Call for Action t h e u n i v e r s i t y o f t e x a s at e l pa s o
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PHOTOS COURTESY PASO DEL NORTE CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT
Local nonprofit aids undocumented with civil and human rights By Lorain Watters The Prospector Undocumented and poor—a common combination in people along the southwest region of Texas where individuals travel to the U.S. for any work they can find to help keep their family afloat. However, easy work that may come their way is not always fair or safe. The Paso Del Norte Civil Rights project, a nonprofit organization that promotes racial, social and economic justice by means of education and litigation, helps individuals in these scenarios by asserting their rights or alleviating financial problems. “The civil rights program is civil and human rights. We do litigation, investigation and education for people who have issues or problems with the authorities or those in law enforcement,” said Sandra Arzate, office manager and paralegal for PCRP. “So that involves constitutional rights, freedom of speech, housing, Ameri-
can Disabilities Act in public places, schools, etc.” According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as of 2013 there are 11.7 million undocumented immigrants residing in the country. Out of those individuals, 7.8 million are in the labor force, according to the Pew Hispanic Research Center, and Texas has one of the largest shares of immigrants in the U.S. at 8.7 percent. PCRP also has an economic justice program that litigates and educates individuals on wage theft. “This is for when people don’t get paid their wages at all or they are owed money, which happens a lot here on the border because we have people who are undocumented working for minimum wage and they don’t know their rights,” Arzate said. Unethical employers or contractors will hire undocumented workers because they can get away with paying them less, Arzate said, since they don’t know the minimum wage laws or employee rights.
Employees may try and contact these employers about wage theft, but contact is ignored, leading the employees in protest. “These situations are more prevalent in South Texas because you have a lot of undocumented people who are desperate for work. So they come here to make a decent living, but they end up being victims because the employers do not pay them minimum wage,” Arzate said. “They are happy because they get paid higher than in Mexico, but it is still not right. The employer knows it is not right, they know the law and should know the law but doesn’t do that, and that’s where we come in.” PCRP also has a Violence Against Women Act program, which helps undocumented victims of domestic violence, rape, torture, human trafficking or other forms of violence. “The abusive person will usually not help the abused with filing their papers. They will just keep using the fact that they are undocumented to
further control the victim and their children,” said Paulina Baca, VAWA coordinator with PCRP. “The VAWA law allows them to file an immigration petition with evidence of the abuse, and based on that they can obtain a work permit and have a legal permanent residence, if approved.” PCRP collaborates with the social work programs at UTEP and NMSU by recruiting interns at the bachelor’s and master’s levels so that they can provide extra support where case workers may not be able to. “We can further help our clients to provide a more holistic service for them, especially with the VAWA program since you are talking about undocumented individuals and families,” Baca said. “It is not just about the immigration aspect of their case or economic problem they have, but also if they are homeless or don’t have food or have other needs they need to take care of.” Arturo Vargas, junior political science major and event planner for
They will just keep using the fact that they are undocumented to further control the victim and their children. -Pauling Baca, VAWA coordinator PCRP, first began volunteering for the organization because of his interest in politics and budget planning. “I did a fundraiser at Ripe Eatery throughout the month of June. I started there by investigating who would fundraise us and give us proper funds.
see nonprofit on page 3
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perspectives
Editor-in-Chief
Lorain Watters, 747-7477
column
Immigrant minors should not be sent back
By Aaron Montes The Prospector The United States government needs to stop playing politics with what is clearly a humanitarian issue. For a month now, the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection have been dealing with an influx of undocumented immigrants crossing into the United States. In South Texas, where most of these migrants are crossing, authorities have limited resources due to the number of people detained and that is why they have been sent back and forth between Phoenix, El Paso and other cities in the southwest. The undocumented immigrants include women with their children and unaccompanied minors that have come from Honduras and other parts of Central America. In reaction, the U.S. government has issued a public service announcement in Spanish to the people of Central America that the U.S. is not permitting unlawful immigration of minors. Since October, it has been reported that an estimated 40,000 children have been apprehended at the border. President Barack Obama has chosen to not bypass Congress and use an executive order to address this issue, or the larger comprehensive immigration problem. The Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, said that the administration would be able to get through the issue concerning the large number of apprehended minors. With the country’s political leaders stuck in debate, residents are taking it upon themselves to address the issue. In Murrieta, California, a bus carrying undocumented immigrants was turned away by a group of protestors that were against aiding the undocumented. During a media conference, immigration advocates in El Paso said that DHS and ICE were working with the Annunciation House, Las Americas, the Reynold’s home, the Salvation Army and other centers. According to the advocates, the organizations would provide food, clothing and a place to stay. They also explained that all migrants were leaving after the first night to reach their family members in other parts of the U.S. Dr. Patrick Timmons, who has investigated the situation in Central America and works on the Mexican Journalism Translation Project, said that the instance has nothing to do with the immigration debate in
Washington. He said that the number of undocumented children is not a sudden spike, but comes from a steady growth of people fleeing violence in the countries of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. Timmons explained that Honduras is the most dangerous country in the world and is terrible at recording violence against women. “The causes of migration were structural,” he said. “Now, it is caused by drug violence.” He explained that in the migrant’s situation, the cycle of refugees being apprehended and deported reinforces the tendency to return again. According to Obama, the situation is a humanitarian issue, but he has also said that the government’s resources should be used to “deter both adults and children from this dangerous journey, increase capacity for enforcement and removal proceedings and quickly return unlawful migrants to their home countries.” In 2008, President George W. Bush signed a law that made it difficult for a minor to be deported back to their home country without a trial before an immigration judge. While the minors wait, they are able to reside with their family in the U.S. until their court date. A legislative solution is not in sight with Congress deadlocked on the immigration issue. Even if the Senate’s comprehensive immigration bill were to pass through the House of Representatives tomorrow, these 40,000 undocumented immigrants in U.S. custody would still be subject to deportation and likely would return either way. The Senate’s version of immigration reform accepts those who entered into the U.S. before the year 2013. As Timmons stated, solving the problem depends on whether or not drug smuggling and drug related violence in Central America can be resolved. What the government should concern its resources with is creating a refugee program. If the country truly believes in its tradition as a safe haven for immigrants, then it should not be sending minors back to what is a deadly situation. On their venture to the U.S., it is likely that immigrants will encounter gangs and members of drug cartels that will exploit them because of their situation. Yet, they choose to endure such travel to come to the U.S. If these children are willing to experience such life-threatening experiences, it is certain that more will continue to come. Aaron Montes may be reached at theprospectordaily. news@gmail.com.
STAFF V O L . 9 9 , n o . 3 3 Editor-in-Chief: Lorain Watters Managing Editor: Jasmine Aguilera Layout Editor: Diego Burciaga Copy Editor: Andres Rodriguez Sports Editor: Javier Cortez Entertainment Editor: Andrea Acosta Photo Editor: Michaela Roman Photographers: Cristina Esquivel, Multimedia/Online Editor: Amanda Guillen Staff Reporters: Cassandra Adame, Luis Barrio, Luis Gonzalez, Aaron Montes, Ashley Muñoz, Jose Soto, Christopher Zacherl Cartoonist: Blake A. Lanham
Contributors: Eric Alba, Lesly Limon, Jaime Quesada, Justin Rodriguez, Kimberly Valle Asst. Director-Advertising: Veronica Gonzalez Student Ad Manager: Anna Almeida Ad Executives: Genesis De la Cruz, Mariel Mora, Jaime Quesada Ad Layout Manager: Edgar Hernandez Ad Designers: Damian Balderrama, Fernando Enriquez Accounting Specialist: Isabel Castillo Student Assistant: Ashley Muñoz Student Publications Director: Kathleen Flores Administrative Secretary: Marcela Luna
FROM THE VAULT Attend Wayland-Mines Game, Afternoon of October 1st, El Paso High School Stadium Boost the Mucker
op-
TEXAS
MINE'S a n d
COLLEGE-
METALLURGY
Only 400 Students Have Paid Their Student Association Fee—Pay Yours Today—You Need To and the College Needs It!
Published by the Student Association of the College of Mines and Metallurgy of the University of Texas. VOL. XV.
No. 2
EL PASO, TEXAS, SEPTEMBER 23, 1932
College of Mines May Get $250,000 M in e r’s N uggets By Hutch
Sophs Elect George Registration Figures Continue to Mount Krutilek President
The college has grown this year Oliver and Barry Nearest and so has the Prospector. We are Correct. proud to present to the student As registration enters into its body for the first time a six col second week, the total number of umn paper. It has been the am students registered continued to bition of the staff for the past few mount. The total num ber of stu years to publish a larger paper. dents attending classes on Septem This year this aim has been real ber 19th was 704, and the total ized. Through the efforts of the num ber of regularly enrolled stu business staff, enough advertising dents reached 640. Approximate has been secured to m ake a six ly 400 students had paid their stu column paper a financial success. dent association fee at this time. This year the campus is liter In the faculty guessing contest, ally lousy with reporters from the President B arry and Francis Oli local newspapers. All th ree of the ver were running a neck in neck local papers are represented by race for the prize in guessing clos able and capable reporters. This est the total num ber of students should be good fo r the college in th a t woul dregister. Both guessed general. The Prospector staff is 635. However, it is expected th at still determ ined to get m ost of the they will lose their lead as the college news first. After the Pros registration enters into its final pector has printed the stories the days. local papers will be welcome to it. ------------ o-----------The Prospector is a student paper and should be entitled to print stu dent news first. Reports come from a downtown business man complaining th at The students were welcomed by several people have complained to a reception and dance at the Hil him th at th e College of Mines ton Hotel last Saturday night. The freshm en have been receiving haz faculty members and students ing this year. No names were men both attended in large numbers. tioned. No one on the campus Lilliam Jackson’s Jay Hawks fu r will verify the report or say who nished some peppy music. made the complaint. President Orange and w hite stream ers Barry issues a statem ent saying decorated the ballroom and th a t any offenders will be dealt everyone showed signs of enjoy with severely. W hether this is ing themselves immensely. It was a direct outcome of the complaint, a grand dance and if the old say we cannot say, but we are sure ing goes th a t our dances get bet th at President Barry means busi ter as they go on we can hardly ness. afford to miss the last one.
Student Assn. Holds Welcome Dance
CO-EDS PLAN GREATER ACTIVITY FOR COMING COLLEGE YEAR Isabel Abdou Outlines Pro gram.
The most active organization on the campus! Thus is the Co-Ed Association best characterized. All girls regularly enrolled in the col lege are members. The Co-Eds back everything th at is sponsored by th e college. The belief is th at when Miners d ig hard they always get som ething and for the past two years the Co-Eds made everyone notice thJ college. -14.« intiation ceremony where St. Patricia reigns is held every fall in Slime Gu¿"ey. The Co-Ed Danes held annual.,? is the great est social event of the school year. The Co-Eds have a constitution by which they are governed. The Co-Ed Council, which consists of the Co-Ed officers and two mem bers from each class and one mem ber from each sorority, meets twice a m onth and decides ques tions of the Co-Eds. Membership to this council stands for char acter, leadership, services, and scholarship. The Co-Eds pass on m atters pertaining to the student body’s welfare. The power of the Co-Eds is incom parable. The Co-Eds plan to repeat their much looked for events, only in a
much greater degree. W ith the aid for our loyal upper class CoEds and our fine crop of fresh men Co-Eds, we can ’t see how things can be otherwise. Ducky W ucky Ordaz— Trespo’s successor— he breaks the woman’s h eart in the same fashion— th at is he will until Cresap catches him! Whoops! Mollie Holman is the new cashier.
Debaters Plan Extensive Program
The Forensic Society of the college is planning to have an active year in spite of the fact th at its members will not have an accredited course to work for as a goal. Two years ago several members of the present group held a series of debates with colleges in New Mexico, with the State Teacher’s College in Silver, with the State University at Albuquer que, and with Occidental College. This year, the same group, strengthened by new m aterial, plans to make a tour and debate the eligible colleges in W est Texas and New Mexico. This work is under the direction of Mrs. W. H. Ball, instructor of Dramatics and Public Speaking. A cordial invitation is extended to all new members and all old members to get acquainted and work with us.
Phi Psi’s Pledge Four New Members Phi Sigma Psi F raternity is en tering its fourth year on the col lege campus and has prospscts for a most successful season. Under the leadership of H erbert Given, Chancellor, and Alex Silverman, Scribe, the group, has begun by pledging four men to the fraternal bonds. They are Samuel Joseph, Leo Rosenberg, Joe Galatzan, and Bradford Segall. The calendar for the social year is alm ost completed. It includes the annual pledge banquet, and the Founder’s Day celebration as well as several dances and smok ers. The social comm ittee is headed by Archie Goodman. The fratern ity basketball team , unde feated last year, will present a better and smoother combination this year than before. The ath letics committee is led by Myer Erlich. The faculty adviser of the group is Dr. J. M. Roth.
On the afternoon of September 14, a t 4 o’clock in Main 21, the Sophomores held th eir first m eet ing. John Hawley took charge of the first part of the meeting and election of officers was held. George K rutilek was elected pres ident and Bennie Mack, vice-presi dent. Bennie took charge of the meeting from then on, as K rutilek was out practicing for football. Marie Hill was elected secretary and treasurer, and Bernard Guyler and Gale Tolbert were elected to represent the Sophomore class on the Executive Committee. Dor othy Sparks was elected to the Ways and Means Committee. The rest of the meeting was devoted to a discussion on what should be done with the new freshies— ju st how they should be tam ed down. Haigh said th a t there was no special lim it on initiating them , as long as no necks were broken. Many plans were made. A fter the meeting, many of the boys left to go to the Texas Grand in order to form a reception line for the freshies as they came out of the show.
Reconstruction Finance Corporation As ked To Advance Money For Campus Beautification Official Notices
1. Word comes from the Pres ident’s office th a t the students have not been obeying the new campus rules in regard to traffic regulations. 2. All m aterial for The Pros pector m ust be typew ritten before handed in to the Editor. If other wise w ritten, after this edition, it will not be published. 3. There will be a meeting of the Junior Class on Friday, Sep tem ber 23rd, a t four o’clock in Chemistry 11. ------------ o------------
Administration Building Is Main Addition Planned
W ord was released from Wash ington, D. C., by the United Press last week th a t an announcement by Reconstruction Finance Corpo ration to the effect that the City and County of El Paso will be ex tended credit to the amount of $800,000 or more is expected in the next few days.. Detinite veri fication could not be made on Sep tember 20. The campaign for this loan is being carried on »by the Citizen’s Committee of the El Paso Cham ber of Commerce. The loan, if secured, will include $250,000 for the use of the College of Mines. One hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars of this amount will go for the building of a new adm inistration building. The new ' The College Players, under the sponsorship of Mrs. W. H. Ball, building will be built along the same line as all of the older ones. held their first meeting in Twenty-five thousand dollars will the home of Charles Newman Tuesday evening at seven o'clock. be spent for paving of the road* It will be prim arily a business on the campus and a like sum will be spent for paving of roads ap (Continued on Page 4) proaching the campus. Another $25,000 will be spent for the beau tification of the campus. “I sincerely hope that the Re construction Finance Corporation will see fit to lend the money to El Paso,” says President Barry. lowed to choose their own faculty “The college needs the building SLIMES ATTEND SHOW the improvements and the AT TEXAS GRAND advisors. Before this year, faculty and advisors have always been ap town needs the employment that W ith Berte Haigh acting as pointed. Mrs. Eldridge, the dean will be created,” he said. Mayor Sherman, Captain Sim m aster of ceremonies, the F resh of women, also welcomed the men held their first meeting in freshmen and told the boys that mons, Judge E. B. McClintock, and Governor Sterling have worked the stadium at 2:30 yesterday she wanted to be a friend of theirs afternoon. And w hat a meeting as well as the girls. A1 Williams, unceasingly for the loan. The loan it was— about 150 freshies were president of th e student body, will be paid back by the state of there m aking it look more like welcomed the freshmen on behalf Texas out of money received in a St. P at's convention. A few of the student body. Coaches highway taxes. sophs were there to be sure Saxon and Phillips asked the th a t the freshies behaved in freshies for th eir support in all sion charge other than the pres their best manner. President football games, and Captains An entation of their stid en t activities Barry welcomed the freshmen and drews and Coldwell made their cards— upper classmen are also in said th a t he wanted each and bow to the freshies but had noth vited. The freshmen were then every one to become a part of the ing to say. Haigh then talked to dismissed in order to attend a colors and help the school in m ak the freshies and told them to be special matinee a t the Texas Grand ing this year successful. Profes sure and attend the Reception which was arranged through the sor Durkee, welcomed the freshies Dance to be given this Saturday courtesy of C. C. Dues and the and wished them good luck. He night at the Hilton Hotel in their Orientation committee. The charge told them th at they would be al honor. There is to be no admis- was only 15 cents.
College Players Hold First Meeting
Orientation Committee Holds First Freshmen Meeting
Will Be Bulwarks In Mucker’s Line
MAYHEW KRUTILEK special to The Prospector WILLIAMS COLDWELL BOYKIN An issue of The Prospector from Sept. 23, 1932 showcases the baseball team and possible funding for the university.
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Letters will be edited for clarity and brevity. Letters over 250 words are subject to editing to fit available space. Please include full name, street address and telephone number and e-mail address, plus major, classification and/or title if applicable. Address and phone number will be used for verification only. Write to 105 E. Union, e-mail theprospectordaily.news@gmail.com, call 747-7477 or fax to 747-8031. The Prospector is published by the Student Publications Editorial Board, 105 Union East, 500 W. University Ave. El Paso, Texas, 79968. The Prospector appears in print once per week on Tuesdays during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The newspaper is not printed during holidays and when classes are not in session. The Prospector does provide news online at www.theprospectordaily.com. The Prospector is provided to students through student fees. First copy is free. Any additional copies, if available, must be purchased for $1 through the Department of Student Publications. The Prospector is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. Additional policy information may be obtained by calling The Prospector at 915-747-5161. Opinions expressed in The Prospector are not necessarily those of the university.
THEPROSPECTOR
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frontera
La Copa Mundial en la frontera
Amanda Guillen / The Prospector Estudiantes se reunen en Summit Hall para ver los partidos de la Copa Munial.
Por Héctor Bernal The Prospector Se dice que el deporte paraliza el tiempo, y que en muchos casos acapara las miradas de millones. Pero solo existe un evento al que se le reconoce por atraer al mundo entero: la Copa del Mundo. Y aunque muchos no pudieron viajar a Brasil, la fiesta mundialista se hace presente aquí en la frontera. En UTEP se ha presenciado la fiebre mundialista en la mayoría de los estudiantes. Adrián Hurtado, estudi-
nonprofit from page 1 I went to Ripe and a couple days later. They called me saying that I could get 15 percent of profits from non-alcoholic beverages and certain specials that they make for nonprofits or fundraisers that they sponsor,” Vargas said. “Later, me and Paulina (Baca) did a presentation to all of the staff at Ripe that basically covered what we do and I made flyers and distributed them throughout the city.” Planning fundraisers like the one held at Ripe has given Vargas experience in budget planning and a larger awareness about civil rights. “This is what I’m interested in. I’m a part of Pi Sigma Alpha on campus and hopefully, one day, I can be a lawyer,” Vargas said. PCRP will hold an Americans with Disabilities Act campaign July 27, where any lawsuits that need to be filed will be completed that day. “It is the anniversary of when the ADA was formed in 1990. It is like a tradition to commemorate it,” Arzate
ante de ingeniería en computación de cuarto año, se ha visto afectado por la tal fiebre del mundial. “He tenido que pedir varios días en mi trabajo para poder ver los partidos de México”, dice Hurtado. “Es un mundial y perderse estos partidos es como si estuvieras pecando.” Juan García, estudiante en ciencias políticas, asegura que cada minuto cuenta en un mundial. “No puedes despejar la vista ni por un segundo porque corres el riesgo de perderte una jugada importante”, dice García. said. “We usually announce the lawsuits and invite other organiza-tions and individuals with disabilities to participate, asking them which laws they want passed since they are personally affected by it.” PCRP will also hold their annual fundraiser Oct. 31 at the Camino Real Hotel, where Reverend James Lawson will speak to the public. “It happens every year and it is a big contribution to our financial sustainability. He (Lawson) mentored Martin Luther King Jr. and was an activist in the ‘60s. He’s a really good speaker, so we’re hoping for at least 200 people,” Baca said. “This is our chance to give back to the community, too, and give inspiration.” For more information about the Paso del Norte Civil Rights project, visit texascivilrightsproject.org. Lorain Watters may be reached at theprospectordaily. news@gmail.com.
Más allá de lo que se vive en las escuelas y universidades, el mundial también forma parte en los trabajos. Ya que no todos tienen el privilegio de descansar para ver los partidos. Hay compañías que hacen reuniones para que sus trabajadores puedan ver los partidos. Una de ellas DELPHI, compañía de manufactura automotriz. El equipo de recursos humanos ahí, y en otras 3 maquiladoras bajo la misma compañía, ha hecho tres reuniones para los partidos de México. Llevaron pantallas gigantes y comida para sus trabajadores. Además tu-
vieron concursos para ganarse la playera oficial de la selección. Entre las 4 maquiladoras, 1,800 trabajadores asistieron a estas reuniones. “Nosotros sabemos que quieren ver a su selección, y no queremos que el trabajo se los impida”, dice el ingeniero Héctor Martínez. Ya como es de costumbre, los bares y restaurantes se ven afectados, de buena manera, por el mundial. El último partido de Mexico en el mundial, contra Holanda, causo un cierre en la calle Robinson, cerca de UTEP. Los trabajadores de Palomino Tavern
decidieron cerrar la calle para poner una pantalla de 12 pies y así transmitir de la mejor manera el duelo de octavos de final. Hicieron lo mismo para el partido de Estados Unidos contra Bélgica. Es así como se vive el mundial en la frontera. Difícilmente uno se perderá un partido aquí ya que el apoyo para este evento es enorme en ambas ciudades. Hector
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THEPROSPECTOR
| 4 | NEWS
July 8, 2014
national
States prepare for Aug. 1 transportation funding ‘cliff’ by daniel wheaton SHFWire Intern WASHINGTON – After years of departmental pressure and legislative meetings, one of the nation’s reddest rectangles approved a tax increase. Wyoming, a state with 914 miles of interstate and fewer than 600,000 people, increased its state’s gas tax by a dime, to 24.4 cents – effective July 1. “It was a very vigorous discussion,” John Cox, director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, said describing the tax talks that lasted nine legislative sessions. When legislators saw the numbers, Cox said, they compromised to improve and fund the state’s infrastructure. Nearly two-thirds of funding for Wyoming’s roads comes from the federal government’s Highway Trust Fund. Unless Congress finds a way to fund the program before the August recess, the nation’s roads will remain in a state of disrepair. The House and Senate committees that oversee federal transportation spending are expected to hold hearings sometime this month. “This is a crisis that can be avoided,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said July 1. Exactly what projects will be affected in Wyoming depends on state politics and whatever funds are available. “It will be like when you need $50, but you only have $10,” Cox said.
So, what happens if the Highway Trust Fund isn’t funded? Foxx outlined the plan in letters to state departments of transportation. The DOT will limit its own spending and begin to dole out what is left based on each state’s federal allocation every two weeks until nothing is left. The amount each state gets is determined by Congress. “We believe this is the most equitable and prudent approach,” Foxx said. DOT’s “cliff ” is the $4 billion mark, which the Trust Fund is likely to hit in August. Roughly a month later, there will be nothing left. How badly each state will feel without funds varies. Transportation for America data indicate Rhode Island will be hit the hardest because nearly all of its funds for highways come from the federal government, compared to Utah, which uses a little more than a third. If Congress is able to find a way to fund the program until Dec. 31, it would cost $6.6 billion, according to a June 27 report from the Congressional Budget Office. The number also assumes $1.5 billion would be raised from the federal gas tax. State governments will then determine what projects, if any, can go forward with the money they have. “It’s already had a chilling effect,” Meghan Keck, Department of Transportation communications director, said. Many projects can take years to complete, and without the certainty of funding, states may choose not to
pursue them. Keck said she hopes Congress is able to find a long-term solution for funding transportation projects, because doing so could help create more jobs. Ideas to solve the problem haven’t received any traction in Congress. DOT’s legislation, known as the GROW America act, would fund the nation’s roads for four years by altering the tax code. In June, Sens. Chris Murphy, DConn., and Bob Corker, R-Tenn., offered a plan to increase gas taxes to pay for the shortfall, but the Obama administration and many Republicans oppose any plan to increase taxes. On the House side, Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., proposed a 15-cent bump in the federal gas tax in December. The gas tax was last raised in 1993 – it is 18.4 cents per gallon. That’s why Kentucky, Maine and New Hampshire joined Wyoming to increase their state gas taxes on July 1. Foxx reiterated the administration’s position on gas taxes at last week’s Christian Science Monitor Breakfast, saying that the administration opposes it unless that’s the bill that ends up on Obama’s desk. “As a country, we have to stop playing small ball with transportation,” Foxx said. Thanks to a reserve fund that could help Wyoming’s transportation fund in the short-term, Cox said the state will not feel the pinch until the next contracting season.
daniel wheaton/ SHFWire intern Speaking on July 2 in front of the Key Bridge, which connects Arlington, Va., to Washington, President Barack Obama calls on Congress to continue funding the Highway Trust Fund. The bridge is one of many infrastructure projects that have been funded through the trust fund. Because of the state’s conservatism, Cox said many Wyomingites would rather use state funding to maintain the roads. “Some people say the strings that come with federal funds are hard to
put up with,” Cox said. “But you just can’t not use federal funds with highway construction.” Daniel Wheaton may be reached at daniel.wheaton@ scripps.com or 202-236-9871.
Campus Life
Refueling an old flame: trolley project approved for funding By Jose Soto The Prospector Funding of $97-million has been approved by The Texas Transportation Commission to restore a trolley project in downtown El Paso after service ceased 30 years ago. The project may include refurbished cars, which were originally used from 1950 to 1974. Work on bringing the trolley system back is projected to start as early as August, with completion slated for 2018. The project is part of $2.2 billion in funding that the commission is adding to the state’s Unified Transportation Program, $34 million of which will also fund the finalization of interchange between Loop 375 and I-10. El Paso businessman and chair of the commission, Ted Houghton, is a proponent of the project. The past trolley system was an advantageous form of transportation and a tourist attraction in El Paso. El Pasoans such as Peter Svarzbein have wanted the system to be restored for many years. Svarzbein is a local artist and founder of The El Paso Transnational Trolley Project, a group of local residents who favor the return of the trolley system and say it will enrich the future of the city. Svarzbein started the project from what was originally his master’s thesis from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. “Our city is called The Pass of the North,” Svarzbein said. “I took the representation of the crossing between both cities as a way to showcase the historical and cultural nature of El Paso. The trolley and the bridges are symbols of what it’s like to be from the border.” It eventually evolved into the project, which strives to influence El Pasoans to envision a better future for
both El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. The project has been pushing the topic by gathering signatures for a petition, made up ultimately of approximately 1,800 signatures. When the trolley system was in place, it ran across the border, carrying passangers to and from Juárez and the El Paso Sunset Heights area Originally, the city wanted to sell the streetcars, but the El Paso Transnational Trolley Project requested that the Transportation Committee refurbish them, which Svarzbein said are the oldest models in the country. “They’re even older than San Francisco’s. That is a very high historical value,” Svarzbein said. “The reason it is important we utilize the original streetcars and not replicas is that the El Paso community deserves for the project to be true to its nature, to its history. There is enough money to do so and the city should recognize that we should preserve and honor our local culture.” State Representative Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, wasn’t as enthusiastic about the approval. Pickett said that although the project may be lucrative for the city, it is also an irresponsible move from the commission. “I’m not against the project itself,” Pickett said. “In fact, I think it is a great way to expose the history of the city and enrich the minds of those who didn’t get to live that particular time of El Paso, but there are other pressing matters.” Pickett also said that the Texas Transportation Commission lacked transparency and transportation priorities. “The widening of the intersection at Zaragoza and Montwood won’t be happening anytime soon because of funding for projects like the trolley system,” Pickett said. “That intersection is the worse in West Texas. There
PHOTO courtesy of Peter svarzbein / mongovision.com The trolley system existed in El Paso from 1950 to 1974 and will be reintroduced in 2018. isn’t any funding for it, but yet we approve projects like the trolley system. It doesn’t seem efficient. There are other projects that need to be finished or started before it.” According to Pickett, funding for the trolley project isn’t coming from federal transit money or from private funds, but from Texas Department of Transportation money, which will eventually call for additional money to operate the system. “Texas is a growing state, which in turn means it needs funding for more roads and transportation,” Pickett said. “We aren’t moving forward with pressing issues like the one at Zaragoza and Montwood or Loop 75 because instead, we fund projects like the trolley system. This approval has
also upset other commission members and lawmakers. They’re calling for a change in TxDot legislation so that approval of such projects are more overseen.” In 2012, El Paso’s City Council spent $4.7 million to design the downtown streetcar line. The El Paso Transnational Trolley Project picked up their slogan—finish what we started— from this occurrence. Now, Svarzbein and others from the project hope to keep pressing for the completion of the trolley system and hopefully see if running it into Juárez as a possibility. “The city has many options of transportation, but the trolley system is both educational and efficient,” Svarzbein said. “People commuting from Juárez can use it and
people who thrive in the downtown area can move around in it and have lunch up the street on Mesa or Cincinnati and visit the social life in Union Plaza while conveying the history of our city.” The project expects for the streetcars to run from the Paso del Norte port of entry in downtown, go through the arts and entertainment district, up towards the UTEP area and down back through Segundo Barrio to the port of entry again. For more information on The El Paso Transnational Trolley Project, visit elpasotransnationaltrolley.tumblr.com. Jose Soto may be reached at theprospectordaily.news@ gmail.com.
PAGE 5 July 8, 2014
entertainment
Editor
andrea acosta, 747-7477
‘Chess’ to captivate audience with new adaptation By lesly limon The Prospector The cast of “Chess” is ready to rock out the house on opening night July 11 at the UTEP Dinner Theatre. “Chess The Musical” marks the final production of the season. This rock opera first hit the stage in the late ‘80s and its iconic pop hits such as “One Night in Bangkok” made the show a staple in pop culture. UTEP’s production of the musical will be unique because it will be tied to the original production. The original score to the musical was written by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, who are former members of the ‘70s disco group ABBA. ABBA is known for disco hits such as “Dancing Queen” and “Mama Mia.” With these two collaborating, it is no wonder the musical had such a catchy score. Tim Rice also collaborated as the lyricist for the production. He is best known for his award-winning work in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Evita,” and Disney pictures such as “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King. “ “Chess” tells the story of a love triangle between two grandmasters— one American, one Russian—and a woman that serves as a manager to one of the players but falls in love with the other. It is a story about romance, betrayal and politics. The game is a metaphor for the story behind the plot. In the game is essential to make moves strategically and competitively, which is how the plot to this rock opera unfolds. Frank Montes de Oca III, assistant director of University Relations, said that he did a great deal of research in order to portray the Russian
special to The Prospector “Chess The Musical” is scheduled to open at 7:30 p.m. on July 11 at the UDT stage and run until July 27. champion Anatoly Sergievsky as real as possible. “I watched many interviews and documentaries and reminisces of Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov and Bobby Fischer. I also studied authentically spoken Russian accents,” he said. “I did all of this to portray as authentic a version of my character in world championship competition. I take my research seriously and be-
lieve it to be a sound foundation for my performance.” According to Montes de Oca III, “Chess” has been revised many times and tweaked by its creators, and the UDT will be performing an updated version that was adapted by the UTD. “This new production has elements that were part of both previous productions, but it is still wholly different,” he said.
This season’s production of “Chess” isn’t the first time the UDT will be performing the legendary musical— as it was first performed at the theater approximately two decades ago. In 1990, UDT’s production of “Chess” was the national award winner at the American College Theatre Festival, along with other awards for: Best Show, Excellence in Set Design, Excellence in Instrumental
Ensemble and Excellence in Stage Crew Work. The UDT’s version was also chosen as one of six productions to be performed at the American College Theatre Festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Montes de Oca III was involved in the first production in 1989 as part of the ensemble.
see CHESS on page 6
Community
Building young readers, one book at a time By Kimberly valle and Andrea Acosta The Prospector
special to The Prospector The Little Free Library will be located outside of Tippi Teas at 5034 Doniphan Ave.
The Little Free Library, a movement that was first started in Wisconsin, has expanded over the past five years. As a result of its success, El Paso has joined the cause to increase literacy rates and has built a new one just outside Tippi Teas. Louie Rodriguez, senior business major, who built the new library along with the help of a non profit organization known as the WoodWorkers Club of El Paso, said this project is focused around the idea to increase children’s literacy rates in El Paso, which is listed as the third-least literate city in the U.S. “El Paso has extremely low literacy rates and with the help of Lisa Lopez, city ambassador for these projects, this movement has continued to spread throughout the city and has allowed for kids of all ages to enjoy the benefit of reading,” he said.
Little Free Library became a formal, independent organization in 2011 with nearly 400 libraries. Now, approximately 15,000 libraries have been built all around the U.S. Its previous name was Habitat for the Humanities and was later known as Houses of Stories, but the name Little Free Library has stuck among children. Rodriguez became interested in the project and appreciates the concept behind it. He decided that it would be a cool weekend project to work on. “We collaborated with Tippi Teas, a locally owned business, that already provides free children’s books inside their shop to have his approval to give a home to the library,” Rodriguez said. “Construction began with my father and I working on it until we got a good solid product after many attempts. The El Paso Woodworkers helped in building the base, doors and providing me with the official plaque with its own unique charter number.”
Also contributing to the façade of the library was Roman Martinez, a local artist who helped with the artwork. “A wide variety selection of books will be provided for all kids who visit the different locations around El Paso,” Rodriguez said. “We mainly accept book donations from other nonprofit organizations, sometimes I like to personally go to a bookstore and pick something special out for the library or even donate a book out of my personal collection.” The main goal of this movement has always been to expand the knowledge that reading provides to readers. Therefore, no fees and no library card are required to check out a book. “Anyone is more than welcome to pick out a book and take a seat to read,” he said. “This is a place where anyone is free to donate one of their books as well, all for the love of reading.
see READERS on page 6
THEPROSPECTOR
| 6 | ENTERTAINMENT
July 8, 2014
review
Chuco Burger satisfies customers with every bite
By Ashley Muñoz The Prospector
Chuco Burger is a great example of how a little hole in the wall mixed with great customer service can prove to be the best dining experience, but the burgers themselves leave a lot to be desired. On the outside, its cinderblock exterior might give you some doubts, especially if you are unsure why this restaurant is settled in a secluded area of mostly sand. However, once you walk in, the atmosphere changes. On one side, there is a bar, and on the other sits the restaurant. Although it’s not as well maintained as Chico’s Tacos or as neatly set up as McDonald’s—the customer service is excellent and even the owner himself came around to make sure everyone was taken care of. Before going to Chuco’s, I had read some of the reviews on Urbanspoon. com, and I felt a split emotion about the place. Some of the reviews suggested that it wasn’t that great of a deal for the “best burger” in town, while others believed it was a burger heaven and offered a great El Paso tradition. “It was okay to try once, the burger was great, but the hot dog left a lot to be desired,” elchuco1955 posted on the Urbanspoon reviews. Another posted, “the burgers were good, I just don’t like how I spend around $35 for two burgers. I’d rather go to a nice restaurant with that money.”
Other reviews I continued to read were more positive. So I decided it was time I tasted their famous burger and see whether I agreed with the Chuco lovers or the anti-Chuco fans. My family and I seated ourselves the restaurant area, and ordered what was offered on the menu. Besides their famous burger, Chuco offers Chuquitos, which are ground beef and potato mini tacos; Chuco shakes in your choice of pineapple, strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, piña colada and cookies and cream; and a Chuco Chili dog, a chili dog topped with diced cabbage and hot sauce—all served with a choice of beverages. I found the burger to be quite delicious, but it just seemed to be another burger to me. The owner himself, Chuco, said his burgers were the best in town. He said he’s been challenged, so he asks those who challenge him to taste his burgers and anything on the menu. He also said his beef is mesquite-charbroiled. It’s not a bad thing to try something new once in a while and Chuco Burgers proves that the façade of a building can be deceiving. Overall, my family and I had mixed feelings. There wasn’t that much variety for my mother to pick from, and my father and sister said the burger and chili dog had some zest, but they all agreed it was like any other burger and chili dog. Ashley Muñoz may be reached at theprospectordaily. ent@gmail.com.
Justin Rodriguez /The Prospector Chuco Burger was voted as the “Best Burger in Town.” It is located at 1201 Lafayette Drive. (Above) Chuco is the owner of the restaurant.
READERS from page 5
CHESS from page 5 As a sophomore and a work-study student for UDT, he assisted with making costumes and building sets for the show. “It was quite an experience to be part of the whole process. The leads in the production were terrific mentors,” Montes de Oca III said. “I learned a great deal from them and I’m a better performer on stage today for working with them.” Montes de Oca III hopes for the audience to be captivated by the rendition of this iconic production. “The cast has worked hard to meet a difficult challenge that is this piece,” he said. “Tim Rice has been quoted as saying to the affect that “Chess-The Musical” is a very intricate plot. In the end I hope we all benefit from the work.” Chess–The Musical will run at the UTEP Dinner Theatre from July 11– 27. Tickets are available on UDT book office or at Ticketmaster locations. For more information call 747-6060. Lesly Limon may be reached at theprospectordaily.ent@ gmail.com.
special to The Prospector (Left to right) WIlliam Gilbert as Freddie, Stephen Jackson as Molokov, Josey Mitchell, as Florence and Frank Montes de Oca III as Anatoly.
Stephanie Corral, junior education major, said that this movement is a great idea for children of the community and the city. “It is important to give children the opportunity to read because literacy plays an important part in their education,” Corral said. “It is also beneficial, because most often than not, children aren’t able to get their hands on literature as they cannot obtain their own library card, and with the Little Free Library, children are given this opportunity.” Estefania Perea, senior advertising major, said this concept allows for a younger audience to read more. She said that she would be more than happy to take her little nephews to read some of these books, as they are still not of age to get their library card yet. Corral said that overall the library is user friendly and its fun for chil-
dren to have easy access to books to read and expand their literacy. Rodriguez said he hopes to bring new opportunities to kids who don’t have the means of buying a book and to increase their desire to learn. “It is a privilege to be able to read and is one of the oldest and most enjoyable forms of entertainment we have,” Rodriguez said. “No one is born with a love to read, it is learned. With projects such as this one we are able to put books in their hands and they are able to discover how much books have to offer.” He hopes to spark interest in the community so that they too feel motivated to continue this movement and built more libraries across town. Little Free Library is open during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is available year round. For more information about locations in El Paso, visit littlefreelibrary.org. Kimberly Valle and Andrea Acosta may be reached at theprospectordaily.ent@gmail.com.
PAGE 7 July 8, 2014
Sports
Editor
JAVIER CORTEZ, 747-7477
basketball
Meet the new guys in town Standing at 6-foot-5, Mar’qywell Jackson is a shooting guard from Detroit, Michigan. Jackson is rated a three-star recruit by rivals.com and 247-Sports. Before signing with the Miners Jackson, already had ties with the team. Three years ago, Jackson played AAU basketball with sophomores Vince Hunter— his cousin and Matt Willms. Jackson finished his senior year at East English Village Preparatory Academy, where he became a highly touted recruit in the state of Michigan. College basketball powerhouses like Indiana, Michigan State and Arizona all showed interest in Jackson before he signed with UTEP.
Q: How excited are you to start playing college basketball? A: I’m very excited. I thought El Paso would be different. I thought it was a desert really, but it is nice. Q: What can you bring to the team? A: We can win home games, lots of home games and I can bring lots of energy and more focus. Q: How great is it to play with your former AAU teammates Vince Hunter and Matt Willms? A: It’s really comforting. When I first got here I thought I was back at high school because I already had a good relationship with some of the players. Q: Did Vince and Matt play a big role in recruiting you?
In November 2013, UTEP head coach Tim Floyd signed comboguard Trey Touchet from Lafayette, Louisiana. The two-time Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year led St. Thomas high school to a 33-4 record and a state championship in his junior year. Touchet averaged 20.3 points per game to go along with marksmanship percentages from the field and 3-point range. Touchet shot 57 percent from the field and 41 percent from the 3-point line his senior year. Q: What is it like starting your college career at UTEP? A: I like it. It’s different from high school, it has a faster pace but I think I am adjusting. I had to get used to it the first week but I think I’m adjusting well right now. Q: You are part of a big freshman class, what has that been like? A: I like everybody. We’re all good friends and everyone gets along, so I think we will have a good year. Q: How would you describe your game?
A: Whatever the teams needs me to do, I’ll do it. If they need me to play defense I’ll play defense, if they need me to shoot, I’ll shoot, if they need me to run point guard, I’ll do that, anything for the team. Q: How did your past two seasons in high school prepare for college basketball? A: In the playoffs it is win or go home, so I am used to the pressure games and big crowds. I think going deep in the playoffs has really prepared me for college. Q: What did it mean to you to win the Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year award twice? A: It was incredible and extremely humbling because I put in a lot of hard work to get to that point. When hard work pays off it’s really sweet. Q: What is your relationship with head coach Tim Floyd like? A: Coach Floyd is awesome. He knows his basketball, but he is also a good guy too. When I came out to visit I was so impressed with every-
thing about UTEP, so that is really why I choose it. Q: Are there any individual goals that you have coming into your freshan year? A: I don’t have any individual goals— I just want to be a good teammate. I don’t have a certain amount of points I want to score or anything I just want to be a good teammate. Q: How much did coach Floyd’s background with Louisiana play a roll in you choosing UTEP? A: I knew a little bit about coach Floyd’s background, but it didn’t influence my decision that much. Q: what led you to choose utep? A: The fact that coach Floyd has coached at the highest level, he has coached some of the best players in the world and that he was willing to offer me a scholarship, so that was good enough for me.
His name is Terry Winn, but his friends and family call him Trey. A native Monroe, Louisiana, Winn is coach Floyd’s only non-guard recruit. After finishing his senior season in Memphis, Winn played at Westwind Prep where he averaged 23 points per game and 13 rebounds per game. Already drawing comparisons to now sophomore forward Vince Hunter, Winn is a combo-forward that likes to play on the perimeter and inside. Q: What was it like getting the opportunity to play Division I basketball? A: I always dreamed of playing Division I basketball. It was a long process because I had to pass the ACT to become eligible. So when I got the call from coach Floyd, I was really happy. Q: How would you describe your game? A: I’m a high-energy guy. I like to get up and down the floor and rebound the ball. I can play around the rim but I can also play on the perim-
eter. I can post up smaller guards and I can take big men off the dribble. Q: How did your time at Westwind Prep prepare you for UTEP? A: Westwind Prep was fun. I played under coach Jai Steadman— he coached in the D-League and overseas. He really developed my game a lot and he put a lot of confidence in me and made me feel like I was the man on the court. Q: What are your expectations for this freshman recruiting class? A: I really like my teammates. I think we bring a lot of energy to this team and all of us got different skill sets that we do really well. I feel that we are going to help the team out a lot and none of us will be scared to get thrown in the fire this year and play some ball. Q: How does it feel to be the only forward
in a recruiting class full of guards? A: At first I was kind of skeptical about coming because there were a lot of players signing. Then I talked to coach Floyd and he said I was the only forward and we have forwards leaving, so I might get a lot of playing time. So it’s cool. Q: How do you transition from being a star at Westwind to being a freshman in college? A: I am going to be humble about the situation and I am going to wait my time. When it is my time I can shine, so I have no problem with taking the backburner right now. I’ll just do what I have to do when coach Floyd calls my name.
By Javier Cortez The Prospector
Marqywell Jackson
Trey touchet
terrt winn
justin rodriguez, javier cortez, michaela roman / The Prospector
A: Yes, Vince and Matt. They said the games they played here were really packed. Q: How would you describe your game? A: Exciting and I am fun to watch. I love to shoot and I can shoot over you or go around you off the dribble. I can get into other players heads and get them off their game and I can give my teammates confidence. Q: What are your expectations for the upcoming season? A: Just to stay together. Keeping us together on and off the court and make sure we work hard everyday.
Javier Cortez may be reached at theprospectordaily. sports@gmail.com
theprospeCtor
| 8 | SportS
July 8, 2014
Column
future for MLS in El Paso still bright
By Javier cortez The Prospector On July 6, the exhibition match between Chivas Guadalajara and Cruzeiro E.C. added more fuel to the fire as El Pasoans are strung out on the world’s most popular sport. With limited time for marketing the game, costly ticket prices for fans across the border and rainy weather, the fan turnout was impressive. Only half of the Sun Bowl was opened for seating, leaving about 26,000 seats available for purchase. In total, 15,171 fans attended the game. Considering the slow ticket sales all week, it turned out to be a success. On the day of the game, more than 6,500 tickets were sold, according to the UTEP ticket office. With the Sun Bowl’s oval-shaped configuration, the setting for soccer match was perfect. Grass was even brought in for the game, the first time the Sun Bowl has had grass in 40 years. The Sun Bowl itself has been host to soccer over the years—the now defunct El Paso Patriots of the Premier Development League (PDL) played in the Sun Bowl from 1989-2001. Chivas Guadalajara and Cruzeiro E.C. are a step up from the now-defunct Patriots. The game itself was a disappointment for most fans— the vast majority of them were decked out in the red-andwhite striped Chivas jerseys. Although the Chivas supporters went home empty handed, the atmosphere they created was the story of the match. Chants of “Chivas, Chivas, Chivas!” echoed through the stadium, despite half of it being empty. The pictures of the gloomy sky or empty seats may show otherwise, but the fans made the game a success. KINT Univision reporter Harry Ruiz, who was the public announcer for the game, said more fans would have attended if ticket prices were lower for fans across the boarder. “They could have done better if the ticket prices were a little bit lower,”
They could have marketed the game a little better, but with the time they had, they did their best effort
- Harry Ruiz, KINT Univision Reporter said Ruiz. “They could have attracted an even bigger fan base from Juarez. When all the ticket fees from ticketmaster goes through, it comes out to about $24 and in Mexico that’s about 300 pesos. In Juarez it is a lot. If the prices were lower they could have fit in around 35,000 people.” The 15,000 fans in attendance nearly matched the average MLS attendance. The average MLS attendance in 2013 was 18,608, according to mlssoccer.com. “They could have marketed the game a little better, but with the time they had, they did their best effort,” Ruiz said. “But it’s a good step— 15,000 fans in a three-week span, it was a good outcome and good for El Paso.” It is still too early to tell, but if 15,000 fans turn out in less than a month and more than 6,000 fans purchase tickets the day of the event, the future might be bright for MLS in El Paso. The improvements that need to be made are not the fans’ support, but the organization, marketing and planning of forthcoming events. Javier cortez may be reached at theprospectordaily. sports@gmail.com.
mICHAELA ROmAN / THE PROSPECTOR Coming off another club title, Cruzeiro defeata Chivas de Guadalajada 2-0 in their last friendly match of the 2014 season.