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Dr. Juliet V. Garcia to Receive The Presidential Medal of Freedom

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Dr. Juliet V. Garcia to Receive The Presidential Medal of Freedom
Dr. Juliet V. Garcia, former longtime president of The University of Texas at Brownsville, will be presented with the nation’s highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, on Thursday, July 7, in Washington D.C.. (Courtesy Photo)
Dr. Juliet V. Garcia, former longtime president of The University of Texas at Brownsville, will be presented with the nation’s highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, on Thursday, July 7, in Washington D.C.. (Courtesy Photo)

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By News and Internal Communications 

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas –  Dr. Juliet V. Garcia, former longtime president of The University of Texas at Brownsville, will be presented with the nation’s highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, on Thursday, July 7, in Washington D.C.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

“I’ve always believed that educating the next generation of citizens was our primary mission because once educated, they would help nurture, defend, and sustain the democracy of the United States. I believe that now more than ever,” said Garcia.

It’s been a great privilege to spend a lifetime in advocacy working with hundreds of honorable and courageous people.”

Garcia, a current UTRGV communications professor, and 16 distinguished Americans are the first to receive the honor under President Joe Biden’s term. She joins an elite group of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients that includes celebrities, politicians, and public servants.

Among the honorees are Denzel Washington, Simone Biles, Gabrielle Giffords, Megan Rapinoe, and others.

“Juliet has enriched the lives of many Rio Grande Valley students, from elementary to college,” said UTRGV President Guy Bailey. “Her contributions to higher education in South Texas and beyond are long lasting and have created pathways of success among a new generation of Latino leaders. On behalf of everyone at UTRGV, I congratulate Juliet on this well-deserved national award.”

ABOUT DR. JULIET V. GARCIA

She was the first Mexican-American woman to serve as a college president in the United States. During her tenure as president, Garcia pioneered a partnership between UT Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, a community college where she served as president from 1986 to 1992, when she assumed the presidency of UTRGV’s legacy institution UT Brownsville. She stepped down as UTB president in 2014 when UTRGV was established. 

“My job was always to thrust open doors of opportunity for students to learn, compete, and succeed in the classics, chess, physics, or the performing arts. We did this by building a campus that unapologetically honors our cultural and environmental heritage, and then by filling it up with brilliant faculty and dedicated staff,” said Garcia.

Serving as a foremost anchor institution in our region meant that we were committed to convening people across political and geographic boundaries to engage in difficult dialogues to tackle the complex issues of finding ways to maximize the full potential of our human capital, develop sustainable communities to propel economic growth and advocate for the unique issues of our nation’s borderlands.”

The recipient of numerous awards, TIME magazine named Garcia one of the top 10 college presidents in the nation in 2009 and she was named one of the top 50 world leaders by Fortune magazine. In 2008, García was selected to join President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team.

Garcia, a Brownsville, Texas native, received her Ph.D. in communication and linguistics from The University of Texas at Austin and her M.A. and B.A. in speech and English from the University of Houston.

“Juliet Villarreal Garcia personifies the American dream. As the first Mexican-American woman to lead a U.S. college or university, Dr. Garcia has been the inspirational force behind countless individuals who made public service their life’s work and students who realized their academic potential,” said UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken. “I am proud to call her one of our own – as a distinguished alumna of The University of Texas at Austin and President of UT Brownsville – and I congratulate Dr. Garcia on this prestigious and well-deserved honor.”

First Friday Is Back in Brownsville

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First Friday Is Back in Brownsville
With family-friendly activities beginning from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and nightlife from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with participation from local bars, vendors, restaurants, and outside entertainment. Image for illustration purposes
With family-friendly activities beginning from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and nightlife from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with participation from local bars, vendors, restaurants, and outside entertainment. Image for illustration purposes

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville will be bringing back the long-awaited First Friday celebration at Market Square in our Historic Downtown.  This event will be held every first Friday of every month, starting July 1st.  With family-friendly activities beginning from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and nightlife from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with participation from local bars, vendors, restaurants, and outside entertainment. 

Initially built in 1850 as an open-air market in 1852, Market Square is considered the heart of Downtown activity and events.  First Friday was created to promote, support and build attraction to Brownsville’s Historic Downtown area.  Families are encouraged to enjoy live music and local street vendors selling food, art, crafts and much more.  At the same time, visitors are encouraged to experience downtown nightlife with live music, outdoor stages and pedicabs that will be available for transportation around the district for those looking to enjoy visiting a variety of bars within the area.

“It’s all about the downtown business owners, it’s their initiative, and a way for the city to show its support.  We have great food, music, and people, and we are highlighting an event that brings visitors and tourists to Downtown,” said Downtown Manager Allan Garces.

Top Ten Safety Tips for Summer Grilling

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Top Ten Safety Tips for Summer Grilling
As you plan your Fourth of July celebration, follow these simple safety tips to keep your barbecue free from food-borne illness. Image for illustration purposes
As you plan your Fourth of July celebration, follow these simple safety tips to keep your barbecue free from food-borne illness. Image for illustration purposes

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USDA – As you plan your Fourth of July celebration, remember these 10 food safety tips to keep your barbecue free from food-borne illness:

  1. Clean Your Grill. Scrub the grill clean before use. No access to a faucet? Carry bottled water, soap, and paper towels.
  2. Defrost Safely. Thaw frozen beef, poultry or fish safely in the refrigerator, cold water or a microwave oven. Cook immediately after thawing.
  3. Avoid Cross Contamination. Separate raw meat and vegetables by using different cutting boards.
  4. Check Internal Temperatures. Cook food to a safe minimum internal temperature by using a food thermometer:
    1. Whole cuts of meat: 145 F with a three-minute rest time
    1. Fish: 145 F
    1. Ground meats: 160 F
    1. Egg dishes: 160 F
    1. Poultry (ground or whole): 165 F
  5. Thoroughly Cook Frozen Meat. Although frozen products may appear to be pre-cooked or browned, treat them as raw food and cook thoroughly. Products labeled as “Cook and Serve,” “Ready to Cook” and “Oven Ready” must be cooked.
  6. Use Food Thermometers Correctly on Burgers. Insert the thermometer through the side of patty until the probe reaches the center.
  7. Beware of the Danger Zone. Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 F and 140 F—a.k.a. the Danger Zone. USDA recommends that perishable food be consumed or refrigerated within two hours (one hour in room or outdoor temperatures of 90 F and above).
  8. Store Leftovers Properly. Divide leftovers into smaller portions and place them in shallow containers in your refrigerator or cooler.
  9. Keep It Cool. Pack coolers with ice bags, gel packs or frozen water bottles. Use an appliance thermometer to monitor that food stays chilled at 40 F or below.
  10. When In Doubt Call. For more questions about food safety before the Fourth of July, contact the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) to talk to an expert or chat live at ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Heat-Related Deaths Up 56% Between 2018 and 2021

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Heat-Related Deaths Up 56% Between 2018 and 2021
Extreme heat feels like the new normal for many in the U.S., and it’s only getting hotter. Last July was the hottest month ever recorded, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Image for illustration purposes
Extreme heat feels like the new normal for many in the U.S., and it’s only getting hotter. Last July was the hottest month ever recorded, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Image for illustration purposes

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Extreme heat feels like the new normal for many in the U.S., and it’s only getting hotter. Last July was the hottest month ever recorded, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

In the U.S., where July is regularly the hottest month of the year, many states saw record high temperatures. According to an EPA report, some statistical approaches estimate that more than 1,300 deaths per year in the United States are due to extreme heat, compared with about 600 deaths per year in the “underlying and contributing causes.” 

All heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Below is an infographic with the symptoms of heatstroke and the first aid needed to treat this life treating condition. 

Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) GRAPHIC
Information source:  Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) 

Groundbreaking Ceremony for High School Athletic Field Renovations

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Groundbreaking Ceremony for High School Athletic Field Renovations
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for athletic field renovations to take place at its four comprehensive high schools on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Courtesy Image
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for athletic field renovations to take place at its four comprehensive high schools on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Courtesy Image

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PHARR, Texas – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for athletic field renovations to take place at its four comprehensive high schools on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.

The renovations, which is an investment of over $8.7 million, will include new synthetic turf for football and soccer, goal posts, scoreboard, and new play clocks, to name a few. 

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“At PSJA ISD we take pride in investing in our students by providing outstanding facilities,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “These renovations will allow our athletes to develop their skills in a safe and top of the line facility. Thank you to our School Board of Trustees for supporting this work for our PSJA Family.”

The renovations will take place at PSJA Early College High School in San Juan, PSJA North Early College High School and PSJA Southwest Early College High School in Pharr, and PSJA Memorial Early College High School in Alamo.

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Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Two Sex Offenders

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Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Two Sex Offenders
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested two convicted sex offenders in two separate events shortly after they illegally entered the United States, June 28. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested two convicted sex offenders in two separate events shortly after they illegally entered the United States, June 28. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

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DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested two convicted sex offenders in two separate events shortly after they illegally entered the United States, June 28.

At approximately 9:15 a.m., Eagle Pass Station agents encountered a group of migrants walking in the brush attempting to avoid detection. Agents transported them to the Eagle Pass Processing Facility. Record checks revealed that one subject, Honduran national Edis Noe Hernandez-Ruiz, 42, was convicted of sexual battery in Georgia in 2008 and sentenced to five years in prison. He was most recently deported in 2017.

Approximately 40 minutes later, Eagle Pass South Station agents encountered another group of migrants attempting to avoid detection. The agents apprehended the group and transported them to the Eagle Pass Processing Facility. During processing it was revealed that one subject, Jose Marlon De La O-Mejia, 55, a Salvadoran national, is a convicted sexual offender. Records showed that De La O-Mejia was arrested, charged, and convicted of sexual abuse of a minor in Alaska, in 2001, and sentenced to eight years in prison. He was deported in 2006.

As convicted felons with prior removals, they face charges of 8 USC § 1326 – Re-entry after Deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

During fiscal year 2022, Oct. 1, 2021, through May 31, 2022, Del Rio Sector agents have encountered more than 1,519 criminal migrants.

All subjects are processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection policies.

To report suspicious activity, call the Del Rio Sector’s toll-free number at 1-866-511-8727.

WATCH: Kalos, elegance, style and charm for your Special Event

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WATCH: Kalos, elegance, style and charm for your Special Event

Kalos opened its doors in 2011. Its name was chosen due to its meaning of prosperity and beauty. Like its fellow venue, Kalos is distinguished by its column style. Another feature that distinguishes Kalos is its elegant and beautiful center ceiling chandeliers. Kalos has a capacity of 420 people. Other things that distinguish Kalos from other venues are its catering, decorations, and unique linens.

Kalos hosts a variety of events which include: weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, quinceaneras, sweet 16s, school events, seminars, business conferences, fundraisers, birthday parties, anniversaries, and company parties. Kalos offers a great price, as well as attentive and highly qualified staff that will make sure that your event is perfect and goes smoothly.

Learn more: Corinthian and Kalos Event Centers Offer Unmatched Value and Quality

Call (956) 583-2773

corinthiankalos.com

corinthiankalos@gmail.com

1516 East Expy 83 Mission, TX 78572

Mercedes Police Department Unveils Prescription Box

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Mercedes Police Department Unveils Prescription Box
The Mercedes Police Department, The Uniting Neighbors in Drug Abuse Defense (UNIDAD) Coalition, and Behavioral Solutions of Texas partnered up to install a permanent prescription medication box at Mercedes City Hall, located at 400 S. Ohio Avenue. Courtesy Image
The Mercedes Police Department, The Uniting Neighbors in Drug Abuse Defense (UNIDAD) Coalition, and Behavioral Solutions of Texas partnered up to install a permanent prescription medication box at Mercedes City Hall, located at 400 S. Ohio Avenue. Courtesy Image

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The Mercedes Police Department, The Uniting Neighbors in Drug Abuse Defense (UNIDAD) Coalition, and Behavioral Solutions of Texas partnered up to install a permanent prescription medication box at Mercedes City Hall, located at 400 S. Ohio Avenue. 

Courtesy Image

Placement of the box here at Mercedes City Hall, will facilitate access to residents, so that they can properly dispose of their medication, without having to wait until take-back days. The drop-box is a safe and anonymous way to dispose of unused, or expired medication. The main goal is to reduce the availability of prescribed medication that may result in misuse or abuse by children, youth, or adults.

This prescription drop box allows an opportunity to educate the community about the dangers that prescription medications pose if left unattended or improperly discarded.

Courtesy Image

Improper disposal of prescription medication drop-box will allow for a reduction of access to addictive medications via accidental or intentional misuse by children or others.

This collaborative effort will enhance resources and increase awareness of the dangers associated with prescription drug misuse and abuse.

U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Biden Administration’s Termination Of Remain-In-Mexico Policy

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U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Biden Administration’s Termination Of Remain-In-Mexico Policy
Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement after the Supreme Court upheld the Biden Administration’s decision to terminate the Remain-in-Mexico policy in Biden v. Texas
Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement after the Supreme Court upheld the Biden Administration’s decision to terminate the Remain-in-Mexico policy in Biden v. Texas.

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AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement after the Supreme Court upheld the Biden Administration’s decision to terminate the Remain-in-Mexico policy in Biden v. Texas:

“The Supreme Court’s decision upholding DHS’s termination of the Remain-in-Mexico policy will only embolden the Biden Administration’s open border policies. More than fifty people recently died in a trailer—people who were allowed to cross our border illegally because of President Biden’s policies. Reinstating and fully enforcing Remain-in-Mexico would deter thousands more migrants from making that deadly trek, and President Biden should take that simple step to secure the border because it is the only humane thing to do.”

Cartel leader heads to prison for over $2M drug seizures 

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Cartel leader heads to prison for over $2M drug seizures 
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana sentenced Alvarez to 282 months in federal prison. Image for illustration purposes
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana sentenced Alvarez to 282 months in federal prison. Image for illustration purposes

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LAREDO, Texas – A leader within Cartel De Jalisco Nueva Generación has been ordered to federal prison for his role in an elaborate conspiracy of possession with intent to distribute meth, heroin, cocaine and fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Juan Manuel Salazar Alvarez, 29, Michoacan, Mexico, pleaded guilty Nov. 5, 2020.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana sentenced Alvarez to 282 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay a $2.7 million.

The investigation began in June 2017, when authorities identified Alvarez as a leader within Cartel De Jalisco Nueva Generación. Alvarez directed the cartel’s large-scale operations functioning in Tamaulipas, Mexico. It comprised of couriers, stash house operators and transportation coordinators, all responsible for smuggling multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics concealed in fire extinguishers, wooden blocks, car batteries and hydraulic jacks. The drugs were often illegally imported into Laredo and stashed in storage units or tractor trailers to then be distributed into Houston, Dallas, Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina.

During the course of the investigation, authorities linked 16 separate drug seizures to Alvarez. The drugs were concealed in similar manner. The seizures spanned from July 18, 2017, through Sept. 10, 2019.

The wholesale value of the drugs seized is estimated to be $2.7 million.

Alvarez’s co-conspirators included truck drivers, stash house operators and transporters who were implicated in the seizure of wooden/steel blocks, hydraulic jacks, batteries or fire extinguishers which contained bundles of an assortment of drugs in multiple kilograms.

Alvarez is the last defendant among 11 who have been previously sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy. Roberto Ivan Rodriguez Ramirez, 27, and Manuel Enrique Ayala Rodriguez, 45, both of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, were each sentenced to 192 months, while Giovani Mendez Hornelas, a non-U.S. citizen residing in Angier, North Carolina, received 108 months. Daniel Morales Hinojosa, 52, Santos Salazar, 35, Victor Hinojosa, 36, Omar Hiracheta-Cruz, 38, and Armando Animas Hernandez, 33, all from Michoacan and or Nuevo Leon, Mexico, were sentenced earlier in the year. Daniel Hinojosa and Salazar were each ordered to serve 262-month-terms of imprisonment, while Victor Hinojosa, Hiracheta-Cruz and Hernandez received 210, 192 and 120 months, respectively. All are also expected to face removal proceedings.

Alvarez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Gelo Podre (Rotten Ice) with the assistance of Laredo Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety and Williamson County Sheriff’s Office coordinated through Special Operations Division Operation Python.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

Deputy Criminal Chief for the South Texas Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Mary Lou Castillo prosecuted the case.

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