Pinch me I am dreaming. El Defenzor and Shamsie Agree on our Youth: Judge Shamsie Ignores Cheap Shots

Terry Shamie's Picture Says:

"Kiss my judge robes mainstream media"

In his standard fashion, Terry "Bulletproof" Shamsie shook off attacks by the mainstream media recently about his job on the bench. Court insiders say that Shamsie has shaken up a system that was allegedly accustomed to having its way with the bench including CPS and the County Attorney's office. Shamsie has paved his own way for many years and has been both a County Attorney and a defense attorney. Lawyers who El Defenzor asked indicate that Shamsie is fair on the bench and middle of the road on nonviolent crime but harder on violent crime and is fiscally responsible rather than throwing away money on three hots and a cot for every juvenile who everyone cries to lock up even though nonviolent.. In a calculated effort by certain factions who wish Shamsie off the bench, the media was manipulated into attacking him. They were also miffed by the JUdge reportedly asking them not to film to protect the privacy of 13 and 14 year old detainees.

El Defenzor has monitored the issue of tagging or graffitti and has seen one extreme to the other in the criminal justice system. Prosecutors such as James Sales have asked for hard felonies and harder time while Judge Shamsie has been criticized for not locking up enought taggers. In El Defenzor's opinion far too many people have criminalized teenagers and although strict discipline is needed for our youth, more bars and cells are not the answer. America already houses and feeds more people behind bars than anyone else in the world. What a generation ago would have been handled with detention and corporal punishment is now being handled by incarcerating our youth. What do these children learn but that they are only worth being in jumpsuits and being shackled?. Although El Defenzor has blasted Judge Shamsie in the past, on this issue we stand united: You cannot simply lock up juveniles or rip children away from their home environment because a parent tests positive for marijuana.

Although it feels surreal and "Twilightzonish" El Defenzor agrees that Shamsie is doing a good job on the bench and not succumbing to the whim of the public or the fickle mainstream media. We commend Judge Shamsie for his work with the youth and for trying to be compassionate yet firm and not build more bars and more prisons. El Defenzor also wishes to note that tagging or graffitti is a very serious crime, but aren't there socially better ways, such as restitution, peer censorship and fines against the parent that are better than giving a 17 year old boy a 25 year sentence for spraypaint? What does that say when society gives a 10 year deferred sentence of probation to a sex offender but throwns away a young person's youth for spraypaint?

For now, El Defenzor is behind Judge Shamsie, not for coddling criminals which he is reportedly not dolng, but by not listening to the mob or rabble that demand each child's head and by taken into consideration but not blindly following the machine known as CPS or the County Attorney's office.

For once, El Defenzor gives Shamsie a gold star for not caving in to the media. If a judge isn't sentencing everyone to death or sucking away there youth, apparently no one is happy. What does that say about us as parents, teachers, and plain old adults?

BANALES TALKING TO THE MEDIA AND PRESENTING HIS SIDE OF THE STORY

Banales has chosen to open up and speak with the media. Is, as many lawyers are suggesting, this a violation the Canon of Judicial Ethics?

Did Judge Banales talking with Joseph Ramirez on radio violate those same ethics that judges are questioning. Reportedly on JOseph Ramirez' show on MAGIC 104.9 FM, the judge bared his soul and raged against those that would cross him. Can a judge do this? Does anyone have a recording of this show in order to get permission from the Lopez family broadcasting to be able to load it up on this site.

Reportedly, County Commissioners court sources indicate that Judge Banales gave a scathing review and also blasted the Court of Appeals Judges and Judge Sturn for stating he was improper in some way.

El Defenzor welcomes Judge Banales to provide his side of the story. El Defenzor also welcomes Joseph Ramirez to provide his input to me personally. Please call 387.6216

BOB JONES 1440 KEYS THIS MORNING! RUNNERS REVEALED

This morning much to the dismay of the political and legal machines and powers that be I appeared on Bob Jones' show on 1440 KEYS on AM radio from 7 to 8 a.m. Here are the highlights:

El Defenzor revealed the legal scheme to fund not only lawyers but also politicians and keep the Democratic party afloat:

Simply put I discussed the role of "runners" or people who go and pickup cases and take them to a lawyer (generallya referring attorney) who then cleans the cases by referring them to another attorney who is generally a trial attorney. The split here in South Texas according to my sources is generally 50/50.

I discussed the Huerta mystique and the enigma that he was. Preacher, father, businessman and lawyer who kept his runners under his thumb, kept the Catholic church enthralled as well as the public with the religious movement. I discussed his children and staff taking down and dismantling his television presence and ministry in less than 48 hours at Mr. Lopez' station.

I also discussed the lawsuits that the Huerta firm have had from Mr. Rene Rodriguez on Joseph Huerta and the Gonzalez firm from the valley suing Huerta Law Firm for soliciting. Additionally the role of Bill Edwards was discussed and his interviews on KZTV Action 10 news with broadcast journalist Andy Lescano on July 23, 2009 regarding runners as well as the controversial youtube video (search term William Edwards).

I will continue my investigation. As part of a possible book and documentary I will be investigating the phenomenon of runners in South Texas and the structure in place. i.e., runners get cases, lawyers make the money, lawyers then contribute to certain candidates and fund the Democratic party. Now with the Celis issue, the Republicans are storming the castle to weaken the Dem party by weakening their main source of contributions: lawyers.

One disclaimer: I am not saying that all lawyers engage in getting cases through the use of runners. Most lawyers I know adhere to the mandate that cases cannot be solicited in any manner.

Lastly, I talked about judicial races and in my opinion how Juan "RFK" Reyna and Tina Trevino will be formidable opponents in judicial races for the Republicans and that Angelica Hernandez has officially resigned 7 days ago from the D.A.'s office and will be setting her sights on the Democratic primary against Manuel Banales. Banales may have made a fatal error by sticking his neck out too far for Celis and making the hypocritical and ridiculous statement that he thinks the jail's are overcrowded.

More to come.

$2 BILLION IN RECOVERY FUNDS NOW AVAILABLE FOR TEXAS TO SAVE JOBS AND DRIVE REFORM

Texas Public School Teachers Will Receive $800 Pay Raise

Washington D.C.--July, 24, 2009--The Texas Democratic Congressional Delegation announced today that Texas Public School teachers will receive an $800 pay raise through more than $2 billion now available for Texas under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The raises will be included in school budgets for this upcoming school year.

This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Texas will be eligible to apply for another $1 billion this fall. Today’s funding is being made available per Texas’s successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1.

Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz said:

“As dean of the Texas Democratic Delegation, I am elated to know of today’s $800 raise for school teachers throughout our state. This raise, which is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will help educators pay for their day-to-day living expenses. With the high prices of gas, groceries, and other basic life necessities, I find it important for U.S. representatives from Texas to work together with state government officials to ensure we are providing funding to all who needed--especially our educators go give their heart and soul for a better Texas.”

Congressman Chet Edwards said:

“This is great news for Texas teachers. These funds will not only give Texas public school teachers a much-deserved pay raise, it will save jobs, and help school districts budget for the upcoming school year. Ensuring our teachers, students, and schools have the resources they need during these tough economic times will help our children succeed, strengthen our economy over the long term, and invest in reform of our education system.”

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said:

“The Recovery Act was designed to meet two critical challenges: rescue the economy from the immediate peril it faces and invest in the building blocks of a strong economy. The Recovery Act investments in our students and our schools will have a huge payoff in the years ahead. The $2 billion Texas will receive today is part of the single largest boost in education funding in recent history. The President’s leadership and support from Congress have made this historic investment possible. Texas can now utilize these funds to save jobs and lay the groundwork for a generation of education reform.”

To date, Texas has received $1.7 billion in education stimulus funds—representing a combination of funding for Title I, IDEA, Vocational Rehabilitation Grants, Independent Living Grants, Impact Aid and Government Services funds. On April 1st, Texas received more than $474 million in Title I funding and nearly $505 million in IDEA funding. This represents 50 percent of the Title I and IDEA funding Texas is eligible for in total. On April 1, Texas also received more than $22 million in Vocational Rehab funds and more than $3 million in Independent Living funds. On April 10, Texas received nearly $7 million in Impact Aid funding.

Congressman Rubén Hinojosa said:

“These historic federal investments made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will help provide relief to our local school systems and make certain that they continue to increase access to a high quality education for all students. I am hopeful that Texas will continue to provide the U.S. Department of Education with the assurances required to ensure that we are making progress in reforming our educational system and doing what is necessary to prepare our young people for college and beyond.”

“Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act so that our schools and teachers would have the funding to prepare our children and be properly equipped to do their jobs. The $2 billion for Texas’s State Stabilization Fund that was approved today will go a long way towards retaining our teachers and educating our children,” Congressman Gene Green. “Texas needs further ARRA money to ensure that we continue to provide the best education for our children and our teachers receive the additional funds they need to do their jobs well.”

“Texas schools have been waiting on good government to meet their needs and deliver real results. These federal dollars will raise teachers’ salaries and make a difference in the classroom, where we need it most. Our schools and our teachers deserve every dollar coming their way,” said Congressman Cuellar. “With these dollars we make sure our schools don’t get left behind. And this is another example of how the Recovery Act will help get America back on track and invest in the state’s priorities during these hard economic times.”

“I am proud that I voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, landmark legislation that addresses the critical needs in our national education system,” Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson said. “I pledge to work with my colleagues in Congress, Secretary Duncan, and state and local officials to ensure that we continue to invest in students and save and create education jobs across Texas.”

In order to receive today’s funds, Texas provided assurances that it will collect, publish, analyze and act on basic information regarding the quality of classroom teachers, annual student improvements, college readiness, the effectiveness of state standards and assessments, progress on removing charter caps and interventions in turning around underperforming schools.

Texas is also required by the Department of Education to report the number of jobs saved through Recovery Act funding, the amount of state and local tax increases averted and how funds are used.

See Texas and other state applications for initial funding under the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program at http://www.ed.gov/programs/statestabilization/resources.html.

Founder of El Defenzor -- Homer Villarreal -- to appear Monday on the 1440 KEYS Morning Show. Topic: "The Life And Times Of Albert Huerta."

Corpus Christi, Texas -- Homer Villarreal, Founder of El Defenzor, has been asked to be a special guest on the 1440 KEYS Morning Show With Bob Jones (AM radio) on Monday, July 27. Mr. Villarreal will be discussing the "Life and Times of Albert Huerta: Attorney/Spiritual Voice" Mr. Villarreal will be on for a seminal hour during drive-time -- that is, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Villarreal said: "I'm excited to have a grand opporunity to be able to examine the seminal impact that the late Alberto (Albert) Huerta had in our society, especially on the institutions -- political, social, economic and religious. Huerta rose to become a prominent lawyer specializing in serious injuries -- he was an eccentric genius in a sense and knew the socio-psychology of the multicultural area and was able to make a fortune. The complex social web and its respective catenations will be examined...Also to be examined, the turning point in his life: when his son, Joseph, an attorney was involved in a skiing accident that resulted in serious brain injury. I will do my best to trace the journey of Albert from his early years as aspiring, idealistic attorney to the phase where he came to an epiphany and began to address the larger spiritual questions and his calling as a healer and how he finally dealt (well and truly) with the last chapter of his life."

Villarreal concluded: A microscopic examination of some of his endeavors he participated in will be looked at with a critical and at the same time a compassionate eye... There is so much to learn from this public figure's story."

MINIMUM WAGE To INCREASE TO $7.25 PER HOUR -- Takes Effect Friday, July 24

Hot Off The Press: MINIMUM WAGE To INCREASE TO $7.25 PER HOUR

Increase takes effect Friday, July 24

WASHINGTON--U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz (TX-27) and other influential representatives announced that the national minimum wage will increase on Friday by 70 cents--from $6.55 per hour to $7.25 per hour--the final of three increases to take effect under legislation enacted by Democrats in the U.S. Congress.

“With the high cost of living today, we must be able to provide a decent minimum wage to the millions of Americans who work hard for their wages,” Ortiz said. “This 70-cent increase per hour will help those Americans who work to support their families.

“American workers are hurting right now, and this increase will make a big difference in paying the electricity bill, buying groceries and filling up the car with gas,” Another Press release stated “About 4.5 million Americans will see this raise on their paychecks, resulting in $1.6 billion annually in increased wages.”

Thirty one states are affected by today’s increase. In Texas, the minimum wage will increase for 985,000 workers.

“Even before the current economic crisis, our economy created a lot of wealth for the wealthy and not much was left for everyone else,” a prominent local Democratsaid. “As we rescue the economy, we must rebuild it stronger than before. This minimum wage increase helps to do that.”

The raise is crucial to stimulating the local economy through increased consumer spending. The Economic Policy Institute estimated that the increased purchasing power resulting from raising the minimum wage will boost consumer spending by more than $5.5 billion over the next year, and a recent study by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago found that every dollar increase in the minimum wage leads to an $800 increase in spending per quarter by families with minimum wage workers.

El Defenzor believes that as local businesses struggle to stay competitive during the recession, "This increase provides a boost not only in consumer spending but in the overall psychology of the working masses and gives citizens to circulate their money and be able to buy more products and items from their local businesses.

Excerpts of the President's Opening Remarks at Tonight's News Conference

That is why I’ve said that even as we rescue this economy from a full-blown crisis, we must rebuild it stronger than before. And health insurance reform is central to that effort.

This is not just about the 47 million Americans who have no health insurance. Reform is about every American who has ever feared that they may lose their coverage if they become too sick, or lose their job, or change their job. It’s about every small business that has been forced to lay off employees or cut back on their coverage because it became too expensive. And it’s about the fact that the biggest driving force behind our federal deficit is the skyrocketing cost of Medicare and Medicaid.

So let me be clear: if we do not control these costs, we will not be able to control our deficit. If we do not reform health care, your premiums and out-of-pocket costs will continue to skyrocket. If we do not act, 14,000 Americans will continue to lose their health insurance every single day. These are the consequences of inaction. These are the stakes of the debate we’re having right now.

I realize that with all the charges and criticisms being thrown around in Washington, many Americans may be wondering, “What’s in this for me? How does my family stand to benefit from health insurance reform?”

Tonight I want to answer those questions. Because even though Congress is still working through a few key issues, we already have agreement on the following areas:

If you already have health insurance, the reform we’re proposing will provide you with more security and more stability. It will keep government out of health care decisions, giving you the option to keep your insurance if you’re happy with it. It will prevent insurance companies from dropping your coverage if you get too sick. It will give you the security of knowing that if you lose your job, move, or change your job, you will still be able to have coverage. It will limit the amount your insurance company can force you to pay for your medical costs out of your own pocket. And it will cover preventive care like check-ups and mammograms that save lives and money.

If you don’t have health insurance, or are a small business looking to cover your employees, you’ll be able to choose a quality, affordable health plan through a health insurance exchange – a marketplace that promotes choice and competition Finally, no insurance company will be allowed to deny you coverage because of a pre-existing medical condition.

I have also pledged that health insurance reform will not add to our deficit over the next decade – and I mean it.

…

I understand how easy it is for this town to become consumed in the game of politics – to turn every issue into running tally of who’s up and who’s down. I’ve heard that one Republican strategist told his party that even though they may want to compromise, it’s better politics to “go for the kill.” Another Republican Senator said that defeating health reform is about “breaking” me.

So let me be clear: This isn’t about me. I have great health insurance, and so does every Member of Congress. This debate is about the letters I read when I sit in the Oval Office every day, and the stories I hear at town hall meetings…This debate is not a game for these Americans, and they cannot afford to wait for reform any longer. They are counting on us to get this done. They are looking to us for leadership. And we must not let them down. We will pass reform that lowers cost, promotes choice, and provides coverage that every American can count on. And we will do it this year.

Robstown soldier: James Andrew Gonzalez is missing… Family Claims He Was Kidnapped

Robstown, Texas -- James Andrew Gonzalez, a Robstown soldier stationed at Fort Hood, has been missing since last Sunday night after a jaunt to Laredo. His brother J. C. Gonzalez has stated that he is very worried at this point in that his missing brother is not answering the his cell phone. “It goes directly to voice answering machine… I am worried that this is a very serious, serious matter”.

J.C. also did divulge both Army officials and even the FBI has been in contact with the family. At firsty the Gonzalez family believed he had not reported to duty on time (that is Monday; now the family has appended that a representative from the Waco FBI office claim they received a phone call that James Andrew (24-years-old) has been abducted. The FBI claims the kidnappers have demanded $100,000 as ransom and that a major political move be taken by the government immediately to removed troops from the border.

James Andrew’s mom -- Rose Gonzalez -- said her son had been in the army for about a year and was doing satisfactory. J.C., his brother concluded: “I ask the public to keep our brother in their prayers… I hope they find; he is too young. I hope the FBI gets responsibly involved and maybe things will change for the better. This is just awful.”

STATEMENT FROM U.S. REP. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ ON HEALTH CARE REFORM

“The America’s Affordable Health Choice Act of 2009, H.R. 3200, was introduced on Tuesday, July 14, and is currently under review in the committees of jurisdiction where I will continue to monitor and evaluate the bill as it moves through the legislative process. I am concerned about the growing costs of insurance premiums for my constituents, the high rates of uninsured in South Texas, and our local medical professionals having the resources necessary to care for our community.

“Implementing health reform is vital and long overdue to control the growing cost of health care. By focusing on what works and fixing what is broken, this plan will offer affordable quality health care for Americans, while reducing the burden of ballooning health care costs on American families, businesses and our fiscal future. For more information, please visit my Web site, http://ortiz.house.gov or contact our offices in Brownsville and Corpus Christi.”

A release from some Corpus Christi City Employees Opposing GASB 45

Dear Friends:

Also tomorrow we need to tell the Council that we are against GASB 45. GASB stands for Government Accounting Standards Board. The 45 mean statement 45. GASB 45 refers to the recording (not funding) of retiree health insurance for all CURRENT employees. The City is having to report to the Federal Government what it guesses our future health insurance will cost when we retire. It has nothing to do with current retirees, it deals with current employees. The reason retirees need to know about GASB 45 is that when the City FUNDS (pays) GASB 45 projected amounts, it will directly impacts the current cost of Health Insurance (premiums) that retirees ALSO have to pay while on a fixed income. In some cases the cost of Health Insurance will grow so fast that current retirees will NOT be able to afford health insurance!

Please attend the meeting this month (the 14th, 21st, and 28th of July) We need to speak our minds and tell the Council how damaging raising Health Insurance premiums will be and are! If you can not go to the meetings, please send an email about NOT funding GASB 45 and artificially inflating Health Insurance Premiums. We need to fight this TOGETHER in one unified voice!

PUBLIC COMMENT IS A NOON.

COMING SOON: VETERANS GIVEN THE DRUG SEROQUEL FOR DEPRESSION GET TRIPLE THE RATE OF DIABETES! TELL US YOUR STORY. 387.6216

PHAMACEUTICAL COMPANIES RAKING IT IN AS THEY GIVE VETERANS AND OTHER INNOCENT CITIZENS TRIPLE THE RATE OF DIABETES WITH SEROQUEL.

COMING SOON: VETERANS GIVEN THE DRUG SEROQUEL FOR DEPRESSION GET TRIPLE THE RATE OF DIABETES! LOOKS LIKE BIG PHARMA HAS DONE IT TO THE PUBLIC AGAIN. 3 PART STORY COMING ON THE ANTIDEPRESSANT SEROQUEL GIVING PEOPLE DIABETES IN SOUTH TEXAS AND NATIONWIDE.

TELL US YOUR STORY. 387.6216.

FEDERAL JUDGE CANDIDATES: THE INSIDER STORY AND OPINIONS

MAXIMUM MANUEL finished for consideration on Federal Bench yet threatens Tom Greenwell and REpublican Party if he catches an opponent and says that if he does Judge Greenwell will receive one also. Is he still bullet proof or is it political curtains for Manuelito?? Manuels Pic says: " Yes, I've been passed over twice like a village idiot, y que?

Fil Vela's picture says:" I promise I was sightseeing in Washington"

Is Greenwell and the Republican Party tired of the schoolyard bully Maximum Manuel along with everyone else?

THE RISE TO POWER: FEDERAL JUDGE POSITION

For November who will assume the place of U.S. District Judge Hayden Head, Jr?

Althought the Caller Times is now notorious for censorship of comments and has banned me permanently (apparently) for speaking the truth about Manuel Banales, Albert Huerta, and others like Watts who own Patrick Birminham, I wanted to comment on a story they ran and give the opinons of anonymous insiders to their story: These opinions are summarized after the individuals name and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Homero Villarreal or El Defenzor:

They have noted there is a slate of potential candidates: Here is what some anonymous lawyers, politicians and judges say:

Robert Galvan: Former Asst US Atty, Assistant D.A. and now District Judge in the 94th. Qualified but some whisper his ties to Watts and Watts push for he or his mother despite his words to the contrary are too heavy handed as always. Strangely, Watts spouts that he is now with Obama when it was rumored he was always with HIlary. Oh well, in the political world one must be a camelion. Watts ties to Celis have forced him underground and cost him any chance he had for a senate seat. Will Galvan be painted with the same brush unjustly because of the huge support he has received from Watts?

Nanette Hasette: Longstanding respected judge and wife of Terry Shamsie former Nueces County Judge and now Judge of Court Five which handles almost exclusively juvenile cases. Strong connections, middle of the road judge and close ties to Solomon. Has President Obama remembered or forgotten how Solomon and his backing turned their back on him during the primaries of 2008. It is whispered that President Obama has given Solomon a cold shoulder, but while he sits on the Armed Services Committee can his word and recommendation be ingnored?

Nelva Gonzales Ramos: The Darling of the Democratic Party.District Judge in the 347th District Court. The favorite of many high powered attorneys including the defense and plaintiff bar. Low key, and a powerful judge with a charisma that equals that of Nanette Hassette and who was placed in by the Kingmakers in the 90's as was Hassette to usher in an era of placing female judges on the bench and winning by gender as well as ethnicity and ability. Her name has been placed in the hat by powerbrokers. Many lawyers say she is the leading candidate for the position.

Sandra Watts: Impressive judge and hardworking. Has always won on her own merits and her son Mikal indicates that she has never needed his support or backing. Her long time friend Janis Graham Jack attended law school with her as they commuted by plan 2 decades ago to Houston. Jack is the other federal judge here in Corpus Christi. Will Mikal be able to sway the powers that be to entertain placing his mother in there or will it be the decision of men like John Cornyn (whom Watts challenged and abandoned the challenge) which will decide her fate?

Augustin Rivera Jr. : It is rumored he was quite smug and confident in May of 2009 that he would receive the nod beause of a deal cut with Juan Garcia long ago who has the President's ear. Does Augustin have the shot he thinks?. Certainly he has promoted his IVY league education and Irma and Jorge Rangel connections at every opportunity but will that help him when Fil Vela gives him a thumbs down for slights that Augie has committed in the past?

Manuel Banales: "Thumbs down all the way. His overt actions to help Celis recently and conflicts that have arisen have most certainly cost him even the slightest consideration on this list" it is said by those in the know. " The McCormick article in the San Antonio Express News killed it for Banales but he did it to himself. He should have recused himself and not been foolish and hypocritical enough to issue a statement that the jails were too overcrowded when he has filled the jails to the brim in his tenure with excessive sentences. Justice purchased, justice granted. He's finished politically. As far as he saying he will run...So what? Banales is reportedly threatening that Judge Greenwell, the only Republican Judge will get an opponent if he gets one such as Angelica Hernandez, Anna Jiminez, or Juan Reyna on the Republican or Democrat side. It is also rumored that Judge Greenwell had the Administrative Judge slot two years ago until Banales screamed and hollered and strongarmed to get it. He is hated by many lawyers and were disappointed when Hester died and Banales flew down for the funeral like a vulture swooping in for the all powerful administrative title. We doubt that Banales can hold on to this and it is Greenwell's turn who has bipartisan support. Banales' days may be politically numbered on the bench and it is rumored that the usual arrogance and pride has been stripped away, he has gone begging through intermediaries to CuCuy and Darth Vader Vela who have shot him the bird as it were. He has also been begging that everyone should vote Democrat. Why now, Manuelito, when you never needed anyone but the King and Armstrong ranch and your controller Darrell Barger?" say the insiders.

BOTTOMLINE FROM HOMERO:

The informal consensus is that Gonzalez Ramos, followed by Hassette and then Galvan are the ones to watch. Stay tune bloggers and readers.

$2.7 Million Awarded For Homeless Families

MORE THAN $2.7 MILLION AWARDED FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES

WASHINGTON--Today, it was announced more than $2.7 million awarded in federal funding to assist families who are homeless throughout the 27th Congressional District of Texas with housing expenses.

Brownsville is slated to receive $1,347,839 and Corpus Christi will receive $1,393,181, according to figures provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“One of the worst situations a person or family can face during their lifetime is being homeless,” Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz said. “Many families are facing economic hardships, and I know the residents of South Texas, who face these conditions, will be able to benefit from these funds.”

For more information about the federal funding awarded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, contact Joel Munguia, grants coordinator for U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz’s Office, at (956) 541-1242.

A White Knight Coming to Run Against Banales

It is whispered that a 36 year old lawyer with bipartisan support is raising a large amount of money to make a run against Manuel Banales. What is also reasonably believed is that Watts and Vela may join forces to aid him. Who is this Obama-like creature who lurks in the shadows and wishes to straddle power in the 105th?. The revelation will come soon enough. And when that seal is broken perhaps a "just reign"(Divinci Code hint my friends) will occur in Nueces County once again. Soon enough we shall discover who this man who is above reproach and who's reputation is blemishless and who will be conquered and will announce and bring out all the truth which will uncover all of the corruption with full state and federal support. Many are already trembling. Beware he comes soon. What we do know that it is a short list of young hispanic males who perhaps have thrown their hat in before or have contemplated it. Tune in my dear bloggers....

Ortiz: New Funds...

This Just In: Confidential Defenzor Sources Reveal That Maximum Manuel Reached Out to Rene El CuCuy Rodriguez and Filemon Vela for Mercy

Article By the Blogger Girls XY and Z:

(The opinion of Blogger Girls do not necessarily reflect those of El Defenzor

BANALES CRIES UNCLE AND SEEKS PATRONAGE OF THE POWERBROKERS HE SCOFFED AT FOR YEARS.

Deep cover operatives of El Defenzor reveal that an emissary only known as Madam X (who can't ever keep her mouth shut reportedly) who works with Banales came begging on behalf of Banales to call off the dogs. After Maximum Manuel has burned Fil "Darth Vader" Vela and Rene "Kingmaker" Rodriguez over the years they both reportedly suffered rib fractures from laughing so hard and told her to tell Maximum to go straight to hell where it is nice and hot.. How the mighty have fallen or are beginning to. Pride before the fall, Manuelito El Frito Bandito? A si se va mihito. A todos llegan su dia no?

Maximum Manuels' 2010 Election Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOamdf0Z5pw&feature=related

BANALES BRAINDEAD. FILM AT 11. FAILURE TO DISCLOSE BARGER OR BANALES' KIDS CONFLICTS. JUDGE STURNS ABOUT TO OPEN UP CAN OF WHOOPASS! CELIS IN THE MIX!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JUDGE STURNS WHO IS REPLACING BANALES AND BANALES FAILED TO HAVE HAVE RECUSED HIMSELF INSTEAD OF HIS BRAIN LEAVING THE COURTHOUSE GO TO:

http://www.keepjudgesturns.com/

From Conservative Republican Blogger wishing to remain anonymous: The opinions expressed by this blogger do not necessarily reflect those of Homero Villarreal or El Defenzor or its subsidiaries:

" Banales should have bowed out of presiding over anything with Celis. Darrel Barger the defense attorney represents Celis. He employs or has employed Banales' kids in some form of fashion and that is the least of the conflicts. This has never been disclosed to the public or other lawyers on the other side for years and should also be looked into. It was political suicide for Banales to do this and people will want his seat. It sends a clear message when you bring in a conservative Republican Judge from Tarrant County. Don't take my word for it. Check the facts and look at the H&R Block cases. Enjoy the research. Banales has left two men cripple and got a speeding ticket for it and now is arrogant enough to try to pull this off. When are the voters going to say enough and vote him out? Who's afraid of the Big Bad Banales Wolf? Not Judge Sturns or Austin or the Feds, that's for sure. Banales comment that the jails are overcrowded in the Celis case is laughable at best and hypocritical at most. He has put so many people in jail for long stretches and nonviolent crimes that we the taxpayers have a hole burning in our pockets. It's a new day. Let Tina Trevino, Angelica Hernandez or some other qualified young man take the bench. The era of Barger and Banales is over.

LAX BLASTS THE HUERTA SHOW: This Part of the Blog brought to you by Shamwow (consumer poll for bloggers on Shamwow)

This Part of the Blog brought to you by Shamwow and(click link, go ahead...)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW9I2-bbyRU

Compare Huerta's DVD offer with ShamWow!

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HUERTA REPORTEDLY PERMANENTLY DISABLED !

RUNNERS RUNNING SCARED!

LAX SPEAKS OUT!

(Legal Assistant X) just contacted me. Here is a direct quote. His views don't necessarily reflect those of El Delenzor or HOmero Villarreal:

LAX SAYS

" I was almost physically sick to watch the vigil last nite on KTMV from a priest fully dressed and his name flashing on the screen by the name of Eduardo going on and on about Huerta being a healer. Person after person making him up to a be a God. It is blasphemous and everyone is in denial about it. Huerta wanted cases. They are pathetically trying to run his show. the machine is gone and his "legal assistants" are scrambling. Who will knock on doors and force people to sign contracts? Homero, you should post your number and publish the hundreds of stories around South Texas you get about people going to funeral homes, going to scenes of accidents and going to hospitals to solicit the cases. It is like dealing with the Mafia and the Don has had a stroke. All this must end. Thanks for letting me published anonymously." LAX.

Oh! and Blogger X says: Buy this and don't forget to also order Shamwows for 19.99.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW9I2-bbyRU

SALDANA ANNOUNCES ANOTHER RUN. GREENWELL DEFENDING THE CASTLE!

SALDANA ANNOUNCES AGAIN FOR RE-ELECTION!

Click here to see her announcement as Judge in late June 2009 SALDANA CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LgYl7Efdfg

SALDANA INTERVIEW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6rcsRqVlCQ&feature=related

GREENWELL ATTEMPTING TO BEAT OFF ANY NEWCOMERS!

GUY WILLIAMS WAITING TO ATTEMPT TO TOPPLE SALDANA YET AGAIN!

It is Poltical War!

Marisela Saldana Announced her run for Judge in the 148th District Court. She has also made the local talkshow circuit and was seen by many last nite interviewed on KTMV quoted as talking tough about anyone running against her that she will fight for her seat. She categorized the attacks on her record by past opponents regarding her record of being tardy and keeping jurors waiting as nasty and inaccurate. Saldana has gone hi tech as well and can be seen on youtube.com interviews and political announcements. Saldana is in her 16th year on the bench. Challengers are perhaps David Stith a young lawyer in town running on the Republican ticket and it has yet to be confirmed that Guy Williams will also run. Last election Guy came close but was not successful( Judge Jose Longoria referred to him as the perennial candidate when he challenged him unsuccessfully). Marisela has come out early and come out strong as has Tom Greenwell to scare off any candidates. Marisela is known as a tough competitor and a former social worker and lawyer. Many have tried to topple her from her Court 3 seat and now her seat on the 148th district court. Marisela is only the 3rd female judge in Nueces County (Haas and Tegle were the 1st and 2nd). The Guy Williams and Saldana war looks like it is going to start up again.

Tom Greenwell had several fundraisers last week. As the only Republican Judge will someone throw in their hat against him???. Last election he bested Robert Zamora and is categorized by most attorneys as hardworking and smart. Will the bad taste many have in their mouth with the Republicans and the last 8 years hurt him? Will his relationship with the Scotts also be damaging?. Mike Scott apparently is pushing hard for him and trying to recruit loyal democratic women and hispanic males to run as Republicans (HIS WIFE was trounced by Abel Herrero who many say is unbeatable after having to endure the Scott mudslinging and dirty campaigning and attempts to report him to federal and state agencies for false home health violations which proved groundless). Many of the Republicans are reportedly playing the same old record of party line exclusion of minorities unless expedient, haters of anything that is inclusive and even in these economic times raging against "Obama" whom they apparently can't acknowledge as president. Nevertheless, Greenwell is viewed as a topnotch judge by many and although swept in by Republicans has been reportedly fair to all. Many moderate Republicans have grown weary of the white supremacist and intolerant views of the Republicans locally and nationally. How many times must we endure Karl Rove on FOXX attempt to explain how his administration he controlled through Bush cause us to lose so much freedom, lives, and rights and smear the United States' good reputation around the world through human rights violations and torture? It's a brave new world Mike Scott. No amount of mudslinging and attacking Abel's wife will fix that. But i digress...

With Barack Obama in the Whitehouse but Republicans controlling Texas what will happen to local races? The Republicans perhaps should lay low here locally but with the Solomon -Neal debacle over Ingleside there is strife already, promising for a perfect storm in politics.

BANALES EXPOSED

The Picture of Manuel Banales Almost Says"Maximum Sentences For Those That Can't Afford to Buy Me, but For Those Who Can, the Jails are Overcrowded""

CARLOS VALDEZ THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY FROM CORPUS CHRISTI EXPOSING BANALES TENTACLES AND HIS DEALINGS WITH HIS CRONEYS TO GIVE CELIS THE BREAK HE NEEDED. CORRUPTION RUNNING DEEP IN BANALES 3 DECADE REIGN OF TERROR IN THE COURTROOM.

Below is the article by San Antonio reporter John MacCormack who also has followed the Celis story since 2007. Apparently Banales has been bought and paid for by the Celis Camp and not just Darrell Barger who appeared in front of him on hundreds of cases while his children worked for Barger and never disclosed that to the other attorneys.

Can Tina Trevino or Angelica Hernandez or a host of other strong Latina Candidates finally expose Banales for what he is and his reign of terror over lawyers and people who couldn't afford to influence him who faced stiff sentences?. Maximum Manuel indicated that the jails were too overcrowded for Celis but yet he placed many in jail for much more minor offenses. The hypocrisy runs deep and his political days may be short.

By John MacCormack - Express-News
CORPUS CHRISTI Over the past two decades, many a South Texas defendant has feared a sentencing by state District Judge Manuel Bañales, who's known for meting out harsh and creative punishments.
In 1993, the judge made headlines by sentencing a first-offense drug smuggler caught with 54 pounds of marijuana to 54 years in prison. The conviction later was overturned and the man went free.
Eight years later, Banalesales again made national news by ordering sex offenders in Nueces County to place signs describing their offenses in front of their homes and on their cars.
Other offenders have been ordered to serve lengthy jail sentences in small installments, year after year, during the Christmas holidays.
He'sa no-nonsense judge who is very severe in sentencing. Very harsh,said Albert Pena III, a veteran criminal defense lawyer.
Thus, when Banales appeared to show leniency this spring after stepping into a high-profile case involving the state's most prominent fake lawyer, Mauricio Celis, the natural legal order shuddered.
That's not the Judge Banales I've known all these years. It's a different one. Maybe he's mellowing, said Pena, one of the few willing to speak on the record.
Banales' deepening role in the case has triggered a public showdown with prosecutor Carlos Valdez. The longtime Nueces County district attorney wants Banalesoff the case, claiming he hasn't been impartial.
I'm doing something that has not been done before. And when you take on a judge publicly, there may be consequences later, Valdez said.
Impersonating a lawyer
The improbable figure at the center of it all is Celis, a man who overcame his modest origins to open his own Corpus Christi law firm, earn an estimated $10 million mostly in case referral fees from lawyers and play the role of high-dollar rainmaker in Democratic political circles.
He did it all with brains and chutzpah, without even being a lawyer.
After he was denounced as a fraud two years ago, Celis added a colorful subplot to the story by chasing down a nude woman, who had fled his hot tub, while flashing a police badge and clad only in a bath robe.
As the criminal charges and civil suits piled up, Celis insisted he had a law degree from Mexico, dropping that claim only after being convicted of 14 felony counts of impersonating a lawyer.
The trial was heard by visiting Judge Mark Luitjen who was appointed by Bañales.
However, in May, just before the Celis sentencing, Banales removed Luitjen on a recusal motion.
The defense also asked for a new trial, claiming in both motions that Luitjen had been unfair.
As proof, seven jurors testified that he showed bias against Celis, and Banales took over the case.
But where Luitjen had outlined a sentence of a year in jail, probation and restitution of more than $1 million, Banales gave Celis 10 years' probation and reduced restitution to proven claims by victims.
It was almost identical to what the jury had recommended for Celis, who faces at least three more trials on related charges.
Assumingthat what Mr. Valdez says is true, that this defendant is a con artist of the greatest magnitude, that in and of itself does not warrant incarceration,Banalessaid at sentencing, noting the offenses did not involve violence or injury, and that local jails were crowded.
To some local lawyers, it didn't add up, but because Banales' reputation for harshness extends to his critics, few would speak on the record.
This was not business as usual. I think he did the guy (Celis) a favor. If this had been Joe Blow off the streets, he'd be doing his year in jail, one veteran defense lawyer said.
Said another lawyer, Banales is a stinker all the way around. Maybe Luitjen rolled his eyes a little bit, but that's never been grounds for recusal.

But not everyone thinks the sentence of probation was out of line.
Mauricio Celis isn't going to harm anyone, said James Granberry, who has practiced before Banales
I didn't get a lot of heartburn about him not going to jail. Those beds are for people who keep me awake night, prying in my windows, he said.
The nuclear option
While online conspiracy theorists in Corpus Christi speculated wildly this spring about dirty deals in the Celis case, Valdez activated what he called “the nuclear option.
Days before a June 26 hearing on a new trial for Celis, he filed a motion to remove Bañales, claiming his impartiality was suspect.
“Judge Banales came in and undid everything that Judge Luitjen had done. And if he grants the motion for a new trial, we're back to Square 1,he said.
In his motion, Valdez outlined the judge's financial and social links with various defense lawyers who have an interest in the Celis case, foremost Tony Canales, the lead defense lawyer.
The things we have raised went on outside the courtcampaign contributions, socializing with the judge, and the possibility that Judge Banales is in line for a federal judgeship and that Tony Canales would be the perfect conduit to help him,Valdez said.
A man of expansive ego and ambition, Bañales lost out on a bid in 1993 to become a federal judge in Corpus Christi. Rumors floating around town have him as possible replacement for U.S. District Judge Hayden Head Jr. who is expected to step down in October.
Because Canales is a member of a state judicial selection committee and a reputed kingmaker, he is well positioned to help Banales, according to Valdez.
“And if he thinks Tony can get him in, Tony is in the perfect place to get what he wants from the judge. It just doesn't look right,said.
Canales and Banales declined to be interviewed for this article.
In their response to the recusal motion, Celis' lawyers say it was filed too late, that taking campaign contributions from lawyers isn't grounds for recusal, and neither are the judge's social ties.
The real bloodshed might lie ahead, because last week Banales declined to step down.
“The state presents no legal basis upon which I should recuse myself, he wrote.
This throws the recusal issue to Chief Supreme Court Justice Wallace Jefferson, who either will hear the issue himself or assign another judge.
In a full-blown hearing, reputations are likely to be harmed.
According to District Judge John Hyde of Midland, a recognized authority on recusals, several aspects of the legal drama playing out in Corpus Christi are noteworthy.
“I don't think I've ever seen a case where a recusal occurred at the end of a trial,†he said, after reviewing some pleadings. Normally, he said, appellate courts are the remedy for alleged trial bias.
“The fact that the motion for a new trial is almost a mirror image of the recusal motion indicates those are matters for an appellate ruling, he said.
He said it's not customary for an administrative judge who grants a recusal to then assign himself the case. He also found the issues of outside influence raised by Valdez unsettling. On the whole, the entire case is not helping the image of the judiciary, Hyde said.