Press Release from El Progreso Memorial Library

12-11-24

December 14th at 7 p.m. Toni Kay Hull will present the annual Music on Main Christmas Spectacular! Emcee Carolyn Lampe will introduce musicians and their selections including Darrell Zimmerman, the Fenceposts (Ken Rutherford, Bob and Mike Huddleston), Luke Williams on saxophone, Dave and Paula Seydel singing “Silver Bells”, Vince DiPiazza and Nathan Lafrenz “Nutcracker”.

Others featured are soloist Valerie Redus. the Dolce String Quartet with Gary and Christina Ford, Nathan Lafrenz and Vince DiPiazza. Camille Sanders Jeffcoat, Greg Knapp, Paulo and Miata Viana, Julia Thomas and Michael Robinson “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, Olgui Urso “Ave Maria”, Jim Gerrish and Art Sutton, Karl and Stephanie Gager “Happy Birthday to Our Lord”, Jim Woodward, Charla Jenkins and the Beach Boys and Katie Cabralez with Pedro Luna on Guitar. Selections will include standards bound to put you in the spirit of a joyous Christmas.

The event is free and open to the general public with a suggested $25 donation for those who wish to contribute as a library benefit. Chili Peppers Kilene Sweeten, Dorz Cruz, Barabar Blair and Brenda McCullough will assist with greeting and refreshments.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

12-03-24

  Hector R Luevano and Everardo “Lalo” Zamora attended Monday night’s Uvalde Southwest Neighborhood Association Mayoral Candidate Forum on Monday, December 2nd, at the El Progreso Memorial Library where they spoke before approximately two dozen people. Both Luevano and Zamora will face off in the Uvalde Mayoral runoff election on Saturday, December 14th.

  After each was provided 5 minutes to speak on their respective visions and plans for the City of Uvalde if elected as Mayor, they answered questions submitted by members of the audience.

 The issues discussed included the need for sidewalks in the City, the proposed Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone or TRIZ, grant applications, and homelessness. Additionally, both Luevano and Zamora spoke about the need for all local government entities to work together to address concerns about Uvalde CISD student success.

With the City of Uvalde’s upcoming public meeting on the proposed TRIZ on Wednesday, December 4th at 6 PM at the SSgt. Willie De Leon Civic Center, both citizens and the two candidates expressed their concerns over a proposed TRIZ deal between Carper Capt’s real estate venture and the City of Uvalde

which would potentially add 130 houses in the area near the news Legacy Elementary School is being built.

Diana Olvedo-Karau was the first to bring up her concerns about the City tying public funds to a private real estate project. The proposed development, according to Karau, would add additional area where city services such as water, sewer and garbage services as well as police and fire department services would be needed.

Karau stated that the city cannot adequately maintain its existing roads. Additionally, adding 130 homes would increase the demand for water.

When Luevano and Zamora were asked if they would vote for the TRIZ, both said more information was needed and neither candidate said they would vote to approve the deal.

Luevano said, “Who is going to be able to afford these houses on the east side of town when areas on the other side of town desperately need attention?

“They tried to push us to make a decision right away: slow down. We need to get the community involved and educate the community,” Zamora said.

On the Homeless

  Candidate Lalo Zamora stated on the issue of homeless persons within the City, he said the issue is complicated but stated they homeless are choosing homelessness and they often refuse help. He was referring to City’s action to remove a homeless camp earlier this year located along the Leona River just south of Uvalde Memorial Park. 

    When Zamora received criticism from an audience member on his answer, Zamora said he went to the homeless camp and spoke to one of the homeless men who stated he didn’t want help, and he liked staying where he was.

  Luevano agreed the issue is complex including mental health considerations. He suggested the city seek help from the Ministerial alliance.

  Zamora stressed the importance of meeting with all City workers on a regular basis and asking them what they need.

  Luevano stated, if elected, he planned on having an open-door policy for community members to communicate their concerns.

Related Article:

Uvalde City Council to hold public hearing on public hearing on designation and creation of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) – Uvalde Hesperian