Neighborhoods | Reporting from your community

Socorro City Rep. Jesse Gandara's father accused of corruption.

Once again, a Gandara has made headlines.

This time Jesus Gandara Sr., father of Socorro city Rep. Jesse Gandara and brother of former Socorro Mayor Willie Gandara Sr., is involved in what is believe to be the largest corruption case for the District Attorney’s office in San Diego.

Jesus Gandara Sr. faces eight felony charges. He is accused of perjury, filing a false instrument and wrongful influence while he served as superintendent of the Sweetwater Union High School District in California.

The charges against Jesus Gandara Sr. were filed six months after he was fired from the school district.

In June, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Gandara “proposed using bond money to pay routine district expenses; billed the district for hundreds of meals beyond his $800 monthly expense account; solicited ‘money tree’ donations from contractors invited to a Gandara family event; arranged at least two public-relations contracts without board approval; and was asked by the state to repay $350,000 for improperly billed student meals.”

The publication reported this week that Jesus Gandara Sr. is accused of accepting meals, a Biltmore Hotel stay, Rose Bowl tickets and for “having a contractor rent him an Albus Dumbledore costume for Halloween.”

Jesus Gandara Sr.’s accusations happened after his oldest brother, Guillermo “Willie” Gandara Sr., was indicted in 2010 in a continuing FBI public-corruption investigation in El Paso.

Willie Gandara Sr. is accused of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and deprivation of honest services while he was president of the Socorro Independent School District Board of Trustees. He was recalled from the Socorro’s mayoral seat in May.

Jesus Gandara Sr. is a former superintendent of the Fabens Independent School District and a former associate superintendent of the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso.

In 2005, the El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees selected Jesus Gandara Sr. as a finalist for the superintendent job that was given to  Lorenzo Garcia.

García was indicted on federal charges and resigned as superintendent of the El Paso Independent School District last year.

Read the story here.

Aileen B. Flores



2012 bond election community meetings continue Wednesday

A series of community meetings for the November 2012 bond election continue Wednesday.  The meetings are intended to allow the public to suggest and comment on proposed quality of life and downtown revitalization projects to be included on the bond issue.

City representative community meetings

District 1: Pastry Chef Café, 126 Shadow Mountain, 7:30 a.m., Nov. 16.

District 2: Tierra Del Sol Restaurant, 4201 Alabama, 7:30 a.m., Dec. 1.

District 3: Lunch Box, 3623 Buck ner, 5:30 p.m., date to be determined.

District 4: Denny's, 4690 Woodrow Bean Trans Mountain, 7:30 a.m., Jan. 6.

District 5: Sierra Providence Medical Center, 3280 Joe Battle, 6:30 p.m., Nov. 16.

District 6: Mission Valley Regional Command, 9011 Escobar, 6 p.m., Nov. 16.

District 7: Village Inn, 2275 Trawood, 7:30 a.m., Nov. 14.

District 8: Luby's, 3601 N. Mesa, noon, date to be determined.

Citywide meetings

Pebble Hills Regional Command, 10780 Pebble Hills,6 p.m., Nov. 30.

Westside Regional Command, 4801 Osborne, 6 p.m., Nov. 30.

Armijo Rec Center, 700 E. Seventh St., 6 p.m., Dec. 5.

Northeast Regional Command, 9600 Dyer, 6 p.m., Dec. 7.

Community comment card drop box locations

City Hall, 2 Civic Center Plaza, first floor.

City of El Paso parks and recreation centers.

City of El Paso senior centers.

El Paso public libraries.

El Paso Zoo.

Comment cards also can be filled out on the city's website at www.elpasotexas.gov.

Scope out planned loop extension Dec. 8

A public meeting on the Border Highway extension is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at the El Paso Natural Gas Conference Center at UTEP.

The “scoping” meeting will be held as an open house, come-and-go format where the public can inspect maps and other displays and ask questions. No formal presentation will be made.

The project calls for the extension of Loop 375 west from Park Street to Racetrack Drive near Doniphan Road. It would provide a new four-lane, controlled access facility that may follow portions of the existing Loop 375 or U.S. Highway 85.

 The proposed project would close the gap on Loop 375 between Santa Fe Street Downtown to U.S. Highway 85. Due to funding constraints, tolling would be considered as a funding option; however, all current non-tolled lanes would remain that way.

 Information: 790-4200. You can also comment via email at emailinfo@borderhighwaywest.com.

 

Readers Say Edgemere is Traditional Drag Strip

By Alex Hinojosa

EL PASO TIMES

 It appears as though driver’s speeding along Edgemere has always been an issue since the stretch was always known as a drag strip.

This is coming from several Burges High School alumn that graduated in the 1950s.

 After writing the story – I’ve received several email detailing people’s stories on how they used to mark the roadway and drive down the strip. 

One reader said it was called, “The Burges Dragway.”

In 1959 several former alumn actually painted Burges Dragway on the street. The words measured the ¼ mile.

The strip where cars raced, and continue to race, is from the intersections of Juniper and Edgemere to Oakdale and Edgemere (just past Burges High School).

 One story tells of a story where a drag racer was chased by a police vehicle. The chase involved a Ford Thunderbird, whose driver tried to make a quick turn onto Juniper. Instead he crashed into a fire hydrant.

During that time it was the only accident along the strip.

 The racing still continues to this day residents say.

And while the “tradition” continues and drivers continue to race down the stretch of Edgemere Blvd, driver’s are also ignoring the 30 mph signs.

Reporter’s Notebook: Jose Cisneros Library goes Green

By Alex Hinojosa
EL PASO TIMES

Although new, the Jose Cisneros Cielo Vista Branch library itself has a story of its own before it was even erected at its current location.

For those that don’t know – the Cielo Vista Branch library was previously located on Viscount.

But it was deemed to small for its size and was therefore closed in 2007.

Director of Engineering for the city of El Paso, Alan Shubert, said plans were made to construct a new library at the El Paso Community College, (just off of Viscount) but residents and members of the Cielo Vista Neighborhood Association urged them not to.

“You raised your voices and told us it wasn’t such a good idea,” Shubert said to residents at the unveiling of the gold LEED certified plaque Thursday.

Three years and $3 million later, a 9,2000 square foot library was built on the site of an existing park.

Furthermore its construction was required to be environmentally friendly.

Aside from the low flow toilets and faucets the library has other features to it that make it environmentally safe.

The insulation is made from denim, high windows make for ample lighting, and the building’s position makes for a comfortable temperature all year round.

 But library officials are taking it a step further – in addition to working in an environmentally friendly building – the library is cleaned with green-only products.

 

Association wants Family-Friendly Establishments

By Alex Hinojosa
EL PASO TIMES

Wanting to change the direction of the neighborhood and increase camaraderie within the neighborhood, the Cielo Vista Neighborhood Association is looking to outreach to businesses, churches and schools within its boundaries.

Opportunities for community service projects is just part of the reason behind the partnership with businesses, churches and schools in the area.

The other includes creating additional family venues for children and young adults.

“Since Putt Putt closed last year there are few options for residents and the students,” Benitez said. “And surely there are better things to put in the area (Hawkins Plaza) than a bar.”

In a story reported by the El Paso Times, Mark Benitez, president of the neighborhood association plans for this are meant to benefit the neighborhood and the students.

“We’re determined to stop the blight and decline and address the issues that are affecting our community,” Benitez said. “And there is a lot of infrastructure that is coming into the community. And a lot of people don’t understand that there are agencies (within the city) that can help with. So this is being done to create a window.”

Specifically with Burges High School, Benitez wants the school and the community to plant more trees.

Recently Burges Principal Randall Woods, met with Benitez, City Rep. Emma Acosta and an official from State Representatives Naomi R. Gonzalez’s office, to discuss plans on xeriscaping the school and opening up the school’s track and field to the public on weekends.

While nothing is set in stone yet, Woods said he is looking forward to working with the community.

Officials with Immanuel Christian have joined the neighborhood association and are looking to help once the association provides he opportunities.

“They’ve mentioned wanting to place flags along the media on holidays, such as Flag Day,” said J.D. Zubia, spokesman for Immanuel Christian. “We’re ready to volunteer once that day comes. And in fact, when the library (Jose Cisneros Cielo Vista Branch Library) our students were informed about it through the association. With that information our students were able to participate and play at the opening.”

 

Reporter's Notebook: Epilepsy Non-Profit Gets Grant

By Alex Hinojosa

EL PASO TIMES

Let’s take a look back at an article about shy but quirky 8-year-old Jaime Bacigalupo.
Jaime has struggled with epilepsy all her life and knows how scary a hospital room is.
Her experience prompted her to start Angels 4 Epilepsy.

Recently her organization was one of 15 that was awarded a $25,000 grant from Pepsi. Funds will go toward Teddy bears that will be delivered to children in area hospitals over the next six months according to the organization’s website. Each bear will have a purple ribbon representing epilepsy.  

The non-profit organization originated in Georgia and has helped children in several other states including Indiana and Florida.

Jaime and her family have donated toys, teddy bears and bags filled with essentials to children at area hospitals.

For more information on Angels4Epilepsy visit www.angels4epilepsy.org.

Family Fun Night @ the EP Zoo Friday

An after-hours party at the El Paso Zoo this Friday will not only offer lots of activities for families, but help raise funds for the zoo.

Hosted by the El Paso Zoological Society, Family Fun Night is from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday. The zoo will open Africa and the America's Plaza. Family activities include the Hunt Family Desert Spring water feature, African Star train, music, dancing, jumping balloons, games, face painting, family friendly foods, kid’s drinks, beer, wine, photo opportunities and more.

The event is sponsored by Hyundai of El Paso and El Paso Orthopaedic Surgery Group.

Tickets are $25 for children and $50 for adults. Family packs are also available for $150, which includes admission for 2 adults and up to 5 children. Ticket price includes admission, food, beer and wine, photos and more.

Information: 532-8156 or elpasozoosociety@aol.com

Keystone Heritage Park Events Saturday, Oct. 1

Make plans to spend the day at the Keystone Heritage Park in the Upper Valley Saturday.

An ARROYO WALK is set for 8 a.m. for a two-hour guided hike through Keystone and the Wakeem/Teschner Canyon. Cost is $5.

The 5TH ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SALE is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The TREE TALK is at 11 a.m., where participants can get advice from experts on plants and trees.

ARCHEOLOGY SITE TOURS  are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for guided tours of the 4,000-year-old archeology site.

Keystone  Heritage Park is an archeological site, an archaic wetlands and a botanical garden located on 52 acres in El Paso’s Upper Valley. The city-owned park is leased to a volunteer Board of Directors who are charged with preserving and developing the park.

Information: http://www.keystoneheritagepark.org

Golf Courses' State Raises Residents Concerns

By Alex Hinojosa
EL PASO TIMES

After writing an article regarding the Emerald Springs Golf Course, I received several emails from residents in the area that don’t want to watch it go downhill.

In the past, residents of Emerald Springs saved the course from being bought and rezoned so that more homes would be built.

Luis Galvan, of Horizon City writes:

“After reading your note regarding the uncertain future of the golf course, I confirmed what I was expecting to occur, as I started noticing less golfers and high grass on the entire course.
Golf is a beautiful sport to play and to watch, and I have an initiative that I want to start with all the neighbors to see if they all agree to support the golf course by donating at least $50 dlls on a monthly basis (like a rent) to improve the golf course (new sprinklers, grass cutting, painting the club outside building, get the water pond fix, etc), which at the end helps us as neighbors and the reputation of the golf course (we are talking about $30K to $ 40K a month for support). I believe that this is a good opportunity to help get it back on track…”

This email was past onto Gary Clements, owner of the course, who respondedsaying he would gladly respond but said due to course conditions and bad publicity the company has decided to close and concentrate on all the problems, due to the freeze.

Clements said due to the February freeze the cost of installing a new irrigation system (20 miles worth of pipes and valves) would be more than $2 million – a cost that “in these economic times the investment is not feasible.”

The course however, would be open to Fabens and Clint high school footbll teams.