Media Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

Media in unexpected places: City of Uvalde HR Manager Rodriguez publishes monthly “Toilet Talk” at City of Uvalde restrooms

admin — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:15:21 +0000

Larissa Valverde Rodriguez

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian ; Toilet Talk provided by Larissa Valverde Rodriguez : Top Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

Media can be found in some unexpected places. While fueling up at Tex Best on East Main Street in Uvalde, you are likely to see a video screen on the fuel pump featuring GSTV also called Gas Station TV where for a few minutes you might see Maria Menounos, sharing tips for improving physical health, emotional wellness, spirituality, finances, relationships and more.

If you are heading to Walmart this holiday season to buy gifts or groceries you may hear what sounds like a live radio station broadcast, but it’s not from a traditional radio station, but rather Walmart World Radio Podcast where shoppers can hear music, a live DJ and even callers who call the show. On the iHeart Radio webpage, it had the following information on the Walmart Podcast: “It brings the beat to your break, the swing to your sales floor. It’s that friendly voice late at night and a shot of motivation in the early morning. It’s your source for the latest music, news and company updates. It’s the Walmart World Radio Network! Learn more and listen live at www.WalmartWorld.com.”

The workplace restroom is the one place where most people have a few moments of solitary time during a busy workday. City of Uvalde Human Resources Manager Larissa Rodriguez publishes a monthly one-page newsletter found in the men’s room and women’s room located at the Uvalde City Hall. The publication is called Toilet Talk.

“In regard to the newsletters, I was first introduced to the topic while at a Texas Municipal Human Resources Association (TMHRA) conference. During one of our sessions the topic of relaying messages to employees, especially if you are a sole HR Representative like myself, came up. It was during this discussion that the subject of Toilet Talks came up and I was intrigued. I was not sure what a “Toilet Talk” was but I was going to find out, so I began researching.

It was then that I came across several different types of newsletters used by school counselors, different businesses, etc. and thought I could create one of my own. The whole idea behind the Toilet Talk newsletters is to leverage a creative opportunity to relay pertinent educational information in a place where you can have someone’s undivided attention…the restroom.

I first introduced Toilet Talks to our employees back in July 2021, when I needed to relay information about COVID-19. As you know, the information was changing almost daily so I felt that I needed to create a newsletter that could relay the information as well as provide a daily reminder each time someone went to the restroom. It was during this time that I decided to create a Toilet Talk for our employees and I’ve been doing it ever since,” Rodriquez said.

The post Media in unexpected places: City of Uvalde HR Manager Rodriguez publishes monthly “Toilet Talk” at City of Uvalde restrooms appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Media lawsuit filed against City of Uvalde, School District and U.C. Sheriff’s Office over Public Records still waiting for its day in court

admin — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:06:55 +0000

by Michael Robinson\ Uvalde Hesperian

A number of media outlets including the Texas Tribune, ABC News, The Associated Press, CBS News, Cable News Network, Inc., E.W. Scripps Company, Gannett Co., Inc., Graham Media Group ,Houston; Graham Media Group, San Antonio; Hearst Newspapers. LLC, NBC News, The New York Times Co., Pro Publica Inc., Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., Tegna Inc., Televisaunivision, and the Washington Post are plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed on August 29th, 2022 with the Uvalde County District Clerk’s Office against the Defendants: the City of Uvalde, Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District and the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office.

No local news reporting outlet is named as a Plaintiff as part of this legal action.

According to the filing, the Nature of the Action states: “This is a suit arising from the Texas Public Information Act regarding numerous public information requests related to the murder of 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas and the ensuing failure to disclose public records concerning this abhorrent tragedy.”

“In response to these requests, Defendants have declined to release a broad swath of information related to the events at Robb Elementary claiming these records are exempt from disclosure under various exceptions contained in the Public Information Act.”

The Uvalde Hesperian called the Uvalde County District Clerk’s office asking about the court’s scheduling of this case on the docket and was told no date has been set.

The legal paperwork associated with this case is extensive.

It is unclear how long it will take for this case to be placed on the court docket or when the aforementioned requested public records will be made available to the media and the public.

Editorial comment: This case, if and when it reaches this courtroom, will be one of particular interest to the Robb Elementary School victim’s families and the People of Uvalde.

The post Media lawsuit filed against City of Uvalde, School District and U.C. Sheriff’s Office over Public Records still waiting for its day in court appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

City holds press conference Monday May 22nd to discuss the Robb School 1st anniversary week

admin — Tue, 23 May 2023 13:56:45 +0000

A Robb 21 Family Member being interviewed outside of the Civic Center following the Press Conference

City of Uvalde officials held a press conference attended by state and national media networks to answer questions about the First Anniversary of the Robb School Shooting that occurred one year ago on Wednesday, May 24th, 2024. The Mayor of Uvalde was accompanied by Uvalde City Manager Vince DiPiazza, Uvalde CISD School Superintendent Gary Patterson and Baptist Temple Pastor Tony Gruben.

Pastor Gruben led off with opening remarks.

In his remarks he stated, “We’ve had a difficult year. There is help and there is hope. God’s compassion is great.

There is a need for one another to lean on one another to help one another. Even after all the years I don’t know what to say. Normally I just say I love you. I love Uvalde. I love y’all.

My prayer and my hope is through the darkest of times; I’ve never experienced anything this dark. Yet in my weakness I know God’s power is perfected in my weakness. My prayer is God’s presence and peace will reign. Allow people to grieve the way they need to grieve .”

”We’re here to support the families this week. We ask that you lift them up in prayer. This is about the family’s, the children and those we lost that day.” Mayor McLaughlin said.

It was stated by the Mayor this would be the only press conference for this week and City Officials would not be giving any interview.

Several reporters asked questions regarding the Memo that was sent out a week ago signed by the City and County elected officials along with Uvalde CISD School Superintendent Gary Patterson and District Attorney Christina Mitchell which was interpreted by many to mean, “Don’t come to Uvalde if you are media or from out of town.”

The Mayor clarified the statement saying the intent of the letter was to discourage anyone from coming who might be planning on disrupting the town or causing harm to the town.

The Uvalde Hesperian asked the panel why District Attorney Mitchell was absent from this press conference. “Where is D.A. Christina Mitchell? Where is the Governor? The D.A. was one of the officials who signed that letter. When will she release the information she claims to have about the Robb School Massacre? Does she even have any information or is she actually planning to proceed with a prosecution against any of the officers involved or is it possible she doesn’t have any information and is just bluffing?|

Berlinda Arreola speaks at the City of Uvalde Press Conference Monday asking for privacy for the Robb 21 Families walk by the Murals on Wednesday

The Mayor answered by saying this week is about the families and politicians were not invited to come to town.

Near the end of the press conference,

Arreola spoke to the panel clarifying the families plans that day. She stated the family planned on walking privately around the murals of the 21 in the City that afternoon. She asked that the media and others allow the family privacy and that they did not want any media present for their walk.

Later that evening, a candlelight vigil is planned at the Uvalde Memorial park beginning at 7:30PM later that evening where all are welcome to attend.

At 5:30 PM , on Wednesday May 24th, the Prayer service will be held at the Uvalde County Fairplex.

Uvalde County Fairplex Director Wendy Speer provided the following information to the Uvalde Hesperian on Thursday May 18th:

“It appears that the May 24 Prayer Vigil being put on here at The Fairplex by the Ministerial Alliance has been rescheduled for 5:30 pm on May 24, rather than 7:30pm. The program should last about an hour and a half. From what I understand, no press will be allowed inside the arena, however, an ABC Affiliate will be on-site to share a feed of the event to press.”

The post City holds press conference Monday May 22nd to discuss the Robb School 1st anniversary week appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Mayor Don McLaughlin and other public officials sign statement asking for privacy prior to May 24th Anniversary

admin — Sun, 14 May 2023 15:23:07 +0000

On Friday, May 12th at 5:38 PM the public relations firm, the Eisenberg Group released a statement signed by City and County elected officials as well as Uvalde CISD Superintendent Gary Patterson asking for privacy ten days before the May 24th one year anniversary of the Robb School Tragedy.

The statement reads, “As the one-year mark following the Robb Elementary School shooting approaches, our
entire community of Uvalde, especially the families of the victims and survivors, continue to grieve, process the trauma, and search for paths forward. We ask for peace and privacy during what will be a very difficult time for many, especially our children.
The Uvalde community continues to face the impact of that tragic day. Despite the overwhelming support and efforts to assist with the healing process, the past eleven months have been challenging. The licensed professionals at the Uvalde Together Resiliency Center and other local agencies will continue to provide free emotional support and counseling for anyone seeking it. We welcome and appreciate your thoughts and
prayers and ask that if you feel compelled to support the residents of Uvalde, please host something in your hometown in our honor.
As a community, we respectfully request to be given the time, space, and privacy to remember those we lost, along with those who survived the mass shooting on May 24th. It is essential to the healing process for our community, and most importantly for our children to be given this time to grieve together privately. “

Please pdf. statement below.

The statement was sent on a blank page rather than on any official letterhead.

The message does not specify to whom the statement is directed, although a portion of the message seems to address those living outside of the Uvalde area who may be planning on visiting the town on May 24th, 2023.

Signed Media Message

The post Mayor Don McLaughlin and other public officials sign statement asking for privacy prior to May 24th Anniversary appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Uvalde Foundation for Kids accepting nominations for 1st Annual Hero Grant Recipient

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 14:34:49 +0000

In August 2022, The Uvalde Foundation For Kids Began Its STUDENT HERO SCHOLARSHIP; granted twice p/calender year for deserving students; selected from across the nation; who have overcome extreme violent hardships or circumstances. We wish to recognize outstanding, “Heroes,” amongst our students and enable them to further their education and their life journeys.

We Continue Accepting Applications For This Special Award! To Be Considered End, Please Send A Brief Story On Your Child Nominee to: admin@theuvaldefoundation.com.

Include In Your Introduction, How & Why You Feel The Child Deserves This Scholarship! Include Fun Details! LIFE Details! HAPPY, HOPEFUL & SAD! We Want To Hear Them All! ALL NOMINEES WILL BE CONTACTED for The Interview Process With The Scholarship Award Vetted By Select Board.

The Uvalde Foundation For Kids
888 685 8464
www.theuvaldefoundation.com

A 501c(3) Nonprofit Organization Dedicated To Ending ALL FORMS of School Violence Across The Nation & Enriching The Future Of Our Students – One Life At A Time.

The acts of violence in our nations schools & amongst our youth is nothing short of a national recurring tragedy! Our mission, as a 501c(3) nonprofit organization – To create in school & community programs to aggressively and creatively address & end such violence.

UNIQUELY, our programs are multi-faceted; addressing & actively preventing; not merely obvious aggressive acts of violence, such as occurred that tragic May 2022 morning in Uvalde, Texas, but also the “Symptoms,’ the Mental & Cultural, not so easy to identify forms of violence, plaguing our kids across school campuses throughout this nation.

The very nature & focus of our work at the Uvalde Foundation For Kids, is to be PROACTIVE as opposed to REACTIVE in addressing the violence disrupting the lives of our Nation’s students & communities. Our Finances are entrusted to us & utilized toward such programs. We Would Rather Utilize Our Financials & Team to PREVENT NOT RESPOND TO VIOLENCE!

HENCE, The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, works to end ALL forms of physical, mental or cultural forms of violence on our nations campus communities! We are developing programs across the nation; at NO COST.

– Seeking to enable stronger on and off site school security measures to protect students; we have developed our, ‘RECOGNIZE, INTERVENE & PREVENT,” school safety training program
– National Team of Motivational Speakers, coupled with our unique, in-school, “Student to Student,” support groups.
– STOPNOW Volunteer School Patrol Teams; throughout the nation, dedicated to stopping potential violence from ever reaching our schools & students.

– “Eden’s Angels,” Internet Watchdog Group Is A Dedicated Team, Operating 24 Hours DAILY; focused on identifying & reporting any potential threats of violence against students/schools as posted on the world wide web. Many of our volunteers are teens themselves with special access to social media and other youth relevant sites.
– 24 HOUR Antiviolence, Crisis & TEEN TALK Line
– EDEN’S CRY Antibullying Program designed to engage students themselves in preventing another form of Violence – Bullying.

Until our students can simply be students again, there is much work for us to do! We would love for you to get involved with The Uvalde Foundation For Kids. We depend on your support and partnership in order to improve lives and make the world a better place for generations to come.

The post Uvalde Foundation for Kids accepting nominations for 1st Annual Hero Grant Recipient appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Uvalde Coyote Varsity Football to be broadcast on Uvalde Radio.net

admin — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 20:32:10 +0000

The post Uvalde Coyote Varsity Football to be broadcast on Uvalde Radio.net appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Media Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

Media in unexpected places: City of Uvalde HR Manager Rodriguez publishes monthly “Toilet Talk” at City of Uvalde restrooms

Media lawsuit filed against City of Uvalde, School District and U.C. Sheriff’s Office over Public Records still waiting for its day in court

Press for Truth

City holds press conference Monday May 22nd to discuss the Robb School 1st anniversary week

Mayor Don McLaughlin and other public officials sign statement asking for privacy prior to May 24th Anniversary

Picture of Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin at a recent Uvalde City Council Meeting

Uvalde Foundation for Kids accepting nominations for 1st Annual Hero Grant Recipient

Nominations NOW Being Accepted! The Uvalde Foundation For Kids 1st Annual HERO GRANT RECIPIENT WILL BE ANNOUNCED CHRISTMAS Morning, 2022!

About the Uvalde Foundation for Kids

A 501c(3) Nonprofit Organization Dedicated To Ending ALL FORMS of School Violence Across The Nation & Enriching The Future Of Our Students – One Life At A Time.

Uvalde Coyote Varsity Football to be broadcast on Uvalde Radio.net