BROWNSVILLE OBSERVER EDITOR HONORED IN THE PHILIPPINES AS ELDERLY

Hesel and I with her Elders

The Philippines, a cluster of a hundred or so islands rising from the sea, seems to be run by young people on behalf of the old.  As an elderly one myself, I'm frequently pointed to the head of  lines or queues, being given extra honor because of age. 

The man behind me is Hesel's grandfather, 94.  Sitting alongside are two grandmothers and Hesel's mother.

The small concrete house is shared by three generations with Hesel and her parents living in a basement "apartment."  A wrought iron circular staircase in the center of the house leads to the second floor.

After the family decided in the Cebuano language that I "looked tired," I was shown a bed in the basement apartment on which to take a "power nap."  I thanked them, but laughingly declined.

Behind the house is a storage shanty, an outdoor cooking area, a "dirty kitchen," and a tropical forest with the lot sloping almost straight down.

Hesel's family home is in Upper Carmen, a sort of suburb of Cagayan de Oro.

  

The family was anxious for me to meet the young man above, a boyfriend of Hesel's cousin, described as "half American," said to be capable of "intelligent conversation in English."

We did meet, talking about everything from Trump/Duterte to the NBA.  Yes, the boyfriend was articulate in English, not an American at all, but the son of a Netherlands father and Filipina mother.  

When I asked him what language he uses to think and dream, he said up to now, Dutch, but more increasingly, Cebuano.

 

The four young people above run an internet cafe/hostel in Cebu City.  Chy, in the white shirt above, gave me a guided tour of the cafe, the dining area, the projection room, even the rest rooms.  She says as many as 350 come each day to access the internet.  

Internet users, she stated, may bring their own food or eat at the cafe or even spend the night.

THE SIGNS OF CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES

NINE THOUSAND MILES AWAY FROM THE THRILL OF VICTORY, THE AGONY OF DEFEAT

Hesel in 9th Floor Pool of the
Castle Peak Hotel, Cebu City

From 9000 miles away,
the sting of the Cascos loss and the TSC legal setback are felt, as well as hope that the BISD board won't be locked into an unwholesome majority, but the impact of all that is lessened by demure femininity of Hesel Bloza,  my companion in the 9th story pool of the Castle Peak Hotel in Cebu City.

How scary was it that the totally corrupt and indicted Hidalgo County Judge Rudy Delgado was nearly re-elected?  RGV voters continue to be uninformed.

Here in Cebu City and likely the rest of the Philippines, no one comes close to questioning popular President Rodrigo Duterte's AK-47 approach to discovered drug dealers and their families.  

Yesterday, Duterte called for the "on the spot" execution of any in the Bureau of Customs found to be "fixers."

This morning, while Hesel still slept, I set out on a 6 AM walk, purposely turning into some neighborhood squalor much more severe than anything in Matamoros.  Everywhere I met friendly people who greeted me with a hearty "Good morning!"

From the editor:  Jerry McHale's republishing of yesterday's article is much appreciated, but his description of Hesel as a mere "piece" is inaccurate.  I'm considering Ms. Bloza as a partner, not simply a sexual object.  

Hesel(pronounced "He sell") is an avid photographer and videographer who feels we could make a life together despite a humongous age difference.

She has zero interest in the so-called night life.  When I asked her last night if she wanted to go to the "Chill Out Bar" on the 9th floor of the hotel, she replied:  "Why would we do that?"

So, we settled for a visit to the pool, which overlooks downtown Cebu City.

Challenges loom ahead as we meet her folks on the 12th, flying to Cagayan de Oro, another city on the water, but in the Mindanao province.

Already, a friend of the family has offered to "help" us out with a 3000 PHP ($60 USD) ride from the airport.

Not happening!

BROWNSVILLE OBSERVER EDITOR MEETS HESEL IN CEBU CITY

Hesel at the Top of Cebu Restaurant

An undeserved honeymoon, an acknowledgement of what I've long known, that I'm  Citizen of the World, and a roller coaster ride in a Toyota van through the twists and turns of the mountains framing Cebu City are all in play here.

Our shuttle driver, Atay, is, in the immortal words of the Dustin Hoffman character in Rain Man, an
"excellent driver."

On the way back down from the mountains, after touring three botanical gardens, Hesel has Atay stop the van, so she can throw up.  Her car sickness is only cured with a three hour nap at the Castle Peak Hotel.

Attendant's Hat Says
"Anything for 20 Pesos"

Driver Atay sings perfectly to James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend," while tapping his horn to pass road-dominant motorscooters,  frequently carrying three adults each.

Cebu City, stunningly framed by mountains and set alongside the sea, is a wonderful city ruined by horrendous traffic.  Thirty motorscooterists bob and weave their way to the head of every traffic stop.  Taxi drivers play "chicken" with each other, while colorful jitneys crammed with passengers hanging out the windows and back door, move along.  Box van and bus drivers  use the size of their vehicles to muscle in wherever.

HOUSTON FAMILY TRAVELS BACK TO SAIGON FOR FUNERAL

IS IT A NEW BEGINNING, "THE END OF THE WORLD" OR NEITHER ONE?

Waiting for the "End of the World"
at Valley Regional Airport

Just when I thought I was entering a new phase of my life, the ladies at the left, representatives of the Jehovah's Witnesses, explained that this world is about to end.

"Yes, the Bible is being fulfilled.  We are nearing the "End Times," said one of the ladies confidently.

I didn't bother to tell them that their cult had been predicting such an end for this world since the 1880's.  Besides, no one told me the world was going to end when I bought my plane tickets.

Businessman from United Arab
Emirates with Nephew

Once at Houston International, the Skyway quickly took me to Terminal D, with flights to Arab countries and Asia, where I was  befriended by a man from Dubai in Houston for his wife's cancer treatment.  

Generously, the family shared their meal with me and the man pulled his I phone from the charging station so I could charge mine.  When I asked if I could take a picture, two ladies in traditional Arab garb moved away, but the man and his nephew eagerly posed.

While charging my phone, Hesel from Cagayan de Oro sent this selfie.  She didn't like it that I have a 5 hour layover in Houston.

"Can't you take an earlier plane?" she asked.

"It's too late for that," I responded, but I didn't tell her about the "End of the World."

BISD BOARD TABLES ACTION ON COMPADRISMO APPOINTMENT FOR CITY COMMISSIONER

The board majority idea was at least crafty.  The threesome, including outgoing BISD Board President Cesar Lopez, along with likely election losers, Big Joe Rod and the indicted Carlos Elizondo, hoped to recruit one more "aye" vote to name sitting City Commissioner Rick Longoria, Jr. to a heretofore non-existent position, the newly created Director of Marketing position at a salary of $85,000 per year.

To arbitrarily convey this political plum, the boys scheduled a BISD Board Meeting ONE DAY before the November 6 school board election.  

Talk about transparency!  LOL!

But, the plan concocted by Lopez, Rodriguez and Elizondo fell through, not being able to garner a fourth vote.

Many in the community were upset with the obvious political backscratching, with a former city commissioner calling the proposed action "unbelievable!"  

Yet today,  the agenda item to name City Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr. as the first ever Director of Marketing was tabled.

Don't feel sorry for slick Rick, though.  He still has his BISD gig, delivering broken computers to the shop, while taking repaired versions to the classrooms.

Part time, he can still do whatever disc jockeys do, plus sell Charro Days costumes like the one he's modeling above.   

COMPADRISMO ALIVE AND WELL AT BISD~RICK LONGORIA, JR. GIVEN NEWLY CREATED ADMINISTRATIVE POSITION

"For my friends, anything.

For my enemies, the law."

Oscar Benavides Larrea

Former President of Peru

 Compadrismo, cronyism, "in-law-ism," is alive and well at BISD, also known as the Brownsville Independent School District.

Rick Longoria

As reported yesterday in Juan Montoya's El Rrun Rrun, some on-the-way-out, crooked politicos on the local school board have created a position for their boy, disc jockey/City Commissioner Rick Longoria.

The $85,000 political perk is a a newly created administrative position Ricky will evidently fill for the balance of the 2018-2019 school year, Administrator for Marketing.

Goodness!  How was BISD doing its marketing in the first semester before the hiring of slick Rick?

What if we told you that the appointment will be made ONE DAY before these same politicos likely get voted out of office November 6 in a Monday, no-public-comment-allowed special school board meeting?

Unbelievable!  No, compadrismo!

Advertisement for the newly created position opened October 11, but was shut down on Halloween, October 31.  

One of my annual neighbors at the RV park, a shop teacher at BISD, was very upset with my publishing a few years ago a pic of his friend, Rick, shirtless, holding a Star Wars lightsaber.

"Why would you do that?" he asked in an extreme Southern accent.

When I explained that one of Rick's ex-girlfriends had wanted to send the pic with full frontal nudity, but I refused to receive it without it being cropped first, the teacher calmed down.

I ran into the shop teacher last month at the RV park pool.

"How's your buddy Rick?" I queried.

"Oh, he's OK.  He's supposed to be in charge of taking non-working computers back to the shop, and he keeps telling me he'll come by and get mine 'tomorrow,' but he never does.  Well, you know Rick!"

Yes, we do.

Required Qualifications for Rick's New Job

COMMISSIONER PROPOSES ADDING A FOURTH ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER

Incoming City Manager Noel Bernal

Once newly appointed City Manager Noel Bernal is officially employed by the City of Brownsville, he will get a request to add an additional Assistant City Manager.

District 4 City Commissioner Ben Neece sees the need for each of the city's four districts to be represented by an Assistant City Manager.

Currently, Michael Lopez and Art Rodriguez serve as Assistant City Managers, while Pete Gonzalez works as a Deputy Assistant City Manager.

"If I get a call from a citizen in my district requesting brush pickup, I don't have the authority to instruct the brush crew to run over there and handle it," explained District 4 City Commissioner Ben Neece.

"I simply call the City Manager and he deals with the situation in the appropriate way."

Neece feels that, by adding a fourth Assistant City Manager, each district would have supervisory control and things would run more efficiently.

CITY OF BROWNSVILLE FOCUSES ON DOWNTOWN SECURITY~PERCEPTION AND REALITY

Security Camera Installed on Traffic Light Extension Arm

A customer for one of Brownsville's many downtown venues, needing to walk perhaps a half block to The Library, Half Moon Saloon, Terra's, Dodici's, El Hueso de Fraile or the Palm Lounge, needs to feel safe, secure, not in danger of being robbed, molested or attacked.

That's the rationale behind the installation of 40 full-circle view cameras at strategic locations downtown at a cost of $500,000, plus an active Brownsville Police Department bike patrol and two officers on foot between 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM Friday and Saturday nights.

The equipment, installation, testing and the required specs are included in an RFP, Request for Proposal, published below.

Who determines security camera placement?

District 4 City Commissioner Ben Neece

"That was done by a committee, including then interim City Manager Michael Lopez, the Brownsville Police Department, Robert C. Luna from Purchasing and a couple guys from our Traffic Department," states District 4 City Commissioner Ben Neece.

"We added the foot patrol from the Southmost BPD task force for added security on Friday and Saturday nights from 10:00 PM till 3:00 AM.  That way, a club manager could ask to be walked to his or her car at closing, for example," added Neece.

"Each camera with have a distinctive light letting the citizens know they're operational.  Also, several 'panic buttons' are being installed that, once pushed, will focus cameras on a specific section of downtown as the police respond," continued the commissioner.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

   
1. Security Cameras

a. All cameras must be supported by Milestone Xprotect Corporate software. 

b. Outdoor; IP66-rated, HDTV 1080P Night and Day; WDR technology, built-in IR, IP network camera, Power over Ethernet, must provide better image quality on low-light or highly variable conditions, Zoom and autofocus. 

c. Power Injector per camera must be included. 

d. Camera\Radio brackets and mounts must be included. 

e. Surge Protectors must be installed and properly grounded. 

f. Vendor must/shall be an authorize reseller for Milestone Xprotect Corporate. 

g. Milestone Xprotect Corporate Licenses – 1 per camera 

h. Vendor must register license to Access Milestone City of Brownsville portal (License Code will be provided) and must provide license confirmation. 

i. Ubiquiti PTMP Radios must be used- if wireless network link is needed 

2. Installation – (Optional) City will have the right and option to include or exclude installation of hardware as it deems necessary. a. All PTMP client and master radios must be installed, configured, mounted, aligned and accessible. (IP addresses will be provided by COB) 

b. All cameras must be properly mounted, setup and configured. (IP addresses will be provided by COB) 

c. All network cable should be properly run and terminated. 

d. Conduit, junction boxes will be required on some installations. 

3. Requirements 

a. All cameras must be accessible and managed by Milestone Xprotect Corporate management software only. 

b. All PTMP radios must be accessible via network. 

c. All user names and passwords must be provided to the City of Brownsville. 

4. City will provide the following hardware & information:

a. Network POE Switches. 

b. IP address information for each device. 

c. Access to buildings or remote structures. 

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 

The period of performance for the downtown security camera system is approximately sixty (60) working days, two (2) months beginning on May, 2018 through June, 2018. All work must be scheduled to complete within this timeframe. Any modifications or extensions will be requested through the MIS DEPARTMENT and vendor contracting officers for review, discussion and final approval (Via an amendment/change order). 

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE 

The selected vendor for the downtown security camera system project will perform work at its own facility or at the MIS Department. The vendor will be required to give a status report at an agreed upon frequency. MIS Department will provide and arrange for meeting spaces within its facility for all required vendor meetings. Once the project reaches the training phase, all training may be conducted at MIS Department data center and/or via remote sessions. 

WORK AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS 

Work Requirements 

As part of the MIS downtown security camera system project the vendor will be responsible for performing tasks throughout various stages of this project. 

The following is a list of these tasks which will result in the successful completion of this project:

Kickoff: - Vendor will create and present detailed project plan including schedule, testing plan, implementation plan, training plan, and transition plan - Vendor will present project plan to MIS Director for review and approval 

Design Phase: - Work with MIS staff to gather requirements and establish metrics. - Create hardware design based on collected requirements. - Develop hardware proposal for MIS Department’s review and approval. - Present written status at regularly scheduled meetings. 

Build Phase: - Vendor will complete all coding for approved site design. - Vendor will provide MIS Department with a detailed testing plan. - Vendor will conduct testing of all security camera equipment and software connectivity. - Vendor will resolve any equipment or software issues identified in testing.

RANDALL BOLIVAR DECRIES POLITICAL CORRUPTION AND BLIND ALLEGIANCE TO POLITICAL PARTIES

From the editor:  The letter below, composed by Randall Bolivar, was forwarded to us today.  

Mr. Bolivar was convicted in 2014 of the 2009 murder of Aaron Castillo, receiving a prison sentence of 45 years.

Bolivar references his "wrongful conviction," inferring that District Attorney's Armando Villalobos and Luis V. Saenz "violated his rights," while "breaking multiple laws."

If Mr. Bolivar wishes to be more specific with these charges, we will publish any evidence he wishes to share.

Randall Bolivar

Randall Bolivar's Statement

I, Randall Bolivar, DOB: 3/31/1981, give Anna Aguilar, James Barton, and/or Maggie Ozuna the authority and permission to publish and print the following statement made by me in whatever capacity deemed necessary. I indemnify the publishing/printing party from any and all liability acquired or accured from this statement or collateral consequences thereof. Any and all damages are to be charged to Randall Bolivar, as well as any potential penalties.

Just recently I was made aware of a certain political article which included my name stressing the importance of holding our eiected officiais accountable for their actions- both in and out of office, regardless of party affiliation. Before I go any further, I'd like to thank the distinguished young lady from precint 82 for her well articulated article, her skill for prose is superb. But if I may, I would like to add just a few brief comments to the same:

The Bolivar family is descending from royal Spanish nobility, and yet we have within our bloodline Freedom Fighters and Revolutionaries like Simon Bolivar. It is because of our heritage that my family is unconventional in its views on government and politics.

My own personal morals, principles, and values do not permit me to be dedicated or loyal to a political party. As an American soldier I was loyal to God, Country, and Army. which means God always has been and always will be above all. My Country, and the defense thereof, was a primary duty. I swore an oath to defend this land we love against all enemies, foreign AND DOMESTIC. It is not a novel idea that within our very own country would come those who are able and willing to do it harm, sometimes without even possessing the knowlwdge or intent to do so. Diehard party loyalty is perhaps one of the greatest harms being done to this country at this moment in time.

No group or organization is deserving or worthy of blind allegiance to it. This kind of party loyalty has helped to produce the Conrado Cantu's and Armando Villalobos within

Do you want an Armando Villalobos and Luis Saenz in the DA's Office with the power to prosecute you and your family? Even when they have broken multiple laws and violated your rights to secure a wrongful conviction of an innocent person?

And would you feel confident, or at the least comfortable, with an Abel Limas and Ben Euresti presiding over your case if you didn't have the right political power or cash necessary to win your case? I know I didn't!

Please, I impiore you all to be diligent in your research of candidates when they run for office, and vigilant once they are in office. Remember that you are the master and they are the servant. They serve at your will and are accountable to you. If you can't get them to do your will, then you can get them out of office.

Your voice and your vote both count. Let them know how you feel and what you want them to do on your benaif. Don't become a pawn of one party or the other, and don't fali victim to the special interests of certain officials. It is time that we the people of Cameron County take back what is ours. We want our life, liberty, and the pusuit of happiness.

De Oppresso Liber,

Pabll bok

Randall Bolivar

INTERIM CHIEF PASCHALL STEADIES THE BPD SHIP AFTER ABRUPT RODRIGUEZ DEPARTURE, DEALS WITH BACKSTABBING

Interim Chief James Paschall

Staring down the barrel of a wrongful termination lawsuit of two officers, former Chief Orlando Rodriguez abruptly jumped ship August 7, announcing his retirement, failing to fulfill a promise he'd made to serve at least one year following a hefty raise authorized by the Brownsville City Commission.

The day following Rodriguez's resignation, Commander David M. Dale, was announced as "acting Brownsville Police Chief."

The subsequent department turmoil under Dale's leadership caused interim City Manager Michael Lopez to take action just over one month later, announcing on September 17 the appointment of Officer James Paschall as Interim Police Chief.

Lopez said at the time of Paschall's appointment:  

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of James Paschall as Interim Police Chief of the Brownsville Police Department. Paschall’s commitment to the department will be an asset as he oversees administrative operations."

Officer Dale was re-assigned to the fiscal department, supervising payroll and time clock issues.

Paschall, incidentally, is not one of the current eight candidates for Brownsville Police Chief, but is highly regarded as a no-nonsense, older officer.

In recent days, a letter, written in almost identical style to the long-winded nine page public resume' praising the attributes of Officer David M. Dale, has surfaced with biting criticism of Interim Chief Paschall:

Commander Dale

"Who's running the PD

There's a lot of talk going round about who's in charge of the police department.

Since Chief Rodriquez retired, the interim police chief Commander Paschall is running the department or so it seems.  He is doing a less than mediocre job.  

In fact, Commander Paschall is more concerned with leisure activities that include everlasting naps in his office and meandering all over town with his son while on duty.  Commander Paschall is incapable of running the police department.  His managerial derailment has allowed everyone to do as they please. . . . . "

Privately, some officers do not agree with this assessment of Paschall's performance as Interim Police Chief.

One thing is certain.  Most do not seem to favor David M. Dale as Brownsville's next Police Chief.   A poll taken among members of the Brownsville Police Officers Association placed David Dale dead last among the eight candidates currently applying for the job of chief.

LOCAL ARTIST TERRERO MARTINEZ DOES HIS THING AT THE BROWNSVILLE LIBRARY

Local Artist Terrero Martinez

"I hope I didn't bother you with all the noise I was making," spoke local artist Terrero Martinez, who actually had been working rather quietly for a couple hours across the table from me at the Brownsville Public Library.

"No, actually, I was totally oblivious," I responded.

"I've been trying to get a friend a plane ticket to meet me in Cebu City, but she needs to get a picture ID first."

Mr. Martinez showed me several of his pastels and his current project, the Port Isabel Lighthouse.

"They speak Spanish over there in the Philippines, don't they?" asked Martinez.

"Actually, primarily Tagalog, but also Cebuano or some local language and thirdly English," I offered.  

"But, you're right.  The islands were once controlled by Spain, then, of course, the Japanese and, more recently, the United States in WWII."

"Well, good luck on your trip!"

"Thanks."