Dear Readers,
A new old concept: A periodical edition of NPT.
Once a week, we'll bring new stories, updated stories, and the best of the previous week. Stay tuned for other changes in the near future.
Feel free to contact us with any questions and suggestions you have about the changes here. As always, thanks for reading.
Sito Negron
News
Documenting Human Rights Violations at Lomas de Poleo
by Alejandra Gomez
The delegation presented the media with a 20-page report on the violations taking place in Lomas del Poleo, including the cutting off of the community’s electrical infrastructure and the demolition and burning of private homes and public buildings in the community.
Posted on March 7, 2008 • read more »
Revival Plans for the Plaza, Mills and Centre Buildings
by Rene Leon
Foster, owner of Mills Plaza Properties, said the company plans on returning the Plaza Hotel to its original design and grandeur but to update it for modern times. Also planned: offices, shopping and dining, and a pedestrian corridor that would replace auto traffic on a portion of Mills Street and will require city approval.
Posted on March 8, 2008 • read more »
Features
Starting Gun of a Northeast Land Rush
by Sito Negron
A story from the archives, this one dated Nov. 27, 2006, sheds some light on the context of Northeast land development that has been highlighted by the recent withdrawal by Hunt Communities of its $131 million bid for PSB land. Of particular interest are comments regarding subdivision codes. Enjoy!
Posted on March 7, 2008 • read more »
On the Passing of a Chihuahua Policeman, and the Rise of Narco Violence
by Frontera Norte Sur
A controversial cop, Gonzalez served as a police commander for state and federal agencies in the 1980s and 1990s. Gonzalez's rise through police ranks paralleled a time in history when violent power struggles ushered in the Juarez drug cartel as the dominant mafia in much of Mexico, and it coincided with the wave of femicides that garnered international attention.
Posted on March 7, 2008 • read more »
Border Interfaith: Social Change from the Inside Out
by Jan H. Wolfe
After the floods in Westway and Canutillo colonias in 2006, the relationships that had been built made it natural for those residents to turn to Border Interfaith as advocates. Chase Bank came to Border Interfaith with $5,000 for proper distribution. It was immediately turned into tents, sheets, pillows and other urgent items.
Posted on March 7, 2008 • read more »
Death, Life, Home: The Story of a Border Crosser
by Debbie Nathan
A few days after he was buried, I was doing business near Cuautla, the city in Mexico that I learned was Dominguez Rivera's hometown. On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I took a bus there and found his mother and father in deep mourning.
Posted on March 7, 2008 • read more »
Opinion
Commentary on Brand Asarco, and Sociopathy
By Rich Wright
In his book, "The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power," author Joel Bakan makes the argument that if corporations were people, they'd be sociopaths. Now ASARCO has received permission to begin operating the smelter again. And I ask myself, do we want a sociopath operating a smelter in our city?
Posted on March 7, 2008 • read more »
Commentary on Dean's 50-State Strategy
by Don Kirkpatrick
The dividends of Howard Dean’s 50-state strategy continued in Tuesday’s Democratic Primary election that saw 2.7-million ballots cast by Democrats all across Texas, shattering all previous turnout records. That record turnout shows clearly what it means to have a contested presidential election in the Lone Star State.
Posted on March 7, 2008 • read more »
Commentary on Cynicism, Hope and Obama
by Raul Amaya
I’ve been cynical about government and politicians for my entire adult life. I don’t trust either. The government’s politicians, bureaucrats and presidents have been caught lying so many times. Still hope springs eternal in my soul. Most American think the country has been headed in the wrong direction and consequently want transformative change. I think Obama may be that agent of change.
Posted on March 7, 2008 • read more »
Culture
History of Us All: Holocaust Museum, in New Downtown Location, Teaches Remembrance and Tolerance
by Jan H. Wolfe
In October, 2001, an electrical short caused a fire. The building itself did not burn down, but most of the irreplaceable exhibits, relics and artifacts were consumed. The tragedy and irony of this was not lost on the founders, the Holocaust Survivors and the volunteers.
Posted on March 7, 2008 • read more »
Poetry: "Shrine to Frida Kahlo"
by Susan Zenker
"Against the grain of white headboard you sketched
blue doves with gold open beaks, gold-scalloped wings
that cluttered the doorways--wishes
through which early evenings Diego slipped
out to markets, cantinas, and trysts."
Posted on March 7, 2008 • read more »
NPT Calendar 3.6.08: Kinky Breakfast Forums
by NPT Staff
Our diverse picks. Get out and be political, or just go talk some poetry.
Posted on March 5, 2008 • read more »
Politics
Letters and Memos: Hunt, Byrd, City Planning
by NPT Staff
Some source documents regarding the failed $131 million land sale between the PSB/City and Hunt Communities.
Posted on March 7, 2008 • read more »
Hunt Halts Land Sale; $131 Million Deal is Off
by Sito Negron
UPDATED: Hunt issued a statement early Thursday, along with a letter notifying the PSB of its decision to withdraw its bid, which at more than $27,000 per acre was well ahead of the rival bidder. Reaction from the city was swift. Beyond the finger-pointing are questions of development quality, quantity, and need.
Posted on March 6, 2008 • read more »
The Inner Loop: Winners, Losers, and Insider Mash Up
by Owen White
The beat keeps on. You have to vote again, and again. And again. And again. Also, a quick look back and ahead, and who won and lost besides the candidates.
Posted on March 6, 2008 • read more »
