What's in a neighborhood?

About 45 min ago I received a group email from a member of my neighborhood contact team, content pertained to pending council vote on occupancy limitations - message also makes brief mention of tenant registration and code compliance regs. Originator of message proposed a "neighborhood position" on the issue.

Not sure why, but email got me into "soapbox mentality," so here it is ...

What's in a neighborhood (position)? that which we call a neighborhood (position) by any other name would be as complex ... (pardon my Bard paraphrase)

If the entire neighborhood is truly in consensus, a neighborhood position is great. Rest assured, an "entire" neighborhood consensus may or may not be possible. How do you propose contacting all neighborhood residents re the issue? What resources are in place (or need to be acquired) to reach those lacking digital access/literacy, those who are not English speakers, and those who are not home/property owners?

As for any registration(s), as I understand it (and as I understand both Spelman & Tovo proposals) Rental Registration was never about tenants registering, it's about property owners/management. Apartment tenants are already held accountable via lease/contract (especially TAA leases), there is no need for them to jump through any more bureaucratic hoops.

Tenants need to be assured of their rights to a safe and affordable home, they need to know property owners/mgmt can and will be held accountable without fear of retaliation.

If a property owner (houses/duplexes) has issue(s) with tenant(s), it makes me wonder ...

• was a background check (credit, rental, and/or criminal) done and/or
• a solid lease/contract was put in place

If not, then perhaps the property owner needs to change practices. Just sayin'

Also, I can appreciate a home owner wanting to reside in a safe neighborhood, but that doesn't mean apartments/apartment dwellers are a bad thing. Many of us just cannot afford to own (or even rent) a house, so that leaves us with renting apartments. The quality of life in apartments goes back to responsibilities of property owner/mgmt and the rights of the tenants.

My 2 cents ... I felt the need to get on my soapbox only because I recently heard someone make disparaging remarks about apartments as if they are something heinous/evil. Apartments, what they have to offer, etc run the gamut - some are great, others are slums, and most somewhere in between. Also, I do my best to remind people that not all of us have digital access/literacy, not all of us speak English.

We, as community members, regardless our socio-economic status, need to leave egos, negative attitudes, and closed minds at the door. If we truly want a harmonious community, we need to work together. Grassroots efforts are the answer every time.

Affordable Care Act ...

The Affordable Care Act is great idea, but needs to be more. After all, members of Congress receive FREE health/medical care, so why can't we?

Let me explain ... I was going through my FB messages, notifications, checking on friends, etc. I came across a post on the Latino Healthcare Forum page, the post is about "As healthcare law rolls out, its effects will depend on your state" - an LA Times article.

Even though I had not yet read the article, I am already wondering about what it means for people like me here in Texas, ruled (eyes rolling) by his majesty James Rick Perry (aka guv goodhair).

Here's my response to article (specifically, the title) ...

No  kidding! Using HealthCare.gov, I've already found I may fall through the cracks! Will depend on Central Health's Eligibility Requirements.

After going through series of questions (some need to be better written - at least I think so) HealthCare.gov says my option is (drumroll please ...) Medicaid!

Problem is, Medicaid denied me because I am no longer able to bear children. (shaking my head) So, will Medicaid change eligibility regulations or does it mean turning to Central Health's Medical Access Program (MAP)?

When I previously had MAP (thanks to Medicaid denial), I had to argue with them about assets which could have rendered me ineligible but, for all intents and purposes, I cannot access them ... So, are they really assets?

I'm a smart person, have a graduate degree, am tech savvy (so can navigate websites) ... If I have to go through this much trouble, jumping through hoops, having repeated discussions (on verge of becoming heated debates), what does that mean for those who are not as fortunate (educated, have digital literacy/access, and speak English) as me?

*****

Post note: My assets? My state retirement account. I have 12 years state service, so I have a modest retirement account. Sure, it is accessible, but doing so also means being hit with approximate 30% penalty fees! Initial withdrawal (up to/including entire balance) means 20% penalty paid to state.

Example: I withdraw $10K, they pull $2K for penalty before issuing me payment + I'll have to pay 10% ($1K) to the IRS. Come spring, when filing taxes, pay $1K penalty PLUS report $10K as income!!

So, you can see, barring life/death circumstances, I'd be a fool to touch it. In the end, it becomes an asset to which I have no access. Try explaining that one with Central Health staff. It's not fun.

All our children are gifted & talented

I just read about an 11 yo enrolled at Texas Christian University! Wow! Isn't that amazing?!?!

I'd like to know ore about this kiddo. Not only was he (and his brother) steered in the right direction, in a good environment, he is still being allowed to be a child (games, friends, etc).

How many other children (anywhere) have a gift or talent but fall through the cracks due to lack of challenge, resources, etc?

Any child who is allowed/able to blossom to full potential is thanks to more than his/her parents ... credit (and responsibility) lays at feet of all: family, schools, and community as a whole.

All children have a basic right to such opportunities, yet we still exist in an inherently racist, classist society, denying the human right to a culturally competent, well-balanced education and the necessary resources/environment in which to flourish!

Clearly he went to private school, and that means being able to pay (an often) steep tuition. The average family cannot afford such an opportunity!

That's where the school district comes into play, investing in: students, appropriate/balanced training for teachers, provide wrap-around services, partner with other entities (public, private, nonprofit) to make it a reality, and most importantly outreach (aka community engagement) with students/families and community to learn what is needed/wanted and work on delivering the same ... instead of sinking money into exorbitant salaries for high-level administrators.

Finally, priority needs to be given to students in Title I schools, at least until there is true equality in their education.


Article: TCU admits 11-year-old boy genius to study quantum physics

City of Austin's Code Compliance ...

... perhaps someone needs to file compliance complaint on them?

Two articles (below) about Hyde Park facing $2,000/day fine for hanging colorful, international flags (and has been for 5 yrs), must now remove them thanks to an anonymous complaint.

Yet, Code Compliance will not do enough for real issues.. Issues leading to unsafe living conditions, leading to emergency tenant displacement (w/no transition plans).

The pending proposals/ordinance not only need teeth for real enforcement, they need to be clear on the concept of prioritization!

Since when are flags more important than hot/cold running water, safe buildings, air/heat, no insect infestations? Did it get attention because the complaint came out of Hyde Park (aka $$$ (better/higher than low-income residents) and/or non-minority)?

___________________________

Hyde Park Market removes iconic international flags from storefront awning

by Gene Davis

August 26, 2013

• Content

• Images (1)

Do you like this?

         

RSS

Print

In August, Hyde Park Market, Deli and Organic Grocery removed about 20 international flags that hung from the storefront awning after the city found the flags to be out of code.

A code violation has forced Hyde Park Market, Deli and Organic Grocery to remove about 20 international flags that have hung from the store's awning for the past five years.

The international flags had hung down from the storefront awning for five years before being removed.

An anonymous citizen's complaint about the flags on June 17 led the city of Austin to investigate whether the flags at the eclectic convenience store, which sells everything from craft beer and chocolates to tools and hardware, violated city code. An investigation found that the flags were out of compliance, "as the only sign on the property that has a permit is the Shell sign," according to city documents.

Hyde Park Market owner Tony Hooman said he disagrees with the city's claim that the flags should be classified as "signs." However, he took down the flags in August after the city threatened him with a $2,000 per day fine if he did not remove them.

"The city has so much to mess with, and I can't believe they spent the energy, time and tax dollars to come after me for this," Hooman said.

Hooman said he is meeting with an attorney over how to proceed with the issue. Also, an electronic petition is being circulated among Hyde Park and Hancock residents showing support for the flags.

"This is another example of Austin getting a little less weird," Hyde Park resident Tom Schneider said. "Soon enough, every store will be the same and there won't be anything special [about Austin]."

Meanwhile, Hooman is looking to add between 200–300 taps of beer and a beer garden at Hyde Park Market. Hooman has been meeting with local neighborhood groups about the expansion plan before filing paperwork with the city, he said.

"It's crucial that we are all in one boat and able to communicate so no one has feelings that they weren't involved," he said. "If it wasn't for [neighborhood residents], nothing would be here."

Related article: Daily Texan "Hyde Park Flag Store forced to take down all of its flags"

EDUCATION: Community Responsibility

I am writing in response to a KUT article about AmeriCorp working with two local high schools:


Regardless what community we may live in, it behooves us all to pay attention to what happens in our neighborhood schools.

Schools/school districts have their policies - policies with statutory foundations (state/federal laws) - but responsibility also falls to the community-at -large.

As a community we want ours to be socio-economically successful. Successful businesses, well-funded nonprofits, and not-so-bureaucratic governmental agencies (at all levels). In order for that to happen we need a well-trained, well-educated workforce - that means colleges/universities and trade schools need to be within (financial) reach of all of us. In order to be able to compete there must be a solid educational (pre-literacy, PreK-12) foundation for children, including the necessary supports and resources. Supports and resources such as up-to-date, historically accurate and culturally relevant texts and curriculum, state-of-the-art technology, wrap-around services, professional development, and true community engagement.

Community engagement including students/families, staff/educators, neighborhood communities, private business, nonprofit organizations, and all levels governmental agencies.

I'll restate the issue as a question: Do we want an economically successful society? Well of course the answer is a resounding YES!!

How do we make it happen? GET INVOLVED! Everyone in the community, parent or not, educator or not, plays a role in what happens.

Remember, we (adults) are the decision makers, policy writers, service providers, and so forth. Depending on what we do (or don't do), we are taking care of the children (pre-natal to 18yo). Some day the children will the decision makers, policy writers, service providers, etc  .. Depending on what they do (or don't do), they will taking care of us.

Who do you want deciding your future? I don't know about you, but I want those decisions, policies, and actions made by people with a well-rounded, solid education/training.

AmeriCorps Working for Turnarounds at Reagan, Travis High Schools

By Hector Perez

Picture 90 educational volunteers: That’s the number of AmeriCorps members the Austin school district is placing at two of its high schools for the next three years. 

It’s all part of the School Turnaround AmeriCorps initiative, a new program aimed at placing AmeriCorps members in some of the nation’s lowest performing schools. AISD was one of thirteen school districts that were chosen nationwide.  

“The schools served by this program are very specific,” says Elisa Gleeson, Grants Management Specialist with the OneStar Foundation, which administers AmeriCorps Texas. “They had to have the capacity to be able to administer the program, but also had to qualify as low-performance institutions according to the U.S Department of Education.”

In Austin, only Reagan and Travis High School met the criteria.

Each school will be given 15 AmeriCorps members each year for the next three years. The work they perform will not only focus on helping students in math and literacy, but also providing emotional and social support through various individual and group sessions. The primary goal is to improve graduation rates, test scores, and the overall performance of each school.

What happens after the three-year period is uncertain. The future of the program depends on funding, which is currently supplied through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Education and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

“Ideally no one will need the help after three years, but if help was still needed, then both entities would run another application process much like they ran earlier this year to select the school,” Elisa said. “Also, they would need to make sure they have the funds allocated to support the program moving forward.”

This grant is one of 22 other similar programs supported by the OneStar Foundation, currently distributing more than $12.3 million AmeriCorps state grants to organizations across Texas.

Open Letter to Daily Kos

RE: "Demand that Texas investigate why state troopers confiscated tampons"

I received a forwarded email from Carl. The message was a Daily Kos appeal to sign a petition.

With good reason I refused. Here's why:
______________________


To: Chris Bowers, Daily Kos <campaigns@dailykos.com>
Subj: Fwd: Texas tampon massacre

I read the email message below. I read the petition.
I totally, wholeheartedly agree person(s) responsible must be held accountable.

Unfortunately, due to final clause ("We demand a complete and open investigation as to who authorized this move, who is accountable for such conduct-and that all such parties be appropriately disciplined."), I will not sign the petition.

I will not sign it because it implies lack of knowledge. On the surface it "reads" as if Daily Kos didn't do its research. It is already well known Lt Gov David Dewhurst is responsible for the atrocity - it was made known Friday, in the middle of the mayhem. Dewhurst is the #1 person responsible for making said directive. Steve McCraw, DPS Director and others also need to be held accountable for acting on Dewhurst's misogynistic directive.

McCraw and others in DPS also need to be held accountable for the violent mistreatment of peaceful protesters. At least one had to seek services at Brackenridge.

Finally, I could be wrong, but based on the way it's written, demand for investigation appears to be addressed to: AG Greg Abbott, Lt Gov David Dewhurst, DPS Director Steve McCraw, DPS Highway Patrol Asst Chief Luis Gonzalez, and members of the Texas Lege. That's like asking a gang of bullies to discipline itself!

Investigation of public office holders is handled by the Travis County Public Integrity Unit - the very same defunded by Gov Perry. Travis County's PIU investigates "... public corruption, insurance fraud, and motor fuels tax fraud."


Rewrite the petition ...

Rewrite it addressing the correct investigative entity.
Rewrite it detailing who IS responsible for the directive, those carrying it out, etc.

Rewrite the petition and we'll talk.



Monica Guzman, M.A.
Community Relations Consultant
LULAC, Dist VII
_______________________________________________
to be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting. - e.e. cummings


NOTE: Email bounced when I sent it. Checked website for an email address-none found, only a "Contact Us" webform. Pity.

Unsung Heroes ...

"The staff of our incredible coalition partners — Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, Annie’s List and The Lilith Fund for Reproductive Equity – were the unsung heroes of the incredible mobilization of Texas men and women over the past month. We have been proud to stand with them and with the women of Texas."

Heroes? I'm glad they exist to provide services, push for appropriate legislation, enable grand-scale PR. "Unsung" hereos? No.

The "unsung heroes" are those sitting in Travis Co jail, those on-site (outside) at TravCo jail, those who risked arrest/injury (job? other?) because they made themselves heard in/outside the state capitol building. Those who shared stories via testimony, news reports, social media, etc. Last, certainly not least, those who support them, whether online or off.

THEY are the *true* UNSUNG HEREOS!!

The "Roaring Mob"

Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, in a sneering email to his supporters late last night, boasted about the state Senate’s passage of legislation that puts government between pregnant women and their doctors. This supposedly “small-government conservative” proudly declared that the Senate passed the bill“within earshot of a roaring mob” — meaning the thousands of concerned women and men who filled the Capitol and the steps outside."

At the Texas State Capitol: Testifying against SB1

In Capitol Extension,
waiting for office to open, so can sign up.

In line at north entrance to State Capitol wStacey Smith!
Arrived about 6:15ish (AM)

Testifying Against SB1

All this activity over Senate Bill 1 (SB1) - SB1 has been propagandized as a bill to protect/improve women's health. That's far from the truth! It's all about oppressing women, especially women of color and women surviving in impoverished conditions.

Testifying (around 6/6:15pm)

I am Monica Guzmán - Native Austinite residing in East Austin. I am represented by Sen Judith Zaffirini and Rep Eddie Rodrigruez.

I am PRO-WOMEN & PRO-WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE.

I oppose SB1 because I believe SB1 and its House companion are regarding anything BUT improving or protecting my or any other woman's health.

It is bullying from legislative pulpits.

It is an attempt to force-feed religious belief in violation of my Constitutional rights.

It is classist, racist, bigoted, misogynistic legislative OPPRESSION - n o t h i n g less.

SB1 & its House companion will deprive many women-especially women existing at/near poverty levels, women of color-of needed healthcare options.

Should this bill become law ...

• How many women will lack access to birth control information and available options?
• How many women will lack access to prenatal care?

Are you prepared to provide financial support and transportation for needed healthcare or even abortions no longer available because you closed existing facilities?

Are you prepared to provide financial support for unwanted pregnancies carried to term yet given up for adoption, left at churches & fire stations, or tragically abandoned on the streets?

As for unwanted pregnancies resulting in cherished newborns ... Are you prepared to support them? Support them with needed healthcare, food availability, safe homes, and public educations?

You go on about protecting the innocent unborn. Yet, once born, you have no qualms abandoning the very same children-especially children born into impoverished conditions-by way of budget cuts to healthcare, social programs, and public education.

As for children already living at/near poverty ... You left them at the curb long ago as dust settled on legislative budget cuts and the ink dried on Gov Perry's signature for same.

Be it corporations or politicians, you make decisions inevitably creating the very conditions you purport to abhor, only serving to further marginalize an already marginalized population.

How is it Gov Perry can say, and I quote, "Our views is that individuals and families can govern their lives better than bureaucrats." yet has the audacity to DICTATE my health, my body.

It is sheer HYPOCRISY!

On a personal note - In 1987 I was raped, fortunately I never had to face a resulting pregnancy, never had to make the decision to carry or terminate. Any woman facing such decision, regardless the reason for pregnancy, it is HER decision. Not mine, certainly not yours.

I expect you to NOT support, NOT pass SB1.

After all ...

MY life, MY body, MY decision

Getting some downtime at home while chillin' and CELEBRATING a job well done, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

Austin's racist attitudes .. more prevalent than you might think

"What did Bandera Road and Whiteway Drive teach me about Austin’s residential segregation? It helps foster an environment where we become fearful when someone who doesn’t look like us so much as walks down the street — even in a city many regard as a wellspring of progressivism."


TALES OF THE CITY: by JOHN SAVAGE
Mapping the color lines in a ‘progressive’ city by John Savage

In the summer of 2007 I bought a house on Bandera Road, four miles east of I-35, just off Martin Luther King Boulevard. Buying a house on Bandera Road was an important milestone, the fulfillment of an adolescent promise made a quarter-century ago.

On a sweltering Saturday morning I stuffed my Honda Civic with books, clothes and CDs, and lit out for my new digs. As I crossed the freeway, the neatly maintained homes and xeriscaped yards on the west side gave way to a different reality on the east. Houses began to sag and wilt, grass turned to dirt and street corners rustled with fast-food wrappers and Styrofoam cups.

I-35 has long delineated the two worlds of Austin ­— the haves on the west side with their charming Craftsman bungalows, crunchy organic co-op grocery and hip indie coffee shops, and the have-nots on the east side with paint peeling from their rickety frame houses, Church’s Fried Chicken franchises and Pay Day Lenders.

From house-hunting walks I knew I would be the only white person on Bandera Road. That, you see, was the point. Like many of you reading this, I grew up in a segregated community — a small town in North Carolina. At 12 years old, I grasped the fact that I lived in a segregated neighborhood. The youthful version of myself, lacking the cynicism of adulthood, made a solemn vow: One day I would live in a neighborhood where everyone didn’t look like me.

Segregated neighborhoods are part of the American experience. Not only across Texas but across the country, racially restrictive housing covenants were common during most of the 20th century. In Austin, the 1928 city plan locating municipal services for black citizens east of what was then East Avenue served to further concentrate the minority population there.

I wasn’t pondering racist housing policy the morning I moved into my 720-square-foot slice of the American dream. I was simply excited to be a homeowner. As I struggled to carry an armful of clothes and books, a group of teenage girls sashayed past my fixer-upper house. “Stupid white boy!” one of them yelled. Her friends laughed loudly.

My immediate neighbors, all of them elderly, greeted me warmly with smiles and handshakes. I often contemplated the decades of conspicuous racism they had endured, and marveled at their kindness in the face of that history. The teenagers on the block weren’t quite as affable — the “stupid white boy” comment wasn’t an isolated event.

After two years on Bandera Road, I married my girlfriend, sold my little house and moved west to the almost exclusively white Allandale neighborhood, to a street fittingly named Whiteway Drive. I rationalized the move because we would be close to my wife’s job.

Soon after, I joined the Allandale neighborhood listserv. Much like the 19th century West Texas frontier, neighborhood listservs can be uncouth places, and I found certain posts about “suspicious” blacks and Latinos spiritually wearying. Just two examples:
“There is a man distributing flyers on Nasco (Street). My wife became suspicious when he skipped our house where there is a car and lights on, but hit our neighbors’ houses who are not home. She described an African American male in baggy pants carrying a canvas bag. She is reporting him to 911 now … “ “There was a suspicious couple walking slowly up and down Daugherty Street this afternoon about 4:00 p.m. I did not see them going to any homes but they stopped for a long time at the corner of Albata and Daughtery and ‘seemed’ to be talking on cell phones and taking photos of homes. They were African-Americans and maybe in their later 20s or 30s […] Be on the lookout.”

That couple taking pictures of Allandale homes and talking on their cell phones — well, that sounds exactly like what my wife and I did when we were house hunting. As for calling 911 to report the flyer distributor who was just doing his thankless job, I was speechless. I still am. I like to think of myself as fairly thoughtful about issues of race and place — something I attribute, in part, to attending integrated schools. Unfortunately this is not an advantage afforded a child growing up on Bandera Road or Whiteway Drive.

Austin draws its school attendance zones so that children living on Bandera attend an elementary school that is 99 percent minority students; if they live on Whiteway Drive, their school’s student body is 80 percent Anglo. Both mirror their surrounding neighborhoods. In this way, our public schools, the bedrock of our democracy, tend to reinforce a lack of cultural understanding in Austin — an unpleasant reality not discussed often enough.

What did Bandera Road and Whiteway Drive teach me about Austin’s residential segregation? It helps foster an environment where we become fearful when someone who doesn’t look like us so much as walks down the street — even in a city many regard as a wellspring of progressivism. My wife and I have moved again. Our new neighborhood isn’t quite as diverse as it could be, but it’s no Whiteway Drive.

And thankfully, I haven’t had to abide any comments about suspicious-looking brown people or stupid white boys. Perhaps the day will someday come in our progressive city when no one else will have to, either.

Perry's holier-than-thou depravity knows no end ...

When they stoop to these levels of underhanded, corrupt, misogynistic (not to mention insensitive) tactics for passing law ... to what level(s) will they stoop when it comes to voting/elections?
This is a PERFECT example of why Sec 5 of VRA should NOT have been gutted!

How dare Tonto not be sufficiently right-wing Christian (eyes rollin')

Tonto not Christian enough? Whatever.

When it comes to right-wing, uber-conservative "christians" (who need to read up on the Bible, not to mention a few history texts ... more on that later), there probably aren't many in this world who are "christian" enough. They're bigoted, racist, classist, misogynistic pigs who hide behind the Holy Bible to support their holier-than-thou views.

Granted, Bruckheimer & Disney are off track on what Lone Ranger was originally about - seriously doubt it has anything to do with religion (Christianity or otherwise). It's all about Hollywood and creative license, period. It's about sensationalizing, woo-ing the audience, and fattening the bottom line, period.


As for Dr Baeher ...
"Dr. Ted Baehr of the Christian Film and Television Coalition told the Post, “The government is bad – the army is killing Indians – the bad guy is a businessman, the military-industrial complex is bad.” However, he said, “the Christians are not always bad.” [Source: Raw Story "Christians upset over Depp’s ‘Tonto’ being too pagan in ‘Lone Ranger’]

Based on the quote, "Dr Baerh never studied US or world history, lives a sheltered life or is a right-wingnut. Why do I say this? Well, let's see .. let me dissect the quote:

1-"The government is bad – the army is killing Indians ...” Might I remind Dr Baerh about the Trail of Tears?

The Indian Removal Act, signed into law by President Andrew Jackson in 1830, enforced by President Van Buren, "... allowed Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama an armed force of 7,000 made up of militia, regular army, and volunteers under General Winfield Scott to round up about 13,000 Cherokees into concentration camps at the U.S. Indian Agency near Cleveland, Tennessee before being sent to the West." [Source: "Trail of Tears" Legal Background]

That's pretty bad to me.

2-"... the bad guy is a businessman ...” Enron. Need I say more? I do? Okay, how 'bout Halliburton?

3-"...the military-industrial complex is bad.” Yes, it is, bad that is. All about capitalistic/corporate greed (See "Halliburton" or "KBR") Of course, even just the military is bad! (See Tears of Tears). I don't even need to supply linked posts, articles, news, etc. It's well known about sexism/sexual harassment and rape in armed forces.

4-"... the Christians are not always bad.” Okay, perhaps. Taking that (and immediately below) into consideration, still think "the Christians" aren't always bad? I know a few who are good eggs, but when it comes to faith/religion as a whole.. the more right-leaning, the more hypocritical.
* The Crusades - genocide all in the name of God
* Clergy pedophilia - Roman Catholic Church brushes it under the rug, hides/relocates offenders instead of seeking justice for the victims
* Hypocritical Christians - They're quick to pass judgement on those who are "not Christian" but where are they for those in need? As stated in linked blog and heard for countless years .. They're busy defunding programs vital to those in need.



Enough said.

Austin is snobby?

Snobby? Maybe, maybe not. If any aspect of Austin (my hometown) is going to land it on such a list, it should be due to the racist/classist attitudes, it should be due to the fact that governmental bodies continue with prejudicial practices of making sure the "haves" have more and the "have nots" have less.

That and that alone is perfect reason for being on a list of snobby cities.. I can think of a better list: Top Ten Racist Cities!


Related article: Come again? Austin lands on America's Snobbiest Cities list

FOOD STAMPS: To eat or not to eat

Mayor Cory Booker/others just don't get it. While options may/may not be limited, it *IS* feasible to eat a variety of healthy foods-occasional “goodies” too-on food stamps. The KEY to success is making changes/adjustments. The problem many (not all) have is lack of willingness and/or self-discipline to make necessary changes/adjustments. Some people have/had a hard time (like me) or simply cannot/will not make changes.


Related article: Cory Booker: Food Stamp Challenge Resulting In Hunger Pains, Caffeine Withdrawal


I used to be a Starbucks addict! I was introduced to Starbucks back in ‘97; I was hooked in no time! By 2009 I was spending as little as $200, as much as $400 PER MONTH on my coffee (drop/”froofy”)!!

Luckily for me, my Starbucks habit, for all intents-and-purposes, had already been broken. In mid-2009 my boyfriend had me write my Starbucks purchases for the current month as well as past 2-3 mos. I FREAKED when I saw how much I was spending! I realized I had to cut my Starbucks habit... not my coffee, just Starbucks… if not cold turkey, then as soon as possible. I began making coffee purchases when I happen to gas up my car (some locations have decently priced good coffee), took a small coffee maker to work for during the week. Eventually graduated to making/taking own coffee from home. I still go to Starbucks on occasion, perhaps once every 2-3 mos. When I started making (and still do) my coffee at home, I’ll buy fair trade by the pound, costing only a fraction of what I used to shell out. It took me 2-3 months to kick that habit. BOTTOM LINE: I had to be willing to make the change!

I like to eat out/bring in; I used to eat out 2-3 times PER WEEK. Like my Starbucks habit, I needed to cut back. I still eat out, maybe 2-3x per month. Leftovers, if any, are eaten (not thrown away) later at home.

If/when I had errands to run, they weren't always planned to be made during same trip. While I've always done fairly well as recycling/reducing and reusing, I still had my share of "waste" whether it was food, money, products. I now plan my errands, making as many as I possibly can in same trip, resulting in time/gas saved as well as a smaller carbon footprint.

I was never a "shopaholic" but still enjoyed my share of nice things. I've lived in my share of apartments, but always looked for a "deal" to catch a break on rent.

Like so many others, I, too, lost my job... for me it was mid-2010. So, am grateful I kicked my Starbucks habit long before and other changes were already in place. It made transitioning from good salary to little/no income much easier.

I moved to a more affordable location, luckily I found/qualified for “affordable housing” - no, it doesn’t mean it’s free. Matter of fact, while it cost a little more than what I used to pay, I have considerably more room (aka “more bang for the buck” – more space for less).

I shop in thrift stores as well as search for free items/events.

I also eventually qualified for SNAP (aka “food stamps”). When it comes to making purchases with food stamps, we average $50/wk for two people ($25/wk for one). On that amount my meals may be repetitive at times, but there’s still enough variety.

We're not a big breakfast eaters, when we do it’s more often on weekends. Regardless of day, breakfasts can be as follows: coffee w/toast or breakfast taco, eggs w/toast or tortillas (or no bread product at all) or w/sautéed fresh veggies, or just coffee.

Lunch (usually more like “brunch,”) tends to be any of the above or … Salad, sandwich, soup, fish, chicken, spaghetti, etc, etc, etc.

Dinner: Salad, spaghetti w/or w/out sauce, fish, chicken (baked, crock pot, etc), tacos (chicken, fish), “finger foods” (buffalo wings). (Note: dep on meal, veggie side incl).

Guess what … doesn’t happen often, but sometimes we even have dessert at times! Ice cream is my fave dessert.


YES, we manage this on food stamps! We’re never “starving” due to lack of food/options. What makes it possible is WILLINGNESS to make/maintain changes, breaking costly habits, giving up luxury food items, shopping for good prices/sales, combining w/coupons when available/appropriate. (There is a trick-learned technique- to making cost-effective purchases when using coupons.)

What also makes it easier, for us anyway, is we’re not big spenders when it comes to (non-food stamp) food/other items, so what little money we do have goes farther. More importantly, there are only two of us... it can be far more difficult when using SNAP for a larger family.

In the end, it all comes down to self-discipline that allows for “bending” (not breaking) the proverbial financial rules, resulting in flexibility, variety, enjoyment, creativity, with proverbial change to spare.

Leage of Women Voters & Voting Guide

LWV’s Voting Guide (AISD/Dist 2)

Board of Trustees District 2
The Board of Trustees is comprised of Austin community members who are elected to serve four-year terms. Trustees provide public service to the Austin Community without financial compensation.

District 2 composes of the following schools: Allan ES, Allison ES, Brooke ES, Dawson ES, Eastside Memorial HS, Galindo ES, Govalle ES, Houston ES, International HS, Langford ES, Linder ES, Martin MS, Mendez MS, Metz ES, Palm ES, Perez ES, Rodriguez ES, Sanchez ES, Widen ES, and Zavala ES
___________________________________________________ AISD/Dist 2 Sam Guzmán (incumbent)
Sam Guzmán for Children First
sguzman061208@gmail.com ___________________________________________________
AISD/Dist 2 Rev Dr Jayme Mathias
A Voice for Progress | ¡Su voz es su voto!
512-522-4474
info@avoiceforprogress.com ___________________________________________________

Q1. Please describe your specific areas of interest, education, experience, and other qualifications for this office. (50 word limit)

AISD/Dist 2 Sam Guzmán (incumbent):
"1.Interest: Spending as much quality time as possible with my grandsons. 2.Education: BA in Sociology 3.Experience: 40 years of work experience including community organizer and social worker, youth programs, civil rights/equal employment/affirmative action, executive level administration of public and non-profit organizations. 4.Qualifications: Extensive involvement in leadership positions of civic and advocacy organizations."

Constituent/Monica Guzmán:
For someone who has four decades of “work experience,” including: community organizer, youth programs, civil rights, why do you appear to have issue meeting with your constituents? You certainly failed to do so at the Oct 10 "School Board Candidate Forum" hosted by Coalition SAUS forum.

I'd certainly like an answer. I wasn't able to make it to the AISD televised debate, so I was certain I'd still be able to hear presentations (if not debate) at Space12.

(Ref to PRIDE of the Eastside, Oct 7, 2012 )

When I arrived at Space12, I saw Dr J .. but Sam Guzmán was nowhere to be found! Pity. Don't know about y'all but I *always* expect an incumbent to show, ready to defend seat/position!!

AISD/Dist 2 Rev Dr Jayme Mathias:
"I am a 12-year resident of East Austin and fluent in both English and Spanish. On a solid foundation of public school education, I’ve built a curriculum vitae of two bachelor’s degrees, four master’s degrees, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies. I have served on numerous boards and have founded three local learning centers."

Constituent/Monica Guzmán: N/A

___________________________________________________

Q2. Do you believe that School Board members have a responsibility to be accessible to the community? If so, what steps would you take to ensure that you are accessible to and communicating with members of your district? (75 word limit)

AISD/Dist 2 Sam Guzmán (incumbent):
"I already have an established process for communicating with and being accessible to the community via an advisory committee with which I meet frequently. I plan to expand this committee to provide for more geographic representation; conduct town hall meetings; hold community hearings on major issues. Will also establish a website for District 2 specifically in order to inform and communicate with community"

Constituent/Monica Guzmán:
Really? Tell me, how are you "communicating with" the community when you fail to appear (FTA) for a community-sponsored school board forum? How can you be "accessible to the community" when you FTA?

Care to clue your constituents in on exactly what this “established process” is? I've heard email to board members is routed through support staff and rerouted to a contact at the school-level. I can appreciate board members having support staff assisting with correspondence, not substituting for them. Please explain how this constitutes “communication with and being accessible to the community”.

Who heads this “advisory committee”? Where does it meet? How often does it meet? Are you present at every meeting? How/when does notice go out to your constituents about “advisory committee” meetings?

What, in your opinion, constitutes a “major issue”? Does this mean you don’t support regular meetings for routine issues?

Establish a Dist 2 website? Establish? Considering you became an AISD Trustee five years ago, in 2007, why have you not already done that? It really shouldn’t surprise me/anyone you don’t have a website for Dist 2 considering you don’t even have a functional website for your campaign.

You stated you’ll create a Dist 2 website “… specifically in order to inform and communicate with community.” Please detail how do you plan to communicate with constituents who are across the digital divide due to lack of computer/internet access?

AISD/Dist 2 Rev Dr Jayme Mathias:
"I wholeheartedly believe that AISD Trustees must be accessible to the community at all times. As the elected Trustee for District 2, I will work with my colleagues to ensure the District's website allows direct email contact with Board members. Additionally, I pledge to routinely hold community meetings in Dove Springs, East Austin and Travis Heights, so that all community members can have a voice in our public schools."

Constituent/Monica Guzmán:
When you say “District’s website” are you referring to the AISD website? Will there be one specifically for Dist 2? Whether or not a Dist 2 website is created, how do you plan on communicating with constituents who are across the digital divide due to lack of computer/internet access?

___________________________________________________

Q3. What are the three most critical issues facing the Austin Independent School District, and what actions are needed to resolve these issues? (75 word limit)

AISD/Dist 2 Sam Guzmán (incumbent):
"1.School Finance and Budget Cuts which will adversely impact the District - need to mobiize the Austin community to become active to influence Legislators. 2.In the face of cuts, ensure that we continue to provide a rich porfolio of education curriculum and programs which will prepare all our students for their future endeavors. 3.Ensure that we continue of close the achievement gap, decrease drop-out rate, improve the attendance rate."

Constituent/Monica Guzmán:
Here you stated “School Finance and Budget Cuts which will adversely impact the District …” I find this rather intriguing considering your response to the Education Austin questionnaire, specifically Q9 “What do you view as the strengths and weaknesses of the district?” You answered, “… 4. A stable and healthy financial status even in the face of severe budget cuts by the State. …” Change of heart?

As for your response to the Austin Kids First (AKF) questionnaire (specifically, funding-related questions) ... I had to pull yours from their website since you failed to make it available by the deadline (in order to make it available at the Sept 19 Austin Kids First Community Event) imposed upon all candidates.

Your responses to the following questions:
AKF Q2. “… I will also continue to work to ensure that District maintains its healthy financial status …” You said “maintains”-implying said healthy status is current; you did not say “corrects,” “improve,” etc.
AKF Q3. "School Finance and budget cuts will continue to be an area of uncertainty ... a difficult challenge." Hm, this doesn't sound like AISD has a "healthy financial status".
(Ref to AKF for entire Questionnaire)

Oh, and by the way, since you are currently (and plan to continue) representing an educational/public educ board, can you at least take the time to conduct a Spell Check? At least three errors were found. I can’t speak for everyone else, but while I do not expect everyone to be flawless at spelling, I do expect those with a completed college education and/or representing (public) education in any respect to take the time out to double-check their own work for spelling/grammar errors. I do not want the interests of my children/grandchildren (or anyone else’s) represented by a person lacking common sense!

AISD/Dist 2 Rev Dr Jayme Mathias:
"The first priority is to work with the 83rd Legislature to save our schools. Second, AISD must work to retain teachers and professional staff through longer contracts and more competitive pay. Finally, we must restore public trust and dialogue with the community following controversial decisions where parents and teachers seemingly had no voice. Also, our trustees must work together to provide a comprehensive review of existing board policies."

Constituent/Monica Guzmán: N/A

___________________________________________________

Q4. What measures (such as bond issues, tax rate increases, public/private partnerships, or other measures) would you support or oppose to bridge funding gaps facing AISD? (75 word limit)

AISD/Dist 2 Sam Guzmán (incumbent):
"As long as we can determine with some degree of certainty, that the community will support and pass the items, I support bond issuances, and tax ratification elections particularly to provide a permanent salary increase for our employees. In order to get community buy-in, the Distict needs to continue to show that we are good stewards of taxpayer dollars, that efficiencies are in place, and that the District is going in the right direction."

Constituent/Monica Guzmán:
As this time, is the community (specifically Dist 2 constituents) empowered to make informed decisions at the voting booth? I think not. Far too many are disconnected from the civil/political process, in part because they exist on the other side of the digital divide.

Let me provide you with an example: Austin City Council also speaks of communicating with the community, yet they face the same issue AISD and others face. Reaching those who are technologically disconnected. I made City Council aware of this very issue, even went so far as to provide them with the information (Nov 2010) required in order for them to reach an already marginalized community. They have yet to act on it.

Are you aware of the means of communication necessary to reach them?
Are you prepared to act on them?

Hm, another spelling error.

AISD/Dist 2 Rev Dr Jayme Mathias:
"It does not seem that we will be able to rely on the legislature to step up and take responsibility for funding our public schools during the coming session. In light of this, we will need to eliminate inefficiencies and focus on those services that directly contribute to the education of our students. I support the consideration of bond elections and tax rate increases, but all such ideas must be appropriately vetted by our entire community."

Constituent/Monica Guzmán:
How do you propose to communicate with Dist 2 constituents? Far too many are disconnected from the civil/political process, in part because they exist on the other side of the digital divide.

Are you aware of the means of communication necessary to reach them?
Are you prepared to act on them?

___________________________________________________

Q5. How would you attract, recruit, and retain good teachers in the classroom? (75 word limit)

AISD/Dist 2 Sam Guzmán (incumbent):
"Austin is an attractive place to work and raise a family. We can attract, recruit, and retain good teachers as long as we provide competitive compensation and benefits. In addition, the District needs to provide an environment of fair threatment and show appreciation for our employees. Appropriate teacher training, adequate planning time, and an evaluation process which is not based soley on high stakes testing as a measue of student success."

Constituent/Monica Guzmán:
Surely you meant fair “treatment” … Correct? Or perhaps it was a Freudian slip?

Teacher evaluation – “solely” on high-stakes testing or not (at all) on high-stakes testing? Put yourself in their shoes – Do they have any say in what goes into the standardized tests? Can teachers ensure any/all standardized test is written for the various learning styles/levels of all students? How about tests being written in the native language of every student? All are potential, if not very real, obstacles to a student successfully achieving a sufficiently adequate (high?) score. Why punish both students and teachers alike by making use of one-size-fits-all testing when our students are very much unique and individual learners?

{sigh} … spelling errors

AISD/Dist 2 Rev Dr Jayme Mathias:
"Improving morale through extended contracts and competitive pay is key to recruiting and retaining quality teachers and staff. Our teachers are professionals and deserve to be paid the prevailing wage with benefits. As a trustee, I will encourage our board to move from a top-down approach to governance and provide stronger direction to our superintendent in accordance with applicable policy and laws."

Constituent/Monica Guzmán: N/A

___________________________________________________

Disclaimer: All statements and videos are posted directly by the candidate, unedited by the League of Women Voters and do not express the views of the League. The League never supports or opposes candidates or political parties.

Austin may ban most plastic, paper bags

Goodbye Rick Perry

I don't think he's gone yet ... but would sure be nice to think he's on his way!!

Petition - A Petition to Support the Saving American Democracy Amendment : Bernie Sanders - U.S. Sen

As of 10Dec2011 my signature was the 92348th signature ... add yours to the list!

Rift in Rick Perry's Camp Over Ad Criticizing Gays in Military

"The Human Rights Campaign weighed in on the advertisement, calling it a misrepresentation of 'the views of the hundreds of thousands of people of faith in this country who live openly or advocate as allies for the LGBT members of their community.'"

Rick Perry, Christian warrior: Attacks gays in the military in attempt to inflame the culture wars for Iowa

There ISN'T a war on religion ... but Parry's doing his d*mnedest to make it happen.  :/

Texas Gov. Perry confuses voting age in NH

Gov Goofup!!

NOTE: Image above is not part of linked article. Is author's own addition.