah who left England on board the “Milwaukee” in 1858.  He and his wife Letitia arrived in the area of New Almaden where he worked as a miner in the Quicksilver Mining Company in New Almaden located south of San Jose (typscript article, “The Penhall Family in Westminster History,” Edna M Richards, 1984, unpaginated, Westminster Historical Society Museum). Secundino Robles, a californiano, discovered cinnabar deposits in 1824. Later in 1845 Andrés Castillero, trained in the physical sciences and metallurgy, learned through experiments that the deposits contained cinnabar that contained mercury.  

Later Castillero sold the Santa Clara mine to Barron, Forbes Company. Then it became involved in an eight-year legal battle with the Quicksilver Mining Company won by this English firm. The court ruled in favor of the Quicksilver Mining Company. Led by James Butterworth Randol, Quicksilver Mining brought in Cornish miners from Cornwall in 1870 (New Almaden, Santa Clara County, in A History of Mexican Americans in California: Historic Sites, [On-line], www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/5views5h87.htm, July 26, 2012).  

The Penhall family joined the Westminster Colony in 1873 where they bought 60 acres. This is in the vicinity of today’s Westminster Mall. They ran the Penhall Dairy Farm on that land. Their neighbors were the Larters, Edwards and LP Webbers farms. In time the Penhall family intermarried with the Edwards, Larters, Waltons, and Days.  

The Penhall Brothers hauled milk to the creameries for processing in the 1900s. Then when the dairies started to move out, they turned to hauling gasoline to various parts of Southern California as well as lima beans in Wintersburg and Costa Mesa. The limas were taken to the Bean Barn where they were cleaned and sorted for market. It was located south of Edinger Street and west of Beach Boulevard (Hwy 39). It is believed that the two businesses, Penhall Bros Trucking Co. and Penhall Garage, were sold in 1946 after 34 years (Richards, 1984).

 

 


LOS ANGELES, CA

Saturday, October 13, 2012 The Los Angeles Latino Book and Family Festival
L.A. to Unveil Restored Mural of David Alfaro Siqueiros
About Green Dot Public Schools
2012 California Cultural Summit
Variations on a Theme, Exhibit by artists Antonio Escalante and Sylvia Galindo
Nov 1st: 16th Annual Nuestra Imagen Awards
El Movimiento In Los Angeles; Origins and Legacy! Exhibit Closed
 

Saturday, October 13, 2012 

Los Angeles 
Latino Book and Family Festival
at California State University, Dominguez Hills. 

 

Hear a little message from Latino Literacy Now Board Chairman Edward James Olmos.   http://www.lbff.us /

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ausxcukab.0.f554jnkab.oerw5xn6.852&ts=S0808&p=http://lbff.us/los-angeles-lbff-oct-12.php

Editor: I have been asked to participate on a panel at the Latino Book and Family Festival, Creating Latino Family Histories.  
The panel is scheduled for 12 noon in classroom A115.

I am honored to be sharing the table with Former Ambassador, Dr. Julian Nava. He will be sharing information on his new book, "The Latino Guide to Creating Family Histories, a Handbook for Students, Parents, and Teachers."

Preceding the noon panel, at 11 am, in the same classroom, is a panel session entitled Historic Fiction & non-Fiction.  Among the panelists is Dr. Carlos Cortes.  He  will be reading from his new book, "Rose Hill, an Intermarriage Before Its Time." 

http://lbff.us/los-angeles-lbff-oct-12.php 

 

L.A. to UNVEIL RESTORED MURAL


Detail from a historic photo of the mural shortly after it was painted in 1932. (Getty Research Institute 960094). 
Mural (c) 2012 ARS, New York / SOMAAP, Mexico City

UNVEIL RESTORED AMERICA TROPICAL MURAL,  Tuesday, Oct 9, at noon. FREE to the public.  The unveiling will take place in exactly the same place Siqueiros painted the mural at Olvera St. 

"America Tropical," the only surviving public  mural by Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros United States, is to be unveiled in October after a $9.95 million restoration, the Getty Conservation Institute said.  The mural, whitewashed after its completion and largely forgotten, depicts a Mexican Indian tied to a double cross with an American eagle above him and revolutionary soldiers closing in.  Siqueiros' career and especially his America Tropical mural was censored for 80 years.

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Public Monument is located in the corner of Cesar Chavez Avenue and Alameda Street across the street from Union Station. Google 125 Paseo de la Plaza LA 90012. El Pueblo parking lots surround the Plaza on Alameda Street Main Street and Los Angeles Street you can also park on Union Station.



Prior to the unveiling, on September 27th Gregorio Luke made a presentation to celebrate the conservation of the mural AMERICA TROPICAL by David Alfaro Siqueiros, and the opening of the America Tropical Interpretative Center Organized by the Getty Conservation Institute.  These public celebrations were organized by and with the support of the City of Los Angeles and participation of  the Amigos de Siqueiros.

Gregorio wrote about the September 27 event : "On a personal level, this lecture is important, because after years of efforts we have been able to buy our own projectors and inflatable screen, that will allow me to take the shows everywhere, and fulfill the dream of the muralists of making art accessible to all the people.  This journey begins tonight!"

For those of you that were able to attend Gregorio's 27th public street presentation, and/or the unveiling,  I would certainly welcome comments.

 

 

 
http://news.getty.edu/press-materials/press-releases/siqueiros-america-tropical.htm 
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/apr/24/entertainment/la-et-cm-getty-siqueiros-mural-20120423 
http://www.gregorioluke.com/www.gregorioluke.com/Home.html  

The internet announcement includes a slideshow of the “America Tropical” renovation in process. http://www.laopinion.com/charla_multimedia_siqueiros_los_angeles_fotos

Sent by Sylvia Contreras
Long Beach, CA
562-422-3910




About Green Dot Public Schools


Editor:  Note dress standards 

Green Dot Public Schools is the one the largest Charter Management Organizations in Southern California, operating 18 public charter schools - 14 public high schools and four middle schools - in Los Angeles County's highest-need communities.
Over the summer, the teachers, classified staff, counselors and administrators were hard at work preparing for the new school year to serve more than 10,000 students - the largest enrollment Green Dot has ever had. The first day of school brings many "firsts" to Green Dot, including two of its alumni starting their teaching career here and the first year where each campus now has two assistant principals to further support our teachers and increase our impact in the classroom.

And this also is the first year of a new contract with our teachers that includes a sophisticated, multidimensional evaluation tool that many believe will serve as a model for California. "With our new and returning team members, we continue making progress getting kids ready for college, leadership and life," said Green Dot CEO Marco Petruzzi.

LAUSD Supt. Deasy Applauds Green Dot
In Keynote Address at "All Green Dot Day" Dr. Deasy Says We Are One Team


Speaking at "All Green Dot Day," an annual event where all of Green Dot's more than 900 teachers, staff and administrators come together to kick of the new school year, LAUSD Superintendent Dr. John Deasy applauded Green Dot's success and described how charter schools and traditional schools should work together to help educate our children.  "It's about a single team of many partners," said Dr.  Deasy. "There is no difference in the mission whatsoever. You serve the public youth of Los Angeles and quite frankly, I'm really grateful for the work you do."

In his "State of the Dot" address, CEO Marco Petruzzi said our students continue to make steady progress with rising CST results and more kids passing the CAHSEE on their first try. This past June, Green Dot graduated more than 1,600 students, the most of any charter management organization in the country.   also defined how Green Dot will elevate the teaching profession through several new professional development programs and supports for new and veteran teachers.


Students Show Sustained Growth 
CST Results in English and Math Improve Across Network, Significant Gains in Algebra I Proficiency


The California Standards Test (CST) results released by the California Department of Education (CDE) show sustained growth in student achievement in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics across Green Dot's network of 14 high schools and four middle schools. 
"This is our fourth year in a row of sustained growth across our entire network of schools," said Dr. Cristina de Jesus, Green Dot's President and Chief Academic Officer. "We have been able to effectively replicate our academic model at both independent charters and turnaround schools, but we know we can do more. That's why we will use these results as part of our on-going, comprehensive efforts to create personalized learning plans for each of our students."

Here are some highlights from Green Dot's CST results:

1)Since 2009, CST proficiency rates have gone up 12.9 points in mathematics and 8.3 points in ELA. In this past year, these rates are up 3.7 points in mathematics and 1.8 points in ELA.

2)There are promising gains for our turnaround schools that began operation in the 2011-2012 at the Jordan HS Educational Complex and at the Henry Clay Learning Complex.

3)At the Locke Family of Schools, the total number of students proficient in math and English has more than doubled in English and more than quintupled in math since 2008.

4)Algebra I proficiency scores at all Green Dot schools were strong. Five high schools (Ánimo Inglewood, Ánimo Leadership, Ánimo Jackie Robinson, Ánimo Ralph Bunche and Oscar de la Hoya Ánimo) had proficiency rates in Algebra I at or over 50%, with Ánimo Inglewood reaching 71%. 

Dr. de Jesus said these gains are notable because they occurred in an academic year where Green Dot added three turnaround schools to its network along with negotiating a new contract agreement with its teachers union that includes a multiple measure teacher evaluation system.

Read more about the Green Dot's CST results and review charts summarizing the CDE's data here.

Green Dot Public Schools | 1149 South Hill St., Suite 600 | Los Angeles | CA | 90015

Sent by info@greendot.org 



2012 California Cultural Summit
The Culminating Event of the CCHE's Comprehensive Survey Project

Thursday, October 18 | 9 am - 8 pm
at Rancho Los Alamitos in Long Beach
Followed by CCHE's Annual Evening Reception
The 2012 California Cultural Summit is intended to serve as the culminating event of the California Cultural and Historical Endowment’s cultural survey project. The cultural survey is a task that was included in the CCHE’s enabling legislation and included more than half a dozen elements designed to help ensure a more thoughtful preservation of California’s cultural heritage. For more information about the comprehensive cultural survey, click here.
The California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) was established in 2002, with the passage of Assembly Bill 716, Firebaugh. Since its creation, it has awarded over $122 million in state bond funding for the preservation of historic and cultural resources in California. An online listing of its grantees may be found at California Treasures.org. A book, Preserving California’s Treasures, was first published in 2011, with all the CCHE-funded projects at that time. http://californiastreasures.org/ Currently out of print, the CCHE is working on a second printing.
In 2002 California State Parks organized a multi-day California Cultural Summit that brought together leaders from California’s cultural heritage institutions. That event was a wonderful gathering of thinkers and you may review the proceedings from those discussions by clicking here. http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1054/files/Summit%20Proceedings.pdf
The 2012 Summit is intended to keep the conversation about preserving California’s cultural heritage going and we invite you to join us for a lively day of exploration and discovery and renewed commitment to preserving our state’s heritage.
The 2012 California Cultural Summit will be held at the Rancho Los Alamitos in Long Beach on Thursday, October 18. Conference registration is $25 and includes parking in Lot 11A at California State University Long Beach (with free, handicap accessible shuttle service to and from the Rancho), morning coffee, luncheon, and an evening wine reception. Attendance is limited to 200, so you are encouraged to register by October 11th to guarantee your spot!
CLICK HERE FOR AGENDA, directions, parking, and more
Pick one of three ways to REGISTER
http://www.rancholosalamitos.com/cche/index.html#register
OR For more information or to register by telephone, please contact Lynnda Fair at the California Cultural and Historical Endowment at (916) 653-1330.
This event is sponsored by Townsend Public Affairs, Inc and by California Humanities. We appreciate their generous contributions and ongoing support for cultural heritage projects in California.

Rancho Los Alamitos, 6400 Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach, California 90815 - (562) 431-3541 Visit The Rancho Wednesday - Sunday, 1 - 5 pm


 
Variations on a Theme, Traveling Exhibit
by artists
Antonio Escalante and Sylvia Galindo


Variations is a subtle look at the violence infesting Mexico today, especially in the border regions like Tijuana. Dispassionately, Variations asks the pointed question, What is Mexico’s current export of choice? The answer - violence, death, dismemberment, hanging.

Two courageous border artists, Antonio Escalante and Sylvia Galindo tackle this question in a traveling exhibition -- from TJ to LA. Please stop by and support these courageous artists, because when Mexican’s speak out, death is usually the answer.

Continuing through October 7, 2012

Avenue 50 Studio, Inc.
a 501(c)(3) non-profit art gallery
131 North Avenue 50
Highland Park, CA 90042
323-258-1435

http://www.avenue50studio.com

Avenue 50 Studio is supported in part by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission; the California Community Foundation; the Department of Cultural Affairs; the California Council for the Humanities; and The James Irvine Foundation


16th Annual Nuestra Imagen Awards

Thursday, November 1, 2012  
6pm - 9pm  

Centro C.H.A. Inc.-The Long Beach Community Hispanic Association

Cordially invites you to join us in celebrating leadership, legacy, and retirement of Long Beach most distinguished leaders who make a difference, inspire and improve the quality of life to citizens in our community.

The Grand Long Beach Event Center  
4101 E. Willow Street  
Long Beach, CA 90815

Thank you, Jessica Quintana, Executive Director  
Center for Working Families / Centro C.H.A. Inc. 
1900 Atlantic Ave., 2nd Floor  
Long Beach, CA 90806  
Direct Line: (562) 570-4709  Office: (562) 570-4722  Fax: (562) 570-4753


El Movimiento In Los Angeles; Origins and Legacy! Exhibit Closed

Editor:  Although this event is past and the exhibit closed, I thought the fact that a photo display was mounted of the 1968 Walkouts, Chicano Moratoriums & Organizing the Immigrant Rights Movement was an effort and project that should be shared.

The exhibit featured Women and Unions in the Movimiento.

Galeria MCI at Plaza Olvera

 

 

 


CALIFORNIA 
Click to: National Assn of Hispanic Publications (NAHP) Annual Convention, October 18-20 

October 18-20th: Join us in Atascadero for our October Symposium!
October 26-28, 2012 Joint Los Californianos Quarterly Meeting with the
6th Early Regional History Conference
Enrique G. Murillo, Jr., Ph.D., "Maestro de maestros"
Romero 2012 Family Reunion held at Brand Park, Mission San Fernando, California
There Is No California by Victor Davis Hanson
Petro-State Of California Needs Crude Awakening

Join us in Atascadero for our October Symposium!
October 18-20th


www.californiahistorian.com



The area was originally home to the Salinan Indians. In the half century between 1769 and 1823 the Spanish Franciscans established 21 missions along the California coast, including the nearby Mission San Miguel Arcángel, and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain, and California became a Mexican province. In 1833, the Mexican government secularized the mission lands. Mexican Governor Juan Alvarado grantedRancho Atascadero to Trifon Garcia in 1842, and Pio Pico granted Pedro Estrada Rancho Asuncion in 1845. Patrick Washington Murphy held ownership of 61,000 acres (25,000 ha) at one time.

Edward Gardner Lewis, a successful magazine publisher from the East, founded the community of Atascadero in 1913 as a utopian, planned colony. He had previously created such a community, at University City, Missouri. After purchasing the Atascadero Ranch in 1912, Lewis put together a group of investors from across the country, paid J.H. Henry $37.50 per acre ($93/ha), and celebrated acquisition of the ranch on July 4, 1913. As investors came to homestead the land that they had bought with their down payments, the area was transformed into a "tent city" with tents situated on land now occupied by Century Plaza and Bank of America. Lewis employed the services of experts in agriculture, engineering and city planning to develop his dream colony for the anticipated 30,000 residents.
Conference of California Historical Societies
112 Harvard Ave. #15, Claremont, CA 91711

Sent by Tom Saenz  saenztomas@sbcglobal.net


Joint Los Californianos Quarterly Meeting and 
6th Early Regional History Conference

OCTOBER 26-28, 2012 LOS CALIFORNIANO MEETING DETAILS
Mission Valley Resort 875 Hotel Circle South, Mission Valley, San Diego
PROGRAM
Fri. Oct. 26 
3 to 8 p.m. Registration and Hospitality (and, we hope, our own musicians 7 to 9) Rooms 700/701 at hotel [$6]
3 to 8 p.m. Traveling Genealogy Library at S.D. County Education Center, 6401 Linda Vista Rd. , 2nd floor lobby [free]
Sat., Oct. 27
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 6th Annual Early San Diego Regional History Conference at S.D. County Education Center
2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Board Meeting in Room 700 at hotel
6 p.m. Happy Hour with no-host bar in Westwind Ballroom at hotel
7 p.m. Mexican Plated Dinner: beef burrito, beef taco, cheese enchilada, rice, beans, salsa, flan , drink
Chula Vista High School Mariachi Band, Opportunity Drawing, possible Silent Auction In Westwind Ballroom at hotel [$35]
Sun., Oct. 28 
9:30 a.m. Plated Breakfast: eggs, bacon or sausage, potatoes O’Brien, biscuits, preserves, drink 
General Meeting, Speaker: Harry Crosby on Argüello Family in Mission Room at hotel [$22]


SAT., OCT. 27 6th ANNUAL EARLY SAN DIEGO REGIONAL HISTORY CONFERENCE 
San Diego County Education Center 6401 Linda Vista Road, Building 3
Theme: Shuiimuii-Familias-Families
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
8:30 a.m. Registration and order & pay for lunch [program is free; donations welcome]
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Los Californianos Traveling Genealogy Library in 2nd floor lobby
NOTE: this Library will also be open from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26
9:00 a.m. Blessing
9:05 a.m. Welcome—Sally Fox & Benita Gray
9:10 a.m. Poem: Ernie McCray—“Families Make History and History Families”
9:15 a.m. Introduction--
Keynote Speaker: Georgia Callian-- ”Families in History & History in Families”
10:00 a.m. Historical Skit 1: Aminah Al-Jaber—“The Juana Machado Story”
10:15 a.m. Concurrent Sessions:
Dr. Michael Gonzalez, University of San Diego Historian
11:00 a.m. Break
11:15 a.m. Concurrent Sessions:
Stanley Rodriguez, Julie Holder, or ?
Descendants of Old Town San Diego Panel—Victor Contreras, moderator
Cabrillo National Monument Docents
12:15 p.m. Lunch 
1:15 p.m. Historical Skit 2: Reina Mensache—“The María de la Encarnación Story”
1:25 p.m. Concurrent Sessions: 
Dr. Susan Gonda—“Women and Families: Cross-Cultural Experiences in Early San Diego”
Eliana & John Nunez & possible Baja Calif. Historian—“The Lopez Family : Focusing on Prudenciana Vallejo 
Lopez & José Matias Moreno”
2:30 p.m. Concluding Sessions:
Rick Diaz, guitarist?
Historical Skit 3: Victor Contreras—“The Bonifacio Lopez Story”
Invitations to Other Historical Venues & Resources
Future Early San Diego Regional History Conferences
3:00 p.m. Adjourn

NOTE: Historical Skits presented under the auspices of the Descendants of Old Town San Diego—Our Stories: Early San Diego Comes Alive

REGISTRATION
Full refund if cancelled by October 15.
Usual registration information of name, guest names, plus contact information (phone or e-mail)
No extra charge for attending Early San Diego Regional History Conference, but would like you to register to indicate intention to attend so we can assure adequate seating in rooms.
Fees:  Los Californianos Registration/Hospitality Room $6  Dinner $35  Breakfast $22
Questions? Benita & George Gray, gray850@aol.com or 858-538-3027
Send registration with check (if applicable) to Benita Gray/Los Californianos, 9720 Oviedo St., San Diego, CA 92129
Benita H Gray
gray850@aol.com  858-538-3027
9720 Oviedo St.
San Diego, CA 92129


Enrique G. Murillo, Jr., Ph.D., "Maestro de maestros"


Dear Associates and Friends,
I was very humbled that LA PRENSA (the LEADING Spanish-language weekly in the Inland Empire, published every Friday) interviewed me over several occasions; and featured me in this profile. I'm indebted to Olga Rojas, a journalist of the highest professional grade.
*to hear the corrido, referred to in the profile, click here: http://emurillo.org/CorridodeL.E.A.D.MariachiElVallesito.mp3 
Enrique G. Murillo, Jr., Ph.D. Executive Director, LEAD,  emurillo@CSUSB.EDU 
OLGA ROJAS - LA PRENSA, Publicado: 06 septiembre 2012 
La entrevista con el profesor universitario Enrique Murillo, transcurrio en la tranquilidad de su hogar en San Bernardino, al zumbido del vaiven de una mecedora de madera que pertenecia a su tia abuela paterna - quien murio recientemente - y ante la mirada de una porcion de las mas de 400 mascaras plasmadas en las paredes de su casa, que sirvieron de silentes testigos.
Confeso que su vicio es coleccionar mascaras hechas de los sitios que ha visitado, asi como libros.

Nacido en Los Angeles hace 47 anos, Murillo se graduo de psicologo en la Universidad de California, Los Angeles (UCLA), tiene una maestria en artes y cimientos educativos de la Universidad Estatal de California, Los Angeles (Cal State L.A.) y un doctorado en filosofia de la Universidad de Carolina del Norte, Chapel Hill.

Actualmente es profesor a tiempo completo en Cal State San Bernardino en el departamento de educacion psicologica y consejeria, y es el director ejecutivo de LEAD, Latino Education and Advocacy Days (Dias de la abogacia por la educacion latina).

Imposible dejar de sentirse como estudiante frente a la mirada verdusca de Murillo, quien constantemente preguntaba si sabia a lo que el estaba haciendo referencia.

Continuar:http://www.laprensaenlinea.com/noticias/noticias-historias/20120906-perfil-enrique-murillo-maestro-de-maestros1.ece

 


Romero 2012 Family Reunion held at Brand Park, 
Mission San Fernando, California

We are the descendants of Jesus Romero and Dolores Camacho of Los Nietos / Whittier, California. The U.S. Census 1880 lists this family. The family tree is still a work in progress. However, it may be that the Soldado de Cuera was Felipe Santiago Tapia, who came with the Anza Expedition 1774-1775 to Alta California.

Our Romero family is coming together at last, many thanks to our cousins.  We all had a great day visiting with our primos and primas and parientes at the family gathering. 

Kudos to the Planning Committee who did a great job of corrdinating and hosting another great family reunion. 

Thank you all.
Love, Lorri  Frain


Our Table


Lorri Frain on the left and a cousin



Romero cousins


Elaine Betancourt with her son Guner and his Dad, Lance Gutierrez. Lance is the son of Tom Gutierrez--
They all live in Dinuba


Cousin Frances Hruska with baby Guner and Lance Gutierrez.


Cousin Dennis Garcia with granddaughter


 
My granddaughter Katie Halsted. Katie teaches gymnastics and attends college. She is shown with my sister, Armida. 


Lorri, cousins, Leroy Carrisosa, and Leonard in background


Brother Leonard and Isabel Ruiz


Armida and Bob

There Is No California
Palo Alto and Fresno share a state government, but that’s about it.
By Victor Davis Hanson 

 


Driving across California is like going from Mississippi to Massachusetts without ever crossing a state line.

Consider the disconnects: California’s combined income and sales taxes are among the nation’s highest, but the state’s annual deficit is still about $16 billion. It is estimated that more than 2,000 upper-income Californians are leaving per week to flee high taxes and costly regulations, yet the state government wants to raise taxes even higher. California’s business climate already ranks near the bottom in most surveys. Its teachers are among the highest paid, on average, in the nation, but its public-school students consistently test near the bottom of the nation in both math and science.

The state’s public employees enjoy some of the nation’s most generous pensions and benefits, but California’s retirement systems are under-funded by about $300 billion. The state’s gas taxes — at over 49 cents per gallon — are among the highest in the nation, but its once-unmatched freeways, like 101 and 99, for long stretches have degenerated into potholed, clogged nightmares unchanged since the early 1960s.

The state wishes to borrow billions of dollars to develop high-speed rail, beginning with a little-traveled link between Fresno and Corcoran — a corridor already served by money-losing Amtrak. Apparently, coastal residents like the idea of European-style high-speed rail — as long as the noisy and dirty construction does not begin in their backyards. 

As gasoline prices soar, California chooses not to develop millions of barrels of untapped oil and even more natural gas off its shore and beneath its interior. Home to bankrupt green companies like Solyndra, California has mandated that a third of all the energy provided by state utilities soon must come from renewable energy sources – largely wind and solar, which currently provide about 11 percent of the state’s electricity and almost none of its transportation fuel.

How to explain the seemingly inexplicable? “California” is a misnomer. There is no such state. Instead there are two radically different cultures and landscapes with little in common, the two equally dysfunctional in quite different ways. Apart they are unworldly; together, a disaster.

A postmodern narrow coastal corridor runs from San Diego to Berkeley; there the weather is ideal, the gentrified affluent make good money, and values are green and left-wing. This Shangri-La is juxtaposed to a vast impoverished interior, from the southern desert to the northern Central Valley, where life is becoming premodern.

On the coast, blue-chip universities like Cal Tech, Berkeley, Stanford, and UCLA in pastoral landscapes train the world’s doctors, lawyers, engineers, and businesspeople. In the hot interior of blue-collar Sacramento, Turlock, Fresno, and Bakersfield, well over half the incoming freshmen in the California State University system must take remedial math and science classes.
In postmodern Palo Alto, a small cottage costs more than $1 million. Two hours away, in premodern and now-bankrupt Stockton, a bungalow the same size goes for less than $100,000.

In the interior, unemployment in many areas is over 15 percent. The theft of copper wire is reaching epidemic proportions. Thousands of the shrinking middle class have fled the interior for the coast or for nearby no-income-tax states. To fathom the nearly unbelievable statistics — as California’s population grew by 10 million from the mid-1980s to 2005, its number of Medicaid recipients increased by 7 million; one-third of the nation’s welfare recipients now reside in California — visit the state’s hinterlands.

But in the Never-Never Land of Apple, Facebook, Google, Hollywood, and the wine country, millions live in an idyllic paradise. Coastal Californians can afford to worry about trivia — and so their legislators seek to outlaw foie gras, shut down irrigation projects in order to save the three-inch-long Delta smelt, and allow children to have legally recognized multiple parents.
But in the less feel-good interior, crippling regulations curb timber, gas and oil, and farm production. For the most part, the rules are mandated by coastal utopians who have little idea where the fuel for their imported cars comes from, or how the redwood is cut for their decks, or who grows the ingredients for their Mediterranean lunches of arugula, olive oil, and pasta.
On the coast, it’s politically incorrect to talk of illegal immigration. In the interior, residents see first-hand the bankrupting effects on schools, courts, and health care when millions arrive illegally without English-language fluency or a high-school diploma — and send back billions of dollars in remittances to Mexico and other Latin American countries.
The drive from Fresno to Palo Alto takes three hours, but you might as well be rocketing from Earth to the moon.

— Victor Davis Hanson is a classicist and historian at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and the author, most recently, of The End of Sparta. You can reach him by e-mailing author@victorhanson.com. © 2012 Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Looks Like Oil, Smells Like Oil: It Happened in Orinda by Hilda Rego

If James Miner could have made a better living faming off his 612- acre farm in Orinda, he never would have given the greasy liquid he found seeping up on his property a second look. But he had three daughters to raise. That took money.

The Miner family had lived in Orinda since 1879 when Miner's uncle—Solomon Alden— bought the property as an investment. Miner improved an existing house on the property, moved his family into it, and started raising horses, hay, grain, and vegetables.

The land was bordered by a little creek. Whenever Miner's horses trod in the soft dirt by the stream, their hoof-prints filled with a peculiar brown liquid. Miner scooped up some of the fluid, put it in a tin can, and forgot about it.

After 16 years of struggling with declining prices, uncertain weather and the Orinda soil, Miner became convinced there had to be a better way of making a living than farming. He took another look at the stuff he put in a can years earlier. The liquid had become stickier and waxier. It certainly smelled like tar.

Miner invited some oil experts to come to his farm. They pronounced the substance "a splendid 

article of petroleum," according to an 1895 article in the San Francisco Chronicle.

"Thus encouraged, the rancher began a series of experiments. He drove the point of an iron rod into the soft earth, and in almost every instance gas escaped from the hole. He turned his attention to the bed of a little mountain stream which is noisy in its rush through the green meadows of the tract. There he found a ledge of shale tipping abruptly to the southeast.

"The whack of a pick disturbed big pieces of stone, and where they fell into the stream the water became iridescent with oil. The basins Miner dug on the shore soon filled water and upon the surface there quickly floated bits of a substance as brown as tobacco juice. These brown splashes were coil oil of the heaviest character.

"Half a mile from the spot in the creek where he first sank his pick, the rancher discovered a. spring in a sandstone formation which was covered with oil. He sank an iron rod into the pool, and when he withdrew it the water began to boil violently. A blazing match placed above the troubled spot produced a greater flame, and as the water boiled its surface was covered with oil."

The Chronicle had no doubt there was oil under Miner's ranch and that the discovery could lead to a field where there was so much oil 

that it could solve "the fuel question on the coast." The paper quoted A. L. McPherson of Oakland, who was trying to get investors to develop an oil well on the Miner property:

"If money can be raised to sink a well or two, I am sure the people of central California at least will be relieved of the excessive rates now charged by the oil trust and its lusty friend, the Southern Pacific Railroad Company . . . I know it could be pumped to Oakland for two cents a barrel. Where manufacturers now are paying $7 and $9 a ton for fuel they could get the same results for one-third of the money."

The Miner ranch wasn't the only spot in the county where oil prospecting was going on. As far back as 1865, 62 petroleum companies were incorporated in California, seven of these in Contra Costa County. Oil had been reported in Pacheco, the San Pablo Valley, and east of Mount Diablo.

Meanwhile, back at Miner's ranch, prospecting for oil proceeded. Years later Miner's daughter Anita recalled that one well reached a depth of 1,500 feet when the drill broke off and couldn't be recovered. Then on October 17, 1903, the Call of San Francisco reported the gusher that everyone had waited so long at the Miner ranch:

"Oil that has been sought for by an enterprising company for years was discovered last Wednesday at the Miner ranch, and as the murky fluid shot up into the air it became ignited. The column of flame could be seen for miles and presented a magnificent sight. Many workmen in the vicinity had barely time to escape with their lives and much machinery was entirely destroyed by the flames. The oil became ignited by several lanterns that hung on a derrick at the site of the well."

The American Oil and Refining Company had been boring wells on the Miner ranch for four years when the well blew and all equipment was lost. Miner died in 1909 and the family
moved to Oakland.    But oil prospecting didn't stop there.

In 1929 the Orinda Petroleum Company built a 122-foot derrick and bored a 3.033-foot hole. Two years and $100,000 later the company called it quits. In 1939 the derrick was dynamited and removed because of its hazard to the growing community.

That still isn't the end of the story. In 1969 when the BART tunnel was being built from Orinda through the Berkeley hills into Oakland, oil was found again. Spokesmen for the contractor reported minor oil seeps on the Orinda side, which were not expected to cause any tunneling trouble.


Note:  This article appears in Vol. 1 of Nilda Rego's
Days Gone By, a three-volume anthology of articles that appeared originally in Contra Costa Times. The books are published by Contra Costa County Historical Society.

Article reprinted from the Spring 2012 quarterly of the El Rancho Moraga Quarterly
Quarterly Editor:  Larry Swindell  925-376-5692  voldswin@comcast.net
Box 103, Moraga, CA 94556

 

 

Petro-State Of California Needs Crude Awakening
By TOM GRAY
IBD Editorials

By refusing to tap much of the oil wealth off its shoreline, California is forgoing a resource that could go far to revive its economy and bring state and local governments back to fiscal health.  On dry land, too, California is missing an opportunity: Its vast onshore oil reserves are underused, thanks to a green-energy agenda that raises the cost of oil production and refining. Policymakers have to realize that their quixotic quest to outgrow fossil fuels isn't helping the state.

California's attitude toward oil began to shift in January 1969, when a well six miles off the Santa Barbara coast blew out just after workers had finished drilling it. The spill was the largest in American waters at the time; it now ranks third behind the Deepwater Horizon and Exxon Valdez spills.

Its impact extended far beyond California; more than any other single event, it brought the various strands of environmentalism and conservation together into a national movement.

But the spill's most immediate result was that California stopped leasing tidelands — the zone within three nautical miles of shore, whose resources the state owns — to oil companies. Not a single acre of this oil-rich seabed has been auctioned since, though drilling continues in areas leased before 1969.

Onshore, the situation is less dire: New wells are continually being drilled, mostly on private or federal land. But the state no longer goes out of its way to attract oil investment, and environmental and land-use laws give local opponents tools to stymie drilling plans.

Outside of regions like the southern San Joaquin Valley — where drilling has been an important part of the economy and landscape for a century or so—Californians don't like drilling rigs and can block projects at the local government level.

Another problem for onshore oil producers is California's ambitious climate-change law, AB 32, passed in 2006 but only now starting to take hold in the form of specific regulations. When fully in effect, it will slam drillers with a cap-and-trade system that amounts to a carbon tax.

Second, AB 32's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) requires that the "carbon intensity" of all transportation fuels sold in California from production to transportation to combustion — fall by 10% by 2020.

Despite its evident distaste for oil, California is still the country's fourth-largest producer — behind Texas, Alaska and North Dakota — and yields more than 15 million barrels of crude per month, about 9% of the U.S. total. That doesn't count the output from offshore federal tracts, which is still a respectable 22 million barrels per year.

The biggest onshore story is the potential of the Monterey Formation (also known as the Monterey Shale), a zone of petroleum-rich rock that extends much of the state's length. The Monterey holds an enormous amount of oil, estimated at up to 500 billion barrels.

Though it has long been difficult to extract oil directly from it, advancing technology, along with rising oil prices, has put much more of its oil within reach. If even a small fraction of its reserves proves accessible, the Monterey would be the biggest shale oil play in the nation.

In July 2011, the federal Energy Information Agency (EIA) estimated that the Monterey had 15.4 billion barrels of recoverable crude — four times what's estimated to lie within the Bakken Shale formation, which is fueling North Dakota's current oil boom.

Those 15.4 billion barrels would be worth about $1.5 trillion at today's crude prices. If the EIA estimate is reasonably close to the mark, the Monterey Formation would be in a class with oilfields in Saudi Arabia.

California could certainly use an oil boom right now. Its jobless rate is stubbornly running nearly 3 percentage points above the national average, and most new drilling in the Monterey Formation would be taking place in the San Joaquin Valley, where unemployment is chronically high.

(In the four counties most likely to be sites for drilling — Kern, Fresno, Tulare and Kings — the March 2012 jobless rate averaged 17.5%, compared with 11.5% for the state as a whole.)

It's too early to tell how much of a boost the state would gain from tapping the Monterey, but the impact could be huge. The state government would reap these rewards without having to spend much initially, since the oil industry provides its own infrastructure of pipelines, tanks, pumps, drilling rigs and refineries. All the drillers need is a green light.

Until California surrenders to realism, its oil drillers will be fighting political and regulatory head winds. If they can look anywhere for hope, it's not to the political elites but to the broader public. Ordinary Californians are not anti-oil ideologues, and a fair number favor drilling off the state's coast.

If California's political leadership agrees at some point to commence new drilling off the coast, the prospects for the local economy would be bright. California was once a genuine petro-state, one of global importance. If it so chooses, it stands a good chance of becoming one again.

Sent by Odell Harwell hirider@clear.net 


NORTHWESTERN UNITED STATES 

October 26th, 2012 Latino Community Fund Summit, 
Bi-National Health Week, SeaMar Latino Health Forum, 
Northwest Human Trafficking Summit, and other events 

The Latino Community Fund Statewide Summit Announces its 2012 Keynote Speakers
The Latino Community Statewide Summit will be held in Tacoma on October 26th, 2012. 

As part of its impressive program it will be featuring three nationally recognized speakers.
Morning Keynote: Our Strength is our People

Washington Supreme Court Justice Steven C. González is the first Latino elected to the Washington Supreme Court. more
Awards Lunch Keynote: Our Vote, Our Voice (Latinos and the2012 Election)

A featured on the national news, Matt A. Barreto, PhD is Associate Professor in Political Science at the University of Washington, Director of the Washington Institute for the Study of Ethnicity and Race (WISER) and the Washington Poll. more
Closing Keynote: People of Color Policy Forum on School to Prisons Pipeline

Tony Fabelo, PHD is the author of the landmark study “Breaking Schools’ Rules: A Statewide Study of How School Discipline Relates to Students’ Success and Juvenile Justice Involvement” 

Latino Community Fund Statewide Summit offers an unprecedented opportunity for Latinos and allies from multiple sectors to get engaged in timely and solutions-oriented training and planning that improves the health and well-being of Washington State’s Latino communities. http://www.promesalatina.org/  

Bi-National Health Week
Sea Mar Community Health Centers and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church are organizing the Vancouver area’s Bi-National Health Week (BHW) Event on October 7, 2011 from 2:30pm-5pm. The Kick-Off Event will be at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (8701 Northeast 119th Street Vancouver, WA 98662) and will offer physical activities and health education workshops for all ages, as well as basic screenings for adults. So if you would kindly print and hand out or email to who you think will benefit in getting free diabetes and blood pressure checks that would be great.

BHW is one of the largest mobilization efforts of federal and state government agencies, community-based organizations, and volunteers in the Americas to improve the health and wellbeing of the underserved Latino population living in the United States. It encompasses an annual weeklong series of health-promotion and health-education activities that include health fairs, career fairs, workshops, academic forums, health insurance referrals, and medical screenings. 

SeaMar Community Health Centers, 7th Annual Latino Health Forum
October 4th, 2012
8:00am - 5:00pm
South Seattle Community College,
Jerry Brockey Student Center 6000 16th Ave SW., Seattle, WA 98106

For more information, contact: Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs
PO Box 98504-0924 Phone: 800-443-0294 or 360-725-5661 | Fax: 360-586-9501 
Email: hispanic@cha.wa.gov

Sent by Rafael Ojeda  rsnojeda@aol.com   (253) 576-9547



SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES   


Enthusiasm for Family History Grows Among Hispanic Community in Las Vegas, NV
Rubén Darío Papers 1882-1945 (bulk 1882-1915) now available
The California-Mexico Studies Center, Inc.
Working for a Bigger Taste by Loic Hostetter
 

Enthusiasm for Family History Grows Among the Hispanic Community in Las Vegas, Nevada

 


Rubén Darío Papers 1882-1945 (bulk 1882-1915) now available

 http://www.azarchivesonline.org/xtf/view?docId=ead/asu/dario.xml

The Department of Archives and Special Collections at the Hayden Library at Arizona State University in Tempe now houses the Rubén Darío Papers. This important manuscript collection is now available to scholars, researchers and students. Click on the link to read the finding aid, or guide, to the manuscript collection.

Dr. Christine Marin,  Professor Emeritus .
Grant Consultant. Chicana/o Research Collection & Archives.
Department of Archives & Special Collections.
Hayden Library.   Arizona State University.
PO Box 871006.    Tempe, AZ. 85287-1006.  (mail)
300 E. Orange Mall.  Tempe,  AZ.  85281. 
 Christine.Marin@asu.edu
http://www.asu.edu/lib/archives

 


The California-Mexico Studies Center, Inc.

El Profe Armando Vazquez-Ramos, President and CEO
1551 N. Studebaker Rd.
Long Beach, CA 90815

 


Cabernet sauvignon grapes from the L.A. Cetto vineyard in Guadalupe Valley. 
Wines from L.A. Cetto have won more than 200 awards.
WORKING FOR A BIGGER TASTE
Loic Hostetter
UTSanDiego.com, Aug 16, 2012

Guadalupe Valley, the most famous wine-producing area in Mexico, plays host to vintners of every stripe — from establishments turning out millions of bottles a year to those making just a few hundred.

Those products are being widely circulated, and sampled, this month as visitors hit the Baja “wine route” and nearby Ensenada during the annual Vendimia (wine harvest) festival. The 17-day event, which ends Sunday, is expected to draw more than 50,000 people, according to the Baja California tourism secretary.
Its vineyard tours, culinary parties and wine-inspired street fairs and concerts also spotlight two overarching goals in Guadalupe and six other nearby wine valleys: produce world-class varietals and satiate a growing tourist market.

Experts said Baja California’s wine country has seen a steady rise in visitors and business during the past decade, but forging an international tourist destination from a largely rural, inland valley can make for a rocky road. While the state has emerged as Mexico’s premier wine-growing region and accounts for 90 percent of the nation’s wine production, it still struggles to recapture the number of U.S. tourists from bygone years.

The reasons are varied and often tough to overcome: Drug-related violence in Mexico has scared off Americans, who continue to stay away long after high-profile cartel battles have ended in Baja California. The Great Recession and its lingering effects have clipped the travel budget of many U.S. families. And despite Baja California’s ascending wine reputation, its bottled offerings are not widely recognized or available north of the border.

State-supported mitigation efforts are under way, most recently with the unveiling of a multimillion-dollar wine museum in Guadalupe Valley.  “(The government) finds that the wine and the gastronomy is a good identity opportunity for the state,” said Jorge D’Garay, president of D’Garay Public Relations and an expert on Baja California’s tourism sector.  Both federal and state governments have backed the push in the form of monetary aid, infrastructure development and promotions, including better signs along major transportation routes, road repaving and invitations for famous chefs to tour the area, D’Garay said.

A Binational Approach: 
Guadalupe Valley’s boosters envision building their region’s stature not only by capturing greater U.S. interest but also by nurturing strong domestic demand.  “We would like for the Mexican people to have national pride about their wine,” said Tru Miller, who owns a vineyard and bed-and-breakfast in Guadalupe Valley with her husband, Don.

For the international element, Baja California’s tourism secretary and other promoters have turned to U.S. marketing specialists for help. The San Diego-based public relations firm Allison + Partners has been brought in to help emphasize Baja’s biggest attractions, particularly its winemaking valleys, said Juan Tintos, the state’s tourism secretary.

The campaign includes conducting studies to gauge Americans’ perceptions of safety and recreational opportunities in Baja, he said. Since 2005, the number of restaurants along the “wine route” has almost doubled — from 15 to 28 — and the number of hotels has soared from a single location seven years ago to 13 today.

But tourists venturing into Mexican wine territory largely continue to arrive from domestic points of origin, Tintos said. This is because most of Baja California’s wines stay within the country’s borders — and so they gain little exposure in the United States, Don Miller said.

The moderate output of Baja’s wine producers may also create a financial incentive for them to keep their product in domestic markets. To send their wines across the border, vintners have to hire an importer and a distributor to get their bottles on store shelves and into restaurants, a process where the cost often outweighs the benefits, Tru Miller said.

International exposure:  Aside from accessibility, elevating a wine market to worldwide prominence depends greatly on visibility and quality, said Karl Storchmann, a professor at New York University and managing editor of the Journal of Wine Economics.  To popularize a wine region’s overall name and its specific brands, products must be submitted and then rank well at wine competitions and fairs, he said.

“Once they win, then people will flock there,” Storchmann added. Award recognition and household familiarity — coupled with favorable media coverage by wine critics, culinary bloggers and other foodies — can also stimulate tourism in a winemaking region, he said.

In the same manner, celebrities can be used to endorse the region, said James Laube, an expert on California wines and a senior editor of Wine Spectator magazine. Wine producers in Baja California are considering or already trying these strategies. Some wineries in the state are garnering acclaim at international contests. For example, wines from L.A. Cetto in Guadalupe Valley have won more than 200 awards, some at highly regarded competitions.

The region’s leaders have also courted culinary icons to give their public stamp of approval for Baja. Celebrity chefs Rick Bayless — who specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine — and Anthony Bourdain are among the stars who have visited the area for their TV shows, Tintos said.  Such efforts are not exclusive to Baja California. Many emerging wine markets are vying for international attention as well.


Baja must still compete in quality and price with similarly burgeoning wine-producing regions in Chile, Australia and Canada, Laube said. But even if Mexican wines never command international prominence, the domestic market may be enough. There has been a shift in Mexicans’ attitudes toward the product in recent years, Don Miller said. Their wine consumption has been rising, he said, and more of them are choosing their own country’s offerings.

loic.hostetter@utsandiego.com Twitter: @L_Hostetter (619) 293-1280




"WHENEVER I GOT OUT OF SCHOOL, IT WAS STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDS" 
The Story of Javier Mondar-Flores Lopez

By David Bacon  dbacon@igc.org
New America Media 8/27/12 http://newamericamedia.org/2012/08/the-story-of-javier-mondar-flores-lopez.php 


Three bills now making their way through Sacramento promise to dramatically improve conditions for California farmworkers, including one that requires overtime pay for shifts above eight hours. The overtime benefits bill is currently awaiting Gov. Jerry Brown's signature. For Javier Mondar-Flores Lopez, an indigenous Mixtec farmworker in Southern California, the bills are welcome news. A recent high-school graduate, Lopez has worked in the fields since he was in elementary school. He lives in an apartment with his family in Santa Maria, California, but has become an activist and plans to go to Los Angeles. He told his story to David Bacon.  
Thanks to Farmworker Justice for its support in documenting this story.

SANTA MARIA, CA -- Growing up in a farmworking family -- well, it's everything I ever knew. Whenever I got out of school, it was straight to the fields to get a little bit of money and help the family out. That's pretty much the only job I ever knew. In general we would work on the weekends and in the summers. When I was younger it would be right after school, and then during vacations.

My sister Teresa slept in the living room and one night when I was doing my homework at the table, I could hear her crying because she had so much pain in her hands. My mother and my other sister complained about how much their backs hurt. My brother talked about his back pain as well. It's pretty sad. I always hear my family talk about how much they're in pain and how's it's impossible for me to help them.

I always moved. In my high school years, I moved six times. In junior high I moved three times and in elementary school I'm not sure. I went to six different elementary schools. For a while we went to Washington to work, but aside from that it's always been in Santa Maria. We'd move because the lease ended and                Javier Mondar-Flores Lopez
we couldn't afford the rent, so we tried to look for a cheaper place.



Hieronyma Hernandez picks strawberries in a crew of indigenous Oaxacan farm workers in a field near Santa Maria. Many members of the crew are Mixteco migrants from San Vincente, a town in Oaxaca, Mexico. The earth in the beds is covered in plastic, while in between the workers walk in sand and mud. Working bent over the plants all day is very painful and exhausting.

We always lived with other families. The first time I can remember we lived with four other families. The second house we lived with five families. Each family gets their own room and does their own cooking. They get their own space in the kitchen cabinets and the refrigerator. When they cook in the morning before work it gets pretty chaotic in there.

It's hard sharing the bathroom with so many people in the house. They try to kid around about it. I remember I was always a morning student, so I would wake up and take a shower. My older siblings would tell me to get out because I already had a huge line waiting for me to finish. It was always in and out, flush after flush. In the morning people are rushing to work so they try and make the best out of it. Plus you can't be late or you lose your job.

Sabina Cayetano and her son Aron live with other members of her family in one room in an apartment in Santa Maria. Many Mixtec families live here, and in the spring and summer they work picking strawberries.


The first time I worked in the fields was when I was seven, in Washington, where I picked cucumbers. It was summer. We didn't go to school in Washington [but] the foremen never said anything because my brother knew them. He worked in the crew, so the foremen were OK with it. There were other kids there as well. It wasn't a huge company, just a small rancher.

When they paid by the hour we couldn't work. If [workers] were paid by the hour and they were slow, the foreman would send them home and not let them work anymore. They would only let kids work if they were doing piece rate. We were actually really slow because we were only in third or fourth grade.


Three Zapotec farmworkers from Santa Maria Sola in Oaxaca walk out of a field, after having asked the foreman of a crew picking strawberries if there was any work for them.


The first [paycheck I received] was for $40. I was crying because I counted my boxes that day and I knew how much I had earned that week. When the foreman gave me my pay he said I hadn't worked [more than that]. I was in fourth grade. I was crying because I had worked and really wanted my money. I wanted to buy something with it. Finally he paid me my money in a white envelope. I was pretty happy.

When we got older, we did get more money. We got to earn our own money because before then my mother would take everything we earned. As we got older we had more interest in money, so we would keep half of it. We were getting our own pay, and my older siblings would ask us to give half.

Indigenous Oaxacan strawberry workers take the boxes they've picked to the checker, who checks the quality of the berries, weighs them, and punches the ticket that keeps a record of their work and how much they'll be paid.



The biggest problem was working in the vineyards. I worked for three months in the summer and it was the hardest work I've ever done. They gave us clippers to clip the vines, and that's what you did all day. Clip them and pull the grapes off. When I got home my hands hurt so much I couldn't make a fist or hold a cup or anything. I would just lie down since the pain just stayed. In the morning there was nothing else I could do, just go out there and work again.
In the weekends in elementary school it was pretty easy working on the weekends and going to school during the week. They didn't give us much work and school came pretty easy. II would like to think that I am a good student. I took predominately AP and Honors classes, and got good grades -- mostly A's and B's. I never got any C's.

An indigenous worker from Oaxaca walks through the mud between the 
rows of strawberries in Oxnard.


I felt discrimination, not so much because I'm from an immigrant family, but because I'm indigenous [Mixtec]. The first time I was in second grade, kids would call us "Oaxaca." Apparently that's a bad thingŠ they would think of us as beneath them. Even in the fields. For example, one foreman divided the Oaxaqueños and the Mexicans. He put the Oaxaqueños in the bad fields and the Mexicans in the fields with no weeds.

Everywhere we went -- the welfare office, the hospital -- we were always discriminated against for being indigenous. Spanish-speaking and English-speaking [people] would get more information, because they couldn't communicate with us [Mixtec speakers].

Young Mixtec farmworkers play basketball in a court across the street from the apartment complex where they live in Santa Maria.

It would make the situation better for the indigenous in Santa Maria if [some of us] were working in the system. That's what I always wanted -- to have people that actually speak our language working in the hospitals and in the welfare office, teachers in the school and in the system. Wherever we go, there would be one of us there.

In addition, I wish there were free medical care, and we were able to get overtime. You only start to get overtime after ten hours. I was pretty upset when I heard that. When I worked in the tomatoes recently, [some workers] stole four boxes from me. I told my family to report it to the Labor Department, [but] to them it's inevitable. They think we should just put up with it and be grateful that we have a job. [They] also fear losing their job if they make a complaint. That's pretty much how it is. They would make fun of my dad because he would complain a lot. They'd say, "That's why your dad is like that and never gets jobs."
Jose Estrada and migrants from the Oaxacan town of San Juan Piñas conduct a meeting in Mixteco of their hometown committee, in the office of the Frente Indigena de Organizaciones Binacionales.

I was emancipated for about seven to eight months. My family was very conservative and strong in their Christian beliefs. I couldn't do anything, and felt like I was trapped. I really wanted to go with my friends to dances. Plus I'm bisexual -- to them that's a sin and you're going to hell. I couldn't live like that. 
I left home and went to live with my dad. He wasn't like I expected. He blamed me too, so I was homeless for three months.

I was working the graveyard shift, ten hours a night at C & D Zodiac, where they make jets. During the day I went to school. My AP History teacher saw I was dozing off and sleeping in class. I came out to him, and he told me, "You can't live like this. You need to confront them." So I went back to my family and confronted them. I became an activist, and I've been one ever since.

But I think it's possible to change things, which I get from my heroes and earlier activists, like Gandhi and Martin Luther King. I'm going to go to Los Angeles and work for an organization that serves the indigenous community and then start school. I want to see how you run an organization like that, and open one here. I'll work in the fields if I have to in order to pay off my debt, but I don't want to work there just to earn a living.

Dancers and musicians perform for indigenous Oaxacan immigrant farm workers at a fiesta in Santa Maria organized by the Indigenous Front of Binational Organizations. The young Oaxacan dancers belong to the dance group of Ricardo Canseco, a Chatino immigrant.


I'm proud of what my mom and older siblings did in order to get the family here and survive. That was my motivation for choosing only AP classes. My sister didn't get an education. None of my older sisters could go to school. I really want fairness and equality in schools. I want the discrimination against indigenous kids to stop in elementary schools. That's where it starts. They affiliate themselves with gangs, to get it to stop. That's the only reason.

I didn't want to learn Spanish, because I didn't want to lose my Mixteco language. I try to keep in touch with my indigenous roots. Whenever I cut my hair I always bury it. I asked my mother why we did that, and she says it's because you fertilize the earth.

When it rains, I get a bowl and fill it with rainwater and drink it. I would talk with her as our bowls filled up. When I visit my dad I ask him to tell me folktales. When I have a dream I ask him to tell me what it means. I want to write down my language before it gets lost. So many students are choosing to not speak it and many parents don't want to teach their kids. I want to teach my kids.

Javier Mondar-Flores Lopez, in the apartment where he lives with his mom and sisters.

Listen to Javier Mondar-Flores Lopez in an interview on KPFA's UpFront: http://www.kpfa.org/archive/id/83301
For more articles and images, see http://dbacon.igc.org

See also Illegal People -- How Globalization Creates Migration and Criminalizes Immigrants (Beacon Press, 2008)
Recipient: C.L.R. James Award, best book of 2007-2008 http://www.beacon.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=2002

See also the photodocumentary on indigenous migration to the US
Communities Without Borders (Cornell University/ILR Press, 2006) http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/cup_detail.taf?ti_id=4575

See also The Children of NAFTA, Labor Wars on the U.S./Mexico Border (University of California, 2004)  http://www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/9989.html

Two lectures on the political economy of migration by David Bacon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GgDWf9eefE&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd4OLdaoxvg&feature=related

-
-
David Bacon, Photographs and Stories
http://dbacon.igc.org


 

MIDDLE AMERICA

October 11, 2012: Hispanic Roots in Creole Culture
The Archaeology Museum at the University of South Alabama
Resurrecting History in Iowa's Forgotten Cemeteries
The Historic New Orleans Collection, 19th Century Mexican Broadsides

Hispanic Roots in Creole Culture
October 11, 2012

Northwestern State University , Student Union Ballroom
Natchitoches , Louisiana
Hosted by the
Creole Heritage Center , NSU

For several years, people have inquired about Spanish relationships to Creole culture. American Indian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, African, and other cultures made their contributions. Some family names include St. Denis, Ramon, Hongo, D’Ortolan, Y’Barbo, Flores, Sylvie, Balthazar, and Metoyer. This symposium will bring together scholars who have concentrated on Creole culture and its national and international manifestations, especially the Spanish influences on Creole culture in Louisiana , Texas , and the Caribbean .

As an inter-disciplinary event, the participants in the symposium will approach Creole culture from several academic areas and from different regions of the state and the nation. Ethnologists, archaeologists, historians, linguists, geographers, and folklorists will discuss the interactions of cultures on the French-Spanish frontiers and Spanish elements still present in Creole culture in Louisiana and its neighboring regions. The Creole language, foodways, families, and society all retain historical ties to Spanish colonial experiences. The sessions will explore questions pertinent to all Creole cultures with local and hemispheric implications.

The proposed sessions will include presentations by scholars and Question and Answer sessions along with audience participation. The symposium is hosted by the Creole Heritage Center at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches , Louisiana and will be held at the NSU Student Union on Oct.11-12, 2012 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm . In addition to the day time sessions, two special informances related to Creole culture will be held at Oakland Plantation at 6:00 pm that evening.

Hispanic Roots of Creole Culture Symposium is sponsored by the Cane River National Heritage Area and Cane River Creole National Historical Park funded by the National Park Service. It is free and open to the public.

The symposium will be concurrent with the Creole Heritage Day and the St. Augustine Church Fair, both annual Creole cultural celebrations. All these events are open to the public.

For more information: https://www.nsula.edu/hispanic-roots-in-creole-culture-symposium/view/2012-10-11 
Sent by Bill Carmena JCarm1724@aol.com

 

The Archaeology Museum at the University of South Alabama

Hi everyone! We are planning to open The Archaeology Museum in the Delchamps Archaeology Building at the University of South Alabama this October, and are starting a mailing list of people interested in the museum and related events. If you would like to be on the list please send me your mailing address. Our museum website is now up and it is a work in progress.

Thanks very much. Bonnie Gums
Bonnie Gums

http://www.southalabama.edu/archaeology/museum.html

 

Resurrecting History in Iowa's Forgotten Cemeteries
Like most 17-year-old boys, Dylan Brown-Kwaiser is always happy to get some time behind the wheel. But unlike his joy-riding peers, the high school junior's road trips include his grandmother in the passenger seat and a long list of historic pioneer cemeteries to explore.

"He does all the driving so I can stare out into the wilderness and see if we can find something," says Gail Brown, Brown-Kwaiser's grandmother and a professor in the geographic information system program at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "Sometimes we just knock on doors."

Brown and Brown-Kwaiser have documented and mapped about 1,300 gravestones in dozens of burial grounds since Brown received the Kirkwood Endowed Chair for 2011-2012 to pursue research on 19th- and early-20th-century Iowa cemeteries. The pair's work-which involves GPS technology, photography, and detailed note taking-helps historians and preservationists piece to-gether information about some of the state's earliest settlers. Photos and coordinates of each headstone are turned over to the Iowa

Gravestone Project, an online database operated by genealogy group ZAGenWeb.  "I wasn't really interested in [cemeteries], but as we got on, we started finding World War I veterans and some people with their gravestones actually written in German," Brown-Kwaiser says. "It's kind of interesting seeing that a whole family owas wiped out but you don't know why, or other stuff like that."
Learning how to clean a disintegrating headstone and searching for tiny graveyards tucked away in cornfields were new experiences for Brown-Kwaiser. Though hunting season and winter weather largely kept Brown and Brown-Kwaiser from the project in fall and winter, Brown hopes recent media coverage will encourage volunteers to join in their efforts this spring. "There's no way Dylan and I can do this alone," she says.

But even with just their two-person team, Brown and Brown-Kwaiser are committed to their efforts. Brown-Kwaiser says he plans to keep helping his grandmother while he finishes high school, and Brown is happy to have the oldest of her eight grandchildren around, especially when mapping some of the cemeteries requires forging through tall grasses, barbed wire fences, and Iowa summer heat.

Says Brown: "This is why I take a strapping young man with me!" -Gwendolyn Purdom 
Source: Preservation, magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Spring 2012

 

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 19th Century Mexican Broadsides 

The library recently acquired two 19th-century Mexican broadsides. Both are decrees from Guadalajara, the capital city of the Free and Sovereign State of Jalisco, and were issued within a few months of each other in early 1831. The first, enacted on January 18 under Governor Jose Ignacio Herrera y Cairo, authorizes the sum of 500,000 pesos to aid destitute Mexican families in New Orleans and other (unnamed) places, and was ordered to be printed and publicly circulated on January 28, 1831. The second, enacted on March 26 under Governor Jose Ignacio Canedo y Arroniz, establishes Mexican consulates in Bordeaux and New Orleans with an annual allotment of 2,000 pesos. (2012.0078.2,.1)

Broadside, which is also called a  broadsheet can be :
a) sheet of paper printed on one or both sides, as for distribution or posting.
b) and/or any printed advertising circular.
 

The Historic New Orleans Collection, Vol. XXIX, No. 3, Summer 2012





TEXAS

Oct 9, 2012: TCARA presents "History of the Charros" by Rodrigo Gaona
2012 Tejano Heritage Month Coloring Contest
Oct 11-14, 2012: 33rd Annual Texas Hispanic Genealogical & Historical Conference|
Oct 22:  Click to Guardian Angel for book signing event in Dallas
Dallas Mexican American Barrios and Leaders,Exhibit until Oct. 27
Texas Tejano Medal now available
Oct 19-21st: 21st Annual Conjunto Festival.
A History of Texas in 21 State Court Records
Manuel Garcia de Texada
A.B. Cantu/ Pan–Am Hillside Mural, Austin, Tejas, 1978 (Restored 2012)
Texas’ Prosperity Depends on Success of Latino Students
by Dr. Roberto R. Calderón
Speakers at Tejano Summit, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Sept. 20-21
 
"TCARA"  PRESENTS  History of the Charros" 
by Rodrigo Gaona, OCTOBER 9, 2012


11:30 Petroleum Club, (210) 824-9014
8620 N New Braunfels Ave # 700, San Antonio, TX
Buffet assortment of excellent food and desserts Including prim rib and much more, $25.00 Per Person

Your check is your reservation, must RSVP not later than 5 October to Corinne Staacke
527 Country Lane
San Antonio, TX 78209-1608 
(210) 824-6019  

2012 Tejano Heritage Month Coloring Contest
(San Antonio, Texas) September 26, 2012 – Texas Tejano.com, a San Antonio-based research, publishing, and communications firm, is proud to be hosting our 2012 “Celebrate Tejano Heritage” Coloring Contest. The purpose of the contest is to help bring awareness and education to the true lives and legacies of early Texas Tejano pioneers. This contest is open to all students (from kindergarten to 5th grade) in the state of Texas.   Entry form and contest artwork are available for download below. Contest ends October 26, 2012.

For additional information, contact Mr. Vincent Tavera at (210) 673-3584 or visit us online at www.TexasTejano.com.
Entries should be mailed to:  Texas Tejano.com
10000 W. Commerce St.  San Antonio, Texas 78227

 

33rd Annual Texas Hispanic Genealogical & Historical Conference:
Los Caminos del Rio South Padre Island, Texas
OCTOBER 11-14, 2012 

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Genealogical Society of Harlingen, TX is hosting the 33rd Annual Texas Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Conference: Los Caminos del Rio, being held October 11th through 14th at the Hilton Garden Inn, South Padre Island, Texas, has been extended to September 17, 2012. 

The conference will feature informative speakers, tours, sightseeing, exhibits, vendors, networking opportunities and entertainment. This event, held in a different Texas location each year, attracts genealogists and historians from outside the state as well as Mexico. This year's conference is hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic and Genealogical Society of Harlingen.

Topics to be presented range from the basics of Hispanic research, Researching in Archives in Mexico and Spain, Tejano leadership, Hispanic surnames and Jewish ancestry, How to Use the Records of the Texas Land Office, De La Garza family history, New Avenues in Genetic Genealogy, to archaeology, curanderismo and more. Bill Millet, Millet Films, the keynote speaker for the banquet, Friday, October 12, will present information and a video on his current project for PBS, "Texas Before the Alamo." Special guests for the banquet will be Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. and Francisco Garcia, Mayor, Guerrero, Coahuila, MX.

Conference registration is $75. Banquets and other events have additional fees, as listed on the registration form available at the website http://www.rgvhispanicgenealogicalsociety.com/ or contact Annie Barrera at barreraannie16@gmail.com or 956.454.9419.

SPEAKERS and  TOPICS
Jack Ayoub Tejano Soldiers in the Texas War of Independence: Forgotten Tejano Heroes of the Texas Revolution
Jose Adrian Barragan Genealogical Research at the Texas General Land Office
Jeremy Belkin, FTDNA Family Tree DNA - New Avenues in Genetic Genealogy
Miguel Borrego El Censo de la Nueva Vizcaya en 1604 (Spanish)
Pedro Antonio Campos Archivos de Reynosa (Spanish)
Dr. Russell Skowronek, CHAPS Program UTPA  - Symposium
Carlos Rugiero Cazares Fondos Documentales del Archivo General Historico del Estado de Tamaulipas (Spanish) 
David Champion Texas-Mexican Conjunto Music: History and Performance
Andres Cuellar TBA Casa Mata Matamoros 
Mary Jo Galindo Con Un Pie en cada Lado: Ethnicities and the Genealogy of Nuevo Santander Ranching Communities
Israel Cavazos Garza Los Tlaxcaltecas, Colonizadores del Norte, Su Adopcion de Apellidos Hispanicos (Spanish)
George Gause Preservation Techniques
Guillermo Garmendia Leal Primeras Familias Pobladoras del Sur de Texas y Norte de Tamaulipas (Spanish)
Yolanda Gonzalez Gomez Algunos Testamentos de Ayer (Spanish)
Marie Theresa Hernandez The Jewish History of the Virgin of Guadalupe
Eduardo J. Hinojosa United Communities: The Evidence
Jose A Lopez Twelve Things Everyone Should Know About Texas
Raul Montemayor Crypto Jewish Customs of Nuevo Leon
Joe & Rosa Perez The Role of Music in South Texas Culture, Rumbo al'Anacua 
Clemente Rendon La Familia de la Garza en el Norte de Nuevo Santander (Spanish)
Norman Rozeff Conversos on The Rio Grande Frontier
Lucas Martinez Sanchez Capitán José Vázquez Borrego, El Camino de un Colonizador por el Norte de Mexico Spanish)
Dr. Dorina Thomas Basics of Hispanic Research
Dr. Lynn Turner Researching in Spain, Helping You Discover Your Hispanic Ancestors 
Dr. Jerry Thompson, Juan Nepomuceno Cortina
Jesse O. Villarreal. Sr. Tejano Patriots of The American Revolution 1776-1783 
Dr. Tony Zavaleta Curanderismo: An Essential Aspect Of Tejano Culture

Bill Millet, Keynote Speaker for Awards Banquet Friday, October 12, 2012
Millet Films, Producer of upcoming documentary for PBS - "Texas Before the Alamo"
 
Sent by Mary Torres 

Speakers/Publicity
956-345-4756
torresmaro@att.net
  

www.rgvhispanicgenealogicalsociety.com 

 
Dallas Mexican American Historical League
PRESENTS the exhibit 

Centers of Influence: Dallas's Mexican American Barrios and Their Leaders

Sept. 17 thru Oct. 27
PLEASE JOIN US
to view a unique pictorial history of
Mexican American leaders and
their neighborhoods

Sept. 17 -Oct. 27, 2012
 

The Pollock Gallery,

(located inside the Hughes-Trigg Student Center)on the SMU Campus

 

The exhibit is a continuation of the partnership between DMAHL and the Division of Arts,Meadows School of the Arts of SMU.

 

This exhibit will focus on themes such as immigration and the historical development of the various Mexican American Dallas neighborhoods known collectively as "Los Barrios." Learn about the emergence of trailblazing community leaders known to be centers of influence in their barrios.
It will be an excellent opportunity for you to support DMAHL's mission to research, collect, document, preserve, and educate the public on the historical and cultural experiences and contributions of Mexican Americans in Dallas.
 
Become a DMAHL member for a mere $12.00. Contact Maria Cristina de Romero at 469-733-0584 for more information about DMAHL or 214-768-4439 for directions to the gallery.
We Hope to see you there!  www.dmahl.org

 

Texas Tejano Medal now available

(San Antonio, Texas) September 10, 2012 – Texas Tejano.com is a firm with a collection of works associated with its primary objectives of history research, publishing and communications. The company’s mission is to bring awareness to and educate the public about the contributions of early Texas Tejano Pioneers and to tell the true stories of their lives and legacies. Each year, Tejano Heritage Month is celebrated during September and October to honor Tejanos and their role in developing Texas.

This year, to help celebrate the Tejanos that made Texas what it is and what it represents, we are proud to announce the release of a prestigious, limited edition Texas Tejano Medal. Get yours while supplies last. Engraved on the medal are the words “Dios y Tejas” to commemorate the words spoken by Tejanos who chose to stay, fight and die at the Battle of the Alamo. This original and unique medal serves to further promote the role Tejanos played in Texas’ independence.

To purchase your commemorative medal for a modest $10 each, please click here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (210) 673-3584.

Viva Tejas,  
Rudi R. Rodriguez
President/Founder

 


 

the 21st Annual Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center

Conjunto Festival, October 10-21

The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center is proud to announce the 21st Annual Conjunto Festival. This three-day event is a one of a kind event for the country attracting over 3,500 people for a celebration of live Texas Mexican Conjunto music.

WHEN: Friday, October 19, 2012 6:45 pm – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday October 20, 2012 4:00 pm – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday October 21, 2012 4:00 pm - 9:45 p.m.
WHERE: 225 E. Stenger Street, San Benito, Texas

This year will feature 15 Conjuntos from the Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi, Texas, San Antonio, Texas, and Houston, Texas. This year will feature the children of conjunto legends who are following in their father’s conjunto tradition: Flavio Longoria and the Conjunto Kingz is the son of Valerio Longoria, Los Hermanos Jordan are the sons of Steve Jordan, and Ruben Vela Jr. is the son of Ruben Vela. The festival will also present the 2010 Grammy Award Winning The Texmaniacs for their CD, Borders y Bailes. Los Monarcas and Bernardo y Sus Compadres will bring their smooth urban conjunto sound from Houston, Texas. The Coastal Bend conjunto sound will showcase for the 1st time Boni Mauricio y Los Maximos as well as Cuatro Rosas.

Representing the conjunto sound of El Valle will be Herencia Cuatro, Los Gilitos, Los Fantasmas, Los Dos Gilbertos, and Los Socios with Arturo Nino and great vocals of Tony Ël Hormigon” Torres. Representing the youth of conjunto will be the San Benito High School Conjunto Estrella and Pete Anzaldua, the Texas Folklife Resources “BIG SQUEEZE” winner.

We dedicate this festival to our fallen Conjunto pioneers Amadeo Flores, Lionel Pulido, and Cali Carranza.

Come and enjoy three days of live music by 15 of the best Texas Mexican Conjuntos. There will be dancing, food, and beverages, and authentic South Texas driven hospitality. This is a show of a lifetime and not one to miss. ¡Nos Vemos! General Admission is $4.00 each day. No outside beverages will be allowed.

The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center preserves, promotes and develops the rich cultural heritage of the Mexicano community through programs in the visual arts, music, theater, dance and literature.

More information, contact: Rogelio T. Núñez, 956-367-0335  nrogelio@hushmail.com 

 

 

A History of Texas in 21 State Court Records

The Texas Supreme Court’s Texas Court Records Preservation Task Force recognized that it needed to find a compelling way to demonstrate the importance of preserving Texas court records. Task Force members embarked on a quest to find 21 historical state court records that tell a big part of the history of the state. The Task Force picked records from every era of Texas history, beginning with the Republic of Texas. The most recent records date from the 1950s. Some of the records concern famous Texans; others shed light on historical events such as the Civil War or the 1900 Galveston Hurricane, or tragic circumstances like slavery. Many of the volumes are minute books, which are like diaries of the court, but also serve as indices to case files.

The cost of preserving these 21 records was funded by the State Bar of Texas and Baker Botts, L.L.P., and the records will be on display at the State Bar Annual Meeting in June. Several Task Force members, as well as Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson, Justice David Medina, and retired Chief Justice Thomas Phillips, have provided essays highlighting the rich and diverse history contained in these records. The essays are included on the following pages, along with images from the document files and other historical photos. We thank the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for its assistance in providing images of these documents.

Bill Kroger, Chair, Texas Court Records Preservation Task Force 
(Above) Old court records and case files offer a glimpse into every era of Texas history.

www.texasbar.com/tbj Vol. 75, No. 3 • Texas Bar Journal 191

GALVESTON COUNTY MINUTE BOOKS A, B, AND C (1839-1841) 
A Glimpse at Texas’ Early Judicial System
By David M. Medina, Justice, Supreme Court of Texas, Austin

BEXAR COUNTY MINUTE BOOK B (1842)
The San Antonio Bench and Bar Fight a Mexican Army and Lose

By James W. Paulsen,
professor, South Texas College of Law, Houston

TRAVIS COUNTY MINUTE BOOK C (1850s)
Justice in the New State Capital
By Thomas R. Phillips, retired Chief Justice, Supreme Court of  Texas and partner, Baker Botts, L.L. P., Austin

ELLIS COUNTY MINUTE BOOK A (1850)
Judge Oran Roberts and Riding the District Court Circuit 
By James T. Worthen, Chief Justice, 12th Court of Appeals, Tyler

HARRISON COUNTY ESTATE RECORD E (1850s-1860s)
Preserving Records of African-American Slaves 
By James Holmes, Law Offices of James Holmes, P.C., Henderson

COMANCHE COUNTY MINUTE BOOK A (1850s-1860s)
A Connecting Thread to the Past
By Wallace B. Jefferson, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Texas

CAMERON COUNTY MINUTE BOOK B (1850s-1860s)
The Cortina Wars
By Mark Davidson, Judge, Multi-District Litigation Asbestos Court, Houston

GALVESTON COUNTY MINUTE BOOK 5 (1850s-1860s)

Maintaining the Rule of Law During the Civil War
By Mark Davidson

JACK COUNTY MINUTE BOOK A (1870s) 
The Trial of Satanta and Big Tree
By Bill Kroger, partner, Baker Botts, L.L.P.

COMANCHE COUNTY MINUTE BOOK C AND CRIMINAL CASE FILE 341 (1870s)
The Trial of John Wesley Hardin
By Ken Wise, Judge, 334th Judicial District Court, Harris County, Houston

HAMILTON COUNTY MINUTE BOOK B (1870s) 
The Old West in Hamilton County
By Bill Kroger

DONLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT CIVIL CASE FILE 85: TEXAS LAND OFFICE V. CHARLES GOODNIGHT (1886)
Charles Goodnight and the JA Ranch
By Bill Kroger

GALVESTON COUNTY CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT MINUTE BOOK (1899-1901) AND CASE FILE (1901)
The Making of Jack Johnson
By Bill Kroger

BOWIE COUNTY DISTRICT COURT (1918)
The Turning Point in Lead Belly’s Life
By Bill Kroger

WILLIAMSON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT CASE FILES: STATE OF TEXAS V. KKK (1923) 
Breaking the Back of the Texas Klan
By James W. Paulsen

TRAVIS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT: ROSS STERLING V. MIRIAM “MA” FERGUSON (1932)
The Struggle of African Americans to Vote in Texas
By James T. Worthen

BELL COUNTY DISTRICT COURT: (1932-1933)
State of Texas v. Frank Hardy
and the Bonnie and Clyde Murders By James Holmes

MCLENNAN COUNTY DISTRICT COURT: BURRUS MILL & ELEVATOR COMPANY V. JIM ROB WILLS (1933)
“Formerly the Light Crust Doughboys”
By Mark Davidson

JIM WELLS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT (1948)
Lyndon B. Johnson v. Coke R. Stevenson, et al.
By Ken Wise

GALVESTON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT CASE FILES (1950s) 
The Balinese Room
By Ken Wise

GALVESTON COUNTY IMMIGRATION RECORDS (1870s-1930s)
Gateway to Texas
By Bill Kroger

Essays on 21 Notable Preserved Texas Court Records 
All document images are courtesy of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Sent by Roberto Calderon, Ph.D.  beto@unt.edu 
Source: Bill Kuykendall wkuykendall@dcccd.edu 


MANUEL GARCIA DE TEXADA

Manuel Garcia de Texada (originally de Tejada) arrived in the New World as a Spanish subject during the American Revolution, serving under Bernardo de Gálvez. By June 1782, he had arrived in Natchez and was serving as mayordomo of the Natchez Royal Hospital. He was a recipient of a Spanish land grant along the North Fork of Cole’s Creek in present day Jefferson County.

Texada had many varied business interests during the course of his 35-year tenure in Natchez. He was a successful planter and engaged in local commerce. His name is found on many transactions in various court records; he numbered many Spanish officials and military officers among his friends and colleagues. In addition to the land grant on Cole’s Creek, Texada acquired and sold other parcels of land in the District. In 1798, he acquired and expanded a prominent brick building in the city in which his tenants ran a variety of businesses, including the American Eagle Tavern. Widely known today as Texada Tavern, this house is located at the corner of Wall and Washington Streets.

In his 1817 will, Don Manuel Garcia de Texada bequeathed $1500 to the Roman Catholic congregation of Natchez, provided they organize within a two year period. The legacy of this bequest is St. Mary’s Cathedral on Union Street.

Texada also raised his family in Natchez. While little is known of his first wife, she was the mother of his older son José or Joseph Texada (ca.1775-1852). He later married Mahalah Trevillion, who was the mother of his second son, Juan Augustin or John Augustin Texada (1789-1869).

Having lived through a period of remarkable change from Spanish governance to organization by the United States as the Mississippi Territory, Don Manuel Garcia de Texada died in Natchez in October 1817, less than two months before Mississippi became the 20th state in the Union. 

 


Texada Tavern
, this house is located at the corner of Wall and Washington Streets, Natchez MS.

This is also published on a website called the First families of Mississippi  http://www.offms.org 

Anthony Startz


A.B. Cantu/ Pan–Am Hillside Mural, Austin, Tejas, 1978 (Restored 2012)


Front View of hillside stage 

Bold and colorful once again, mural at East Austin outdoor theater comes into focus  by Juan Castillo

Awash in bold strokes and arresting hues of red, blue and orange, the concrete walls of the Hillside Theater at the Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center in East Austin don't quietly beckon as much as they seem to grab one by the arms to come take a look. The artistic style is quintessential Raul Valdez, who in 1978 filled the walls of this community hub with a mural of iconic images born in the barrio.

The walls form a behemoth, 4,000-square-foot canvas that serves as the backdrop for the outdoor theater that opened in 1958. It is one of the biggest murals of Valdez's career, and although it bears his artistic signature, Valdez says the mural is not his.

"It belongs to the people of East Austin," the 63-year-old Valdez said. "It's a representation of what the people who lived there wanted to see."


Front wall detail 

Though a hallmark of community pride, over the years the mural fell victim to vandalism and natural deterioration, and in late 2011, Valdez, of Austin, led a restoration, which was completed in June and which will be celebrated at 6 p.m. today at the theater. The City of Austin paid for the $52,000 restoration.

Like a gleaming jewel, the Hillside Theater with its colorful backdrop is nestled in the 2100 block of East Third Street, amid working-class homes with shallow front yards and thick tree canopies in one of East Austin's oldest neighborhoods. The stage looks out on a wide green lawn sloping upward.

After opening, the amphitheater quickly became the venue to hear live Mexican and Latino music, said Gloria Pennington, a historian for the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

"It evolved to mean much more than that," Pennington added. "It became ‘lo nuestro.' I think that's how they feel about that Hillside Theater — ‘It's something that belongs to us.'?"

The adjacent A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center has been a fixture of Mexican American community life since 1942, when it was known both as the Comal Recreation Center and Latin American Center and operated under the auspices of the Federated Latin American Clubs, Pennington said. The city parks department took over operation of the center around 1947, she said.

Accompanied by his assistants on the restoration project, artist Camille Gerhardt and musician J.J. Barrera, Valdez recently visited the theater, reflecting on the passage of time between the original mural and the restored one.

East Austin's demographics have changed, he mused, but the mural and its imagery stand the test of time.


La Invasión Européa a 1810 


La Revolución Mexicana 

The artwork depicts a broad range of content — Aztec civilization, Spanish conquistadors, Mexican freedom fighters and iconic figures such as Miguel Hidalgo and Emiliano Zapata, the Chicano civil rights movement, Mexican American farm workers and contemporary life. The wall behind the stage features a moon rising low over the landscape and giant, open hands. Valdez said they signify the presentation of the performers.

As they set out to restore the mural, artists ran into a number of challenges. The scars left by graffiti vandals were covered over the years with thick coats of latex paint, which proved painstakingly difficult to strip without peeling off the original image, Valdez said. In some cases, it was impossible, and Valdez and his crew had to re-create the image, working from 8-inch by 10-inch photos of the original work. (The restored mural is coated with a varnish intended to protect against graffiti and other types of vandalism, a city spokeswoman said. It will be re-applied regularly.)


Huehueteotl y Protesta 


'56


Migrantes


Pueblo en Lucha


Guerra 

Valdez has been painting on canvases large and small for more than 40 years. But the Hillside Theater mural is etched in his memory, he said, because of the degree of neighborhood interest.

In 1978, Valdez surveyed about 300 neighborhood residents, asking them what they wanted to see in the artwork. He got back one- and two-word suggestions, such as "war" and "peace," and took it from there.

Hundreds of neighbors, including scores of schoolchildren, helped paint the original. Neighbors came every day to gawk, admire or pick up a brush. One day, Valdez handed a brush to a man in his 80s who, obviously captivated, had observed the fuss daily.

Now, with city liability issues and red tape, that kind of organic participation was impossible for the restoration, Valdez said, although about 40 children from an after-school program pitched in for a bit.

During the restoration, neighbors stopped to offer Valdez a kind word or encouragement. Some, with their children in tow, remembered working on the original when they were youngsters.

"It's a symbol of the east side, especially when the east side was trying to survive as a barrio," Valdez said. "The people in the neighborhood are proud of that mural."

Contact Juan Castillo?at 445-3635


Rear Wall/ Liberación

Que Viva Zapata! Que Viva Villa! 
Que Viva Mexico!





Y Que Vivan Los Artista del Continente y el Movimiento Muralista!

Paz 
Designed and painted by 
Zavala Elementary Students in 
1978



 Raul Valdez 
valdezmurals@aol.com

Sent by Dorinda Moreno
pueblosenmovimientonorte@gmail.com 


http://www.statesman.com/news/local/bold-and-colorful-once-again-mural-at-east-2425045.html 

Texas’ Prosperity Depends on Success of Latino Students
By Dr. Roberto R. Calderón

Associate Professor of History at the University of North Texas

<
Here are the numbers we know and with which we prepare this analysis.
5 September 2012
Texas’s future Latino majority is already reflected in its known current and projected public school enrollments. These numbers are widely available. A brief analysis of these numbers reveals the basic contours of Texas’s current and near-term future ethnic demographic changes. The state’s prosperity resides in the near- and long-term success of its Latino public school students. Education is a key battleground to no one’s surprise.

In a recent interview given to The Texas Tribune, Steve Murdock sketched some brief but important demographic projections where the Texas school population pre-K to 12 is concerned. Murdock as many know is the former longtime Texas State Demographer and later under the second George W. Bush presidency was appointed Director of the US Census Bureau for a time. The key projected data were offered in two short paragraphs by reporter Morgan Smith. She wrote:

"But geography aside, Texas public schools may increasingly find more in common with the South Texas district. In 2011, the state reached two landmarks. For the first time, Hispanics became the majority of public school students. And to cope with a historic budget deficit, the Legislature did not finance enrollment growth in the state’s schools — something that had not happened since the modernization of the state’s public school system in 1949. Though the first turning point passed quietly and the second with much political strife, they both underscored the challenges ahead as a dramatic demographic shift occurs in public school classrooms statewide.

By 2050, the number of Texas public school students is expected to swell to nine million from roughly five million now, and nearly two-thirds will be Hispanic, according to Steve Murdock, a demographer and director of Rice University’s Hobby Center for the Study of Texas. The overall percentage of white students will drop by half to about 15 percent. Without a change in Hispanics’ current socioeconomic status, that also means Texas students will continue to grow poorer — and their education more expensive — in the next four decades, Murdock added."

Based on these projections there will be an estimated 5.94 million Latino students in the public schools of Texas by 2050. This represents two-thirds of the nine million projected by that date.

This is an increase of about four million above and beyond today’s statewide five million public school students. Stated differently, there will be one million more Latino public school students by 2050 than the total number of Texas public school students today. That is, the overall student population in Texas is projected to grow by about 80 percent between 2012 and 2050.

Within this overall growth trend Latinos will account for some 86 percent of the total increase of public school student enrollments. Blacks, Asians, and others will account for the remaining 560,000 public school student enrollment increase. As evidence of a far more Latino or Mexicanized Texas society specifically these projections are quite compelling.

Similarly, if today thirty percent of the five million public school student population is White (or about 1.5 million students statewide), by 2050 this number will have been reduced by half to 15 percent of the total of nine million.

This means that there will about 1.35 million White students by 2050 statewide in this age grouping. White student enrollments in this age grouping will not increase between now and 2050 and will in fact decrease slightly by an estimated 150,000 students. White students in this population grouping constitute a static growth category that will decrease by 10 percent between 2012 and 2050, according to the projections cited.

Conversely, Latino students will experience an altogether different trend in the age category indicated. While such students today constitute half or about 2.5 million students of the state’s five million students in the pre-K to 12 student population, by 2050 they will have increased their number by an additional projected 3.44 million. That is, Mexican American and other Latino students will have increased their number by a percentage of 137.6 percent (or 138.0%). Projected Latino public school student enrollments constitute the most active growth category in Texas bar none.

The remainder of the one-third of our Texas pre-K to 12 students by 2050 will be comprised by Black, Asian and other student cohorts. Taken together these student cohorts will comprise 19 percent of the total such number or equivalent to about 1,710,000 students.

Texas has far and away the largest and fastest growing actual and projected public school student population after California in the nation. This is both challenge and opportunity where Mexican American and Latino students as a whole are concerned.

Such historic increases in public school student enrollments will not occur in a vacuum. Every institution will be affected. From the standpoint of the Texas Latino community we can certainly raise several questions: Whither employment and promotions, authority, budgets, resources, etc., for Latino staff, teachers, and administrators? Will two-thirds of the state’s public school positions across the board including staff, teachers and administrators, as well as school board members and superintendents be Latino by 2050? In other words, what do these projected public school enrollment figures represent for the community that is most directly affected?

What will happen on the journey getting there from where we stand today? Will we be able to construct a multiracial society premised on equity and parity that may become the norm in our society? Is it possible to grow and build such a progressive consciousness in our society in the short space of four decades? Or will we simply be reproducing more of the same of what we’ve known for the past four decades as the Occupy movement made manifest, a period in US history wherein we have generated increased social inequality at every level. Public resources and budgets, it’s as basic as it gets.

In practice equality should be a plural concept in every sense of the term. Short of it, the worst of our history surfaces instead and racism is the outcome which tends to limit the perks available in society to a privileged few or at best selected cohorts in society. What about shared governance and the effective equitable democratic practice of shared power? Commensurate with said socially conscious practices our society needs desperately to embark on a history- changing project to challenge and eliminate poverty and extant inequalities. We need leadership that is prepared to walk this path. We need leadership that is unafraid to face the wrath of those who would covet and hoard all power, a trajectory that is fundamentally anathema to the highest ideals of every would-be democratic society in the world including our own.

Moreover, what will the Texas public higher education establishment—community colleges and four-year universities—do to widen, create and extend existing and new success and achievement opportunities for the growing non-White student population going forward toward 2050 in light of such a scenario? And because Mexican American and Latino students will comprise two-thirds of the total of such students statewide in that future that is ours already, what specifically will be our policy toward this particular community? Is the expectation of racial, social and economic justice too much to hold?

Clearly, in order to create a more prosperous and equal society Texas needs to significantly expand rather than contract its available funding of public education at all levels including higher education. The mood, however, for such a progressive turn in policymaking following on the heels of the recent neoliberal retrenchment in such funding for the first time since 1949 is up in the air. It’s a political throw of the dice and a game of chicken all rolled into one. The mood on the right politically is plain ugly and beholden to all sorts of self-serving and anti-democratic corporate interests. In Texas being a conservative also means being subservient to a racialized view of our world that is status quo and thereby reactionary by definition. It’s a posture that conveniently denies contemporary historical developments. It’s a posture that’s determined to hold onto all privilege and power until whenever.

For those who believe in social justice and live the principles of equality espoused in the documents of our nation and its society, there is no other possible alternative but to seek and work toward building the equitable society that will benefit all the state’s residents now and in the future. That fight is being waged daily. And it will be in play certainly in the upcoming Texas Legislature’s biennial session scheduled from January to May of 2013.

Texas’s current and future prosperity resides in the collective fortunes of its public schoolchildren. And with Texas Latino public school students already comprising the numerical majority today and more so going forward during the next four decades, it is their educational success and economic achievements, their combined effective equitable social and political capital that will assure the prosperity of the second most populous state in the Union. All Texas residents will win. Let us join and make it happen.

http://www.maswired.com/texas-prosperity-depends-on-success-of-latino-students/

Sent by Sara Ines Calderon  
saraines.calderon@gmail.com 

 

 

SPEAKERS AT THE TEJANO SUMMIT, SEPT 20-21ST
Tejano Summit, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Sept. 20-21
A part of the university’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration Honoring the legacy of Dr. Hector P. Garcia and his family

Thursday, Sept. 20
Name Topic Time to speak
1. Dr. Andres Tijerina Opening Address Professor, Austin “Tejanos Under the 10 a.m. Sept. 20
Community College, Mexican Flag,” MSUB 221A VP, Tejano Monument or “Tejano Empire,”
Committee or a topic of his choice

2. Dr. Emilio Zamora, “The Tejano Monument 11 a.m. Sept. 20
Profesor, Project Curriculum” MSUB 221A  University of Texas

3. Cayetano Barrera “History of Tejano"  Noon - Keynote address
President, Monument Project” Tejano Heritage
The Tejano Banquet, Sept. 20
Monument Committee MSUB Ballroom

4. Dr. Felix Almaraz, “Francisco I. Madero 2 p.m. Sept. 20
Professor, and the Texas Prelude MSUB 221A Texas-San Antonio to the Mexican Revolution,"
or a topic of his choice

5. The Hon. Jose A. “The Legacy of Dr. Hector 3 p.m., Sept. 20
Gonzales, Barbara P. Garcia and the Garcia MSUB 221A Canales and Bob Family of South Texas” Sanchez (Film)

6. Dr. Lino Garcia, “ El Grito – Sept. 16, 1810, 4 p.m., Sept 20
Emeritus Professor, and It’s Impact on the MSUB 221A Texas Pan American Tejano Community”

7. Dr. Sonia Hernandez, “The Mexican American 5 p.m., Sept. 20
Professor, Texas- Pan Woman in Tejano History” MSUB 221A American.

8. Tejano Mixer Documentary Showing: 6:30 p.m.,

“Tejanos A Breed Apart,” John E. Conner
Alicia Villarreal, Producer Museum
Free Honoring the legacy of Dr. Hector P. Garcia and his family
Note: We will have a gathering for speakers , guests and Tejano Monument Honorees
John E. Conner Museum that evening at 6:30 p.m., September 20. The documentary “Tejanos: A Breed Apart,” produced by TAMUK students will be shown. Also, attendees will be able to visit and tour the current exhibit at the museum: “Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy.”

Friday, Sept. 21
“Tacos, coffee, pan dulce and juice will be available in the MSUB 221A Friday, Sept. 21, from

7 a.m.-7:45 a.m prior to the first speaker.”

8. Dr. Shannon Baker, “Tacos al Cabron: 8 a.m., Sept. 21
Chair – History and Student use of MSUB 221A Political Science, Texas Satirical Humor
A&M-Kingsville at Texas A&I University”

10. Dr. Gilberto Hinojosa, “Tejanos in Mexican, 9 a.m. Sept. 21
Professor, University Texas: Changing MSUB 221A Of the Incarnate Word, Identities” San Antonio, Texas

11. Dr. Roger Tuller, “"Revolution on the Border: 10 a.m., Sept. 21
Professor of History, ‘El Plan de San Diego’ ” MSUB 221A Texas A&M-Kingsville

12. Homero Vera, “Petra Vela de Kenedy 11 a.m. Sept. 21
Vice-President, Tejano and Her Family’s Life MSUB 221A in Northern Mexico”

13. The. Hon. Mary Helen “SBOE: Battles Noon Address, Sept. 21
Berlanga, and Struggles to MSUB 221A State Board of Last a Lifetime” Education Member

14. Dr. Jody Briones, ‘Tejanidad y Conjunto: 1 p.m., Sept. 21
Asst. Professor Remembrance, Performance, MSUB 221A
Texas A&M – and Expression of Tejanidad Kingsville through Conjunto Music

15. R.J. Molina, Advisory “The Maps of Texas: 2 p.m., Sept. 21
Board Member, Tejano A look at the Historical MSUB 221A Monument Committee,
Maps of the Texas Jim Hogg Couty Historical General Land Office”
Commission VP

16. Roberto Villarreal, “Who are the Tejanos: 3 p.m., Sept. 21
Tejano Historian, A retrospective on MSUB 221A  Author and film- a culture” maker

17. Dr. Manuel Flores, “Is It Time For A   4 p.m., Sept. 21
Planning Meeting Tejano Historians Journal MSUB 221A


 

   


MEXICO

Dona Ana (Anita) Rodríguez Gámez de Robles,
Esposa de José León Robles de la Torre, partió a los cielos
“Historia Antigua de México”, abreviada por Carlos Martín Herrera de la Garza
Cartoon by Sergio Hernandez: The Burden of the Beleaguered Mexican People
Purepechas in Cheran, Michoacan, Mexico
URL: US War on Drug Cartels in Mexico, Deadly Failure by Paul Jay & Mark Karlin
Families of Santiago, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Volume Three by Crispin Rendon
Colonial Mexico by Espadana Press,rRichard Perry
Winds of Darkness Blowing in Mexico by Javier Rodriguez . . . 15 Sept 2012
Dos Manos: A Visit to Mixteco Migrant Workers in Colonia Guadalupe Victoria
Mis ancestros y familares Alemanes, Tte. Corl. Ricardo R. Palmerín Cordero.
Mariscal de Campo Don Antonio Cordero, 1753-1823
por Tte. Corl. Ricardo R. Palmerín Cordero.
Bagdad, Mexico---The Lost City of Sin by Norman Rozeff 


José León Robles
 de la Torre

 

Our sincere Sympathy and prayers to our own Somos Primos “Personajes en la Historia de Mexico” Author José León Robles de la Torre on the loss of his wife, Ana Rodríguez Gámez de Robles, who passed on September 11, 2012 due to Alzheimer’s disease.  She was 84 years old.

José León Robles de la Torre writes for El Siglo de Torreón newspaper, he has shared his articles for Somos Primos since 2007. He has also contributed various articles on Mexican personalities who contributed to enrich the states of Zacatecas and Torreón, México.

He’s the author of “Personajes en la Historia de Mexico - Personajes del Centenario de la ciudad de Torreón, Coahuila” (2008). He has also been an active series contributor of Somos Primos since 2009 to 2012, “Personajes en la Historia de México – La Independencia y los Presidentes de México” series. He is also the author of many books such as “Filigranas, Fundaciones y Genealogías,Tepetongo, Zacatecas”  “Filigranas, Fundaciones y Genealogías,” Jerez 1531-1992-2006, Susticacan1562-1981, y Monte Escobedo 1600-1700-1995, Zacatecas, “Historia de Juanchorrey y Tepetongo,”  “Mis Recuerdos,” and many others.  

José León Robles de la Torre was born on April 11, 1925 in Juanchorrey, Zacatecas, Mexico.  On December 6, 1948, José León married Ana Rodríguez Gámez (1928-2012). The couple have two sons; José Armando, (1949-1989), and Alejandro, an Attorney and one daughter; Ana Laura, an Attorney; he has five grandchildren. 

 
 

PERSONAJES EN LA HISTORIA DE MÉXICO

Por: JOSÉ LEÓN ROBLES DE LA TORRE

DOÑA ANA (ANITA) Rodríguez Gámez de Robles    

DOÑA ANA (ANITA) Rodríguez Gámez de Robles, fallecida el día 11 de septiembre de 2012 a la edad de 84 años, cuatro meses y siete días de vida, en Torreón, Coahuila.

Adiós a mi amada esposa Anita Rodríguez Gámez de Robles, quien partió a los cielos a dar cuenta a su Creador y reunirse con los seres queridos que se le adelantaron. Allá nos veremos. Sepárame un espacio cerca de ti.

Ella fue una gran mujer, compañera de mi vida durante 64 años de un feliz matrimonio. Nació el día cuatro de mayo de 1928, en la ciudad de Torreón, Coah., siendo hija de don Aurelio Rodríguez y Rodríguez y de su esposa doña Rosa Gámez Rodríguez, originarios de la Región Lagunera y de raíces zacatecanas. Su partida fue tranquila, en paz, desvaneciéndose lentamente su corazón para despedirse de su familia, esposo, José León Robles de la Torre, hijos: José Armando Robles Rodríguez (f), Alejandro Robles Rodríguez y Ana Laura Robles Rodríguez; nietos: José Armando Robles Ávalos, Rodolfo Alejandro Robles Prieto, León David Robles Prieto, Jazel Asbay García Robles e Israím León Gabriel García Robles, además de Rodrigo García Casas y Alejandra Barragán de Robles.

Te fuiste dejando un vacío en mi corazón, porque a lo largo de tu vida, me apoyaste en todos mis trabajos culturales: escritura de libros, creaciones poéticas, artículos periodísticos, etc. Sin tu apoyo no habría podido escribir 105 libros, de los cuales cerca de cuarenta están publicados, 1, 596 artículos periodísticos, y tantas investigaciones históricas realizadas, en las que siempre me acompañaste con tu silencio, para la meditación, con tus palabras de aliento para seguir en la lucha en favor de la cultura de Torreón, de Zacatecas y de la República y aún del extranjero, pues varios de mis libros, encabezados por “Torreón en las Letras Nacionales”, con 638 páginas, editado en 1986, en su primera edición y la segunda en el 2000, y que están en la Biblioteca del Congreso de los Estados Unidos. Cuántas veces me acompañaste a los panteones de la República en busca de tumbas históricas para mi obra de “La Independencia y los Presidentes de México”... Siempre fuiste mi guía y fortaleza, por eso digo que no hay con qué llenar el hueco que dejas en mi corazón con tu partida.

Por esa razón, entre las muchas poesías que te dediqué, hoy reproduzco la siguiente: Allí estarás tú.

“Cuando el cielo nos cubra con su azul/ o la Luna nos bañe con su luz, / allí estarás tú.

“Cuando veas por las noches las estrellas/ en marco incomparable de belleza, / con el centro brillante del lucero, / escucharás sutiles los murmullos/ de mis voces, diciendo que te quiero./ Cuando veas en los campos la floresta, / o las aguas cristalinas del arroyo/ desgranando sus gotas como orquesta, / allí estarás tú.

“Sentirás de mis manos las caricias./ Sentirás de mi aliento los murmullos./ Sentirás mi latir del corazón/ que entrega las delicias del amor, / olvidando la razón de la razón, / y olvidando el dolor que da el dolor.  

“Cuando el tiempo y el espacio se hagan uno;/ cuando aurora y ocaso se confundan/ quedará sólo el néctar de tus besos, / fundidos con amor uno por uno/ en eternos abrazos y embelesos, / y allí estarás tú”. (Sept. 9 de 1990).

 

POEMA QUE DEDIQUE A MI ESPOSA EN SEPTIEMBRE 9, DE 1990

 Por esa razón, entre las muchas poesías que te dediqué, hoy reproduzco la siguiente: Allí estarás tú.

“Cuando el cielo nos cubra con su azul/ o la Luna nos bañe con su luz, / allí estarás tú.

“Cuando veas por las noches las estrellas/ en marco incomparable de belleza, / con el centro brillante del lucero, / escucharás sutiles los murmullos/ de mis voces, diciendo que te quiero./ Cuando veas en los campos la floresta, / o las aguas cristalinas del arroyo/ desgranando sus gotas como orquesta, / allí estarás tú.

“Sentirás de mis manos las caricias./ Sentirás de mi aliento los murmullos./ Sentirás mi latir del corazón/ que entrega las delicias del amor, / olvidando la razón de la razón, / y olvidando el dolor que da el dolor.

“Cuando el tiempo y el espacio se hagan uno;/ cuando aurora y ocaso se confundan/ quedará sólo el néctar de tus besos, / fundidos con amor uno por uno/ en eternos abrazos y embelesos, / y allí estarás tú”. (Sept. 9 de 1990).

Source www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx
Sent by Mercy Bautista-Olvera

 


La obra de Francisco Xavier Clavijero: “Historia Antigua de México”
es el primer estudio de antropología comparada.

Periódico La Jornada, miércoles 26 de septiembre de 2012
http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2012/09/26/cultura/a03n1cul

Carlos Paul y Ana M. Rodríguez
(versión abreviada por Carlos Martín Herrera de la Garza) 


En la actualidad hace falta una edición crítica de la obra de Francisco Xavier Clavijero (1731-1787), así como reunir toda la bibliografía que se ha escrito en torno a su obra, aseveró Miguel León-Portilla, durante la conferencia magistral que ofreció en la Biblioteca
 del Instituto de Investigaciones Históricas de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, para inaugurar la noche del lunes pasado el coloquio-homenaje con motivo del 225 aniversario luctuoso del historiador jesuita y defensor de la cultura indígena.

 

León-Portilla se refirió al hecho de que Clavijero desde niño sabía náhuatl y otomí; al trabajo de maestro que realizó en Puebla, Valladolid (hoy Morelia, Michoacán) y Guadalajara. Abordó su interés por la filosofía y las ciencias, así como las traducciones que de su obra se hicieron en Alemania, Inglaterra, Francia e Italia, entre otros países.

 

“Historia antigua de México” es el título de la obra compuesta por 10 tomos en los que Clavijero narró la realidad cultural indígena de México, antes de la conquista española.

“Es una obra que sigue atrayendo a centenares de especialistas de todo el mundo, por los distintos temas que integra”, expresó León-Portilla y explicó que el personaje se basó sobre todo en lo escrito por Tomás de Torquemada para hacer su Historia antigua de México, obra que el investigador llamó “el primer estudio de antropología comparada. Es una extraña mezcla de modernidad y tradición”, destacó León-Portilla, quien tampoco soslayó la veracidad de las críticas y ataques de las que fue objeto esta obra.

 

Entre sus críticos estaba Filiberto Palin Parra, explicó el autor de “Visión de los vencidos”. Se centraba sobre todo en que Clavijero no conoció ni recurrió a códices originales y en su obra quiere dar la impresión de que así fue, de que se basó en dichas fuentes. “Eso era verdad, no podemos soslayarlo”, sostuvo León- Portilla.

“Sin embargo, lo que Clavijero hizo fue darle un sentido de reinterpretación a los autores a los que sí recurrió”.

 

La importancia de Francisco Xavier Clavijero, concluyó “es que sigue siendo un clásico redivivo que influyó, entre otros aspectos, en los libros de texto; pero sobre todo, como ya lo apuntó el filósofo Luis Villoro, porque Clavijero puso a la cultura indígena a la misma altura que las culturas griegas y romanas”.

 

La relevancia de Clavijero, explicó Francisco Iván Escamilla González, secretario académico del Instituto e Investigaciones Históricas de la UNAM, estriba en la idea de nación mexicana que hoy tenemos, cuyo proceso empezó mucho antes que el movimiento de Independencia y, en este sentido la figura de este personaje pionero es fundamental.

 

De Francisco Xavier Clavijero se recuerda que fue un “historiador nacido en Veracruz en 1731 y falleció en 1787 en Bolonia, Italia; desde muy joven ingresó a la orden de los jesuitas, donde se hallaban algunos de los mejores intelectuales que había en la Nueva España”.

 

En esa época, prosiguió Escamilla, “Clavijero comenzó a experimentar la inquietud de que la Nueva España se abriera a otras corrientes del pensamiento que ya existían en Europa; además, tuvo gran interés en la historia de México y en las lenguas indígenas”.

“En la Compañía de Jesús –dijo– destacó como parte del selecto grupo de humanistas criollos que a mediados del siglo XVIII, desde ámbitos como la filosofía, la teología, la historia, las letras y la ciencia, querían abrir a la Nueva España al diálogo con la nueva modernidad de la Ilustración.”

 

No obstante, “la labor de Clavijero fue interrumpida en 1767 por la expulsión de los jesuitas de todos los dominios del imperio español; desde su exilio en Italia no olvidó a su patria y se dedicó a recrear el pasado prehispánico desde las páginas de su Historia antigua de México, publicada en 1780”.

 

En esa obra “evocó la riqueza de las civilizaciones indígenas y de esta forma contrapuso los prejuicios y falsedades que en Europa existían y dominaban la visión que se tenía de América, sus habitantes y su cultura”.

 

 


Artist: Sergio Hernandez 

Purepechas in Cheran, Michoacan, Mexico 

Cheranes have taken control of their community and are keeping all Mexican political parties out of their city. "El pueblo asumio su autoridad..." Nearly 19-minute long video documents events on April 14, 2012 in Cheran, Michoacan, Mexico. Very well done short documentary. 
http://www.vice.com/vice-news/the-new-zapatistas

New statistics put out by the Mexican government that more than 80,000 people have died since Felipe Calderón, who is the outgoing president, started the U.S.-led, reinvigorated war on drugs in 2006. Another 160,000 or 180,000 have been displaced in Mexico, and 10,000 to 20,000 have disappeared.

The citizens don't really have a chance to politically protest, because they fear for their lives. And many people who are killed in Mexico—and there's no question about that; this is just factual—are killed by the military there or the local police. There is so much corruption within the ranks of Mexican law enforcement and the military that people who are in a city that's besieged, like Juárez, really don't know who they can trust. They don't report crime to the police because the police may be behind it, the military may be behind it.

Source: Molly Molloy, librarian,  New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. She can be found on FronteraList.org. She also has a listserv.  She has a wide following.

Above information sent by Roberto R. Calderon beto@unt.edu 
and Carlos Munoz  cmjr1040@gmail.com

Article: The US War on Drug Cartels in Mexico Is a Deadly Failure By Paul Jay and Mark Karlin, The Real News Network | Video, Sunday, 16 Sept 2012 http://truth-out.org/news/item/11569-the-us-war-on-drug-cartels-in-mexico-is-a-deadly-failure

Families of Santiago, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Volume Three

This email is going out to everyone in my genealogy address book. There is no need to respond unless you want me to remove your email address.  I have posted Volume Three of Families of Santiago, Nuevo Leon Mexico book online. Find the link below:http://home.earthlink.net/~nemexfh/svol3.pdf  

Volume three ends in mid 1831. This is the final volume for Santiago. Should FamilySearch.org ever post the images for the remainder of 1831 to 1841. I would like to continue the series. I decided not to wait for that to happen. This book is 400 pages so it may take some time for the file to appear. In the future I should consider fewer families in each volume.

Best Regards, Crispin Rendon  
crispin.rendon@gmail.com  
Sent by Jose M. Pena  JMPENA@aol.com

 

Colonial Mexico by Espadana Press

Queridos aficionados,  I hope you are enjoying my new blog on the arts of colonial Mexico: http://colonialmexico.blogspot.com 

In August we featured various portrayals of distinctive saints from regions across Mexico: Peter of Verona, Saint Dennis and Rose of Lima. We also ran a series on eagles in Mexican art from Aztec times through Independence.

Forthcoming posts will showcase special aspects of some of the great monasteries of central Mexico, including Actopan and San Gabriel de Cholula. And we will continue with wide ranging series on Mexican crosses, fonts and fountains.

We welcome your comments on or off line Richard Perry rperry@west.net
ESPADANA PRESS: Exploring Colonial Mexico
http://www.colonial-mexico.com 
http://colonialmexico.blogspot.com

 

  

As Millions Celebrate Independence, Winds of Darkness Blowing in Mexico
By Javier Rodriguez, Mexico City . . . 15 Sept 2012 


Today is the 15th of September, one of the most symbolic days in the history of Mexican people and its independence from Spanish Colonialism. On that night of 1810, the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the father of Mexican independence, led the first armed rebellion against the Spaniards. And the 202 year legend says, the insurrection began with the battle cry of “El Grito de Dolores Hidalgo” which signaled the beginning of the glorious war that ended 300 years of Spanish colonial rule and gave birth to the Mexican nation. 

Regardless of where Mexicans maybe on the 15th and for whatever reason, as is the case for the over thirty million in the United States, the cry of the priest reverberates in the hearts and minds of Mexican people and at the sound of the bells at 11 PM and amidst the cries of “Viva Mexico,” the chills of nationalism and pride runs through the blood and soul of the people. 

Let me give you an example of a vivid memory capsule in the life of a Mexican immigrant family in America on the night of “El Grito.” On September 15, 1956, at 26 days after crossing the border and landing in Los Angeles, our family was already residing at a large Boyle Heights Public Housing Tract in the Eastside. On that evening, my brother Antonio and I were listening to the celebration on Radio Kali, one of only two existent Spanish language stations of the time. When the awaited moment arrived and the bells rang and we heard the crowd chant in chorus, spontaneously in unison, we both put our heads out the window and screamed, “Viva Mexico, gringos hijos de la jijurria/Long live Mexico gringos.” We had no idea that the emotional outburst would mark us for the rest of our lives. It wasn’t just a fleeting moment of nostalgia, it became a pillar of pride and defense of our dignity in an environment of constant cultural aggression and racism, that in time it thrust us into the struggle of civil and human rights in America, without ever losing our roots. 

Today in Mexico the celebrations take place in the middle of a brutal unconventional war that is ravaging the country and the people and with no end in sight. The tribunal certified but highly questioned president elect, Enrique Pena Nieto, promises a continuation of the conflict and also the continuity of the economic model of neo liberalism and capitalist globalization in place since 1982. The economic policies in a Mexico ruled by the PRI and the PAN for the last three decades has left a staggering panorama of social polarization and an overwhelming majority of have nots, the 99%. In contrast the very few have concentrated the wealth and power of the country into a diminutive minority, experts say, thirty billionaires and politicians who rule an estimated 120 million Mexicans. Additionally, the nation has just gone through another presidential election that left the clear stench of another mega fraud, which purchased the vote of millions of poor voters, and this is the third in 24 years and all of them against left leaning candidates which, had promised a change in the nation’s direction, away from the existing and perpetual political system of privileges, corruption and impunity. 

So the celebrations will be surrounded by military barriers and metal detectors, plus dogs, and guarded by tens of thousands of soldiers and police of all levels in many cities throughout Mexico. 

With the armed forces, the national federal police, the business organizations and the media monopolies covering their back, At the same time, the outgoing President Vicente Calderon and the incoming Pena Nieto and their right wing political parties that hold a majority in both federal legislative houses, have reached an agreement to railroad and fast track approve the new labor reform law. This is a pro corporate piece which will erode rights and benefits for workers and the labor movement as a whole. The miners union has labeled it as a law where “in Mexico will prevail a new social and labor slavery.” Why, because it seeks to reduce and destroy long gained labor rights as the right to strike, it will impose a salary wage, introduce provisional contracts, weakened seniority and outsource labor amongst other onerous clauses. The miners charge that the law was written by the business class geared to strengthen their position and weaken the working class and unions. 

On the political agenda for after 1 December, when Pena Nieto takes office, is the probable reform and privatization of Mexico’s oil and other energy resources. Long a source of national pride, oil was actually nationalized in 1928 by then President Lazaro Cardenas and for years has been the primary source of national income. Of course, as in other countries it is a coveted exploitable national resource and the “Panistas and Priistas” have no reservation about privatizing it and selling it to national and international capitalists and big oil. They tried to fast track it after the 2006 election but the elected members of the left coalition in the House of Deputies, still under a heavy moral influence by Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, at his warning, took the podium by force and stopped all activity and the legislative process was put at a hold. 

Though the left coalition in congress, as well as MORENA, the Movement for National Regeneration, have promised an all out fight, there are signs of political fracture. We will see. 

Javier Rodriguez is a long time activist in LA’s social movement, particularly Latino politics, has been active in the field of immigrant rights since 1971, with 22 years as a rank and filer in labor, he is also an independent journalist, a media and political strategist, On his third trip through Mexico this year, he has been observing and writing about the political process. Additionally on 2 March 2012 he was part of a nine person truck convoy that delivered 10 tons of humanitarian aid to three Tarahumara communities in the PRD Municipal District of Cachiric. 

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

DOS MANOS: A VISIT TO MIXTECO MIGRANT WORKERS 
IN COLONIA GUADALUPE VICTORIA, CHIHUAHUA

By Victoria Tester, 6 September 2012
childrenofpalomas@yahoo.com


It is in the small where everything important truly is. There are only small things in this whole world, and children know this. It is there, in those small things, that I want our organization, Dos Manos, to live. 

When we get to the Mixteco migrant field workers’ quarters, a woman in a red skirt is washing clothes in a stone tub, hanging them to dry in the strong sun. A curious little girl with a solemn, round baby on her hip, who turns out to be Griselda carrying Delfino, comes over to us. 

The children and maybe the women recognize us from the recent August bean distribution in the main plaza of the colonia, where at the end of the distribution, the very last of the hundreds of pounds of beans, a handful, were lost to the dust near the truck. One of the Mixteco women knelt to retrieve the scattered beans, the little girls raced to help her, and I’d dropped to my knees, too, to find the precious beans, shake off their dust and drop them into the Mixteco’s worn plastic bags. 

Later, a compassionate policeman accompanied us to view their quarters. Now we’ve returned, without the policeman and with a donation of beef and posole, lard, masa harina flour, sugar and spices, powdered milk and dried eggs. It’s to make a huge posole so everyone can eat together, we explain. They accept the food with quiet dignity, setting it aside into the shadows of one of the rooms. 

Through the doorway of that dim interior, we see a woman, in obvious pain, on her back on a blanket on the cement floor, and an old woman kneeling next to her, in a curing ritual, laying on hands. A young boy sits, shaken, in the same doorway, and they say he’s been bitten by a snake, a rattlesnake, or something else, a spider. It happened in the fields where he was picking chile yesterday. There is a single visible puncture wound to his hand, and a slight bruise formed around it. He has a fever. 

We talk to the gentle man who sits just inside the doorway, the only man not out in the fields with the others, except for a very old man who is ill and resting in the yard, unable to eat for the past three days. Among the few grown people at the quarters, only the gentle, younger man’s Spanish is fluent.  ‘No,’ he tells me, ‘these children do not have a teacher. They need someone. ’ 

The children gather round. ‘Who knows the alphabet?’ I ask. Only one little girl, of the many, shyly acknowledges she does. She repeats it aloud for us with quiet joy. They nod, yes, they do want a little school, they do want to learn the alphabet and other things. They do want to have a little meal I’ll bring. They do want to me to come back for a couple days this summer, and then to return for four weeks next summer, because yes, they do expect to be back here, back in Colonia Guadalupe Victoria in this life that is the hard cycle of life for the indigenous migrant workers. 

Here in the courtyard? Too hot, they say, Teacher, no shade. In one of the empty rooms? No empty houses, the children say, all have families. Then where? Yes, they decide, it will be in one of the houses. For now we go to the shade of a thin tree, the children gathered close. Even the boy with the snake or insect bite on his hand. Even the little girl with Down’s syndrome who has never once spoken. They don’t want to miss a single picture in the child’s story book in Spanish I brought to read aloud.

It’s Oscar De la Hoya’s Super Oscar.  Oscar era una sonador incorrigible. They like this. They listen to every word concerning Oscar’s incurable daydreaming. They are unsettled, longing, when Oscar even somehow daydreams through lunch. I look into their large eyes as they swallow a little, and at the thin hunger of their bodies. These Mixteco migrant children are as undernourished as the other hundreds of undernourished children I’ve worked to serve near the Mexico-U.S. border. 

Oscar even daydreamed on the school bus. Yes, they nod, they, too rode a bus to get here, to Chihuahua, from their village in Guerrero, and they, too, daydreamed. They laugh when Oscar daydreams so much his big stack of pancakes gets cold, and even his orange juice turns warm. Yes, they raise their hands, they do like orange juice very much. 

Saturdays everyone in Oscar’s neighborhood gets together for a huge picnic in the park. The Mixteco children don’t know what a ‘picnic’ is. They don’t have tables here in the colonia, anyway. But when I explain that food is laid on a blanket and eaten outside, they very much want to have a picnic, like Oscar. They laugh as he daydreams the shapes of the clouds instead of passing out the lists of foods everyone is supposed to bring. We look up at the sky above us, rich with September clouds. Yes, they do see shapes in the clouds, too. Look: a turtle, a horse, a dragon, a bird, and yes, we agree that the skies above our world are so beautiful. 

One little boy hesitates. He looks at me, solemn. And quietly, earnestly asks: “Who is the -- owner -- of the skies?”  
I am startled. But why? Doesn’t their very life revolve around the ownership of the land, the very earth over which they walk and they and their parents and sometimes their whole villages must travel in order to work the harvests?

All the children look into my face. “Who owns the skies?” I ask. They don’t answer. ‘God owns the skies,’ I explain, in my best, assured tones. ‘He made them for us, these big beautiful skies, because we are His creatures and He loves us.’

They are relieved, mostly satisfied. We look up at the vast blue ceiling over our heads. 

Then Oscar goes shopping. He goes to the supermarket and loads at least six shopping carts with delicious fresh food, and even a mountain of strawberries.  I am ashamed. 

The children marvel at the rainbow colors of cloths spread over the picnic tables. Yes, didn’t they see a rainbow, just yesterday after the rain, a huge rainbow right here, in the sky?  Oscar jumps rope in a vat of cream to whip it for the strawberries. I turn the page, maybe too quickly. I know these children have never tasted a glass of fresh milk. 

Then Oscar sits down to his favorite event, the empanada eating contest. The hungry children stare into five mountains of empanadas. Oscar has eaten the sixth mountain and is wiping crumbs from his mouth.  

I do turn the page fast, a little angry with Oscar, and myself for even bringing him with me to the Colonia Guadalupe Victoria, though he’s an incorrigible daydreamer, just a lucky boy, and I know it’s not his fault. It's my own. 
Oscar falls asleep under a rainbow-covered picnic table, snuggled by what looks like a pet weasel. 

The children don’t mind. They do not have tables, but maybe they, too, would sleep under them if they did, since they don’t have beds.  Feliz suenos, Oscar. 

I pass out 23 lollipops, and 23 single sticks of colored chalk. Not a single child complains about the lottery of color of their lollipop or their chalk. They agree they’ll practice writing on their walls.

Victoria Tester is the executive director of Dos Manos, a Taos-based organization formed to aid the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. She can be reached at childrenofpalomas@yahoo.com 

Sent by Roberto Calderon, Ph.D.  beto@unt.edu
Source: Victoria Tester


Fotos corresponden a mis ancestros y familares Alemanes por la linea materna.

Para mis familiares, amigas y amigos

Estas fotos corresponden a mis ancestros y familares Alemanes por la linea materna.

1.- Dr. Enrique Kruzen ( Crusen ) mi tatarabuelo, su esposa fué Doña Maria Anna Natalia Lutzelberger. foto del año de 1860.

2.- Ana Kruzen ( Crusen ) Lutzelberger de Salinas mi bisabuela, su esposo fué Don Manuel Antonio Salinas Ponce.

3.- Familiares de Alemania. año de 1862.

4.- Reverso de la foto de los familiares.

5.- Bernardo Kruzen Lutzelberger, este niño murió en el viaje de regreso para Alemania, mi tatarabuelo y su hija Ana regresaron a México aprox. en 1865.

6.- Bautismo de mi bisabuela Maria Ana Felipa, de un mes ocho días de nacida efectuado el 20 de Abril de 1850 en la Villa de San Fernando de Tamaulipas, fueron sus padrinos Don Francisco Casanelli y Doña Ana Felipa García.

Reciban un afectuoso saludo de su amigo.

Tte. Corl. Ricardo R. Palmerín Cordero.


Mi Abuela Ana Kruzen de Salinas


Bernardo Kruzen


Dr. Enrique Kruzen 1860


Familiares de Alemania, 1862


                                                   Reverso de la foto . . certificate

Baptismal document for Ana Crusen 


Bisabuela Ana Crusen (Kruzen)


Mariscal de Campo Don Antonio Cordero, 1753-1823

Para mis amigas y amigos.  
Tte. Corl. Ricardo R. Palmerín Cordero. 
duardos43@hotmail.com


BREVES DATOS DE LA BIOGRAFÍA DEL MARISCAL DE CAMPO DON MANUEL ANTONIO CORDERO Y BUSTAMANTE.

Don Manuel Antonio Cordero Bustamante nació en Cádiz, España el año de 1753, causó alta como Cadete del Ejército de España, prestó servicios en la Infantería de Zamora, en el de Dragones de España y Mexico, en las Compañías Presidiales de Janos y San Buenaventura, combatió en 25 campañas contra los indios en las Provincias Internas en cuatro de ellas como Oficial subalterno y en las demás como Comandante, capturó- mató 472 indios enemigos y rescató seis prisioneros, llevó a cabo tratados de paz con los Apaches Mimbreños y Gileños, fué Comandante Militar de la Nueva Vizcaya, dirigió una campaña contra los Apaches Mezcaleros en el Presidido del Norte, tuvo el cargo de Comandante de las tropas establecidas en Coahuila organizando sus defensas de los ataques de los indios, fundó varios pueblos, permaneció en Texas con la intención de establecer poblados en los Ríos Trinidad, Brazos, Colorado,San Marcos y Guadalupe. Solo San Marcos de Neve y Santísima Trinidad de Salcedo fueron establecidos, ordenó que todos los esclavos que entraran a Texas procedentes de la Luisiana fueran libres, fué Gobernador Interino de Coahuila, después Gobernador y el mismo cargo de Coahuila y Texas e Intendente de Sonora.

Este infatigable Español tuvo los primeros enfrentamientos contra los Norteamericanos a principios del siglo XIX, cuando compraron la Luisiana a Francia y pretendían extender su territorio a la Provincia de los Texas, además de combatir contra los indios, efectuar tratados de paz con ellos, pasar revistas a los Presidios dejando constancia de ellas en numerosos documentos, su magnífica hoja de servicios etc. escribió un interesante manuscrito el año de 1796 que tituló "Noticias relativas a la nación Apache, que en el año de 1796 extendió en el Paso del Norte, el Teniente Coronel Don Antonio Cordero, por encargo del Señor Comandante General, Mariscal de Campo Don Pedro de Nava".

El manuscrito dice: Es la Nación Apache una de las salvajes de la América Septentrional, fronteriza a las Provincias Internas de la Nueva España, puede dividirse en nueve parcialidades o tribus principales y varias adyacentes, tomado aquellas su denominación de las sierras y ríos de sus cantones, ya de las frutas y animales de que mas abundan. Los nombres con que ellas se conocen son los siguientes: Vinni ettinen-ne, Segatajen-ne, Tjuiccujen-ne, Iccujen- ne, Yutajen-ne, Sejen-ne, Cuelcajen-ne, Lipajen-ne y Yutajen -ne que sustituyen los Españoles nombrándolos por el mismo orden, Tontos, Chiricaguis, Gileños, Mimbreños, Faraones, Mezcaleros, Llaneros, Lipanes y Navajos.

Anexo el registro eclesiástico de su matrimonio efectuado el año de 1813 a los 60 años de edad en la Ciudad de Monclova, Coah. así como su defunción en la Ciudad de Durango en 1823.

LIBRO DE MATRIMONIOS DE LA CIUDAD DE MONCLOVA, COAH. AÑO DE 1813.

Márgen izq. El Señor Brigadier D. Ant°. Cordero y Bustamante con Da. Ma. Gertrudis Perez.

En dha. Capilla Castrense de mi cargo Yó el Ber. D. Juan Nepomuceno de la Peña. previas todas las diligencias necesarias el dia veinte ocho de Nove. del presente año de mil ochocientos trece casé y belé infacie eclesie al Señor Brigadier de los Exercitos Nacionales D. Antonio Cordero y Bustamante Governador Militar y Politico de esta Provincia é Yntendente de la de Sonora, hijo legitimo de D. Domingo Cordero, y Da. Agustina Bustamante, con Da. Maria Gertrudis Perez originaria y vecina de la Ciudad de San Fernando de Bexar capital de la Prova. de los Texas hija legitima del Capitan D. Ygnacio Perez y de Doña Clemencia Hernandez previas las dispensas de Ultramarino y proclamas por el Yllmo. Señor Obispo de esta Diocesis D. Primo Feliciano Marin de Porras. Fueron sus padrinos el Capitan retirado y Alcalde 1°. de esta Ciudad D. Sebastian Rodriguez, y Da. Ma. de la Concepcion Perez. testigos los Capitanes D. Vizente Ezuain y Dn. Manuel de la Garza, y para que conste lo firmé, en dho.dia, mes y año. Br. Juan Nepomuceno de la Peña.

LIBRO DE DEFUNCIONES DEL SAGRARIO DE LA CIUDAD DE DURANGO, DGO.AÑO DE 1823.

Márgen izq. El Sor. Mariscal de Campo D. Antonio Cordero.

En veinte y cinco de Marzo de mil ochocientos veinte y tres: el Sor. Dean de esta Santa Yga. Catedral Dn. Pedro Gomez con asistencia del Ve. Cabildo Ecco. presencio el entierro del Sor. Mariscal de Campo Dn. Antonio Cordero Comandante Gral. de estas Provincias de edad de setenta y un años casado que fue con Da. Gertrudis Perez de cuyo matrimonio no dejo hijo alguno falleció de Cancer recibió los Santos Sacramentos de Penitencia y Extrema Uncion y no el de de la Eucaristía por no permitirlo la enfermedad, y su cadaver fue sepultado en la mism Yga. Catedral. Y para constancia lo firmo conmigo. Bernardino Brabo.

Fuentes de los registros. Family Search. Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los últimos Días.

Investigó y paleografió.
Tte. Corl. Ricardo R. Palmerín Cordero.
Presidente de la Sociedad de Genealogía de Nuevo León.
 
 

Bagdad, Mexico---The Lost City of Sin
Norman Rozeff 
nrozeff@sbcglobal.net
 
April 2011

 http://www.stxmaps.com/map/default.cfm?Box=
3921762:1128243:3956962:1104043
 

 

 

Time, hurricanes, and the changing course of the river have obliterated what once was the vibrant town of Bagdad, Mexico at the mouth of the Rio Grande. It certainly has not been forgotten, for many vivid memories of its short existence have been preserved and have given it an air of mystery. Let me bring back its aura of yesteryear.

Bagdad, approximately 500 yards south of the river, was first noted in a map drawn in 1847 and is said to have been established in 1848. Today its approximate location is ten miles north of Washington Beach. Although it wasn't named Bagdad until later, it likely existed as the small community of  Boca del Rio for decades. From as early as 1780 it may have even been to destination for rich Spanish families of Matamoros seeking recreation.

The origin of the name Bagdad is uncertain. Some claim that an American with a sense of humor gave the non-descript collection of jacales and mud and oyster shell-plastered huts with thick thatched grass roofs the name at the time of the Mexican War. Ancient Baghdad in Mesopotamia was considered sophisticated and glamorous in sharp contrast to what existed along the sand dunes. Also the thieves in The Arabian Nights might have offered some similarities to the rateros frequenting the area.  The area natives had another story as to its name. William Neale, the early pioneer settler of Brownsville, wrote that the famous pirate Don Jean Lafitte or his followers around 1835 were responsible for the title. Inhabitants of the area believed that the pirates had buried vast sums of money in the nearby dunes.

The site was officially designated as a Custom House Port of Entry in 1840. Custom officials were stationed there to keep items from being smuggled up the river. At that point the very small entity may also have been called Resguardo, custom house port in Spanish.

M. Kenedy and Company beached its steamboats there to repair them. While there was a limited steamer traffic to this second class port in the Matamoros Custom District, it likely ceased for the most part by 1846. A hurricane in 1844, one of several that would be experienced over time, knocked down whatever structures existed at the site. Like the mythical Phoenix, the town would rise again after a period of rebuilding. This hurricane was a serious one. It left the natives of the area naked and bruised, forcing those at the La Burrita Rancho to the west to take refuge on the side of a small hill. Further south many perished in the storm.

In 1846, Luther Giddings, an officer of the First Regiment of Ohio volunteers passed through the area and described it as "a small collection of mud and reed huts occupied by Mexican herdsmen and fishermen." By a year later it had grown somewhat, been improved and "Americanized." Off-duty soldiers from the U.S. Army Brazos Island Depot likely used Bagdad for their rest and recreation activities.

The American Flag newspaper in 1847 commented somewhat tongue-in-cheek about the community. An observer wrote of  " the inventive genius of its people who could live and acquire money without performing any labor or showing any visible signs of gaining a living. Their intent was merely to attract all who came to the mouth of the river into Bagdad where money was extracted by means of liquor, decoctions, cards, dice, threats, smiles, and caresses, or, these failing, by more potent means, such as club, dirk and pistol." Early on then one can detect what a den of iniquity might grow from these sour roots.

As an entity, populated primarily by fishermen, it certainly didn't amount to much until the Civil War really put it on the map. A very strange confluence of events was to draw the small village into big-time activities. On April 19, 1861, seven days after the war had begun, President Abraham Lincoln gave an order to blockade all rebel seaports, including that of Brazos de Santiago (transl.: Arms of St. James. Originally the name of the settlement was Brazos de St. Iago. After shortening to Brazos St. Iago, it was corrupted to Brazos Santiago.) on the very north end of Brazos Island. As President Lincoln's blockade, part of General-in-Chief Winfield Scott's Anaconda Plan, of the Confederate States of America's ports tightened, the CSA's chief source of revenues, namely the export of cotton was stifled.

The CSA quickly sought diplomatic relations with Mexico. American citizen, Juan A. Quintero, Cuban by birth, was sent on May 22, 1861 to Monterrey to establish favorable trade relations with the three northern states of Mexico—Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas. They agreed to deliver salt peter used in the manufacture of explosives, military supplies other than small arms and flour in exchange for 850,000 lbs. of cotton. Arms and ammunition also came from Havana and British Belize to Bagdad. In short order a regular steamship line was established between London and Matamoros via Bagdad.

Innovation eventually found an alternative to the dangerous operation of blockade running. This was to move cotton from Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and other areas of the Trans-Mississippi area to the Texas-Mexico border. Texas became a "blockade-running haven" referred to as the "back door" of the Confederacy. Most cotton was exchanged for gold coin as prices rose steadily when the war progressed.

Once here it was transported across the river to Mexico where custom and regulatory officials could profit handsomely by declaring it of "Mexico origin." Indeed, some didn't even have to touch Mexican soil except on the its last leg of its journey. This was because the  Hidalgo-Guadaloupe peace treaty of the Mexican War, finalized in 1848 had declared the Rio Grande an international waterway to be used freely by both nations. Crafty entrepreneurs as Charles Stillman, Miflin Kenedy, and Richard King  simply re-flagged their shallow draft steamboats with the flag of Mexico thereby evading inspection or confiscation of their cotton bale cargo by Union forces. According to Dr. Jerry Thompson "By January 1864 more than 150,000 bales of cotton had been carried across the Rio Grande, and by the end of the war, 320,000 bales had been sent into Mexico."

Bagdad itself had no natural harbor or breakwater. In fact, a troublesome sand bar offshore had a clearance of only four to five feet of water. This meant that any exported or imported cargo had to be transferred from offshore vessels to skiffs and lighters of shallow draft. Ships of all nations, including those of the United States, sometime numbering up to one hundred, anchored offshore.

Cotton, of course, was the primary export while the CSA imported powder, sulfur, mercury, lead, cloth, brown sheeting for Negro clothing, sugar, blankets, and more. Mexico initiated a flat 12 ½ % export tax. Monthly revenue duties for the Mexican government ranged up to $100,000. Naturally banditry increased, and custom officials were frequently targeted.

South Texas and certainly Bagdad were not healthy places. The fall of 1862 saw the town in the grip of a yellow fever epidemic. Sick inhabitants became general and with that the mortality rate rose. Naturally this partially paralyzed the commercial transactions.

Within months over 200 carpenters descended on Bagdad to build the city of unplanned boards and scrap lumber on pilings driven into the marshy area. A later exception was the two banks built of brick, places halfway safe that were needed to secure the riches from the abundant thieves patrolling the area. Initially scalpers were doing a land office business selling or renting tarpaulins to protect people and goods from the elements.

Bagdad became a bustling community with a telegraph office, hotels, grog shops, and houses of ill repute. It even had a sizeable abatoire. Money flowed freely as even common laborers could easily earn $5-6 a day. Skiffs and lighter fees were $20-40. A simple meal was to cost $2-3 while lodgings for the night ran $5-8.

William Neale, who had operated a stagecoach line from Matamoros to Bagdad in the years 1837 to about 1846, again re-instituted that service in the 1860s. The 35 mile run took three hours. He ran ten trips per day and charged a handsome fare of $5.00 that also included a meal. The road between the two entities was so heavily trafficked that its surface was ground to a fine, dusty powder.

Like magic Bagdad had grown dramatically in but a three-year period. One historian characterized its population as heterogeneous—whites blacks, mulattos and Indians but most of all Yankee entrepreneurs. With French forces having been recruited from many European nations and seamen from others the city would see French, German, Italian English, Austrian, Spanish, Belgium Hungarian along with the Confederates, Yankees and Mexicans. Such a motley crew brought with them "constant brawls, stagecoach robberies, street fights, knifings and shootings."

Audrey Simmons of Harlingen gathering information from Clarksville native Teresa Clark Clearwater, wrote "At its height, the city had grand hotels with elegant names, theaters, two-story buildings set upon pilings to avoid the tides, and sidewalks built of wood which were usually covered with water when the tide was in. Many of the businesses and places of entertainment had French names supplied by the owners who had drifted in from New Orleans." She goes on to relate "…by 1863, the lazy, dreamy village of Bagdad across the river from Clarksville had begun its skyrocket course to the dizzy peak of  25,000 human beings---most of whom were the scum of the earth, adventurers and sharpers from everywhere. Many of them came from New Orleans, but also venturesome Brownsville people went to this funnel of gulf traffic to seek their fortunes." In addition to the brothels, many restaurants, saloons, and gambling houses the town even had a small church, and also a cemetery adjacent to the sand dunes to the southeast.

Belgium Oblate Father Pierre Perisot detailed the community as "The cosmopolitan city of Bagdad was a veritable Babel, a Babylon, a whirlpool of business, pleasure and sin." This mostly shacktown was populated with gamblers, prostitutes, tavern keepers and assorted gentry. Newspaper accounts portrayed the town as a "sand hole on the gulf", "a dirty, filthy place where the streets are covered with slime and mud puddles." The New York Herald characterized it  "an excrescence of the war. Here congregated… blockade runners, desperadoes, the vile of both sexes; adventurers, the Mexican, and the rebel gather and where (there are) numberless groggeries and houses of worse fame [where the]  decencies of civilized life were forgotten and vice in its lowest form held high carnival while in the low, dirty looking buildings… were amassed millions in gold and silver." One blockade runner described Bagdad as a place where everyone was trying to grab what he could by using whatever scheme possible to make money out of crisis. A Brownsville paper, according to Thompson, described the town as a place where "fandangos were held every night and women as beautiful as houris exhibit their charms, without the least reserve." Famed Confederate Navy man, Admiral Semmes, passed through this "back door" on his way to his beloved southern home. He described the town as "This seashore village rejoicing in the dream Eastern name of Bagdad. It was so unique that it could easily be fancied as its name imports, really under the rule of the Caliphs, but for certain signs of the "Yankee", that met the eye."

Some sources put the peak population of Bagdad at about 15,000 while others suggest that it may have even been as high as 35,000. The sailors coming ashore from the many vessels helped to keep the revenues flowing into local coffers.

In September 1862, 20 ships were to be counted anchored offshore. By January 1863 the number had risen to 60, and by April 1863, 92 were to be tallied. In June of 1863 Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles, notified Secretary of State, William Seward, that there were 180 to 200 vessels of all nations waiting to discharge and load cargo at Bagdad.

While the U.S. Navy initially tried to intercept cotton moving offshore, these seizures led, of course, to diplomatic protests. The Navy was soon cautioned by federal State Department officials in Washington not to create any international neutrality incidents. Soon circumventive action was also taken by the merchants who were exporting smuggled, southern cotton. To avoid confiscation by blockading navy forces they began to fly the flag of Mexico on the lighter boats ferrying the cotton to British and other ships.  Eventually the ships made sure to anchor in Mexican waters for discharge of merchandise to Bagdad, Mexico and the subsequent on-loading of cotton bales. In a peculiar twist of history some of the exported Southern cotton made its way to New York City, and undoubtedly some found its way into cloth for Union military uniforms. The proof of the pudding was lading slips indicating one arrival to New York City from Matamoros in 1861, 20 in 1862, 72 in 1863, and from January to March 18, 1864 32 ships.

On March 3/8/63 Bagdad had served as the embarkation point for Union sympathizers fleeing Texas, the new state in the CSA. One hundred forty refugee individuals were transported by the unarmed steamer Honduras to New Orleans. While Union forces had retreated from the Valley in February 1861, they returned with an invasion force of nearly 7,000 on November 1, 1863. The Rio Grande Expedition, as it was named, had as one objective the interceding of cotton transport to Mexico. Although not specifically stated another of its objectives was to keep French forces in Mexico from abetting CSA operations and providing succor to the Confederacy. For some time the U.S. government was leery that France and Britain might recognize the CSA as a nation.

In 1862 the Imperialist forces of Napoleon III invaded Mexico. Ferdinand Maximilian von Hapsburg was to chosen to become Emperor of Mexico, though it was never to be totally conquered. Juan Nepomuceno Cortina, the legendary and controversial leader in Tamaulipas, would more than once swing his allegiance to conflicting parties. In early 1864 he declared against the Napoleonic forces. In April 1864, hoping to obtain the friendship and intercession of Cortina's Liberal troops to hinder the cotton trade, Union General John A. McClernand, in a formal ceremony at the Plaza Hidalgo in Matamoros, gave Cortina ten artillery pieces. This interference with the affairs of Mexico was, of course, a violation of U.S. neutrality. After the Union army abandoned Brownsville on

July 28, 1864, Cortina would soon change alliance and allow CSA cotton to flow across the border. As an indication of the great trade and money involved Matamoros had a population of 9,000 before the war commenced and had 40,000 people by the summer

of 1864.

In the summer of 1864 on August 22, 400 French and Austrian troops initially landed at Bagdad to take possession of it. French forces in the area were increased over the following months. This elicited considerable new construction in Bagdad. Cortina's soldiers would conduct a skirmish with the French near Bagdad, but the results were insignificant. At the time, for whatever reasons, Confederate soldiers on the north bank of the river fired on Cortina's forces. Later it was revealed that CSA Col. Rip Ford believed Cortina had his eyes on capturing his old nemesis, Brownsville. This didn't come to pass. In October 1865, 700 French soldiers from Bagdad were sent to Matamoros to reinforce Imperialist General Tomas Mejia on his way to that city with a force of 2,000 men. After the city was conquered  Cortina could do little except harass his enemies by cutting the telegraph line between Matamaoros and Bagdad.

By August 1865 the mercantile market of Bagdad bottomed out. Merchants were selling items for 1/5 their cost, even if they could give it away. For sale signs sprouted everywhere. The exhilarating ride was over.

In late 1865, a reporter for the New York Herald communicated that the small French garrison in Bagdad was "poorly armed, demoralized, and bedraggled…devoid of spirit, seemed indolent, and were positively little better than a pack…of ragamuffins." There then was initiated a chapter of Bagdad's history that is clouded with contending interpretations of a wide range.

Professor Thompson in his book Cortina writes that the episode began when, on November 5, 1865, a small band of American filibusters led by William D. St. Clair and Francisco de Leon, moved across the river to Bagdad, seized the small steamship Rio Grande from its lone guard, and towed it across the river. Their aim was to arm it then move upriver to challenge the Imperialist occupiers of Matamoros. Before this occurred, it was  seized by American authorities at Clarksville, for the ship actually belonged to someone from New Orleans, not the Empire.

This was only the start for besieged Bagdad. According to Thompson, a month later Captain R. Clay Crawford of the Union 5th Tennessee Infantry conceived the idea to seize the entire town. Together with filibuster Arthur F. Reed, they obtained commissions in the Liberal army and began recruiting "army deserters, outlaws, adventurers from Galveston, and border riffraff." Payment in gold and expenses were offered as compensation. On January 4, 1866, after a planned feint by Cortina forces at Matamoros to keep Mejia occupied, Crawford crossed the river from Clarksville and gathered his men at the Globe Hotel. The next day their surprise actions captured the Imperial soldiers guarding the ferry. They were part of the 180 Mexicans garrisoning the town. At the same time 150 or more blue-uniformed soldiers crossed from Clarksville into Bagdad. Most were

Blacks. The town's whole Imperial garrison was soon subdued and residents fled into the sand dunes. Confusion reigned because Cortina was soon on the scene with forty of his own men and other Liberals there, who tried to take charge, were rejected by both Crawford and Cortina. Without resolution pandemonium ensued. The town was thoroughly looted and ransacked. The plunder carried across the river was said to have filled fifty lighters and took days to transport from Clarksville to Brownsville. The loss of life was put at four raiders killed, eight wounded, and eight Imperialists killed and 22 wounded. Still others placed the American dead at eight with two women also killed in the town.

In later years, the exact truth of the episode became obscure, at least in local quarters. All too easily individuals with personal prejudices laid blame almost wholly on the Black soldiers who were broadly portrayed in a disgraceful picture. Teresa Clark Clearwater was one who took the Black soldiers sorely to task. After all her father, the founder of Clarksville, also had a mercantile store in Bagdad, one which was cleaned to the rafters. The alternate story was that some Americans had been incarcerated in Bagdad. When their release wasn't effected, 300 (200? 150? Take your pick.) Black soldiers and other officers crossed to free them. Subsequently they went on a drunken spree that lasted three days and was the basis for the wild melee that had ensued. One historian sought to explain the rampant destruction in Bagdad by writing that perhaps the Blacks "hailed [it] as a symbol of the Confederacy."

Petitions relative to the sordid affair were sent to Washington. Four army officers were appointed as a commission to investigate the matter. They produced an eight-point report to U.S. authorities. The soldiers involved were given a clean bill of health, the essence of the matter being that Mexican officials had requested the soldiers' help in dispelling the French. The report contended that the soldiers involved had been discharged and were awaiting transport home. The U.S. government therefore claimed no responsibility for the filibustering acts to the citizens and did not punish the soldiers. While no compensation was forthcoming, the Union military did return some captured armament to the French but only after the French threatened to blockade Brazos Santiago. On January 25,  contra, French marines, 120 Austrians, 100 Rurales, and 300 Mexican Lancers reoccupied the town. It was but a skeleton of its former self, for as many as 7,000 of its citizens had departed. The fact was that with the end of the Civil War Bagdad had suffered an immediate and severe depression; $1000 lots now sold for $15 an acre or less. The last Imperialist forces themselves would depart Bagdad forever on June 23, 1866.  They were transported to Veracruz.

The final chapters in the life of Bagdad center around hurricanes. The first was the hurricane of 10/7-8/1867. Even with the vagaries of tropical storms it is difficult to fathom the path of this one. The storm in the gulf hit the Texas coast on 10/2-3 just south of Galveston which we all know is a considerable distance from South Texas. It then turned south and moved all the way to the Rio Grande. The survivors at Bagdad would later record that from the middle of the night on 10/7 the winds ranged were about 20-25 mph. At daylight they were from 25 to 30 mph out of the north until sunset when they rose to 40-60. Winds of 60 miles per hour were in force by 8 PM and from 10 to midnight had risen to 80. At 12:30 AM the brunt of the storm had quickly passed. It was the tidal surge in the gulf that caused the major damage to Bagdad. The perpendicular height of the water was said to have risen eight feet. That propelled it inland anywhere from five to 25 miles according to The Daily Ranchero of 11/7/67. Brownsville and Matamoros were struck by the hurricane winds, but the damages there were exacerbated when after midnight a tornado coming from the southwest violently swept the two cities.

One historian writes that a purported 10,000 lives were lost in Brownsville, Matamoros, Clarksville, Bagdad and the remainder of the Valley. Considering the low Valley population at the time this number is horrific. It is likely exaggerated. Depending on accounts not a house was left standing at Bagdad and only two remained at Clarksville while another states that ten houses survived at Bagdad.

The hurricane of September 3,1874 lasted 60 hours over three days. It moved across the area in a north-northwesterly direction. Longtime Brownsville publisher, Paulino S. Preciado, stated in a reminiscence  that 1000 had died in Bagdad. Pilot James Baker of the river steamer San Juan was to quickly deliver supplies to the area and remove people to Matamoros. Mr. Van Ripper, the telegraph operator, also offered aid to the dispossessed. The storm totaled what little number of habitats remained in Bagdad. No attempts to rebuild were made by survivors. Father Periot was to call the storm "El Castigo de Dios" (The Punishment of God.) Mother Nature had reclaimed what was once desolate, salt-sprayed sand dunes and marshland. Bagdad had been physically obliterated to live on only in history, tales, and memory.

Blog Archive: The Doomed City of Bagdad, Mexico
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INDIGENOUS

Tecumseh: A Biography of the Shawnee Chief
Lincoln and the Sioux by Ron Soodalter

 

Biography of Shawnee Chief Tecumseh 1768-1813
Herbert C. W. Goltz

TECUMSEH (Tech-kum-thai), Shawnee chief; his name has been said to mean shooting star or panther crouching in wait; b. c. 1768, probably near present-day Springfield, Ohio; his father, who may have been named Puckeshinwa, was a Shawnee chief, and his mother may have had some Creek blood; d. 5 Oct. 1813 at what is now Thamesville, Ont., in the battle of Moraviantown.

Source: The War of 1812 Website  http://www.warof1812.ca/summary.html


During the closing decades of the 18th century, Indian lands west of the Appalachian Mountains were increasingly threatened by white colonization. The boundary that Great Britain had tried to erect by the Quebec Act of 1774 was shattered by the American revolution, and in the following years the Americans demonstrated their determination to extend their settlements at Indian expense. Efforts by Little Turtle [Michikinakoua] and others to unify the Six Nations and the various western tribes into a confederacy met with only limited success; the Americans dealt with individual tribes or parts of tribes and absorbed more and more land. Indian resistance to American expansion resulted in three major battles over the Ohio country during the 1790s. Many authorities claim that Tecumseh participated in all of them, but it appears that he was absent from the first. In the second, the defeat in 1791 of an American force near the Miamis Towns (Fort Wayne, Ind.), Tecumseh served as a scout with the warriors of the confederacy. In the third, the battle of Fallen Timbers (near Waterville, Ohio) in August 1794, he headed a small party of Shawnees and distinguished himself when other warriors were retreating by charging a group of Americans who had a field piece, cutting loose the horses, and riding off. Although Indian and American casualties were about the same in this battle, the Indians lost their hope of assistance from the British who, after apparent promises of aid, even refused them shelter in Fort Miamis (Maumee) following the battle. At the Treaty of Greenville in August 1795, the Indians gave up most of present-day Ohio and made other smaller cessions as well. They became caught in a vicious spiral. Scarcity of game and fur-bearing animals meant that to survive they were forced to sell more land to the whites and in so doing they grew even more dependent on them. Between 1803 and 1805 at least 30 million acres were relinquished. Moreover the American insistence on peace both with and among the various tribes weakened the foundations of the Indians’ warrior society.

For a few years after Fallen Timbers Tecumseh lived as a band chief at several locations near present-day Piqua, Ohio. He and his band then moved to the west fork of the White River (Ind.). In 1799 he took part in a council near what is now Urbana, Ohio, to smooth out differences between the races, presenting a speech of such “force and eloquence” that the interpreter had trouble translating it. At Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1803 he repeated assurances of peace after the murder of a settler. Two years later, Tecumseh and his band located at Greenville on the urgings of his brother the Prophet [Tenskwatawa*], who had been instructed by the Great Spirit to set up his headquarters there.

The millenarian religion preached by the Prophet was not unique. Throughout the world such movements have promised supernatural aid to native peoples faced with the realization that their way of life cannot be retained by physical strength alone. Like the leaders of the Delaware nativist revival in the 1750s and 1760s and the prophet of the ghost-dance religion on the prairies in the late 19th century, he predicted that divine intervention would save the Indians from their white oppressors. He taught that their present suffering was a chastisement. If they would purge themselves of white influence, stop practising witchcraft, and return to a purified Indian religion, the Great Spirit would see them live happily as before. There was also a thinly veiled hint that they would be delivered from the Americans, who “grew from the Scum of the great Water when it was troubled by the Evil Spirit.” “They are unjust,” the Great Spirit had told him, “they have taken away your Lands which were not made for them.” Stories of the Prophet’s revelations and commandments were soon in circulation all over the country south of the Great Lakes, along with accounts of his miracles. Some Delawares went so far in their fervour that they executed opponents of the movement. Whites at posts as distant as Michilimackinac (Mackinac Island, Mich.) complained of his influence.

There is no evidence that Tecumseh was involved in the evolution of this religion, but as Pontiac* had harnessed the energies of the Delaware revival, so Tecumseh transformed the Prophet’s religion into a movement dedicated to retaining Indian land. By the spring of 1807 he revealed a new firmness towards the Americans. When agent William Wells asked him to come to Fort Wayne for talks, Tecumseh replied: “The Great Spirit above has appointed this place for us, on which to light our fires, and here we will remain. As to boundaries, the Great Spirit above knows no boundaries, nor will his red people acknowledge any.”

Americans thought they detected the hand of Great Britain in the Indians’ activities. Governor William Henry Harrison of Ohio called the Prophet a “fool, who speaks not the words of the Great Spirit but those of the devil, and of the British agents.” He was unhappy that the Indians were still in the habit of calling on British posts to trade and to receive gifts from the king. He was also justly suspicious of the activities of Canadian-based traders who came gathering intelligence as well as furs. Indeed the governor-in-chief, Sir James Henry Craig, and lieutenant governor of Upper Canada, Francis Gore*, had set about revitalizing the Indian Department and recruiting Indian allies in the period of tension following the Chesapeake affair of 1807 [see Sir George Cranfield Berkeley]. In Craig’s view, “if we do not employ them, there cannot exist a moment’s doubt that they will be employed against us. . . .” Authorities sought out a few Indians who they thought could be trusted with the confidential information that war with the United States might not be far off. In return for support in such an event they were promised aid during the fighting and the eventual return of at least some of their lands. Apparently unaware of Tecumseh’s existence, the British were intrigued by stories of the Prophet. Craig suggested that his influence be purchased “at what might be a high price upon any other occasion.”

Attempts in 1808 to bring the Prophet to Fort Malden (Amherstburg), Upper Canada, failed because of enmity between him and the Shawnee chiefs visiting there and because he had been instructed by the Great Spirit to move to Tippecanoe (near Lafayette, Ind.). In June the unknown Tecumseh appeared in his place. Gore, who visited the fort in July, met Tecumseh and in a report to Craig called him “a very shrewd intelligent man.” The Shawnee chief had told Indian Department officials William Claus* and Matthew Elliott that he and the Prophet were attempting to gather all the tribes into one settlement to defend their lands. They had no intention at the moment of taking part in a war between Britain and the United States, although he added that “if their father the King should be in earnest and appear in sufficient force they would hold fast by him.” But though Tecumseh had made an impression, he was to be referred to for some time in British correspondence as the “Brother of the Prophet.”

In the spring of 1809 Tecumseh began a journey to the Senecas and Wyandots in the neighbourhood of Sandusky (Ohio) and to the Six Nations Indians in New York State to spread the message of unification against encroachment and to argue the case for common ownership of all Indian land. At Sandusky opposition from Tarhe (Crane), a Wyandot signatory to the Treaty of Greenville, prevented any move by Indians there. On his trip to the Six Nations, Tecumseh had with him as translator Caleb Atwater. According to Atwater, Tecumseh said he “had visited the Florida Indians, and even the Indians so far to the north that snow covered the ground in midsummer.” It is not clear if the statements were intended literally. This visit also brought no immediate results. Support for the confederacy continued to come from the tribes south of the Great Lakes and north of the Ohio River. It was strongest among the Potawatomis, Ojibwas, Shawnees, Ottawas, Winnebagos, and Kickapoos, but it could also be found among the Delawares, Wyandots, Menominees, Miamis, Piankeshaws, and others. It tended to come from young warriors, whereas older chiefs were more likely to be opposed, not the least of their reasons being the fact that the confederacy undermined their authority within their respective tribes. Blue Jacket [Weyapiersenwah] was one of the few older chiefs who remained consistently hostile to the Americans. All sorts of circumstances caused favour for the movement to ebb and flow. The degree of support among a tribe was probably linked to the level of frustration its people felt in their efforts to fend off the American advance and maintain an Indian way of life. On the other hand, some of the most militant adherents were drawn from tribes that had never considered themselves really defeated in previous clashes with the whites, whether French, British, or American. The effect of British agitation must also have been a factor in determining the amount of sympathy with which a group regarded the movement.

The confederacy was threatened with a loss of support later in 1809 when Governor Harrison, judging the organization, weak enough to be ignored, purchased another large tract from individual tribes. Tecumseh and the Prophet had promised to stop such transactions, and if they did nothing the movement would appear impotent. Direct action, however, would mean heavy loss of Indian life and withdrawal of British favour. Tecumseh responded therefore by preventing survey of the cession and by threatening death to those chiefs who had signed the treaty if the land were not returned. Tensions ran high, and in August 1810 Tecumseh went to Vincennes to meet with Harrison. He repeated the aims of the confederacy: the unification of the tribes and the establishment of the principle of common ownership of the land so that none of it could be sold without the consent of all Indians. He added that the village chiefs would be stripped of their powers and authority put into the hands of the warriors. The meeting solved nothing, and as fall approached war remained a distinct possibility.

In November Tecumseh was at Fort Malden where he suggested, to Elliott’s astonishment, that he was ready to go to war with the Americans. Elliott replied that he would lay the matter before the king; in fact, he wrote to Claus urgently requesting direction. His letter passed up the ladder to Craig, whose main concern was not setting a new policy but avoiding American retribution for his previous belligerent one. He instructed the British chargé d’affaires in Washington to warn the Americans that the Indians might attack. In February 1811, long after the Indians had gone to their hunting and sugaring grounds, he wrote to Gore ordering him to keep them peaceful by whatever means were available, including denial of arms and ammunition to those who appeared bellicose.

Tension between the Indians and the Americans continued to grow. Late in July Tecumseh, accompanied by some 300 Indians, arrived at Vincennes for talks with Harrison. Again nothing was solved, and on leaving Tecumseh told Harrison he was going to the south to spread the message of common ownership and unification to the Indians there. In anticipation of his absence Harrison began to plan a march on Tippecanoe in hopes of goading the Prophet to some rash, hostile act that would justify extermination or removal of his followers. When fighting did take place, on the morning of 7 November, casualties on both sides were about the same. The Indians ran out of ammunition and fled, their faith in the Prophet shaken, and the Americans looted and burned their village. Harrison mistakenly equated their disillusionment with the death of the movement. However, the relative strength of their resistance had shown the Indians that they did not have to rely on the supernatural alone to oppose the Americans. The sense of invincibility was perhaps gone, but a new determination to fight had been born.

When Tecumseh returned to Tippecanoe, he found “great destruction and havoc – the fruits of our labour destroyed,” the bodies of his friends lying in the dust, and his village in ashes. He began to rebuild his following and prepare for the eventual fight. By June 1812 it was clear that the confederacy was at least as strong as before Tippecanoe. Unaware that war between Britain and the United States had already been declared, Tecumseh boldly announced at Fort Wayne on 18 June that he was on his way to Fort Malden for lead and powder. Though he was warned by the Americans that his trip would be considered “an act of enmity,” no other attempt was made to stop him.

The extent of Tecumseh’s authority over the Indians who would fight alongside the British in the war is not easily defined. John Mackay Hitsman contends that he was “merely the most forceful of several tribal chiefs,” and certainly there were other prominent leaders present on the Detroit frontier, Roundhead [Stayeghtha], Myeerah, Thomas Splitlog [To-oo-troon-to-ra*], and Billy Caldwell* among them. The evidence suggests, however, that the only person who rivalled Tecumseh in his ability to marshal Indian support for the war effort was Robert Dickson*, a Scottish trader from the upper Mississippi valley. Matthew Elliott reported: “Tech-kum-thai has kept . . . [the Indians] faithful – he has shewn himself to be a determined character and a great friend to our Government.” It should not be thought, however, that Tecumseh had any sort of absolute control over the Indians who had followed him into Upper Canada. What authority he had had before the war was badly damaged by their loss of faith in the Prophet’s teachings. But no Indian leader had ever been able to dictate to the warriors. White officers had that kind of authority because white societies were able to carry on despite huge losses in battle. The Indians could not sustain such losses; the continued existence of a tribe depended on its having enough young men to hunt and fight, and it was left to the individual warrior to make the decision about his own survival in war. White officers found the practice made Indians unreliable, in their terms, and they strongly disapproved. Nor did they ever come to understand the Indian habit of deciding to fight or not to fight on the basis of omens and visions and dreams. The fact that some Indians were not above using visions to extort special favours from their allies made relations worse. Tecumseh was different. There is no record of his having used such tactics with the British, and they liked working with him because he seemed to understand military operations as if he were a trained soldier.

The first official word of Tecumseh’s presence in Upper Canada after the outbreak of the war came on 8 July: he was reported to have played “a conspicuous part” in a council at Sandwich (Windsor) the day before. On 13 July the American forces under Brigadier-General William Hull, governor of the Michigan Territory, seized that village. Then, encouraged by desertions among the Upper Canadian militia and the apparent neutrality of Indians he had expected to support the British, Hull began to send detachments farther into the province. He was fearful, however, that Indians might cut his lines of supply, which ran south by land to Ohio, and indeed on 5 August one of his provision trains was ambushed in the neighbourhood of Brownstown (near Trenton, Mich.) by Tecumseh and some others. This action, combined with the news that the British had captured Fort Michilimackinac [see Charles Roberts] and were advancing from the Niagara frontier, prompted Hull’s withdrawal of most of his forces from Canadian territory on 8 August. The next day Tecumseh and Roundhead led the Indians who joined some regulars and militia in a bloody skirmish south of Detroit at Maguaga (Wyandotte) with an American force sent out to protect another supply train. Isaac Brock, the British commander in Upper Canada, reached Fort Malden with reinforcements on 13 August and immediately formulated a bold plan for an attack on Detroit. Tecumseh was delighted, since the Indians, about 600 in number, had been fretting at British caution. On 16 August Brock advanced on the fort, having threatened Hull that “the numerous body of Indians who have attached themselves to my troops, will be beyond controul the moment the contest commences.” The American commander surrendered without a fight. Legend has it that Tecumseh rode beside Brock when he entered Detroit and that Brock gave him his sash as a mark of respect. Whatever the case may be, there is no doubt of Brock’s esteem for him. “A more sagacious or a more gallant Warrior does not I believe exist,” the commander wrote. Moreover, Brock became convinced that an Indian state south of the Great Lakes should be created.

In the early weeks of the war many Indians stood aside from the fighting, remembering broken promises of British aid and feeling the odds against the confederacy too great. The successes of the British at Detroit and Michilimackinac, however, created the impression that they were willing and able to take American territory in this war, and the Potawatomi capture of the garrison from Fort Dearborn (Chicago) on 15 August gave the Indians a new self-confidence. Hundreds of them abandoned their neutrality. By the autumn of 1812 Tecumseh had about a thousand warriors with him.

Tecumseh’s whereabouts during the winter of 1812–13 are not clear. Some authorities claim he travelled south again, but the sole notice in primary sources says simply that he was ill for part of the season. When spring came, the British began an offensive out of Fort Malden into the country south of Lake Erie. In April Tecumseh and Roundhead led about 1,200 Indians who joined with some 900 regulars and militia under Major-General Henry Procter* in the siege of Fort Meigs (near Perrysburg, Ohio). The American garrison, which numbered about a thousand, resisted successfully but a relief force was attacked and 500 prisoners were taken. The Indians, carried away with their triumph, began to kill them, and Procter made no effort to stop the slaughter, which ceased only with the arrival of Tecumseh. Indeed, Tecumseh’s humanity on this occasion was long remembered and it contributed to his reputation among whites. The Indians were eager to have this fort taken, and after the first siege failed Tecumseh and the others put such pressure on Procter that a second was undertaken in July. The British committed only a few regulars to the attack, depending on the Indians, whose numbers had been augmented from a force of some 1,400 that Robert Dickson brought to Fort Malden from the upper country. Tecumseh and Matthew Elliott began by leading a scouting party eastward to check for approaching reinforcements. The British did not have proper siege equipment with them, and the Indians were apparently relying on a sham battle to draw the garrison out of the fort; so when the trick failed, the operation was abandoned. Procter then chose Fort Stephenson (Fremont, Ohio) as a more vulnerable target, but it too resisted fiercely when besieged at the end of July. Morale among the British and the Indians flagged as a result of the heavy casualties suffered there.

The situation on the Detroit frontier worsened with the defeat of the British fleet under Captain Robert Heriot Barclay* at the battle of Put-in Bay (Ohio) on 10 September. Procter, with about 1,000 regulars and nearly 3,000 warriors and their dependents, had no way now to obtain sufficient provisions, and he knew that the Americans under William Henry Harrison were preparing an invasion. Without consulting the Indians he began dismantling Fort Malden and preparing to retreat towards the head of Lake Ontario. Tecumseh had long suspected that Procter would flee without a fight and he begged him to provide the Indians with arms so that they could carry on their struggle alone. Their goal of retaining their homeland could hardly be achieved from the Niagara frontier. Procter promised to make a stand at the forks of the Thames (Chatham), and some of the Indians, including Tecumseh, agreed to make the retreat. Tecumseh repeatedly urged Procter to stop and face the enemy, but even when the promised location for a fight was reached Procter continued on ahead of the main force, looking for a more defensible site. A number of Indians, believing no stand would be taken, left in disgust. Tecumseh was apparently infuriated by the general’s behaviour but was unable to find him.

Finally, on 5 October, Procter met the Americans, in the battle of Moraviantown, not far from the village that missionary David Zeisberger had founded in 1792 for converts fleeing the disorder on the American frontier. The British formed their lines with the Indians stationed in swampy ground on the right. The troops were so demoralized that at the first American attack they broke and ran. Their flight left about 500 Indians to face some 3,000 Americans. During this futile resistance Tecumseh was fatally wounded. To this day neither the identity of his slayer nor what his comrades did with his remains is known. With his death, effective Indian resistance south of the lakes practically ceased. Little more than a week later some of the tribes represented at the battle signed a truce with the Americans. Various efforts by the British to re-enlist them failed. By July 1814, months before the end of the war, Harrison met with more than 3,000 Indians to outline his conditions for peace. Neither those talks nor the Treaty of Spring Wells (1815) demanded new land cessions. By 1817, however, the Americans had returned to their old policy. In that year, except for a few left on small reserves, the Indians were removed from Ohio. By 1821 the native inhabitants of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan had met the same fate. A small number of the displaced came to Upper Canada but most were gradually pushed westward. Of Tecumseh’s confederacy nothing remained. Ottawa chief Naywash (Neywash) pronounced its epitaph in 1814 when he said, “Since our Great Chief Tecumtha has been killed we do not listen to one another, we do not rise together. We hurt ourselves by it. . . .” Tecumseh’s enemy, Harrison, had described him in 1811 as “one of those uncommon geniuses which spring up occasionally to produce revolutions.” The revolution had been crushed.

Tecumseh’s struggle and death have haunted the imagination of poets in Canada until the present day. To George Longmore, in his “Tecumthé; a poetical tale, in three cantos” (1824), he was a tragic hero, whose flaw was that he was swayed by “nature not reason.” John Frederick Richardson* in his poem Tecumseh, or the warrior of the west (1828) depicted Tecumseh in a similar manner, the personification of goodness and humanity transformed into a savage fiend by the Americans’ murder of his (imaginary) son. In 1886 Charles Mair* published a long verse-drama, Tecumseh, in which the Shawnee chief is again the tragic and romantic hero, and in, his alliance with the British and his opposition to American expansionists is a symbol of the dual aims of the Canada First movement. An analogy is made in Bliss Carman*’s “Tecumseh and the eagles” (1918) with the struggle of nations for freedom in World War I. In Don Gutteridge’s Tecumseh (1976) the hero is a potential mediating figure between Indian and white cultures, whose vision, like the poet’s, is to “weave a new history from our twin beginnings.”

Over the course of the 19th century, historians writing in Upper Canada about the War of 1812 made him into one of its heroes, until he had a place in the mythology alongside Brock, Laura Secord [Ingersoll*], and the Canadian militia. To historian David Thompson he was simply “that great aboriginal hero.” To Richardson and Gilbert Auchinleck he was the noble savage, “ever merciful and magnanimous,” of a “gallant and impetuous spirit,” eloquent, high-minded, and dignified. The fact that he died fighting while a British general retreated before the invading Americans enhanced his appeal to the loyalist mind. The worshipful approach that these tastes inspired had two serious consequences. It encouraged the uncritical embellishment of Tecumseh’s image with pieces of hearsay and invention, and it discouraged consideration of his motives. Late in the century Ernest Alexander Cruikshank* broke with the tradition and for the first time Tecumseh’s war service was subjected to a scholarly analysis of the records. Historical writers of a lesser stature have, however, perpetuated and extended the old interpretation. In 1910 Katherine B. Coutts wrote, “Of his great gifts he gave all in the Canadian cause.” It was and is impossible to cast Tecumseh as a Canadian patriot first and an Indian second. His loyalty was never to Canada or even to the British in Canada. It was to a dream of a pan-Indian movement that would secure for his people the land necessary for them to continue their way of life. The few months he spent fighting with the British forces were in service of that vision. In his failure and death the cynical British and Canadians were only slightly less his enemies than the Americans.

© 2000 University of Toronto/Université Laval

Sent by Don Milligan donmilligan@comcast.net 

Lincoln and the Sioux by Ron Soodalter

The New York Times Opinionator 
By Ron Soodalter, August 20, 2012
robertrobinson453@gmail.com


ARCHAEOLOGY

Maya Murals Found in Family Kitchen
What was Behind Mysterious Collapse of the Mayan Empire?
Mexico City’s Aztec Past Reaches Out to Present
Controversy in Mexico over changes to and use of Mayan palaces, Aztec pyramids


Photograph by Robert Slabonski

Maya Murals Found in Family Kitchen, If these walls could talk, they'd solve a Maya mystery.




There is an amazing Maya story coming out of a small village in Guatemala today. A family in the village of Chajul were scraping their walls for renovation, and lo and behold, a multi-wall Maya mural showing a procession of Maya in the post -conquest era was revealed. This is additional evidence of the survival of pre-conquest Mayan religious and secular practices well after the arrival of the Spanish... Living With the Past   
Sent by Juan Marinez  marinezj@msu.edu

Five years ago Lucas Asicona Ramírez (far right, pictured with family) began scraping his walls while renovating his home in the Guatemalan village of Chajul. As the plaster fell away, a multi-wall Maya mural saw light for the first time in centuries, according to archaeologist Jaros³awra³ka, who recently revealed the finds to National Geographic News.

The paintings depict figures in procession, wearing a mix of traditional Maya and Spanish garb. Some may be holding human hearts, said  ra³ka, who was working on the other side of Guatemala when a colleague tipped him off to the kitchen murals.

The recent exposure has faded the art considerably, leaving precious little time to unlock their secrets, he added. Click on link for full story. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/09/pictures/120905-maya-murals-found-kitchen-science-mayan/


What Was Behind Mysterious Collapse of the Mayan Empire?

 

Scientists have found that drought played a key role, but the Mayans appear to have exacerbated the problem by cutting down the jungle canopy to make way for cities and crops, according to researchers who used climate-model simulations to see how much deforestation aggravated the drought.

"We're not saying deforestation explains the entire drought, but it does explain a substantial portion of the overall drying that is thought to have occurred," said the study's lead author Benjamin Cook, a climate modeler at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, in a statement. [Dry and Dying: Images of Drought]

[Related: Ancient text confirms Mayan calendar end date]

Using climate-model simulations, he and his colleagues examined how much the switch from forest to crops, such as corn, would alter climate. Their results, detailed online in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, suggested that when deforestation was at its maximum, it could account for up to 60 percent of the drying. (The switch from trees to corn reduces the amount of water transferred from the soil to the atmosphere, which reduces rainfall.)

Other recent research takes a more holistic view.

"The ninth-century collapse and abandonment of the Central Maya Lowlands in the Yucatán peninsular region were the result of complex human–environment interactions," writes this team in a study published Monday (Aug 20) in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The team, led by B.L. Turner, a social scientist at Arizona State University, concurs that by clearing the forest, the Mayans may have aggravated a natural drought, which spiked about the time the empire came to an end and population declined dramatically.

But this is just one contributing factor to their demise, Turner and colleagues write, pointing out that the reconfiguration of the landscape may also have led to soil degradation. Other archaeological evidence points to a landscape under stress, for instance, the wood of the sapodilla tree, favored as construction beams, was no longer used at the Tikal and Calakmul sites beginning in A.D. 741. Larger mammals, such as white-tailed deer, appear to have declined at the end of empire.

[Slideshow: Aztec remains unearthed]

Social and economic dynamics also contributed. Trade routes shifted from land transit across the Yucatán Peninsula to sea-born ships. This change may have weakened the city states, which were contending with environmental changes. Faced with mounting challenges, the ruling elites, a very small portion of the population, were no longer capable of delivering what was expected of them, and conflict increased.

"The old political and economic structure dominated by semidivine rulers decayed," the team writes. "Peasants, artisan – craftsmen, and others apparently abandoned their homes and cities to find better economic opportunities elsewhere in the Maya area."

http://news.yahoo.com/behind-mysterious-collapse-mayan-empire-135617384.html 

Sent by John Inclan  fromGalveston@yahoo.com  


Mexico City’s Aztec Past Reaches Out to Present
By Elisabeth Malkin  and Sofia Castello Y Tickell 
September 2, 2012, The New York Times, 
Mexico City Journal


The ruins of the Aztecs’ Templo Mayor, 
in Mexico City’s famous Zócalo, 
where it abuts a Spanish-built cathedral.

Rodrigo Cruz for The New York Times

 


MEXICO CITY — The skeleton is that of a young woman, perhaps an Aztec noble, found intact and buried in the empire’s most sacred spot more than 500 years ago. Almost 2,000 human bones were heaped around her, and she is a mystery. Connect With Us on TwitterFollow @nytimesworld for international breaking news and headlines. Twitter List: Reporters and Editors Enlarge This Image

National Institute of Anthropology and History, via ReutersArchaeologists removed human bones, among nearly 2,000, including 10 skulls, found recently at the Templo Mayor site.

There are other discoveries yet to be deciphered from the latest excavation site at the heart of this vast metropolis, where the Aztecs built their great temple and the Spanish conquerors laid the foundation of their new empire.

Before announcing the finding of the unusual burial site and the remains of what may be a sacred tree last month, archaeologists had also recently revealed a giant round stuccoed platform decorated with serpents’ heads and a floor carved in relief that appears to show a holy war.

Mexico City might be one of the world’s classic megacities, an ever-expanding jumble of traffic, commerce, grand public spaces, leafy suburbs and cramped slums. But it is also an archaeological wonder, and more than three decades after a chance discovery set off a systematic exploration of the Aztecs’ ceremonial spaces, surprises are still being uncovered in the city’s superimposed layers.

“It’s a living city that has been transforming since the pre-Hispanic epoch,” said Raúl Barrera, who leads the exploration of the city’s center for the National Institute of Anthropology and History here.

“The Mexicas themselves dismantled their temples,” to build over them, he explained, using the Aztecs’ name for themselves. “The Spanish constructed the cathedral, their houses, with the same stones from the pre-Hispanic temples. What we have found are the remains of that whole process.”

Perhaps nowhere else in the world is the evidence of a rupture between civilizations as dramatic as in Mexico City’s giant central square, known as the Zócalo, where the ruin of the Aztecs’ Templo Mayor abuts the ponderous cathedral the Spanish erected to declare their spiritual dominance over the conquered.

“I think the ideological war was more difficult for the Spanish than armed warfare,” said Eduardo Matos Moctezuma, the archaeologist who first led the excavation of the Templo Mayor.

There are other, older places in the world where ruins rise from traffic-clogged streets, where foreign invaders ended empires. But it is different here, academics say.

“They blew the top of it off; they didn’t do that to the Colosseum,” said Davíd Carrasco, a historian of religions at Harvard University who has written on the Aztecs and the excavations at the Templo Mayor. “In Rome, the ancient Roman city stands alongside the medieval and the modern city.”

A Spanish chronicler of the conquest, Bernal Díaz del Castillo, wrote that “of all these wonders” of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, “all is overthrown and lost, nothing left standing.”

Since 1790, though, when construction work to pave the Zócalo unearthed the first giant Aztec carvings, Tenochtitlan has been giving up its secrets. Archaeologists began exploring the Templo Mayor a century ago, but the discovery of a giant monolith depicting the decapitated, dismembered Aztec moon goddess Coyolxauhqui in 1978 led to a full-scale excavation that continues today.

In the first five years, archaeologists had uncovered large parts of the temple that lay underneath a structure razed by the Spanish after the 1521 conquest. Past Aztec emperors had built new temples over earlier ones, which unwittingly spared the older structures.

The archaeological project “wasn’t just that we were going to find an enormous temple,” Mr. Matos said. “It was what it meant within Aztec society. That building was very important because for them it was the center of the universe.”

There is still much more to uncover around the Templo Mayor. The 16th-century Franciscan Friar Bernardino de Sahagún left a record of what Mr. Matos calls the Aztecs’ sacred precinct of temples and palaces, now a densely packed square about seven blocks on each side.

The Sahagún account, compiled from Aztecs’ recollections of their lost city, has proved strikingly accurate. Of the 78 structures he described, archaeologists have found vestiges of more than half. During the most recent excavation, underneath a small plaza wedged between the Templo Mayor and the cathedral, Mr. Barrera had been looking for the round ceremonial platform because it had been described in the Sahagún record.

Much of what the friar and other witnesses chronicled now lies as deep as 25 feet underground. To get there, Mr. Barrera’s team must first navigate the electricity lines and water mains that are the guts of the modern city and then travel down through a colonial layer, which yields its own set of artifacts.

“It is like a book that we are trying to read from the surface to the deepest point,” he said.

But despite the guidance from historical records, Mexico City’s archaeologists cannot dig anywhere they please.

Part of the sacred precinct is now a raucous medley of the mundane. The street vendors hawking pirated Chinese-made toys and English-language lesson CDs from crumbling facades are merely the loudest. To excavate under the area’s hotels, diners, cheap clothing stands and used bookstores would entail fraught negotiation.

Along the quieter blocks of the precinct, handsome colonial structures are now museums and government buildings, themselves historical landmarks.

Archaeologists believe that the Calmécac, a school for Aztec nobles, extends under the courtyards of Mexico’s Education Ministry building. For now, the only part of the Calmécac that has been excavated are several walls and sculptures on display under a building housing the Spanish cultural center, discovered when it was remodeled.

Still, in a strange sort of payback, the ruins themselves sometimes make it possible for the archaeologists to enter private property and begin digging.

Since the 16th century, the city has pumped water from deep wells to satisfy its thirst, causing the clays beneath the surface to sink as water is sucked from them, rather like a dry sponge.

But the buildings settle unevenly, buckling over the solid stone Aztec ruins below, lending many of the sacred precinct’s streets a swaying, drunken air.

As cracks open and the buildings tilt, many of them need restoration, which by law allows archaeologists from the anthropology and history institute to keep watch. If historic remains are found, the owner must foot the bill to restore them.

When the cathedral needed to be rescued in the 1990s, engineers dug 30 shafts to stabilize the structure and Mr. Matos and his team descended as far as 65 feet to see what was underneath.

“It’s the vengeance of the gods,” he said. “The cathedral is falling and the monuments to the ancient gods are what’s causing it to fall.”

Among other things, the archaeologists found the remains of Tenochtitlan’s ball court, where Aztecs played a ritual ballgame common across ancient Mesoamerica. It remains sealed deep under the cathedral’s apse and the cobblestone street to its north.

“That whole part of the city is like a graveyard of people and of significant cultural objects,” Mr. Carrasco said. “And they awaken every time Mexico reaches for its future.”

 

Controversy in Mexico over changes to and use of Mayan palaces, Aztec pyramids

By Anne-Marie O’Connor, Published: August 28

 
MEXICO CITY— Mexicans are taught to revere their pre-Columbian roots. So some archaeologists are outraged by what they view as the government’s failure to safeguard the nation’s Mayan palaces and Aztec pyramids.

A recent decision by the government to erect a glass and steel facade on a portion of the historic Fort of Guadalupe in Puebla in time for the Sept. 15 Mexican independence celebrations was the last straw. The archaeologists have occupied Mexico’s prestigious National Museum of Anthropology, telling museum-goers that taking liberties with federally protected buildings was becoming commonplace.

The late-summer tourists who flock to the Chapultepec Park institution are greeted by banners, petitions and angry anthropologists with megaphones. A barefoot Mayan-speaking researcher in a white tunic blows into a conch shell to announce speeches in the lobby.

The occupying scientists have also declared: Admission is free.

Archaeologists are tweeting about “aggressions against patrimony” and using Facebook to decry tacky tourist development and New Age spectacles that they say will ruin the ruins.

Just when government officials were hoping to make money on the hype over Dec. 21 marking the end-of the-world, as predicted by the Mayan calendar, archaeologists are threatening to shut down the party before it has begun.

“Our national monuments are being violated,” said Felipe Echenique March, head of the union that represents the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the government agency charged with protecting historic sites. “Public archaeological sites are deteriorating. We are resisting this destruction.”....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/controversy-in-mexico-over-changes-to-and-use-of-mayan-
palaces-aztec-pyramids/2012/08/28/e1c8861a-ee1a-11e1-b0eb-dac6b50187ad_story.html



SEPHARDIC

Christopher Columbus' Jewish Roots Examined by Historians
The Archeology of Memory: Majorca, Spain by Doreen Carvajal
Sephardic Horizons, New Summer issue just published

Editor:  For those living in Southern California: Thursday, October 18, 7 p.m. Dr. Carlos Cortes will be reading from and discussing "Rose Hill" at Temple Beth El, 2675 Central Avenue, Riverside, California. He will be sharing his perspective as the son of a Mexican heritage father and Russian Jewish mother.

Christopher Columbus' Jewish Roots Examined by Historians

Columbus day is usually celebrated the second Monday in October
Source: Huffpost Politics, the Internet Newspaper, May 25th, 2012

Over five centuries after the famed explorer's death, historians are taking a fresh look at what motivated Christopher Columbus to make his voyage across the Atlantic -- and how his faith may have played into those motivations.

Some scholars, after analyzing Columbus' will and other documents, have devised a new theory about the explorer. They believe he was a Marrano, or a Jew who pretended to be a Catholic to avoid religious persecution. These historians also theorize that Columbus' main goal in life was to liberate Jerusalem from Muslim control, and that he decided to take his historic quest to North America in order to find a new homeland for Jews who had been forced out of Spain.

During the time of Columbus' voyage, Marranos were a targeted group. Tens of thousands of them were tortured during the Spanish Inquisition, so keeping one's true religious identity secret was a crucial priority for many.

As CNN reports, Columbus' will contained five provisions that some scholars believe to be evidence of the explorer's true faith:

Two of his wishes -- tithe one-tenth of his income to the poor and provide an anonymous dowry for poor girls -- are part of Jewish customs. He also decreed to give money to a Jew who lived at the entrance of the Lisbon Jewish Quarter.

On those documents, Columbus used a triangular signature of dots and letters that resembled inscriptions found on gravestones of Jewish cemeteries in Spain. He ordered his heirs to use the signature in perpetuity.

According to British historian Cecil Roth's "The History of the Marranos," the anagram was a cryptic substitute for the Kaddish, a prayer recited in the synagogue by mourners after the death of a close relative. Thus, Columbus's subterfuge allowed his sons to say Kaddish for their crypto-Jewish father when he died. Finally, Columbus left money to support the crusade he hoped his successors would take up to liberate the Holy Land.

Scholars also point to the real financiers of the voyage as evidence of the trip's purpose. While most schoolchildren grow up learning that the expedition was financed by Queen Isabella, historians say it was mostly paid for by two prominent Jews who had been forced to convert to Catholicism, Louis de Santangel and Gabriel Sanchez.

While these claims may be difficult to verify, the new portrait of Columbus painted by these scholars adds a complicated layer to the already convoluted sentiment toward the famed explorer. While he is lauded in the United States with a federal holiday and a receives a great deal of credit for discovering North America, his legacy has been tainted by charges of genocide and exploitation. But if Columbus' true intent was not imperialism, but freedom from religious trial, public perception of the man may shift yet again.

Columbus day is usually celebrated the second Monday in October
Source: Huffpost Politics, the Internet Newspaper, May 25th, 2012

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/22/christopher-columbus-jewish_n_1534928.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-bb%7
Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D163023
 


The Archeology of Memory: Majorca, Spain by Doreen Carvajal

 


The Aguiló family tree is dense with branches, filled with 560 names written by hand in tidy black and blue print with dates that span 500 years.

When I visited the Spanish island of Majorca, one of the Aguiló relatives led me upstairs from a cramped notions shop named Angela that has been owned by the family since the 17th century. And there, propped on an antique sewing machine table, was the vast tree, a testament to all the descendants of Jews forced to convert to Christianity during the Inquisition and who themselves were shunned on the island for generations as "chuetas."

It was an impressive sight to behold - especially because it was clear evidence that the descendants of conversos had intermarried among the same 15 families of chuetas dating back centuries. But missing from the tree was a major family drama that had affected descendants of most of its branches: A distant ancestor, Catalina Terongi, was burned at the stake in a public auto-da-fé or execution in the 17th century after investigators for the Spanish Inquisition discovered that she and others had been secretly practicing Judaism despite their conversion. To the end she refused to renounce her faith, urging other victims to ignore the heat of their burning clothes.

That was the story that had the power to bring the tree of names alive and to create an emotional, living connection between descendants and ancestors.

Every family has its stories. But how do you transform a collection of birth and death dates into something more to be shared for generations? The formula is pretty basic: act like a reporter and then share personal history in a compelling way.

My family mystery, like the Aguilós, involved the descendants of forced converts. In writing my book, "The Forgetting River," I shared the story of the hidden Sephardic Jewish identity of the Catholic Carvajals in a way that could introduce ancestors from Spain and Costa Rica to descendants in California.

I'm a journalist, but I made many mistakes while exploring my own family history. The most basic lesson I learned was to start early to interview relatives. By the time I began to investigate our past, relatives with vital information had died.

But my most crucial error was that I lost my journalistic skepticism when I questioned family members about delicate subjects. I gathered scant information when I asked directly if we were the descendants of Marranos, forced Christian converts who maintained a dual identity to escape persecution during the Spanish Inquisition. To probe sensitive family history, I discovered that it's best to work from the fringes. Think. Watch. Observe. I asked benign questions and searched for records that allowed information to seep out about customs, household rituals, job patterns, prayers. I found that the older generation sometimes confided more in their grandchildren and nieces than their own children.

From this strategy, I learned about a hidden menorah kept in a bedroom dresser, or fourth cousins marrying fourth cousins, an almost tribal habit of secret Marrano families intermarrying among people they trusted completely, maintaining the appearance of being Catholics.
There are other techniques to unlock family memories and ties. One way is to project yourself into the past, immersing yourself in the lives of ancestors and the general history, geography and economy of their times. French psychotherapist Anne Ancelin Schützenberger, now in her 90s and a specialist in the psychology of genealogy, calls it the "ecological niche." To understand the psychological link between generations, she urges people to try to establish an emotional connection with ancestors so distant relatives are something more than sepia colored photos in a museum. Keep in mind, that this is a story that might have profound meaning for other people someday. So it's worth the trouble to plunge into the past.
In my own case, I moved into a white pueblo in the south of Andalusia, Spain to try to understand the fears that drove my ancestors from the Inquisition of Spain, and led them to guard their secret Sephardic Jewish identity for centuries. To dig in the archeology of memory, I started with a book of the Carvajal and Chacon family trees reaching back to Spain. We moved for a summer into an an ex- bordello, a white house high on a sandstone ridge in Arcos de la Frontera. There was something about southern Spain that moved me, but only later did I find out that my great Aunt Luz in Costa Rica used to talk about dreams of returning to the Cadiz region where the family came from.

For years I ignored the clues that our family had a secret identity, starting withe the most basic hint: our name. Carvajal is an old Sephardic Jewish name that in some spelling variations means "lost place " or "rejected." The Carvajal family was made up of businessmen and politicians who were raised as Catholics in the tiny Central American country of Costa Rica.

When my father made communion as a boy in San Jose, Costa Rica, his father did not attend. Before my grandmother died in her eighties in San Francisco, she gave orders that she did not want a priest at her funeral. My aunt, Eugenia, did the same with a blunt comment that she would be watching from the heavens.

Who were we? I am embarrassed to admit that I was not curious when numerous people questioned me about my origins - not even when a writer called about a book that she was writing about Carvajals who were tortured and burned at the stake in Mexico by the Inquisition for secretly practicing Judaism.

Then September 11 came in New York, where I was living. We moved to Europe, and suddenly identity was important to me. Eventually I found that there was a typical pattern for people trying to track down their "Marrano," or Anusim roots.

"Anusim" is a Hebrew word for "forced ones," a reference to Jews forced to convert to Catholic Christianity to survive.

The Spanish edict of expulsion was signed in 1492 and three months after that date no Jews were allowed to live in Spain if they did not convert. Those converts that continued to practice in secret were called Marranos, which means swine in Spanish. I prefer a more poetic term I read in a French book, silent Jews.

By some estimates, as many as 250,000 to 350,000 Jews were living in Spain. About half were expelled and and spread all around the Mediterranean.
Some risked their lives to practice their religion in secret in Spain. A number of families moved to Spain's colonies, to escape as far as they could from the Inquisition. To New Mexico. To Brazil. To Costa Rica. To Mexico.
I didn't know it when I started my search, but my relatives were part of the voyages that carried conquistadores and conversos to Costs Rica.
Through generations, many of these conversos preserved unique customs although the meaning faded . They lit candles in the cellar or brushed dirt away from the door to avoid an imaginary mezuzah that they didn't dare use. Or they fasted on certain days or buried their dead almost immediately.

By moving to southern Spain, I wanted to understand the fears of converso Jews and Marranos. And I was looking for a way to decode the messages of people who lived in secret. I was also searching for telling details of small town life that give answers when people can't or won't reveal information.

For example, I was intrigued by ancient symbols such as a constellation of colored stones and a missing eye of God embedded outside one of the main churches in Arcos. Tourist guides told me that it was a place where families brought their newborns after baptism. But later I found out that it was actually where converso Jews submitted to forced baptisms. 

Telling ancient symbols have lost their meaning, but they still have the power to communicate. Why, for example, do the town's ancient brotherhoods wear peaked caps, masks, and robes at Easter time or Semana Santa?

"We always have," I was told by a long time resident. No one talked about the Inquisitors who once wore them when questioning accused heretics accused of preserving Jewish rituals.

With all the vague answers, ancient symbols were my form of communication with the dead.
Arcos, for example, was famous for its distinctive saeta singers who sing acapella from wrought iron balconies or the street. They sing as religious images are paraded by robed brotherhoods during Semana Santa or Holy Week.

The rising and falling notes of their music connects with the past. Some flamenco scholars believe the music has roots to the Kol Nidre - a Jewish prayer sung every year during Yom Kippur to cancel promises. The theory is that saetas were a secret form of communication for silent Jews to transmit double messages - publicly showing devotion to images of Jesus and Mary, but also expressing their own inner grief and rebellion.

One legendary saeta singer in Arcos grew up in the Inquisition jail, which is now a house. He could never explain his ancient inspirations and his ability to sing in a medieval style. Before he died he often complained that he felt that there was something buried below the Inquisition jail. Bones? Spirits? The family found nothing.

Aside from symbols, another way to tap family memories is though food. One acquaintance organized a family reunion for a large black family on the East Coast with some painful history dating back to slavery. Some relatives were reluctant to remember those times, but they settled on a neutral approach, creating a griot cookbook of family recipes with submissions of personal memories evoked by the dishes. "Griot" is a reference to a traditional West African storyteller.

In Spain, food represents basic history dating back to the Inquisition. Why, for, example is pork so popular there? Why is ham an appetizer given to dinner guests? It was the symbol that separated Christians from Jews during the Inquisition. Dietary choices led to trials and even executions of secretly practicing Jews. Cuisine is history and politics.
To come up with new storytelling ideas, ask other people about their rituals. A friend in Philadelphia gathers every year in New York with her in-laws to celebrate and share the story of how a rabbi and family patriarch made his way from eastern Europe to New York in the 1940's
Once conversation begins, seize the moment. Make a recording. The StoryCorps is a nonprofit organization that offers advice about preserving personal history, down to suggested conversation openers. (What are the most important lessons you've learned in life?)

For the finale, create a digital slide show with a soundtrack that mixes music and words. There are iPad applications that allow amateur genealogists to become multimedia producers.

In my own case, I was inspired to push forward by the words of the Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel: "The opposite of history is not myth. The opposite of history is forgetfulness."
SEPHARDIC HORIZONS, New Summer issue just published 
To: SephardicHorizons@googlegroups.com
Sent by Judith Roumani judithroumani@gmail.com 

Here is the table of contents: Sephardic Horizons Vol. 2, number 3, Summer 2012
Please go to www.sephardichorizons.org  to view the new summer 2012 issue.

Editor’s Note by Judith Roumani and Eulogy for Rifat Barokas by Ben Barokas
Gloria DeVidas Kirchheimer, Joseph Levy’s Travel Diary, 1919
Mathilde Tagger and Dogan Akman, The Origins of the Name Aseo
Laura Leibman and Suzanna Greenblatt, Grave Matters: Childhood, Identity, and Converso Funerary Art in Colonial America
Judith Roumani, The Story of Ladino: From Roots to Branches
In Ladino: Leora Goldberg, “Zakynthos, Gresia” translated by Rivka Abiry

Reviews:
Yael Halevi-Wise, ed., Sephardism: Spanish Jewish History and the Modern Literary Imagination. Reviewed by Ralph Tarica
Sandra Shwayder Sánchez, The Secret of a Long Journey. Reviewed by Regina Igel
The Fire Within: A documentary film by Lorry Salcedo Mitrani. Reviewed by Vivienne Roumani-Denn
“DeLeon” Concert, May 17, 2012, JCC Auditorium, Rockville Md. Reviewed by Judith Roumani




AFRICAN-AMERICAN

Historic black theaters across the country 
embrace a second act

By Glenda Fauntleroy
  From Preservation | Summer 2012


Chip Ellis, CEO of Ellis Development Group and Trustee of Howard Theatre Restoration, Inc., stands in front of the box office in the lobby of the theater.



The bar area located in the upstairs balcony of the Howard Theatre was added during the renovation and offers patrons an elevated
 perch for sipping cocktails.

Photo Credit: Stephen Voss


At a time when African-Americans were prohibited from patronizing theaters and movie halls in many segregated American cities, a few now-storied spaces were the exception. Entertaining the black audience was their mission.

"I remember going to shows at the Howard Theatre with my sister as a child in middle school during the ’60s,” recalls Sharon Harley, associate professor of African-American studies and history at the University of Maryland. “I saw James Brown and fell in love with James and his whole act, that cape and all.”

Theaters in the African-American community did more than just entertain audiences, however. They birthed an entire renaissance of culture—from music to fashion.

“Places like the Howard were first-class establishments with beautiful ambiances where everyone was finely dressed, from the audience to the performers,” Harley says. “These were far above the typical juke joints and nightclubs where black musicians often performed, and they had a certain cultural and social ilk about them that made you feel special to be there.”

It was on these theaters’ stages that performers such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Redd Foxx made their mark. Black theaters offered future legends both a stage and an adoring crowd when other theaters turned them away.

Eventually, shifting demographics and integration caused the bright lights on scores of historic black marquees to dim. The Howard struggled to maintain its former grandeur after the 1968 race riots devastated its Washington, D.C., neighborhood, and the theater, like so many across the country, was forced to close its doors for decades. But the venue hadn’t taken its final curtain call, and neither had others. The Ritz Theatre in Jacksonville, Fla., Walker Theatre in Indianapolis, the Apollo in New York, and the three featured here are just some that have communities making determined efforts to preserve the brick-and-mortar buildings as well as the memories of their gloried pasts. In these theaters’ second acts, they continue to leave an indelible footprint on the communities that have always been their homes.

The 102-year-old Howard Theatre, for example, reopened to much fanfare in April. At the corner of Seventh and T in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood, the Howard is only a short walk from the Howard University campus. But it wasn’t just proximity that made weekend matinees a common destination for Bettye Gardner and her fellow Howard classmates during the early 1960s.

“The Howard Theatre was my first introduction to many of the top performers like Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, and Gladys Knight,” says Gardner, who served as a consultant during the theater's restoration.

Going to the Howard was a part of growing up for generations of Washingtonians.

At its opening in August 1910, the Howard was the first major theater built for African-Americans in the world. Billed as the “Theatre for the People,” it thrived in the neighborhood as part of a vibrant “Black Broadway.” Its live music, plays, vaudeville shows, movies, and talent contests drew audiences and performers from the city and across the country.

Virtually every top black entertainer performed on its stage, including Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Ike and Tina Turner, and native Washingtonian Marvin Gaye. It was during a Motown tour at the Howard in 1962 that The Supremes made their stage debut. Ella Fitzgerald won an amateur night contest there.

As grand as the Howard’s nightly lineup of performers was, the theater itself left a huge impression. With its windowed facade, it boasted a large, extravagant interior with 1,200 seats, a balcony, and eight boxes.

“In terms of its body and size, it made a major statement,” says Chip Ellis, CEO of Ellis Development Group, which led the Howard Theatre restoration project.
Ellis points out that the Howard is nearly 25 years older than the Apollo in Harlem, which was once a burlesque theater that did not allow African-Americans through its doors. “But at the Howard, blacks were long being entertained with Shakespearean plays and vaudeville performances,” he says.

Audiences enjoyed performances at the Howard for more than five decades, but the 1968 race riots led to neighborhood decline, and the theater struggled to attract major acts. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 but was forced to close in 1980. It sat vacant for the next 30 years.

In 2010, the year of the theater's 100th anniversary, Ellis joined Howard Theatre Restoration, Inc., to launch the venue's rebirth.

“Not many people wanted to touch the project because they didn’t see how it could add any real benefit to the community,” recalls Ellis, adding that people were failing to recognize the value of the $150 million office and residential project being developed next door.

Restoring the Howard, Ellis admits, was no easy task. By the time restoration efforts began, the theater was completely dilapidated from more than three decades of water damage. The building was almost too far gone to save. “We caught it in the last minute,” says Ellis.

The $29 million project has included replicating the facade’s original 1910 appearance, which meant uncovering windows bricked over during a renovation. The 30,000-square-foot interior incorporates a modern design with two audience configurations: supper club seating for 650 and standing room for 1,100. It features a $2 million state-of-the-art acoustic system, 10-foot video screens, curving black walnut walls,and a gourmet kitchen.

The wide-ranging performance schedule for the debut year includes The Roots, Chuck Berry, and Chaka Khan. A full Southern-style brunchwill feature the Harlem Gospel Choir every Sunday afternoon.

A planned 1,000-square-foot museum and gift shop will showcase photos and videos of artists who graced the stage in years past. An educational center and recording studio are also in the works.

“We wanted to create an art destination,” Ellis says. “And we’ve built the facility for the 21st century.”

The goal of the restoration is to preserve the Howard Theatre history, and Ellis hopes it will be a place of pride for people of the District of Columbia: “We want to educate people on the importance of the Howard and offer a place where they can experience a new generation of artists.”

The concept of providing a venue for emerging artists alongside the day’s top performers isn’t a new one for black theaters. Philadelphia’s Uptown Theatre helped launch the music careers of The Jackson 5, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin.

“It was the hottest ticket in Philadelphia,” says Linda Waters Richardson, president of the Uptown Entertainment and Development Corporation, which acquired the Uptown in 2002. “Everyone who was up-and-coming in rhythm and blues was highlighted at the Uptown, and the uniqueness was that the shows brought together people from all neighborhoods of the city.”

But the Uptown wasn’t always a venue for the trendiest new sounds. When the theater opened in 1929, it was a glamorous 50,000-square-foot movie theater serving the predominately Eastern European and Jewish population that lived in the neighborhood surrounding Broad Street.

By the 1950s, as the neighborhood became home to more African-American residents, the Uptown’s owners decided to feature fewer movies and open the stage to black performers, partnering with Philadelphia’s famous disc jockey Georgie Woods—a move that ushered in decades of now-famous live music performances.

Woods, known affectionately as “the guy with the goods,” was a fixture on Philadelphia radio during the 1950s and ’60s, introducing rhythm and blues to listeners across the city.

“As teenagers we would listen to his daily radio show and it would just captivate us,” Richardson remembers.
As Woods played the music of up-and-coming young performers on his show and invited them to perform at the Uptown, he became legendary for recognizing talented artists long before they became famous.

Deeply involved in the civil rights movement, Woods was the first to invite Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to speak in the city, recalls Richardson. And his connections were far-reaching.

“When Dick Clark wanted to find artists for his television show, American Bandstand, he consulted with Woods to see what group he should book,” Richardson says.

Following the fate of many other black theaters, the Uptown was later forced to close because of its neighborhood’s changing socioeconomic landscape. It had been abandoned since the mid-1990s when Richardson’s organization began researching potential neighborhood revitalization projects. Neighbors asked that the theater be included in the efforts.

After the building had been stabilized, the second phase of the restoration project began, which included preserving the structure and six-story tower, renovating office space, and restoring architectural details. “The Uptown’s facade features terra-cotta tiles that are a fixture of its Art Deco design,” Richardson says.

“We’re trying to provide an opportunity for young emerging artists, producers, and performers to have the same kind of experience that those of us of a certain age had at the Uptown,” Richardson explains. The building will also offer space for rent: Proposed tenants include a catering company, a record production facility, and a technology center.

A similar multipurpose vision was the genesis of the Morton Theatre, in Athens, Ga. It was 1909, and Monroe Bowers “Pink” Morton dreamed of a “high-class place” where blacks could be entertained. The downtown corner of Washington and Hull streets—already the business center of African-American life—was the perfect spot.

As the son of a white father and a mother who was a former slave, Morton got his nickname, Pink, because of his light complexion. He had little formal education but became an established contractor and one of the South’s wealthiest black men.

Construction wasn’t his only talent. Morton owned more than 25 buildings throughout the region, served as the Athens postmaster for five years, and owned and published the local black newspaper, the Progressive Era.

“He was a true renaissance man for any time,” says Lynn Battle Green, Morton Theatre’s rental coordinator and box office manager.

When the new four-story brick Morton building was complete, the suites throughout became home to many of Athens’ black professionals, including doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and insurance salesmen.

“The Morton Building was referred to as the largest building to be built, owned, and operated by a colored man in all the world,” says Green. But what she calls the “crown jewel” of the building was the theater itself.

The Morton Theatre sat on the second and third floors, with seating for up to 700 people. With its grand interior and horseshoe-shaped balcony, the theater garnered much attention from patrons in Athens and the surrounding counties, and the audience soon became diverse as white residents mixed with blacks to see such popular entertainers as Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway.

“The Morton was special because it was one of the few places in Athens or this region where both blacks and whites could come together in one place,” Green says.

After interest in vaudeville and live performers waned in the 1930s, the Morton functioned as a movie house until a fire on the second floor led to the theater’s closure in 1954. Businesses throughout the building, however, stayed open for several more years.

In 1979, the Morton Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places but was still in danger of being condemned until concerned citizens formed the Morton Theatre Corporation and purchased the building in 1981. The Athens government stepped in with a sales tax referendum that provided $1.8 million for the theater’s renovation, and it reopened as a community performing arts center and rental facility in 1993.

Today, most renters are nonprofit organizations that host fundraising events, live musical concerts, dramas, and church services. The Morton remains a vital part of the city’s cultural scene.

In the past year, the Morton has undergone another transformation. The building’s facade has been repainted, new double-pane windows have been installed, and the theater’s signature balcony and hardwood floor were both reconstructed. The entire auditorium was also cleaned and repainted “from the pressed tin ceiling to the baseboard,” says Green.

“The Morton Theatre holds a very important part of black history in Athens,” Green adds. “Our main goal is to make sure the legacy of the theater is not forgotten.”

]Preserving the legacies of these theaters, though, is as much about ensuring their futures as remembering their histories. Together, these places are an invaluable touchstone for an important era in our nation’s history. That they haven’t been subjected to the wrecking ball—as many other buildings of their time have— is a true testament to their significance, says Wendy Hacker, who’s producing an upcoming documentary, “Historic Black Theaters,” with her Loose Threads Cinema production company.

Hacker adds another reason why these historic theaters are special: “During the era of segregation, theaters in black communities provided one of the few forms of secular entertainment available,” she says. “It’s where families went together, where singles met their future spouses, and, most importantly, where African-American citizens could enjoy themselves free from the indignities of segregation.”

In towns where historic theaters have been lost, people talk wistfully about the theater that was—the glitz of sold-out shows, walking along Black Broadway, and coming together as a community to be entertained.

For theaters that have been restored, their reopenings have been like welcoming home an old friend. “No one wanted to see these theaters close their doors,” says University of Maryland’s Harley, “and for blacks who remember the good old days, we’re glad to see them open again.”


Glenda Fauntleroy is a freelance writer and editor based in Carmel, Ind.

Historic African-American Theaters Renovated for a Second Act

Glenda Fauntleroy’s story for the Summer 2012 issue of Preservation focused on the renovations and restorations of three historic theaters that had served the African-American audience during the time of segregation. Here are six others recently renovated or poised for an encore performance.

Miami:
The third phase of restoration and expansion of the 400-seat Lyric Theater, the only surviving building of the city’s “Little Broadway” district, is set for completion next year. The space, which operated as a movie and vaudeville venue for nearly fifty years, will reopen as the Black Archives Research Foundation Historic Lyric Theater Welcome Center Complex in 2013.

Norfolk, Va.:
The Attucks Theatre, built in 1919, holds the title of the oldest remaining theater in the country completely financed, designed, constructed, and operated by African-Americans. The state and national landmark that featured Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, and Redd Foxx on its stage underwent an extensive renovation and reopened as a community performance venue and education center in 2004.

Indianapolis:
Named for one of America’s first self-made female millionaires, the Walker Theatre was central to the African-American community from the 1920s to the ‘50s when it went into decline. All but abandoned in the 1970s, the former movie house was restored and reopened in 1988. Board members are currently working to establish a permanent endowment for the building’s preservation.

Kansas City, Mo.:
Built in 1912, the Gem Theater originally screened silent films for the city’s African American residents and eventually expanded to include live theater and jazz performances. The city purchased the building in 1990 and it now houses the American Jazz Museum’s annual national jazz concert series, “Jammin’ at the Gem,” as well as community events and performances.

Denver:
With its original marquee refurbished and refaced, the 1913 Roxy Theatre reopened as a club and performance space for hip hop, jazz, and other music last year.

Los Angeles:
The Lincoln Theater, once called the “West Coast Apollo,” hosted performers from Billie Holiday and Lena Horne to Fats Domino and B.B. King in its heyday. Though it has operated as a church since 1962, the Exotic Revival style building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/2012/online-exclusives/historic-african-american-theaters.html



EAST COAST 

Wichita Falls Photographer to Speak at D.C. Congressional Gathering

Florida Association of Hispanic Journalists/Since 1984 

Wichita Falls Photographer to Speak at D.C. Congressional Gathering

Jesús Manuel Mena Garza will exhibit his photographs and speak at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute gathering in Washington D.C. on Sept. 12, 2012.

Washington DC, DC, August 30, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Jesús Manuel Mena Garza will exhibit his photographs and speak at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute gathering in Washington D.C. on Sept. 12, 2012. Garza will clarify CHCI’s work with the Smithsonian Latino Center and its efforts to celebrate the cultural richness and diversity of the Latino community. The photographer will underline the need for a physical home on the National Mall for a Museum of the Latino.

The photographs on display at the Ronald Reagan Building were captured from 1970 to 1975. During this period, Garza took intimate photographs of Chicano icons César E. Chávez, Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzáles and others. The photographs provide a retrospective glimpse from the unique perspective of the photojournalist and activist.

Midwestern State University Professor Dr. Ann Marie Leimer adds, “During the past decades, Garza has extensively published and exhibited several documentary photographic series. The Chicano Photographer series explores important aspects of the American experience, historic events and cultural practices often marginalized by the dominant culture.” Photographs from the series are in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, various universities and have been published in journals and books. The Chicano Photographer series and press kit can be accessed at Garza’s website, www.jmmgarza.com.

Contact: Ann Marie Leimer, Ph.D., (940) 397-4264, ann.leimer@mwsu.edu
http://www.pr.com/press-release/437310 
Sent by Roberto Calderon beto@unt.edu 


Florida Association of Hispanic Journalists/Since 1984 

Florida Association of Hispanic Journalists/
Since 1984 
Asociacion de La Florida de Periodistas Hispanos
Fundada en 1984

The Florida Association of Hispanic Journalists proudly announces the edition of two new titles in the free publishing on-demand books for its members.

In Without Censorship collection, The Color of Lie (in Spanish) from the four times national awarded Cuban journalist Pedro González Munné.

In Testimony collection: A Man without Shadows (in Spanish) from the national awarded Cuban journalist and poet, Graciela Guerrero Garay.

All available in Amazon.Com

 

La Asociación de la Florida de Periodistas Hispanos se complace en anunciar la presentación de dos nuevos títulos en el sistema de publicación 'on-demand' gratis para sus miembros.

En la colección Sin Censura: El Color de la Mentira del cuatro veces premio nacional de periodismo en Cuba, Pedro González Munné.

En la colección Testimonio: Un hombre sin sombras de la reconocida periodista y poetisa cubana, Graciela Guerrero Garay.

Estos títulos están disponibles en el sistema Amazon.com

Sent by president@fahj.org   www.fahj.org

CARIBBEAN/CUBA

TESOL Symposium precedes the 39th PRTESOL Convention and the 11th Cental American & Caribbean Basin Regional Conference, Journey Into English as a Global Language: Embracing Diversity, 16–17 November 2012. 

 

Program Overview

Worldwide, university graduates are faced with one of the biggest transitions of their lives: leaving the routine of school to face the “real world.” English language learners (ELLs) tend to confront this challenge with an even greater concern: finding work in an English-speaking context.

This 1-day symposium guides educators in empowering their university and adult learners. English language educators interact with leading experts in the field and learn about collaborating with colleagues, fostering learner autonomy, and guiding ELLs through the complicated steps to becoming professionals in their chosen fields. Participants learn systemic approaches and a wide variety of practical strategies and techniques to more effectively meet the needs of their students.

This TESOL Symposium precedes the 39th PRTESOL Convention and the 11th Cental American & Caribbean Basin Regional Conference, Journey Into English as a Global Language: Embracing Diversity, 16–17 November 2012. For more information on the 39th PRTESOL Convention and the 11th CA & CB Regional Conference, please visit the conference website or email Puerto Rico TESOL.

You can also download the symposium brochure (PDF).

http://www.puertoricotesol.org 


CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

Archivo Gráfico y Museo Histórico de la Ciudad de San Francisco y la Región

Kidnapped 36 years, victim finds Bogotá, Colombia family

 

Archivo Gráfico y Museo Histórico de la Ciudad de San Francisco y la Región

 

 
Archivo Gráfico y Museo Histórico de la Ciudad de San Francisco y la Región
Les enviamos el fondo de pantalla de septiembre 2012. La foto pertenece a los alumnos y docentes de la Academia del maestro Livio Manera, tomada en el escenario del Club Atlético San Isidro hace 52 años. Acordeonistas que surgieron de allí nutrieron luego algunas de las orquestas características de San Francisco y la región y algunos que iban siendo pibes, siguen aún tocando en fiestas y espectáculos populares.

Kidnapped 36 years, victim finds Bogotá, Colombia family

Mimi,
A few months ago I was contacted by Nicky Culverhouse wanting to get information on my family tree. She had obtained my name from the Family Tree DNA website as one of her Family Finder matches. She was an adoptee from Columbia and was trying to find her biological family in Columbia. You can view the video at the following link to get the rest of her amazing journey.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/29/nicole-culverhouse-reunited-family-kidnapped_n_1839524.html
Herold Martinez
heroldm@aol.com
Nicky's contact info: nicoleforchrist@hotmail.com
 

Nicole Culverhouse's story starts 36 years ago in a Bogotá, Colombia. A young girl, she was playing in the park with her brother Jose as her parents worked at a food cart nearby. Her brother ran to get a drink, but Culverhouse stayed behind. That was the last time her family saw her -- until recently.  Nicole Culverhouse hugs her mother and sister after being reunited with her family in Bogota, Colombia.  

Earlier this month Culverhouse reunited with her biological family for the first time, in a heartwarming meeting in her native city. A Facebook group, a Colombian travel blog and countless others helped Culverhouse find the family she was ripped away from as a young age.

Back on that fateful day in 1975, when Culverhouse was sitting alone in the park, she was kidnapped by a woman in a black dress who took her to an orphanage, where her hair was cut and her name was changed. She later moved to the United States with the American family that adopted her and grew up comfortably, but she always remembered every detail of the day that drastically changed her life -- from the little door on her family's food cart to the dimple in her dad's chin.

“Since I was four when I was kidnapped I always remembered the story,” Culverhouse told NBC Latino. “I always wanted to go back but I just lacked the opportunity, the money, the courage."

Culverhouse's kidnapping highlights a problem that has silently raged on for years in Colombia. According to the U.S. State Department, 216 Colombian children were adopted by American parents in 2011 -- higher than any other South American country. But recently, several local news outlets have accused Colombia's Family Welfare Institute of kidnapping native children and giving them up for adoption to foreign parents.

After her adoption, Culverhouse made her own way in the U.S., rising through the ranks of the Air Force to master sergeant and getting married, but her curiosity in her heritage and seeing her family again pushed her to begin searching.

She stumbled across a Facebook group called Adopted From Colombia, and began reaching out to other adoptees who were also searching for their biological families. Culverhouse decided to return to Colombia for the 70th anniversary of Casa De Madre y el Niño, the orphanage that took her in, and reached out to See Colombia Travel to try and track down the park where she was abducted. She found a helpful resource in Marcela, a See Colombia Travel blogger, who was overwhelmed by her tale and offered her services as a translator during her trip to Colombia.

Over four months, Culverhouse planned her trip, leading up to the moment when she was contacted by a woman via email who thought her name might be Viviani.

“I traveled to Perservancia and went to the churches there to search for baptism records on myself and my brother,” Culverhouse told Staff Sgt. Patrick Harrower, who wrote about Culverhouse's story on the U.S. Air Force's website. “I even walked through the streets with a pencil sketch of me as a child that I had a street artist draw to see if anyone knew the story.”

Unfortunately, when she met the family in person, she realized there was a glaring disparity in their histories -- their daughter was kidnapped in 1992 and Culverhouse was taken in 1975.

After the heartbreaking meeting, Culverhouse traveled to Cartagena, seeking some reprieve from the emotionally exhaustive search, when she received another message -- this time through Facebook. Two people claiming to be her cousin and brother-in-law reached out to her after seeing her story broadcast on a local TV station. They included photos of the family and a picture of one of the cousins showed an uncanny resemblance to Culverhouse.

The hunch that Culverhouse was, in fact, Irene, the kidnapped daughter of the Blanco family proved to be true. Marcela spoke to Culverhouse's biological mother over the phone and the stories matched up perfectly. Culverhouse traveled to a southern neighborhood of Bogota, where her mother was living, and reunited with her biological family for the first time in 36 years.

"When we got there, all I could hear from everyone was 'that’s her,'" Marcela wrote in a blog post.

Fortunately, the heartwarming moment was caught on film as Culverhouse is welcomed into the open arms of her mother and sister on the streets of Bogotá. (See video above.)

Her father, brother and the rest of the extended family traveled to the town as soon as they heard word of Irene's return. The rowdy reunion was filled with Salsa dancing and celebration.

"They were teaching me how to be Latino," Culverhouse told NBC Latino.

After a four-day reunion in Bogotá, Culverhouse had to return to her life in the U.S. but plans to fly back in December to celebrate the holidays with her family.

"They never forgot about me," Culverhouse said. "They always told my story to my nieces and nephews so nobody would forget what happened."

Watch the video above to see Culverhouse's heartwarming reunion with her family, and check out the gallery below to see 10 other first meetings that will make your heart melt.

(Image via Facebook/Travis Air Force Base)

 

THE PHILIPPINES

International and Intercultural Marriage by Eddie AAA Calderon, Ph.D.


International and Intercultural Marriage

By Eddie AAA Calderón, Ph.D.

eaaac@yahoo.com

Getting married is not the only very momentous event in life but also the most fascinating and can also be the opposite or the most intriguing if you happen to marry someone from a different culture, different age group, coming from vastly different countries, ad infinitum. I am a Filipino whose culture has American and Spanish influence due to colonial experiences.  
If I married an American, at least our cultures would not have been vastly different than someone whose language I initially did not speak and am still learning to speak, whose religion --Muslim-- is not Christian as I am, whose food is completely dissimilar than mine, whose ways are so foreign and unlike the American and Western culture including Spanish that I have grown to understand.
And then the vast difference in age --my wife, Ang Mutya ng Kirgistan/La Joya del Kirguistán/the Jewel of Kyrgyzstan, who is much younger than I am, whose education, music preference, the food taste, expressive behaviour and reactions, and family loyalty and orientation are again very different. We Filipinos as well as American and Hispanic culture do treat our in-laws generally speaking like our own blood. But in the Soviet culture, this is not so. Their loyalty is for most part for their own blood relatives. Also we Filipinos like our Hispanic heritage are generally speaking romantic and we men like to serenade our women. Our women in turn enjoy being serenaded. Even American and Western woman liked to be serenaded and that Australian woman I met in Turkey who accepted my invitation to visit the Philippines was so happy that she was serenaded in my mother's hometown when I took her there for a visit. (See part 3 of my world travel at http://somosprimos.com/sp2012/spaug12/spaug12.htm#THE PHILIPPINES. I also remember the parties held by my professor in his abode during my days at Occidental College from Los Angeles, California as an MA in Diplomacy and Worldy Affairs when American female students invited to the party enjoyed my serenades with their eyes aglow and with exhibiting certain sentimental admiration.
But in Soviet culture where my wife --the Jewel from Kyrgyzstan/ La Joya del Kirguistán -- comes from, this is not the same. I wrote an article in Somos Primos entitled Harana at http://somosprimos.com/sp2012/spfeb12/spfeb12.htm#THE PHILIPPINES where I described how ang Mutya, la Joya just looked at me with almost no emotion as I was serenading her while she was on the balcony on the second floor and I was down on the ground in the home of a Filipino family during a Filipino baptismal party. If she were a Filipina, a Hispanic and even an American, she would have been thrilled by the serenade. But in my wife's culture women do not get serenaded as a cultural practice. And that explains why she did not feel any excitement during my serenade to her. However she displays other emotions not the same as our own and Hispanic culture that can be equally interesting and wholesome. 
I may have lived in the USA for more than twice my living in the RP, but I still carry my Filipino soul and sentiments and therefore my reaction to a foreign culture, especially in matters of love sometimes may appear strange at times and may also produce biased feelings. Our initial reaction is this: Oh I wish she had the same sentimental feelings as I have as a Filipino. Many of my countrymates tend to be emotional as you see it in our songs, courtship, relationship with others, but Russian people are not generally speaking. Even in death experience, the Russians do not get too emotional and are able to accept it easily as a factor of life. They may cry for a day or be real sad when death to the members of their family comes, but the next day life goes on to them as though death was already a thing of the past as they endeavour to move ahead. It also should be noted that children of immigrants coming to a new country tend to assimilate the culture of the country they grow up and and there are times that they do rebel against their parents and their culture from the old country. Of course this is not true only on immigrants or those who married someone from a different culture but also regular children, but the difference between children born of native parents are not the same as those born from foreign parents or parents of mixed cultural marriage.
Marriage between a Filipino who has acquired Hispanic and American culture and someone from a totally different culture like the former Soviet Union needs a lot of adjustment from the beginning. Also in the same culture adjustment for a married couple also occurs and has to take place to make marriage last for a long time. I used to remember my mother who told me when I was a boy that she did not come to know my father very well until they got married and started living together. During courtship the man can make all promises, including the proverbial moon and the stars be brought to the feet of the lady love, but when they get married those sentimental and affectionate expressions and promises have to face the reality of life as they start to live together. Not that the man or the woman no longer displays the same emotion when they were in courtship, but such display of affection is now tempered by the reality of them living together. If both partners are willing to see and feel each others like walking each other pair of shoes, then marriage can endure the test of time and can withstand any major obstacles on the way. Marriage is like a wheel like life itself; sometimes the relationship is down, sometimes it is up. But as long as the wheel of marriage keeps on moving, the marriage can see its lasting companionship. And of course faithfulness to each other is a very important key to a successful marriage. 
I knew a Filipino man in my hometown of Quezon City who married a 14 year old Russian woman he met in Vladivostok, Russia and brought her to the Philippines. My country-mate was a member of an orchestra which had travelled worldwide and to Asia and to the Soviet Union in particular. Love bloomed and blossomed right away between them when they met. My country-mate, who was also apatiperro/lagalag like me even learnt how to speak fluent Mandarin and Russian and he was very much in demand as an interpreter for both languages. When the Russian fishing ships drifted in northern Philippines in the early 60's in an apparent violation of the Philippine territorial boundary, the Philippine government hired him to be the interpreter during an investigation. The Philippine government also hired him to be one of the Chinese/Mandarin interpreters when our officials dealt with Chinese diplomatic officials. He worked for the Philippine military and most of his work dealt with Russian and Chinese language issues.
The Russian wife brought by my country mate to the Philippines had assimilated rapidly and had behaved as though she were brought and raised in the Philippines. I supposed if ang Mutya/la Joya, were at that same age as my neighbour's 14 year old wife when she came to the USA to marry me, she would have easily adjusted to a foreign life and would have displayed the characteristics that would not make us look as though we still lived in two different worlds. Her behaviour is in contrast with that beautiful beautiful 19 year old Ukrainian girl that I took for a date during a Filipinos student presentation at a University of Minnesota (U of M) party featuring a Philippine serenade as the main attraction. She came to the USA as an infant and had consequently exhibited American traits as she grew up while still retaining the culture of her parents. After the Filipino student presentation where I participated as the serenader on a Filipino serenade program and its guitarist, that Ukrainian U of M student asked me if I could serenade her. And I did. I recounted this experience in Somos Primos articles cited above.
But as marriage goes on, harmony becomes the inevitable outcome as partners are willing to wear each other shoes. Or partners are willing to walk in each other pair of moccasins for at least a mile to understand each others.
Now that we have two sons ages 8 and 5, our sons' upbringing not only include the culture and languages of their parents and their paternal aunt, my sister, but also the language of their neighbours who are Hispanic in addition to the number one language that they speak and have learnt to speak and that is the language of Edgar Allan Poe.
This is my advice to people especially to men looking for espouses interculturally speaking which I wrote to a group of my compatriots on September 30, 2005 in response to a female letter. She was and still is an MD from Massachusetts.
You got this thing very right Minnie. I have been advising men and women who are looking to marry someone from a different culture to examine themselves first if they have the patience and understanding to go through life with such an extreme different.
I always caution a man not to marry because of his physical desire especially if the woman is young and very attractive. Marriage is not all about sex; it is to build life together in happiness and sadness. It is how one decides to go through life weathering the storm on one hand, enjoying life on the other, making the most out of it, and finally striving for a better life after all.
Having children is also one of the pillars to building a viable marriage. If, however, one marries late in life and no children are in the offing, then there are other values in life that can guide them to successful marriage. Patience, understanding, loyalty, fidelity, honesty, and commitment to one another are the major ingredients to an everlasting partnership in life.
If one marries someone from a different culture, different religion, age and others, as s/he is guided mainly by physical attraction, life will not be easy as continuous adjustment is the order of the day. But again if one has the patience, understanding, and commitment to make the partnership works, any storm even worst than Katrina can be weathered and surmounted. After weathering that storm life becomes nice because undergoing such a supreme obstacle becomes an education to both of them to make life better and building an endurable partnership.




At Blessed Sacrament 
with Mama Nadya, 2008.


Pfirlani and Eddnard


Pfirlani and Eddnard


Remembering My First Trip Around The World, 
An Epilogue

By 
Eddie AAA Calderón, Ph.D.

 

I could not believe to these days and 42 years later that I did and had this world tour. It was planned quickly when I decided to go to the Philippines to do my Ph.D. dissertation research in the Spring of 1970 and then thought of a trip via eastern route to Europe on the way to the Philippines instead of going westward from Minnesota to California. The inclusion of a South Pacific tour onto South America to visit my Chilean family among others on my return to the USA became included in that plan.

My departure from the Philippines for the USA on 9/19/64.
I forgot to mention in my trip to Spain my meeting the elderly aunt and uncle in Madrid of my University of Minnesota friend, José Marzo, also a Spaniard from Quayaquil, Ecuador. That was quite an experience finding my way alone to his aunt and uncle's place who lived in Calle Najera in the Carabancel Viejo district of Madrid, considering it was my first time to visit Madrid and Spain. I could not forget the hospitality shown to me by my friend's uncle and aunt. They told me to stay in their apartment during my visit to Madrid. But I told them that I already found a place and that I had a very hectic travel schedule.
I also associate songs to specific places during my travel and I would like to name a few. For Portugal it is the song Lisboa Antiga; for Chile, the song Rio, Rio. I already attached in the July, 2012 issue of this magazine the UTube of that song in Portuguese. And for Chile I am unable unfortunately to find that very beautiful and haunting song Rio Rio in the Utube. This song is almost the official love song of Chile and is my favourite Chilean song.
The author as I was told was a grieving Chilean man who lost his Chilenita who drowned in the river. So he composed this song to remember his amorcito para siempre. The lyrics of this song as I remember them are:
1
Que grande que viene el rio
Que grande se va la mar (Please note that the word mar (sea) as in el mar is in masculine gender, but in this song la mar in feminine gender is used instead.)
Que grande que viene el rio
Que grande se va la mar
2
Si lo aumenta el llanto mio
Como grande no ha de estar
Si lo aumenta el llanto mio
Como grande no ha de estar
3
Rio Rio, Rio Rio
Devolvedme el amor mio (The author used the Castillian Spanish vosotros "you" in the plural form instead of the words devuelvame/devuelveme in the second and third person singular which are tu and usted.)
The caps should be the correct one as the verbs devuelvame and devuelveme are in the 2nd and 3rd person singular.
Devolvedme el amor mio (Please send me back my love as I have grown tired of waiting)
Que me canso de esperar
Que triste susurra el viento (How sad is to hear the whisper of the wind.)
Parece ausencia llorar (It seems to weep over the absence of the sweetheart who died of drowning.)
Que triste susurra el viento
Parece ausencia llorar
Repeat 2 then 3
There are more lyrics to this immortal song, but I can't remember them all.


Again an unforgettable world tour and I was thinking of doing it again and perhaps to retrace the places I was and to visit new countries. But it has not occurred to this date especially after I got married and having at present very young children.

My sons Pfirlani-Eddie and Eddnard-Plácido in front of our house in 2010.


In 1971 my folks came to the USA for the first time for a year visit and I took them for a travel but it was limited to the USA. They came back in 1976 and I took them and my sister with me when I went to attend a few of the many city of Minneapolis work conferences that included Washington, D.C., New York City, and Florida. I took them also on a trip with my sister to Winnipeg by car and then to Northwestern USA to see the Black Hills in South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington State, and British Columbia. Then we traveled again by car to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, then Eastern Canada in 1982. 
 
My parents with my first Persian cat "Whitey" in 1981.

We were unable to see the Northern part which comprises the Yukon Province, the Northwest Territory, the recently created province of Nunavut, and the island of New Foundland and the Prince Edward Islands.  Then in 1984, my sister and I paid for our parents' guided tour of the Holy Land, with side trips to Egypt, where they had a picture riding a camel, Amman in Jordan, Rome and especially the Vatican to see the Pope, and Switzerland In 1986, I took them on a trip to Mexico visiting Cancún, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and the Yucatan peninsula to see the great Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza.
Here are the websites for these interesting places:
(Cozumel, Mexico)
We would have gone to France in 1987 but my father suffered his first heart attack. My travel with my parents had been grounded and halted since then.
As I already mentioned in my previous article which is part 3 of my world tour. When my father died in March, 1991, my sister and I invited our maternal cousin Cecile and maternal aunt to visit us for the first time and see our mother in particular. They came in 1992 and my aunt stayed for a year with us. I then decided to visit the Philippines as I accompanied my aunt back to the Philippines in 1993 where I stayed for 6 weeks. It was my first time in 23 years to be back home. I was back for a visit since then in 1995, then in 1997 for again a six week stay. I went there again in the Spring pf 1998 but only took less than two weeks of my 6 week vacation because my mother died. I went there again in the year 2000 for six weeks and have not been back there after I got married in the year 2002. As I said in my previous article about Ang Mutya ng Kyrgystan, La Joya del Kirguistán, or the Jewel of Kyrgyzstan, I went to Kyrgyzstan to meet for the first time the Jewel in March, 2001 and later traveled to Warsaw, Poland in May, 2001 to have a rendezvous with the Ukrainian woman I also met via internet. I would have traveled again in October, 2001 to meet a Russian woman in Moscow but I decided not to do it after I finally made my choice whom to marry.

I have never been overseas since then but my sister did. Since the year 2002, she has started traveling abroad. She has gone out of the country three times a year. The places that she has been are Europe, Middle East, Northern Africa, Latin America, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Hongkong, China, etc more than once. Her next target are Australia, New Zealand the South Pacific. 

My sister is also a patiperro(a) or lagalag like me. As for me I would of course like to revisit those places I had been to in 1970 but my situation is now different as I am not as young as I used to be, and having married in the autumn of life I am now preoccupied with taking care of 8 and 5 year old sons.

My sister, maternal cousin Cecile, 
and her grandchildren in Hong Kong 
January, 2011.
But if I had the chance I would like to visit those far away places with strange sounding names to borrow the words of that very beautiful and haunting song in the 50's made famous by Perry Como. The number one place is Greenland, followed by the Faroe Islands in Northern Europe, the Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific and of course Tahiti, the Isla de Pascua again, and the Ferdinand Magellan island in Chile The last one has kept me fascinated since I met a University of Minnesota student some 30 years ago who came from that Island. People from that Island are Polynesians and they speak their indigenous language in addition to Spanish which is the national language of Chile. Now in the autumn of life the world trip I had 42 years ago keeps occurring in my dreams.
I did google for Kremenchug, Ukraine where the Ukrainian woman I was with in Poland came from. The Ukrainian website, however, is solely devoted to showing mainly the beautiful women of all Ukraine. Even Wikipedia showed the beautiful girls of that city, Kremenchug, in Ukraine. That goes also for looking for any specific city in Ukraine.

Warsaw, Poland May, 2001 on a rendezvous with a lady from Kremenchug, Ukraine


SPAIN

The Archives of Spain: Real Alcazar de Segovia, Part I
by Debbie Gurtler and Sonia Meza Morales
Genealogias Canarias
Hispagen, Asociacion de Genealogia Hispana
Genealogical Treasures Kept in a Castle by Debbie Gurtler
Spain: Muslim War on Meter Maids

With enthusiastic thanksgiving 
we are introducing a new 
Somos Primos series: 
The Archives of Spain

Part I

REAL ALCÁZAR DE SEGOVIA

Collaborating on this resource are Debbie Gurtler, Latin American Research Consultant at the Salt Lake Family History Library, and Sonia Meza Morales,
resident of Spain, 
a Spanish historian and genealogist. 

At the end of the article is the contact information for Debbie and Sonia, 
emails and websites.

Castles in ancient times were symbols of wealth and status. They were the homes of kings and noblemen. Often times they could be seen for miles and miles in the distance. In Spain there are many wonderful castles still standing despite the passage of time. Some of these castles have been converted for modern uses and such is the case for the Real Alcázar de Segovia .  This stately castle sits on a hill above the beautiful city of Segovia. Presiding over the beautiful Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia it stands as a guardian of the city and of something even more precious, thousands of Spanish military records.

Many Spaniards served their country in the military by choice or by force (because they were drafted). Military records can give a fascinating glimpse into the history of their lives as well as containing a wealth of genealogical information.  There are several types of files that can be useful to genealogists and family historians, among these are service records, personal files, and marriage files.

Service records besides giving the name of the soldier, often gave his date and place of birth as well as the names of his parents. In the service records or hojas de servicio you will also find a list of assignments, rank, and any promotions given in chronological order. You might also find a list of the battles or military campaigns in which he participated.

In personal files or expedientes personales you may find petitions of various types made by the soldier. These are generally divided into three categories: Academic, Marriage, and Pension.

Academic files might include requests by a soldier for an appointment for his son to attend a military academy.

Marriage files, which are probably the richest form of military record for genealogists, generally contain a petition by the soldier to marry. In these files you will find copies of the soldier’s baptism record as well as 
that of his future bride.  You may also find information going back several generations proving that the bride was a virtuous, Catholic woman of good lineage. Other possible gems in these files might include the marriage records of the parents of both the bride and the groom.

Pension files are generally requests for military pensions wherein a soldier proves his military service and outlines his need for a pension. These may also include petitions by widows of soldiers.

Because the marriage files or expedientes matrimoniales are so valuable genealogically speaking, many have been indexed and can be found in the following:

Enrique de Ocerin, Índice de los expedientes matrimoniales de militares y marinos que se conservan en el Archivo General Militar (1761-1865), (Madrid: DIANA, Artes Gráficas, 1959).

Indexes to some personal files can be found in: Intituto Salazar y Castro, Archivo General Militar de Segovia: Índice de expedientes personales , 9 vols. (Madrid: Hidalguía, 1959-1963).

Some military records can also been found in various other archives in Spain and in most countries around the world. Some of the information in the following guide may be out of date because of changes made in recent years to the organization of the Spanish military archives but it is still a good place to start to learn more about the military archives of Spain:

Vicente de Cadenas y Vicent, Archivo militares y civiles donde se conservan fondos de carácter castrense relacionados con expedientes personales de militares , (Madrid: Hidalguía, 1975).

A good online site for more information about military archives in Spain can be found in the Portal de Cultura de Defensa.

For more information on military records from Spain please see Spain Military Records.

Please note all the records, books and sites mentioned in the article are only in Spanish.  If you need help translating the records, please consult a translation site such as Google Translate or you may find the following article from the FamilySearch Wiki helpful: Spanish Genealogical Word List.

En los tiempos antiguos, los castillos eran símbolos de riqueza y estatus y hogares de reyes y nobles. Muchas veces se pueden ver desde kilómetros de distancia. En España hay muchos castillos maravillosos que aún existen a pesar del tiempo transcurrido. Algunos de estos castillos se han adaptado para usos modernos, como es el caso del Real Alcázar de Segovia. Este majestuoso castillo se encuentra en una colina sobre la bella ciudad de Segovia. Presidiendo la hermosa Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia, se ve como un guardián de la ciudad y de algo aún más precioso: miles de expedientes militares españoles.

Muchos españoles sirvieron a su país en las fuerzas armadas por elección o por la fuerza (reclutados en quintas). Los registros militares pueden ofrecer una visión fascinante de la historia de sus vidas y también contienen una gran cantidad de información genealógica. Hay varios tipos de archivos que pueden ser útiles para los genealogistas e historiadores de la familia, entre ellos están las hojas de servicio, los expedientes personales y los expedientes matrimoniales.

Las hojas de servicio, además de dar el nombre del soldado, a menudo proporcionan su fecha y lugar de nacimiento, así como los nombres de sus padres. En las hojas de servicio también encontraremos una lista de asignaciones, rango y todas las promociones que figuran en el orden cronológico. Además, podemos hallar una lista de las batallas y campañas militares en las que participó.

Los expedientes personales pueden reflejar varios tipos de peticiones hechas por el soldado. Se dividen generalmente en tres categorías: Académicos, Matrimoniales, y de Pensiones.

En los expedientes académicos podemos encontrar la solicitud de un soldado de un puesto en la academia militar para su hijo.

Los expedientes matrimoniales, que son probablemente la forma más rica de los registros militares para los genealogistas, por lo general contienen una petición del militar para casarse. En estos expedientes se encuentran copias del certificado de bautismo del solicitante, así como el de su futura esposa. También se puede encontrar información que se remonta a varias generaciones atrás que demuestra que la novia era una mujer virtuosa, católica de buen linaje. Otras joyas posibles en estos archivos pueden incluir los registros de matrimonio de los padres de la novia y el novio.

Los expedientes de pensiones son generalmente las solicitudes de pensiones de los militares en la cual un soldado prueba su servicio militar y describe su necesidad de tener una pensión. Estos expedientes también pueden incluir las peticiones de las viudas de los soldados.

Debido a que los expedientes matrimoniales son tan valiosos, genealógicamente hablando, muchos han sido indexados y se pueden encontrar en la siguiente obra:

Instituto Salazar y Castro, Archivo General Militar de Segovia: Índice de expedientes personales , 9 vols. (Madrid: Hidalguía, 1959-1963).

de Ocerín, Enriquie, Indice de los expedientes matrimoniales de militares y marinos: que se conservan en el Archivo General Militar, 1761-1865, (Madrid: DIANA, Artes Gráficas, 1959).  

Algunos registros militares también se pueden localizar en otros archivos de España y en la mayoría de países de todo el mundo. Parte de la información en la siguiente guía puede estar desactualizada debido a los cambios realizados en los últimos años en la organización de los archivos militares españoles, pero sigue siendo un buen lugar para comenzar a aprender más acerca de los archivos militares de España:

Vicente de Cadenas y Vicent, Archivos militares y civiles donde se conservan fondos de carácter castrense relacionados con expedientes personales de militares , (Madrid: Hidalguía, 1975).

Un buen sitio en línea para obtener más información sobre los archivos militares en España es en el Portal de Cultura de Defensa.

Debemos tener en cuenta que todos los registros, libros y sitios mencionados en este artículo están sólo en español.

Para obtener más información sobre los registros militares de España, se pueden consultar Expedientes Militares.


Debbie Gurtler  . . . . .  DSGurtler@familysearch.org
Wiki https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/User:DSGurtler              

Sonia Meza Morales   redantepasados@gmail.com   
Red de Antepasados blog http://www.redantepasados.com/#axzz27OSbPZ6s 





GENEALOGIAS CANARIAS

 

Te damos la bienvenida a GENEALOGÍAS CANARIAS, un espacio dedicado a la historia familiar de los pobladores de las Islas Canarias, de sus orígenes o descendencia más allá de sus fronteras. Aspiramos a reunir en este lugar artículos que nos ayuden a conocer la gente de nuestra tierra en siglos precedentes. Si quieres colaborar, envíanos tu trabajo por correo-e. Vuelve cada vez que tengas ganas. Aquí te esperamos.

FUENTES PARA EL ESTUDIO DE LA GENEALOGÍA EN LA PROVINCIA DE SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE *

     Este trabajo trata de dar a conocer las fuentes de que dispone el investigador en la provincia de Santa Cruz de Tenerife a la hora de estudiar el pasado y las personas que forman su genealogía.

     Los testimonios históricos, pieza básica en cualquier investigación genealógica, se conservan en archivos, ya sean públicos o privados, en bibliotecas, en hemerotecas o en los registros civiles y militares. A través de los lugares que atesoran estas fuentes históricas, pretendemos analizar, comprender y explicar el proceso dinámico que es una vida y la documentación escrita que ésta genera. Para conocer cómo se ha ubicado toda la cantidad de legajos forjados a lo largo de los cinco últimos siglos en la provincia de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, debemos distinguir que esta provincia, formada por las islas de Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera y El Hierro, tuvo una conquista y colonización desigual que repercutirá, posteriormente, en la documentación que se vaya originando.

     La Gomera y El Hierro forman parte de la fase inicial de la conquista, identificada como fase señorial, en la que nobles europeos al servicio de los monarcas de Castilla emprenden la conquista como una empresa particular, obteniendo de ello derechos señoriales o feudales sobre las tierras y pueblos conquistados. Estos derechos tendrán un carácter hereditario y condicionarán las formas de explotación económica, el control social y político y, por ende, la documentación de estas islas hasta bien entrado el siglo XIX.

ENLACES DE INTERÉS

 

Hispagen, Asociacion de Genealogia Hispana
HISPAGEN fue fundada en el año 2000 y podemos considerarla en España como una pionera y ejemplo en este nuevo tipo asociaciones genealógicas en el ámbito hispano. En el número 7 de nuestra revista de acceso gratuito “CUADERNOS DE GENEALOGÍA” del año 2010, figura, con motivo de la celebración de nuestro X ANIVERSARIO, un artículo sobre las circunstancias de la fundación y la evolución posterior de HISPAGEN.

En resumen, las listas temáticas de intercambio de correos electrónicos relacionadas con la historia y las humanidades facilitaron el contacto y la interactuación entre los aficionados a la genealogía, y dentro de ISOCANDA primero (del Capítulo Andaluz de Internet Society), o REDIRIS después (de las listas de distribución del CSIC), esos contactos por correo electrónico entre genealogistas aficionados generaron la inquietud de conocerse personalmente, intercambiar conocimientos y experiencias y dar después el salto para fundar una asociación sin ánimo de lucro que diera soporte a ese interés por investigar y trabajar por la genealogía.

Es decir Internet puso al alcance las herramientas tecnológicas necesarias, que aunque surgidas principalmente para entornos científicos y universitarios podían ser aprovechadas en igualdad de condiciones por cualquier aficionado a la genealogía.

http://www.hispagen.es/encuentro1/microfilmados.pdf
Indice
1. ¿Por que Historia Familiar? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. La Sociedad Genealógica de Utah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. La necesidad de preservar los registros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Cooperación con los Archivos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
5. Contribución de la Iglesia Católica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6. Como funciona el programa de Microfilmación . . . . . . . . . .
7. La Disposición del Microfilm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
6. Extensión de las Actividades de la Microfilmación . . . . . . . .
8. Las puertas a un enorme Deposito de Registros . . . . . . . . . .
9. Family Search® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Ancestral File® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
11 Archivos microfilmados en España . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
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RELACIÓN DE ARCHIVOS MICROFILMADOS EN ESPAÑA

Ciudad Archivo Área Rollos
Albacete Diocesano Albacete Dioc. 514
Albacete Histórico Albacete 30
Albacete Histórico Albacete 21
Almería Municipal Almería 17
Avila Diocesano Avila Dioc. 243
Avila Histórico Avila 156
Aviles Municipal Aviles 9
Badajoz C. Cultural S. Ana España 10
Badajoz Diocesano Plasencia Plasencia. (Cáceres) 429
Badajoz Diocesano C-Cáceres Cáceres 80
Parroquiales var. Coria-Cáceres Cáceres 383
Badajoz Parroquiales varios Badajoz Dioc. 799
Badajoz Protocolos varios Badajoz 1596
Barcelona Diocesano Barcelona Dioc. 886
Barcelona Diocesano Barcelona Dioc. 940
Barcelona Diocesano Barcelona Dioc. 534
Barcelona Diocesano Barcelona Dioc. 92
Barcelona Diocesano Barcelona Dioc. 13
Barcelona Diocesano Barcelona Dioc. 27
Barcelona Diocesano Barcelona Dioc. 35
Barcelona Diocesano Barcelona 9
Barcelona Municipal Barcelona 81
Barcelona Municipal Barcelona 106
Barcelona Municipal Barcelona 27
Betanzos Municipal Betanzos 41
Bilbao Diocesano Bilbao (Vizcaya) 628
Cádiz Municipal Cádiz 12
Ciudad Real Diocesano Ciudad Real Dioc. 298
Ciudad Rodrigo Diocesano (Salamanca) 444
Ciudad Real Histórico Ciudad Real 111
Córdoba Diputación Córdoba 47
Córdoba Histórico Córdoba 35
Córdoba Municipal Córdoba 330
-6-
Gerona Diocesano Gerona Dioc. 729
Gijón Municipal Gijón 22
Gandia Municipal Gandia 96
Granada Diocesano Granada Dioc. 268
Granada Diocesano Granada Dioc. 97
Granada Diocesano Granada Dioc. 1990
Granada Real Chancillería Granada 382
Granada Real Chancillería Granada 71
Guadalajara Histórico Guadalajara 195
Guadalajara Histórico Guadalajara 154
Guadix Diocesano Guadix (Granada) 163
Guadix Diocesano Guadix. (Granada) 201
Guipúzcoa Diocesano San Sebastián 596
Guipúzcoa Diocesano San Sebastián 67
Huesca Histórico Huesca 1204
Jaén Histórico Jaén 2303
Jaén Histórico Jaén 431
Jaén Histórico Jaén 58

Jerez Municipal Jerez de la Frontera 150
La Coruña Colegio Notarial La Coruña 23
La Coruña Municipal La Coruña 35
La Coruña Reino de Galicia La Coruña 105
La Coruña Reino de Galicia La Coruña 444
La Coruña Reino de Galicia La Coruña 151
La Coruña Reino de Galicia La Coruña 467
León Histórico León 326
Lugo Diocesano Lugo 904
Lugo Histórico Lugo 418
Lugo Histórico Lugo 204
Lugo Municipal Lugo 18
Madrid Direzione General España 1
Madrid Nacional Colombia 15
Madrid Nacional Madrid 39
Madrid Nacional Madrid 546
Madrid Nacional Madrid 398
Madrid Nacional España 73
Madrid Nacional España 50
Madrid Nacional España 155
Madrid Protocolos Madrid 565
Madrid Protocolos Madrid 356
Madrid Protocolos Madrid 1333
Madrid Protocolos Madrid 676
Málaga Municipal Málaga 242
Murcia Diocesano Cartagena. (Murcia) 557
-7-
Murcia Diocesano Cartagena (Murcia) 53
Murcia Histórico Murcia 384
Murcia Histórico Murcia 10
Oviedo Municipal Oviedo 11
Oviedo Municipal Oviedo 35
Palencia Histórico Palencia 170
Pamplona Diocesano Pamplona (Navarra) 937
Pontevedra Histórico Pontevedra 916
Pontevedra Histórico Pontevedra 175
Santander Diocesano Santander 377
SantiagoCompostela Universidad La Coruña 735
Segovia Diocesano Segovia 349
Segovia Histórico Segovia 90
Segovia Municipal Segovia
Seo de Urgel Diocesano Urgel (Lérida) 228
Sevilla A. de Indias América 8
Sevilla A. de Indias América 11
Sigüenza Diocesano Sigüenza Guadalajara 413
Sigüenza Diocesano Sigüenza Guadalajara 209
Toledo Histórico Toledo 332
Toledo Histórico Toledo 84
Valladolid Diocesano Valladolid 1019
Valladolid General de Simancas América 24
Valladolid Real Chancillería España 1311
Vitoria Diocesano Vitoria 371
Zamora Histórico Zamora 192
Zamora Histórico Zamora 71
Zaragoza Histórico Zaragoza 121
Notas
Sent by Paul Newfield III 
skip@thebrasscannon.com

Spain: Muslim War on Meter Maids

 Soeren Kern
September 11, 2012 

http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3341/spain-meter-maids

"It is unacceptable that in a free and democratic society, women are prevented from doing their job because they are women." — Maite Silva, Spokesperson, UGT Labor Union

Muslim immigrants in Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands in Spain, have succeeded in forcing the expulsion of all female parking meter enforcement officers from a city neighborhood that is home to a growing Muslim population.

The move reflects the increasing assertiveness of Spain's Muslim community, which in recent years, has sought to impose its will over Spanish society on a variety of issues deemed offensive to Islam.

Female parking enforcement officers patrolling the streets near a mosque situated on the Plaza de Pere Garau in downtown Palma have been subjected to a systematic campaign of harassment and humiliation by Muslims who insist that only male officers should be allowed to work in the area.

In recent weeks the tensions have escalated to the point where female parking officers have been verbally abused and spit upon by Muslim immigrants seeking to force the women out of the neighborhood.

Amid a growing concern for their physical safety, female employees have now been withdrawn from the area and replaced with an exclusively male workforce. The decision was made by a private company called Dornier SA, which runs a concession to manage the public parking system in Palma.

The move has outraged Spaniards across the political spectrum. Many conservatives, who view the issue within the larger question of Muslim integration, resent what they see as the gradual encroachment of Islamic norms in towns and cities across Spain.

On the Spanish left, which has long promoted Muslim immigration and the multicultural ideal, the conflict in Palma is being viewed as an infringement of women's rights, which are supposed to be guaranteed by the Spanish Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.

The UGT labor union, for example, has called on the Mayor of Palma, Mateo Isern, to enforce Spanish law and reassert municipal control over the Muslim neighborhood by reinstating the female officers, even if it requires that they be escorted by armed police when working in Muslim areas.

In a strongly worded statement dated September 4, UGT spokeswoman Maite Silva said the city council has an "obligation to ensure the freedom of workers to perform their duties and freedom of movement in the area." Silva said it was "intolerable" that Muslims are violating the rights of the population in general and women in particular.

She continued: "If the Palma City Council cannot prevent sex discrimination on city streets, the city should articulate the mechanisms at its disposal to separate from society those who are intolerant and who do not respect the laws of this country. It is unacceptable that in a free and democratic society female workers are prevented from doing their job because they are women."

A local activist group called Lobby de Dones (Lobby of Women) has called for political unity to address the "social alarm provoked by the withdrawal" of the female parking officers and said the city "must ensure real integration and enact all necessary measures to avoid creating ghettos."

(The Lobby de Dones has also been pushing for a ban on burkas in Palma. The group says it is alarmed by the rapid increase in the number of women wearing the Muslim face-covering veils in public spaces in Palma and other parts of the Balearic Islands, which include the islands of Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera. There are now an estimated 42,000 Muslims living on the islands.)

So far the call to reason has fallen on deaf ears. The Palma City Council, fearful of inciting the city's Muslim population, has instead been seeking to mediate a compromise.

On September 3 municipal officials announced that the city would beef up the police presence in the neighborhood "to guarantee the security" of the female employees "if they voluntarily want to return to working in the affected neighborhood." But the city will not force the public parking concessionaire, Dornier SA, to reverse its decision to prohibit women from working in the neighborhood. As a result, Muslim immigrants have effectively succeeded in imposing their will on the city.

Meanwhile, Muslim leaders in the city deny there are any problems. According to Youssef Jouihri, the president of the Muslim community of the Balearic Islands, "in Islam, women are jewels to be guarded. We are not allowed to devalue them when they are working. If anyone has been harassing women, they are not authentic Muslims."

The dust-up in Palma is just one incident on a growing list of Islam-related controversies in Spain, where the number of Muslims has jumped to an estimated 1.5 million in 2012 from just 100,000 in 1990.

In January 2012, for example, two radical Islamic television stations began 24-hour broadcasting to Spanish-speaking audiences in Spain and Latin America from new studios in Madrid. The first channel, sponsored by the government of Iran, is focused on spreading Shiite Islam, the dominant religion in Iran. The second channel, sponsored by the government of Saudi Arabia, is focused on spreading Sunni, Wahhabi Islam, the dominant religion in Saudi Arabia.

Also in January, the first child born in Spain in 2012 was Fatima, whose parents are Muslim. According to one estimate, 75% of all babies born in Spain on January 1, 2012 were born to immigrant parents, primarily from Morocco.

In December 2011, some 3,000 Muslim immigrants took to the streets of downtown Terrassa to protest recent cuts in social welfare handouts. The size and spontaneity of the protest, which was organized and attended by Moroccan immigrants, caught local officials by surprise.

Also in December, Islamic Sharia law arrived in the Basque city of Bilbao when a Chechen immigrant tried to murder his 24-year-old son-in-law, a Christian, for marrying his 19-year-old daughter, a Muslim.

In September, Muslim immigrants were accused of poisoning dozens of dogs in the city of Lérida, where 29,000 Muslims now make up around 20% of the city's total population. Local residents say Muslims killed the dogs because according to Islamic teaching dogs are "unclean" animals.

Also in September, the regional government in Catalonia revealed that during the first six months of 2011, it prevented 14 forced marriages and the genital mutilation of 24 Muslim girls.

In August, the municipality of Salt, a town near Barcelona where Muslim immigrants now make up 40% of the population, approved a one-year ban on the construction of new mosques. It is the first ban of its kind in Spain. The moratorium follows public outrage over plans to build a mega-mosque financed by Saudi Arabia.

In December 2010, a high school teacher in the southern Spanish city of La Línea de la Concepción was sued by the parents of a Muslim student who said the teacher "defamed Islam" by talking about Spanish ham in class.

Also in December, Lérida became the first municipality in Spain to ban the burqa head covering in all public spaces. Women found violating the ban will be fined up to €600 ($750).

In November 2010, the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla, two exclaves in northern Africa, officially recognized the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), as a public holiday. By doing so, Ceuta and Melilla, where Muslims make up more than 50% of the total populations, became the first Spanish municipalities officially to mark an Islamic holiday since Spain was liberated from Muslim occupation in 1492.

In October 2010, the Islamic Association of Málaga, in southern Spain, demanded that Television Española (TVE), the state-owned national public television broadcaster, stop showing a Spanish-language television series because it was "anti-Muslim" for criticizing certain aspects of Islam, such as forced marriages and the lack of women's rights in Muslim countries.

That same month, residents of the Basque city of Bilbao found their mailboxes stuffed with flyers in Spanish and Arabic from the Islamic Community of Bilbao asking for money to build a 650 square meter (7,000 square feet) mosque costing €550,000 ($735,000). Their website states: "We were expelled [from Spain] in 1609, really not that long ago. … The echo of Al-Andalus still resonates in all the valley of the Ebro [Spain]. We are back to stay, Insha'Allah [if Allah wills it]."

In September 2010, a discotheque in southern Spanish resort town of Águilas (Murcia) was forced to change its name and architectural design after Islamists threatened to initiate "a great war between Spain and the people of Islam" if it did not.

In January 2010, Mohamed Benbrahim, an imam in the city of Tarragona near Barcelona, was arrested for forcing Fatima Ghailan, a 31-year-old Moroccan woman, to wear a hijab Islamic head covering. The imam had threatened to burn down the woman's house because, according to him, she is "infidel" because she works outside of the home, drives an automobile and has non-Muslim friends.

In December 2009, nine Islamists in the city of Reus, also near Barcelona, kidnapped a woman, tried her for adultery based on Sharia law, and condemned her to death. The woman just barely managed to escape being executed by fleeing to a local police station.

In another case, a court in Barcelona found Mohamed Kamal Mustafa, a Muslim cleric at a mosque in the southern Spanish city of Fuengirola, guilty of inciting violence against women after he published a book entitled, "Women in Islam," in which he advised men on how to beat their wives without leaving incriminating marks. An unrepentant Mustafa characterized his 22 days in jail as a "spiritual retreat."

Soeren Kern is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the New York-based Gatestone Institute. He is also Senior Fellow for European Politics at the Madrid-based Grupo de Estudios Estratégicos / Strategic Studies Group. Follow him on Facebook.

 

INTERNATIONAL

REPAIR CAFES Wouldn't it be great to get your busted or torn stuff-everything from toasters to clothing-fixed for free? The Dutch do.  They take used things to one of the country's 40 Repair Cafes, where fix-it volunteers do repairs or show how to do it yourself. The eafes, started in 2009 by a journalist as an envi-ronmental initiative to re-duce waste, are supported by grants from the Dutch government, foundations and individual donations. More cafes are in the works. o The concept may soon cross borders. The Repair Caf § Foundation is fielding inquiries from groups all over the world about setting up their own cafes. For more information, go to repair cafe.org. -Joan Rattner Heilman

 

  09/30/2012 05:47 PM