border eco issue 16

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ISSUE 16, 2012ISSUE 16, 2012FREE

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Foundations cross border e!orts • Revitalization & development • New principal at Sacred HeartINSIDE

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& product development.phone: (520) 313-6113

email: [email protected] Director

Edgardo Muñoz LafuenteOver 15 years inmedia communications &operations.Workedwith El Imparcial pub-lishing company, El Diario de la Frontera,

Alphagraphics.phone: (520) 223-7712

email: [email protected]

BorderMedia, LLC.CChhiieeff EExxeeccuuttiivvee OO--cceerr::David Ramirez Matus

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9

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118 W. Ellis St. Suite #5Nogales, AZ 85621

email: [email protected]

ISSUE 16 2012CONTENT

NEW DRIVINGSERVICES AT

LIVING CENTER

8

CHICANOSPOR LACAUSA

HOST TURNKEY EVENT12 Contributors Axel Holm, City of Nogales, Santa Cruz Sheri.’s

Department, Nogales Police Department, Mariposa CommunityHealth Center, NUSD, SCC School Superintendent, Nogales

Lions Club.

FROM THE EDITOR

EdgardoMuñoz

David RamirezMatus

This publication made possible by the community, advertising &contributing sponsors, without them this would not be possi-

ble. Below are our featured sponsors!

This month we focuson non-profit organiza-tions in Santa CruzCounty.

We turn our focusorganizations such asNogales CommunityDevelopment, SantaCruz CommunityFoundation, FirstThings First, UnitedWay of SCC and theSanta Cruz Advocatesfor the Arts.

Lastly we feature ed-ucator Vanessa Roth-stein and promisinglocal director Luis Car-los Davis.

There is also muchmore inside so enjoy!

Spectacular nativity and christmas sceneManuel and Sofia Castro from Nogales,

Arizona had for almost 30 years the wonder-ful hobby of collecting Nativity and Christ-mas figurines which year after year at this season time they put together to transformed their house into a true work of art to spread thru our community their Christmas spirit.

Mr. and Mrs. Castro make you a cordial invitation to our community of Santa Cruz County and surroundings to come and visit their house to admire this spectacular scene.

The Castro’s house is located at 331 N. Calle Soto in Nogales, Arizona.

Manuel and Sofia Castro with one of theirsgrandsoons at their home.

SANTA CRUZ COMMUNITYFOUNDATION

123 W. Kino Park Nogales, AZ 85621(520) 287-3685Fax: (520) 287-3687

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In 2001 a group of local philan-thropists, who had been working on apersonal level decided to combine theirefforts and created the Santa CruzCommunity Foundation (SCCF). Dur-ing its early organization the new proj-ect decided to affiliate with CommunityFoundation for Southern Arizona. In itsearly days, the foundation was small andits biggest fundraiser became the Folk-lorico Event, which is held annually indifferent locations throughout SantaCruz County.

“In the last four years the founda-tion has expanded and has becomemuch more proactive,” said RobertPhilips, SCCF Executive Director.Now, the foundation works in threemain areas. The foundation awardsfunding to non-profit organizationsevery year that have applied and under-gone a thorough examination. “Sincethis past year we are requiring the ap-plying agencies to have or form a part-nership or a collaboration with otherorganizations,” said Philips. “Withthese partnerships the funding will havea greater impact on the community forthe issues that need to be addressed,”said Philips.

The second area of focus is thetraining program that is offered to non-profit organizations. “Training on howto form a board of directors, what itmeans to be a board member, and therelationship between board and staff,”said Philips. “Strategic planning, how toform partnerships and collaborations,”said Philips. “This raises the level ofprofessionalism and productivity withinthe agencies,” said Philips.

The third area of focus for thefoundation is to serve as a source ofnonpartisan public education. “We havethe cross border tour program, wherewe take around 400 people into Mexicoand all around Santa Cruz County,” said

Philips. “We display the interdepend-ence of these to two international com-munities,” said Philips. “We also starteda student intern program,” said Philips.

SCCF has also formed a uniqueinternational partnership with the Fun-dacion del Empresariado Sonorense,A.C. (FESAC) that identifies currentand emerging issues, mobilizes andstrengthens community resources tosolve these issues. “In many waysFESAC is very similar to SCCF interms of our goals and areas of work,”said Juan Carlos Ruiz, FESAC BoardPresident. “We try to focus on what isunique about this area, which is that weare a critical border community andhave the best chance of real cross bor-der collaboration,” said Philips.

“When we take people past thefirst four blocks of Nogales, Sonora,they are shocked its like walking into anew world for them,” said Philips.“This is strategic philanthropy, we areyears ahead of the times in both towns,”said Ruiz. “We are changing the per-ception of the area, we are investing inthe community which in turn will havean enormous impact on our economicgrowth,” added Ruiz.

SCCF is an organization that isworking on all fronts trying to improveall aspects of the local communitiesneeds with much success. The founda-tion is continuously in search of fundingto continue its efforts; one of its largerfundraisers is its folklorico event. Theevent, which is held annually, is one ofthe premier social and cultural events inthe border region.

For more information aboutSCCF, visit 825 N Grand Avenue, Suite104B, Nogales, AZ ., Call (520) 761-4531 or visit online at www.cfsaz.org/santacruz/

Robert Philips, SCCF Executive Directorand Juan Carlos Ruiz, FESAC Board President

PHOTOS | EDGARDO MUNOZ

BY DAVID RAMIREZ MATUS.

FOUNDATIONS CROSSBORDER EFFORTS

Before 1997, Morley Avenue inDowntown Nogales was a vibrant areaexploding with business. In 1997, thedevaluation of the Mexican currencydevastated all of Santa Cruz County butit especially hurt the downtown No-gales businesses, which sparked a groupof merchants and property owners tocreate the Historic Main Street project.The project’s primary function was torevitalize the downtown area, which isnow known as Nogales CommunityDevelopment (NCD).

“Originally we partnered withthe Arizona Main Street Program (andwe continue this relationship), the Ari-zona Department of Housing and nowwe have partnered with the State His-toric Preservation Office,” said YvonneDelgadillo, NCD Director. “When theproject started, we asked (merchants,property owners) what were their pri-mary concerns in Downtown Nogalesand we have been working ever since toaddress many of the issues,” said Del-gadillo. “The biggest concerns whenthe project started were restrooms facil-ities and parking,” said Delgadillo.

To address the parking and bath-room issues NCD partnered with theCity of Nogales. “We structured amemorandum of understanding withthe City of Nogales and the downtownmerchants that would enable us to pro-vide public restroom,” said Delgadillo.“In the agreement the city would pro-vide the facilities and the supplies, andthe business owners would provide thelabor,” said Delgadillo. “With the park-ing issue we were able to obtain federalgrants to acquire properties that wewere able to convert into parking lots inthe downtown area,” said Delgadillo.NCD now offers affordable parking tothe merchants, property owners andemployees in the area, which is used to

maintain the lots. In 2003, the Arizona Main Street

Program expanded its roles and becameNogales Community Development(NCD). “We realized that we needed todo more than just work as the liaisonbetween the business community andthe government,” said Delgadillo. “Weneeded to work with the residents andemployees to expand our revitalizationefforts from the city to encompass theentire county,” added Delgadillo.

At present day NCD has fourmain components of focus, which arecommercial revitalization, asset devel-opment, business development

Commercial RevitalizationThe commercial revitalization

component is a continuation from theprograms creation in 1997. The organi-zation aggressively seeks ways to revital-ize the Nogales downtown area. “TheLittle Mercado on Morley Ave., is aproud accomplishment, that touches onseveral NCD components (revitaliza-tion, business),” said Delgadillo. “Wewere able to redevelop and revitalize thearea, which was originally a dirt lot,”said Delgadillo. “Now the area includesa parking lot and a food commercialarea,” added said Delgadillo. “We havehad up to twelve food establishments inthe Mercado,” said Delgadillo. NCDalso holds “First Fridays” and “FreshFest” in the Mercado; collaboratedevents dedicated to encourage tourism,arts, culture, crafts, cuisine, entertain-ment and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Asset Development The asset development compo-

nent targets individuals and families,with programs geared towards financialstability. “NCD is a certified housingcounseling agency, through the U.S.Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment,” said Delgadillo. “Weare able to offer foreclosure mitigation

to families that are on the verge of los-ing their homes and provide options atno cost,” said Delgadillo. NCD also of-fers tax preparation assistance, homeownership education, financial literacyand financial management classes. “Allof our counselors are certified,” saidDelgadillo.

Business DevelopmentThe business development com-

ponent works with small and microbusinesses to offer them a variety oftechnical and capital assistance. “AtNCD we are certified to provide busi-ness plan training and business manage-ment training,” said Delgadillo. “Wehave also collaborated with CochiseCommunity College (CCC) and theUniversity of Arizona (UA), to offerspecialized training for businesses andtheir employee’s,” said Delgadillo.NCD also benefits from being able tooffer business loans and to this day haslent out approximately half a million

dollars. “Our loans range from $9,500to $150,000,” said Delgadillo. “Ourloan committee, comprised of localbusinessmen, identifies eligible loanuses,” said Delgadillo.

The organization initiated as aresponse to the economic hardshipsduring 1997 that left a low occupancy ofbusinesses and customers in the down-town area. Through out the yearsNCD has worked hard to correct theseissues and has succeeded. It has ex-panded its reach to help the entirecounty encompassing a multitude of is-sues. The state of the current economyhas presented new hurdles for NCD,but also makes its presence in the com-munity ever more vital to its economy,residents and businesses.

For more information, visit 124BN. Terrace Ave., Nogales, AZ., Call(520) 397-9219, Fax (520) 397-9217 orvisit online at www.nogalescdc.org


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Transitional HousingTLC Alumni MentoringThe Living CenterLiving Team SupportTurtle Bay Cafe

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Transitional Living Center is a Non-profit Organization

NCD o5ces,above. Plans for the BowmanSenior Residences, below. PHOTOS | EDGARDO MUNOZ

Greetings, my name is FranciscoPadilla and I am the new Regional Di-rector, Santa Cruz Region of FirstThings First. As a person born andraised in Santa Cruz County, I have avested interest in improving the lives ofall of our community members. I amboth humbled and honored to have theopportunity to work with our commu-nity’s young children and their parents.Before coming on-board with FirstThings First, I was the Parent RelationsCoordinator for Rio Rico High School.Working with parents really allowed meto understand the importance of pro-viding a myriad of programs to familiesas avenues for them to get involved.Our schools and community centerscan and should serve as the hubs of ourcommunities where the school, stu-dents, parents, and community leadersall come together to interact and im-prove the quality of life of all. Prior tojoining Rio Rico High School, I wasemployed by Golden Eagle Distribu-tors, Inc. out of Tucson. I held several

positions in the company’s Marketingdepartment during my seven yeartenure there.

As I mentioned before, I wasborn and raised in this community andplan to raise my own family in this com-munity. After living in Tucson from2000-2011, I moved back to Santa CruzCounty in 2011 because I felt a passionfor contributing to the overall improve-ment of what I always considered to be“my” home.

In addition to being the RegionalDirector, Santa Cruz Region for FirstThings First, I am also a proud memberof the Knights of Columbus CouncilNo. 14583 and Junior Varsity coach ofBoys’ Basketball at Rio Rico HighSchool. My wife and I are also proudparents to a 2 year-old Poodle Terrier.

I look forward to collaboratingwith many of our community membersas we work towards ensuring that all ofour children are ready for their first dayof kindergarten.

Regards,Francisco J. Padilla Jr.Regional Director, Santa Cruz RegionalPartnership CouncilFirst Things First

Opinion by Francisco PadillaRegional Director, Santa CruzRegional Partnership Council

NEW REGIONALDIRECTOR,SCC REGIONOF FIRSTTHINGS FIRST

FRANCISCO PADILLA

The New Regional Director for First Things First, Francisco Padilla. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The United Way of SantaCruz County (UW) has been help-ing the local community for overtwenty years. The mission for the or-ganization is to build a better com-munity advancing the common goodand creating opportunities for a bet-ter life for all. You might be familiarwith UW, they are the organizationto visits most of our places of em-ployment and asks employees to do-nate a small percentage from theirpaychecks, either per pay period or aone time donation.

All the monies that are con-tributed are than donated to othernon-profit organizations, which inthe county totals to 19 agencies. “Wedonate to organization such as theBoys and Girls Club, Rio Rico LittleLeague, Nogales Little League,Young Audiences and many others,”said Marcela Chavez Director forUnited Way of Santa Cruz County.UW also administers funding allo-cated by the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency (FEMA), thatUW then distributes to deserving or-

ganizations. “The types agencies thatwe award this money to are emer-gency based, like shelters or anyhunger relief organization,” saidChavez.

Not any organization can re-quest funding from UW, any apply-ing organization must meet certainrequirements before even being con-sidered which are selected by theUW board of directors. “Applingagencies must be a 501(c) status,must be running a proper budget,with no discrepancies on the books,”said Chavez. The same scrutiny istaken when selecting organizationsfor FEMA funding.

With the struggling economyUW has struggled recently to gener-ate the same support it had in previ-ous years. “Our funding decreaseddrastically from around $200,000 to$100,000, which is our main focus toremedy,” said Chavez. “We hope thatin this next year we can increase ourfunding and helping hand out to thecommunity,” said Chavez.

For more information visit855 West Bell Road, Nogales, AZ orCall (520) 761-1840

BY DAVID RAMIREZ MATUS

UNITED WAY OF SCCHOPE TO INCREASEFUNDING IN 2013


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The Living Center, a resourcecenter for the local recovery commu-nity, has launched a new program thatis focused on providing opportunitiesfor is members (Also known as friendsin recovery within the center.) Theproject involves creating driving posi-tions for the vehicles owned by thecenter but offering those jobs to itsown friends. “We have created a boardof directors that is made up of friendsat the center, which has come up withjob criteria, pay, responsibilities andwill select applicants to fill the drivingjobs, who are friends themselves,” saidAndrea, Living Center friend. TheLiving Centers board of directors(made up of friends) will oversee manydifferent aspects of the centers opera-tions including the new driving pro-gram.

The new driving program ishoping to attract the attention of thelocal community by offering its serv-

ices to all organizations and agenciesthat are in need of such services. “Wehope to attract hospitals, clinics andmore to generate contracts to so that itcan be a self sustaining program thatcompensates our drivers,” said JenniferReddick, Living Center Program Co-ordinator. The program is scheduledto launch in the early part of 2013 withthe local communities support. “Wehave everything pretty much ready togo, all the organization of the programis established now all we hope to get isthe publics support,” said Reddick.

“It gives the friends a sense ofownership towards the center,” saidReddick. The board of Directors areas follows (last names omitted due toprivacy): Craig B, Andrea O., AmberM., Donisia M., Danny C, Scott S.,Christian S., Manuel L, Oscar A., Car-men B., Gilbert H.

For more information about theprogram please visit 2073 N. GrandAve., Nogales, AZ., or call (520) 394-4380.


Sacred Heart Catholic School (SHCS) has recentlynamed Vanessa Rothstein as its new principal in 2012.Rothstein is a native of Santa Cruz County and a projectof the local school system. “I attended Elm Street Schooland Sacred Heart has been my parish since I was born,”said Rothstein. “I was baptized here, married here andsaid goodbye to my loved ones at this church,” said Roth-stein. “It’s a coming home of sorts for me,” said Rothstein.

Rothstein is a 1971 graduate of Nogales HighSchool. “I attended Arizona State University and startedworking at the GAP in the management department,”said Rothstein. “I was on the team that started the firsttwo GAP stores in Tucson. In those days, our largestcompetition was the Capin Corporation from Nogales,”said Rothstein.

After several years, Rothstein decided to come backto Nogales and in 1984 began to volunteer her time at thelocal schools. “I formed a family and in 1984 my daughterwas born, I was not working so I decided to volunteer mytime in the schools and various organizations, which Icontinued to do so for nearly 10 years,” said Rothstein.

Rothstein decided to return to school and attendPrescott College where she received dual Bachelor’s ofArts degrees in Elementary Education K-8 and SpecialEducation K-12 in 1996. “I was asked to do my studentteaching at Coronado Elementary School with Alfredo

Velasquez who is now the SCC Superintendent ofSchools,” said Rothstein. Rothstein went on to earn aMaster’s in Bilingual and Multicultural Education fromNorthern Arizona University, which also required to stu-dent teach which she also completed at Coronado.

Before receiving her master’s degree, Rothstein wasoffered a position as a 1st grade teacher, which she ac-cepted. “I was very enthusiastic because I was able to con-tinue working with Mr. Velasquez, we had a remarkableand innovative team,” said Rothstein. “I was very involvedin the education community,” said Rothstein. Rothstein isa board member for Young Audiences, the Arizona StatePIRC, Child and Family Resources and the William I.Rothstein Memorial Scholarship.

“Teaching is a real calling and not everyone can doit but it’s extremely rewarding and that’s why we do it,”said Rothstein. “Mr. Velasquez was a big influence in mycareer,” said Rothstein.

In 2007, Rothstein was hired as the Grant Directorfor the Hippy Program through SCC Superintendent Al-fredo Velasquez. “At the time the lead teacher for theSanta Cruz Regional School District #99 had left the pro-gram and SCC Superintendent offered me the position oflead teacher at the alternative school,” said Rothstein.“That same year I started taking courses to receive my ad-ministrative certificate and when I completed it, I becameprincipal of the school,” said Rothstein.

“The kids at the alternative schools have somehowfallen through the cracks and it was extraordinarily signifi-cant work that I was passionate about,” said Rothstein.Rothstein stayed with the District #99 for 5 years untilfunding prompted the program to be taken over by a pri-vate agency in early 2012. “It was a very hard choice toleave the school, because I cared about each and every stu-dent, but I believe the teachers who are there are qualifiedfor the work,” said Rothstein.

Rothstein was approached by SHCS to apply forthe position of principal. “I hesitated to apply but I didand was offered the position and I still am hesitant but ac-cepted and am extremely happy that I did,” said Roth-stein.

Coming from the public school system, Rothsteinfelt she would have difficulties reaching teachers and stu-dents from a traditional school system. “The transition

was seamless, the school is remarkable,” said Rothstein.Rothstein has begun to implement Arizona common corestandards, which is uniform with the Catholic ChurchDieses. Rothstein is working on implementing data driveneducation for the school. “Our staff is very open and easyto work with, they are hungry for the change that we areimplementing,” said Rothstein. With her extensive educa-tional knowledge Rothstein has begun to bring her inno-vative educational talents and experience to SHCS, andbringing the school to academic excellence. “The stu-dents that leave SHCS and go out into the world succeed,we have a curriculum that holds up or exceeds any schoolsscrutiny,” said Rothstein.

“The parents at SHCS are tremendously activeand dedicated, they are responsible for raising largeamounts of funding for the school,” said Rothstein. “Theparent involvement is on a level that I had not experiencedbefore,” said Rothstein.

Rothstein is a local success story that has excelled inthe educational field and continues to promote learningwith all her work. SHCS has a bright future ahead withgreat educators and administrators, but still calls out forthe community’s support.

For more information or if you’d like to know howto donate, please call (520) 287-9221or visit 272 NorthRodriguez Street Nogales, AZ.


NEW PRINCIPAL AT SACRED HEART SCHOOL


The Annual Charles MingusHometown Music Festival began in 1993in Nogales, Arizona. The festival was ajoint project between the Tucson Jazz So-ciety and the Santa Cruz County (SCC)Chamber of Commerce. The purpose ofthe festival was to recognize that jazz leg-end Charles Mingus was born in Nogales,AZ. In its first year, the program receivedgrant funding in order to hold the festival.The festival’s launch was a great successdrawing international attention, audiencesand brought world-renowned musiciansto the area.

After its launch the program wasalmost abandoned but had left a lastingimpression on the local community andthe students that had participated in theevent. In 2000 a local artist revived theproject with an annual concert that hasbeen held in Nogales, AZ., and NogalesSonora. By 2007 the local event hadgrown and its organizer was joined by agroup of local residents that now calledthemselves the Santa Cruz Advocates forthe Arts (SCAA), which is currently led byboard president Ken Tittelbaugh. Thegroup, now a non-profit organization has

been funding-raising to continue its nobleefforts in the arts.

The organization is currentlypreparing to hold its 5th Annual MusicFestival and launch a Charles Mingus Me-morial Park on Western Ave. The festivalis scheduled for April 19-20, 2013 that willbegin with the dedication of the new parkand continue with music performances inNogales, AZ and Nogales, Sonora, Mex-ico. The organization has hopes to createa new musical tourist destination but isstill in need of funding to complete theproject.

This year’s festival will include avariation of music that ranges from jazz tomariachi. “ This was very much whatCharles Mingus was about, celebrating allmusic,” said Yvonne Ervin, SCAA ProjectDirector. “As exciting as the festival is, thededication of the park marks the historicalsignificance of the area,” said Ervin.“There are Mingus enthusiasts throughout the world that would come here to seethe memorial; it would make Nogales aJazz destination,” said Ervin.

The organization also awards ayearly scholarship to local jazz students.“The scholarship will be awarded to anapplying SCC high school student to fur-ther is musical education,” said Ervin.

“Each applying student provides an audi-tion tape that showcases their abilities, andour board then selects the recipient,” saidErvin.

The organizations mission is to im-prove the quality of life for the people ofSanta Cruz County in Arizona and to pro-vide life-long learning in the arts for allpeople engaged in their programs. The

organization host’s two major activities:which are the Charles Mingus HometownMusic Festival and day of jazz workshopsand performances for youth in the county.

For more information about TheMingus Project Santa Cruz Advocates forthe Arts Call (520) 287-3685 visit online atwww.mingusproject.com or email [email protected]


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Yvonne Ervin, Project Director for the Charles Mingus Hometown FestivalPHOTO | EDGARDO MUNOZ

When you think about filmmakingSouthern Arizona doesn’t really pop as one ofthe prominent locations for the art, yet amultitude of films have been shot in the areaand a rich history has developed throughoutthe years. One area, which has developed, isthe rise of local talent, that is clearly apparentwith award-winning film director, producerand native Luis Carlos Davis.

Davis’s education began at NogalesUnified School District (NUSD) where hereceived his high school diploma in 1996; hecontinued his education at the University ofArizona (UA) and received a Bachelors De-

gree (BA) in Literature with a focus on Filmin 2006. Davis did not settle with just his BAhe continued his education and completed aMasters Degree in Latin American Studieswith a focus on international Journalism, Bor-der Studies and Media Arts in 2008. Alongwith these accomplishment Davis received aDigital Film Making diploma in Oxford,England through the New York Film Acad-emy in 2006. Davis also became an Apple,Inc. certified film editor.

Because of his relentless drive, Davishas had the opportunity to have incrediblementors such as Guillermo Arriaga, who is aworld-renowned author, screenwriter, direc-tor and producer of such films like 21 Grams,Amores Perros and Babel. With all his ac-complishment none rang louder than thecompletion of his documentary 389 Miles:Living the Border. “In 2005 I began the doc-umentary (389 Miles), a project I thought Iwould complete in eight months but actuallytook me four and half years to finish (2009),”said Davis.

The idea for the film stemmed fromDavis’s own experiences growing up in a bor-der community. “I wanted to show the worldwhat I had experienced through out my life,which is a very different view than the rest ofthe world has,” said Davis. “Nogales is one ofthe safest communities in the state yet no oneoutside of the area knows this fact, I wantedthe rest of the world to see what we saw, whatthe local people, businessmen, students, lawenforcement officers and residents experi-enced on a daily basis,” said Davies. Thisunique approach to film making enabledDavies to project his work to internationalaudiences, with a positive reception.

Davis took his work on the film circuit

throughout the United States, Latin AmericaEurope, and was even screened at the Libraryof Congress in the nation’s capital. He hascompeted in various international film festi-vals, received high praise and awards for hiswork. He was awarded Best Film at thePuerto Vallarta International Film Festival.The Arizona Daily Star also selected Davis asMan of the Year in 2010. “After screeningthe film all over the world I decided to putthe movie up on the web atwww.389miles.com for everyone to see freeof charge,” said Davis. “What is interesting isthat the film has been watched on the web in40 different countries,” said Davis.

Along with his career Davis tries togive back to his community. “I try to mentorstudents at NUSD with their senior projectsevery year and try to attend as many local ca-reer fairs as I can,” said Davis about his com-munity service.

Currently Davis is working on newfilm projects. “My new project centersaround organized crime and the drug tradethat has affected the border region,” saidDavis. “I interviewed people who where kid-napped, tortured, corrupt law enforcementofficers for two weeks that was an extremelyintense experience,” said Davis. “Based onthese interviews I developed a script that Ifilmed with actors giving it a unique look andfeel; it is somewhere between fiction and doc-umentary,” said Davis. “One of the reasons Idecided to go through actors and a script wasthe subject matter was a highly dangerous tomyself or anyone involved,” said Davis. “Thefilm is near completion and I should bescreening the film in the near future,” saidDavis. The new film will be a departure foraudiences familiar with his previous film,

which was filmed as a documentary. Davies continues to evolve his talent

and is looking to branch out into differentareas when it comes to his bright future. “I’mgoing through a transition from documen-taries to fiction narratives to start,” said Davis.“As I evolve and delve into new and excitingareas I want to stay true to what I believe ismy stage, which is the international regionsof Arizona and Sonora,” said Davis. “I havemany stories to tell about the area, and planto make many successful films through outmy career,” said Davis.

Along with the all the projects, Davisis also working on his first children’s book,which he has completed writing and is in theprocess of illustration. “This is my first bookand I plan to write two more,” said Davis.“The topic of this book is overcoming yourfears, I relate immensely to the main charac-ter in the book, it was the same fears I learntto overcome as a child, and my hope is to in-spire youth to overcome,” said Davis.

Davis is an inspiration to all not onlyin Southern Arizona, but thoughout theworld. He serves as a reminder that persist-ence, hard work and dedication results in suc-cess. It is not where you are; it’s who you are;that determines how much you can accom-plish. Santa Cruz County has lacked the lead-ership and talent to put itself on the map forreasons other than negative accomplish-ments, but a glimmer of hope sparkles with anew generation of driven minds.

For more information about LuisCarlos Davis, please visit www.fenceproduc-tions.net or www.389miles.com

SPOTLIGHT ON SCC

www.carondelet.org

(520) 285-30001171 W. Target Range Rd. Nogales, Arizona 85621

Best wishes for a happy new year filled with health, happiness, and spectacular success!

Committed to youand our community

Besfia

• 24-hour Emergency Services

• Birthing Services

• Diagnostic Imaging Services

• Laboratory

• Cardiopulmonary Services

• Surgical Services

• Women’s Services

• GI Lab

• Rehabilitation services


Luis Carlos Davis

TALENTED LOCALFILM DIRECTOR,LUIS CARLOS DAVIS

Chicanos Por La Causa made dreams come true for 5 families who re-ceived keys to their new homes. Their dreams where made possible by Chi-canos Por La Causa and the USDA Mutual Self Help Program. The familieshave been working hard to build their homes since May 2012.


CHICANOS HOSTTURN KEY EVENT

The Fresh Fest event continues through out Santa Cruz County. The event is acollaboration between NCD (See Pg. 6) and various agencies and organizations.


FRESH FEST EVENTCONTINUES IN SCC

Best Industry Professionals

(520) 281-2387 / 1780 N Mastick Way Suite F / Nogales, AZ 85621-1013 www.lawyerstitlearizona.com / [email protected]

The City of Nogales Mayor’sOffice hosted its Annual Thanksgiv-ing Meals drive on November 19,2012. In conjunction with localschools, the Mayor’s Office was ableto identify in-need and low-incomefamilies to receive the Thanksgivingmeals.

“We are very fortunate andgrateful to the Villa’s Family for their

donations and support” said City ofNogales Mayor Arturo Garino.

The holiday package includedall the necessary items to have a fullThanksgiving dinner, includingturkeys, stuffing, potatoes and veg-etables.

Derek Arnson new NogalesChief of Police, the Mayor, and com-munity volunteers helped distributethe donations.

CONTRIBUTED

CITY OF NOGALES:THANKSGIVINGMEALS FOR NEEDY


The Nogales Lions Club withthe aid oforganizations such as Wal-mart, McDonalds, the Nogales FireFirefighters, Payless Shoe Store, theNogales Community Food Bank, theGreen Valley Lions, the La CanoaLions Club, Horne Ford and manyothers held its Annual Holiday Projecton Sunday, December 2, 2012 to bringthe spirit of the holidays to around 100local children in need.The project,now in its 39th year, began at 7 a.m.with children and volunteers shoppingfor clothing worth more the $100 perchild at the Nogales Walmart Super-center and received new shoes from thePayless Shoe Store. The club then tookevery child to breakfast, which was pro-vided by the local McDonald’s, courtesyof owner LeAnn Richards.The chil-dren were also provided with toys andholiday food baskets, worth around$100, loaded with provisions that in-

cluded turkeys, provided by the No-gales Community Food Bank.

The Nogales Lions Club whohas sponsored the project said that thesupport has grown over the years andthe donations have increased steadily.“We have gotten tremendous support,especially from the Lions Clubs fromGreen Valley and La Canoa,” saidManuel Montano, project chairperson.“The project has grown and continuesto grow, many of our own memberscontribute about $250 to the projectand I am extremely grateful to ArthurEspinoza who has grown the food as-pect of our project immensely,” saidNogales Lions Club, David RamirezMatus.The children are selected bythe Nogales Unified School Districtand cross-referenced by the club to en-sure that the children who are chosenare in need of the help.For more infor-mation about the Nogales Lions Club,please call (520) 313-6113. [email protected]


LOCAL LIONS CLUBHELPS KIDS IN NEEDDURING HOLIDAYS

Christmas is the Superbowl for kids. We grown-upkids get to reconnect with the people that occupy those spe-cial places in our lives. Even if it's only figuring out whatsize they wear. Husbands try to make up for 364 days ofinattentiveness with an extra- special gift... and kids struggleto suck it up and toe the line, hoping to increase the oddsthat Santa will make a strong showing. But it's the kids thatI really want to talk about... and being a dentist, of course…I'll segue to teeth.

Recent research diminishes the role played by mouthbacteria as the MAIN cause of cavities. Years ago the term“dropping acid” was slang for certain psychedelic drug use.Some folks did some mighty unusual things while “underthe influence” But we ( all of us).. “drop acid” ..every timewe eat. Whenever we eat or drink anything , our bodychemistry make our mouth ACIDIC for about 30 minutes .For the most part , bugs living in our mouth are pretty mel-low fellows. But, when mouth acid increases, these nor-mally peaceful bugs…go nuts…and START EATINGENAMEL. So by doing something as innocent as munch-ing peanuts or sipping a cola throughout the day, we’re pro-ducing a devastating, relentless attack on tooth enamel! It’sthe FREQUENCY of eating… combined with SUGAR…that creates THE PERFECT STORM to destroy ourteeth. After a century of dentists, badgering us to “ brushmore often” …THE TRICK IS TO NEUTRALIZETHE ACID PRODUCED BY EATING...AND USE AHEALTHY SUGAR SUCH AS XYLITOL.

Children under 3 years present special problems: wedon’t want to use toothpaste containing fluoride and otherchemicals… because they wind up eating most of it. Andthat can be toxic for an immature immune system. A dentalcompany has recently developed a product designed for thelittle ones called …CARI FREE. It's an ALKALINETOOTHPASTE containing XYLITOL ... a natural sugarthat essentially kills cavity forming bacteria. Studies haveproven that the acid neutralizing effects of the ALKALINEcomponent…plus the XYLITOL is a double whammy oncavities. Plus if the little ones eat this stuff it won't affecttheir blood sugar levels, and isn't toxic! For more informa-tion go to… www.carifree.com …or call our office (761-1600). We can help. Other items that can help preventdecay are Xylitol-based chewing gums. Chewing a fewpieces throughout the day after meals, has also been shownto greatly reduce tooth decay as well as stimulate saliva flowwhich can be a help to older folks.

Mothers often ask me that question: ”Are baby teethimportant…after all they're going to fall out anyway?” Yes,they will fall out…but only when permanent tooth is natu-rally ready to replace them. They shouldn't be allowed toROT OUT! Premature loss of these baby teeth can affectfacial growth and create orthodontic problems along with ahost of other complications. And just so we Older Kidswon't feel left out…there’s a CariFree for adults too. Manyprescription medications cause dry mouth. This loss ofsaliva leaves our teeth without saliva's protective coating. Soin some older folks, rampant tooth decay can be as much ormore of a problem than it is in children. While there aren'tany long term studies on this product, I like the logic be-hind this simple approach to putting a damper on toothdecay.

This year has flown by …can’t believe it’s Christmasalready…hope Santa empties the sled at your place. As forme, I’m desperately looking hard for the perfect redemptivegift. Merry Christmas from the gang at Sunshine DentistryAZ.

Stay well...Dr. Bill Ardito - Sunshine Dentistry AZ

DON’T MAKECHRISTMAS AN

ACID TRIP

Carondelet Holy Cross Hos-pital’s (CHCH) Swing bed programis an acute care bed that can be“swung” to provide post acute hos-pital stay skilled care. “These pa-tients are not ready to go home,they come out of the acute phaseand they come into the programand see them for as long as it takes,”said Dale Goebel, Physical Thera-pist for CHCH. “We get themstronger and able to be safe and in-dependent so they are ready to gohome,” said Goebel.

The program providesrestorative rehabilitative care and 24hour skilled nursing services. Thesepatients are no longer in need of fullhospital care but require rehabilita-tion or constant nursing support.The services the program includesare IV antibiotics, complex woundcare, physical therapy, occupationaltherapy and speech therapy. “I’vebeen here myself, I was in an acci-dent and had to go through thisprocess, so I’m very excited thatCHCH has these services availableto its patients,” said Goebel. “Andthe response is overwhelming, theypatients are delighted with the pro-gram,” said Goebel.

The program is located atCHCH which offers locals the op-tion of receiving the care within thecommunity. “Patients, family andfriends don’t have to travel long dis-tances to receive care which is anadded benefit,” said Goebel. Theprogram has a 24-hour physicianand nurses available.

Doctor Rehan IftikharGI and Medical Surgery has

undergone exciting changes atCHCH over the past year, they

have a new Nurse Manager, Cather-ine Fairbanks who has extensive ex-perience and has been leading thenew administration towards the fu-ture. The department also under-went remarkable renovations thatredesigned and expanded the oper-ating rooms and the sterile process-ing department. The entiredepartment was updated to meet thenewest and highest standards of themedical field.

The department also addednew surgical video equipment, al-lowing for multiple working operat-ing rooms that increase theefficiency of procedures. “Thisvideo equipment is some of the bestI’ve seen in any hospital,” said Fair-banks. “We can accommodate up to18 gastrointestinal patients and haveas many as 15 scheduled surgerieswith up to 3 emergencies,” saidFairbanks. CHCH averages about3-4 surgeries on a daily basis. Someof the procedures handled atCHCH are c-sections, urology, kid-ney stones, hernia repairs, biopsies,colonoscopies, upper and lower ex-aminations.

The department also boaststhree of the best physicians in thearea, which include Doctor RehanIftikhar who has been with CHCHsince 2008 and has been practicingin Nogales since 2009. Iftikhar grad-uated from medical school in 1994in Pakistan before coming to theUnited States. Iftikhar first practicedin New York at the St. Jude’s Hospi-tal. “Master of Medicine and Masterof Science which is equivalent to theMedical Degree in the U.S., which Ihad to complete all equivalentexams to practice in the U.S.,” saidIftikhar. “Then I had to complete athree year official residency trainingand an additional four your training

for GI services,” said Iftikhar. Iftikhar came to the area in

2008 and soon after began workingwith the Carondelet Network, andin early 2009 began practicing inNogales. “I consult with patientsabout the various aspects of gas-troenterology conditions, diseasesand also pertaining to liver ill-nesses,” said Iftikhar. “We then con-duct all the procedures at CHCH,and take care of all their GI issueslocally,” said Iftikhar. “There is aneed for GI Physicians locally, so weoffer it locally so that patients wonthave to commute large distances,”said Iftikhar. “We have become in-creasingly busy, which is due to thelocal demand and the hospital hasinvested to expand and meet this de-mand,” said Iftikhar.

“The response from the pa-tients is very pleasant, they really ap-preciate the fact that we have theseservices available locally,” saidIftikhar. “This really helps us be-cause they are exceptionally courte-ous,” said Iftikhar. “The hospitalalso shows how much they care be-cause they make sure that we havewhat we need in order to do ourwork the best we can, which trans-lates to the patients,” said Iftikhar.“They are very proactive and this iswhy we love working with CHCHand we continue to work here,” saidIftikhar. “Area patients are particu-larly family oriented which makes itimportant to offer these serviceshere,” said Iftikhar. “And CHCHdoes everything they can for its pa-tients and for its staff,” said Iftikhar.

For more information aboutCarondelet Holy Cross Hospital,please visit 1171 West Target RangeRoad, Nogales, AZ call (520) 285-3000 or visit online at www.caron-delet.org



XXXXXXX

BY DR. BILL ARDITO

NEW PROGRAMS AT CHCHFOCUSES ON PATIENTS

1Nogales Unified SchoolNogales Unified School

• High Expectations• Accountability • No Excuses •

www.nusd.k12.az.us

Mariposa’s radiology department in Nogales is akey element in the Health Center’s “one stop shop-ping” model of care. Not only can Mariposa patientssee their primary care provider and get needed labwork and prescriptions filled, they can get x-rays at thesame time, along with the convenience of schedulingand getting a mammogram or an ultrasound in thesame department.

In 2010, the department was upgraded with theinstallation of digital x-ray and mammography sys-tems, which allow for enhanced diagnosis and higherquality images. Radiology Department SupervisorDebra Santa Cruz said that “In addition to digitalscreening and diagnostic mammography, MCHC per-forms X-rays from head to toe. With the digital tech-nology, we are able to increase the efficiency of ourscreenings. It’s basically like taking a digital photo andwithin seconds, we are able to check the results anddeliver the images electronically to our consulting ra-diologist at Adobe Imaging in Tucson for reading”.

To make ultrasound available on campus, Mari-posa leases space to Rapid Sound, an imaging com-pany in Tucson. Rapid Sound provides ultrasoundservices on a daily basis.

MCHC averages 30 patients a day in X-ray and10 patients a day in mammography. “We have had anincrease in patients over the years of about 60%,” saidSanta Cruz. “X-rays are available on an as neededbasis, but mammography and ultrasound is by ap-pointment,” said Santa Cruz. “For x-rays and ultra-sound, we see anyone from pediatrics all the way togeriatrics,” said Santa Cruz. “In mammography, ourphysicians refer women over 40 years of age forscreening, unless there is a strong medical history ofbreast cancer in the family, in which case we start at35”.

The Radiology Department at MCHC has astaff of four, which includes two radiology technicians,an ultrasound technician from Rapid Sound and oneassistant. Debra Santa Cruz is the Radiology supervi-sor and performs mammography and X-rays. JosephRomagno performs X-rays, and Catina Valenzuela as-sists with the required administrative work in the de-partment. The department also has an on-callradiology technician, Moria Larkin.

“Recently we also made some badly needed up-

grades to the office space in the department,” saidSanta Cruz. “We have new flooring, cabinets anddesks which enable us to improve the work flow, andin the long run provide better care for our patients.”

“We run weekly checks on our equipment toensure we are meeting the highest quality standardsfor our patients,” said Santa Cruz. The Radiology De-partment is inspected by the State of Arizona on anannual basis. Additionally, mammography is certifiedby the American College of Radiology. Debbie Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a native of New Mexico butmoved to Southern Arizona where she finished herhigh school education. After high school, Santa Cruzattended Pima Medical Institute and received a degreein radiology. Not long after graduation she applied toMCHC and was hired almost 10 years ago. After threeyears, Santa Cruz left MCHC to continue her educa-tion but returned and has been with the clinic eversince. “MCHC is a great community based clinic andwe have wonderful relationships with our patients,”said Santa Cruz.

Joe RomagnoJoseph Romagno is the X-ray technician for

MCHC and has been with the clinic for the past threeyears. Romagno received his education at BellevueHospital located in Manhattan, New York. Romagnomoved to Southern Arizona in 1994 and stayed in thearea until 1999, when he decided to leave for a periodof four years to further his education in Radiology. Hereturned to the area in 2003, and has been active eversince. “Since my return I have worked in mobile X-ray, vascular X-ray and have worked in several differ-ent hospitals,” said Romagno. “I became aware of theposition at MCHC and applied. I was contactedquickly and have been here ever since. MCHC is agreat place to work. We know our patients and thestaff are super. We feel truly appreciated by our pa-tients, as well as Mariposa itself.”

The Department is open on Monday, Wednes-day through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 and Tuesdaysfrom 9:00 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. For more information,please visit 1852 N. Mastick Way Nogales, AZ., orcall: (520) 281-1550 or visit online at www.mari-posachc.net


MCHC RADIOLOGYDEPT.IS GREAT ‘ADDED VALUE’

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOSMariposa’s radiology department.

Santa Cruz County One-Stop Director Patricia Wallace

WIA DIRECTORMOVES ON

PHOTO | DAVID RAMIREZ MATUS

The Santa Cruz County (SCC)One-Stop Career Centers (OSCC) saidgoodbye to its Director, Patricia Wallace,in November of 2012. Wallace was offereda position as the assistant director of theMaricopa County One-Stop Career Cen-ter. Wallace has served as the local Direc-tor for the past five years instituting manynew and innovative programs. “I am sadto be leaving SCC, it was an opportunitythat I couldn’t refuse and a great opportu-nity for growth,” said Wallace.

One of the difficulties that Wallacehad to overcome was the unenthusiasticimage that the department had receivedbecause of its prior reputation. “This wasvery important for us, so that people reallyunderstood what the program was aboutand what it had to offer,” said Wallace.Wallace instituted a reorganization of theprogram and a new board of directors wasrecruited. “We had over an 80% turnoveron our board but we overcame and aremuch stronger now,” said Wallace.

Another struggle Wallace tackledwas the perception that SCC has little orno employment opportunities. “This iscompletely untrue, on a daily basis we haveover 100 job listings,” said Wallace.

For her achievements as Director,Wallace pointed to many. “We assembledan effective team, that took considerablelabor to find the right people for the rightposition for them to do great work,” saidWallace. “We also have been promotingthe program heavily, so the communitycan understand what we are really aboutand what essential tools the one-stop of-fers,” said Wallace. “We provide manyservices for residents but also to the busi-ness community,” said Wallace.

“I am very passionate about mywork, the program has been very near anddear to my heart,” said Wallace. “Helpingpeople and serving the public is not easybut you work hard, you keep at it and wedo what you can,” said Wallace. “Wewanted people to feel welcome at the cen-ter and that there is hope,” added Wallace.“We wanted people to feel like we ex-ceeded their expectations,” concludedWallace.

Over the past five years Wallace im-plemented various programs and expandedits services to individuals and businesses.

For more information about theSCC One-Stop Career Center please visit610 North Morley Avenue, Nogales, AZ.,Call (520) 375-7670 or visit online atwww.santacruzonestop.org


WALLACEREFLECTS ON

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The City of Nogales,along with various

agencies, celebratedthe 130 year comple-tion of railroad in No-gales linking the U.S.and Mexico and itshuge impact on thearea and in the U.S.

CITY OF NOGALESHONORS

RAILROADHISTORY

The South Eastern Arizona Gov-ernments Organization (SEAGO) incollaboration with private and public or-ganizations held its first Nogales Inter-national Trade Summit. The event wasan effort to boost economic develop-ment and creating a central point ofcontact in Santa Cruz County (SCC).The area like the rest of the country hasbeen devastated by the state of the econ-omy and the event focused on pointingout its strengths and weaknesses.

“Job creation is one of my mainfocuses and one of the ways we will dothis is one by hosting this annual eventand define ourselves as a community,”said Rudy “Bugs” Molera, SCC Supervi-sor. “Critical to the success are collabo-

rates which include the City of Nogalesand many local critical agencies that arevital to economic development,” saidMolera. We are the supply chain capitalof the nation, because of the amount ofproducts coming in and out of our ports,and we should be developing ways oftaking advantage of this,” said Molera.“We need the local governments to de-velop packages that include protocolsand procedures for development that in-clude the benefits SCC will offer alongwith actively seeking and promotingeconomic growth,” said Molera.

The event was hosted at theAmericana Hotel in Downtown No-gales on Nov. 9, 2012.

For more information, email [email protected].


INTERNATIONALTRADE SUMMIT

Jaime A. Molera is a founding partner of theMolera Alvarez, LLC. He was also Superintend-ent of Public Instruction. In 2007, Gov. JanetNapolitano appointed him to the State Board ofEducation and he is currently the president of theboard. The Hispanic Business Magazine has hon-ored him as one of the top 100 Hispanic Leadersin the United States.

NHS HALL OF FAME EVENT

Jaime A. MoleraSuzanne “Suzie” Sainz is currently the Santa CruzCounty Recorder and has been a public servantand political o5cial in the community for the last32 years. Suzie remains active in numerous civicorganizations and serves on the board of the No-gales Woman’s Club, Pimeria Alta Historical Soci-ety and many more.

Suzanne “Suzie” Sainz Emilio G. VelasquezDavid Paredes is a multiple Emmy Award winnerand nominee, receiving the Edward R. MurrowAward and the Peabody Award in 2012 He pro-duced an investigative series called “Toxic Se-crets.” He is currently employed as aninvestigative producer for NBC News in SanFrancisco.

David Paredes

Jose Martin Medina is the Commercial SalesManager for Robinson’s True Value. He also vol-unteers to local community and youth organiza-tions and has received awards for his communityservice from the Arizona Governor’s O5ce,South Eastern Arizona Behavioral Health Serv-ices and many more.

Jose Martin MedinaGregory F. Kory graduated from Santa Clara in1975 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Ad-ministration. He joined R.H. Macy and com-pleted their management-training programbefore returning to Nogales to join the familybusiness. The family business has always placed ahigh priority on being good employers, neigh-bors, and contributors to the community.

Gregory F. KoryRenee Ba6ert Guevara taught at NUSD as ahomebound teacher for students who were un-able to attend classes on campus. She went on toteach in a Title One reading program at LourdesCatholic Schools and then transferred back to thepublic school system. She was named Teacher ofthe Year in 2010. She now serves as school boardpresident of Lourdes Catholic.

Renee Ba6ert GuevaraAlvaro Mow Felix, Jr. was a second lieutenant inthe U.S. Marine Corps. He later moved to Cali-fornia where he taught in San Diego, retiring as acounselor at University City High School. Hecoached football and track-and-field.

Alvaro Moe Felix, Jr.

Vanessa Rothstein was named Teacher of the Yearfor Coronado Elementary for the 1998-1999school year and also garnered the Wal-MartTeacher of the Year award. In the 2005-2006school year, she was selected for Teacher of theYear for Bracker Elementary. She is currently thePrincipal of Sacred Heart Catholic School. Page 9related story.

Vanessa RothsteinGeorge E. Silva is currently the Santa CruzCounty Attorney and has been in o5ce since2004. Silva is an advocate for youth and is veryactive in the community with his “You Have thePower” campaign which empowers our youth andteaches that they have the power to make goodchoices.

George E. Silva Col. Robert D. Anderson headed the Air Force Jr.ROTC program at NHS starting in 1997. Duringhis tenure at NHS, he received numerous acco-lades including Teacher of the Year in 2002 andthe Jackie Scott Ambassador of ExcellenceAward that same year. He continued to work withaerospace education activities throughout south-ern Arizona and with the SCC CompositeSquadron of Civil Air Patrol up until his passing.

Col. Robert D. Anderson

Emilio G. Velasquez is currently the Chief DeputyRecorder for SCC where he has been since 2009.His leadership and entrepreneurial abilities werehoned by his career working with numerous psychi-atric hospitals throughout the Western UnitedStates. He is an active member of the community& sits on the board of directors for United Villageand chairing the SCC Relay for Life team.

The Hall of Fame also featured the celebrated play about the life and times ofArizona Governor Raul H. Castro.

LIFE & TIMES OFRAUL H. CASTRO

PHOTOS DAVID RAMIREZ MATUSThe ceremony for the 2012 Hall of Fame was held at the Nogales High School.

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ne


The Mexican Consulate awarded San Cruz County Attorney George Silva forhis contributions to the local community.


The “Angel de la Independencia”award is a yearly honor bestowed to indi-viduals who have contributed vastly to theadvancement and advocacy of the localMexican Culture and the objectives of theMexican Consulate. The Mexican ConsulGeneral Jamie Paz y Puente selects theindividuals who have become angels tothe Mexican Community. This year’s re-

cipient was Santa Cruz County AttorneyGeorge Silva.

The Mexican Consulate held aspecial event to honor this year’s recipi-ent, which was attended by various lawenforcement agencies from the interna-tional communities. Paz y Puente person-ally acknowledged the agencies for theircollaboration and continued support ofthe objectives and goals of the MexicanConsulate.

CONTRIBUTED

“ANGEL DE LAINDEPENDANCIA”AWARDED BYCONSULATE

Manuel and Sofia Castro fromNogales, Arizona for almost 30 yearshave had the breathtaking hobby of col-lecting Nativity and Christmas col-lectibles, which year after year in theholiday season they transform their home

into a true work of art and showcase tothe public.

Mr. and Mrs. Castro invite thecommunity of Santa Cruz County tocome and visit their home and admirethis spectacular scene.

The Castro’s house is located at331 N. Calle Soto in Nogales, Arizona.

CONTRIBUTED

XMAS SPECTACULARFEATURES NATIVITY

The Mexican Consulate in No-gales, Arizona, presented an exhibition ofIllustrations and information about“Cerro de Trincheras” located northwestof the State of Sonora. The expositionfeatured a guided tour of the Sonoran re-gion through 22 images and informationpanels. The exhibition was named "Ajourney through the history of Trenches:from the first settlers to heritage protec-tion.” The event took place the Novem-

ber 29th at the “Salón Bicentenario” ofthe Mexican Consulate in Nogales, Ari-zona.

The National Institute of Anthro-pology and History (INAH) in Sonorabrought the display to the ConsulateGeneral, to show Sonoran’s culturalroots, such as cave painting, ceramic de-velopment, and the importance of thisMexican cultural heritage place.

“Cerro de Trincheras” is the firstarchaeological regional center open tothe public in Sonora, Mexico.

CONTRIBUTED

PHOTOGRAPHY EXPO“CERRO TRINCHERAS”

CITY OF NOGALES

MAYOR/ARTURO R. GARINO

WWW.NOGALES.GOV777 N. GRAND AVE. NOGALES, ARIZONA

(520) 287-6571

A World ofGood Wishes.

One of the real joys this holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you and wish you the very best for the new year

CouncilwomanEsther

Melendez-Lopez

Vice MayorOlga R.Valdez

CouncilmanJose

“Joe” Diaz

In memory ofCouncilman

RamonFelix

CouncilmanCesar N.Parada

CouncilmanNubar

Henessian

ALES

MAYOR/ARTURO R. GARINO

GOVS, ARIZONA

In memory ofCouncilman

RamonFelix

lmanN.

ada

CouncilmanNubar

Henessian

PHOTOS | DAVID RAMIREZ MATUSThe City of Nogales Christmas Light Parade was a huge success, local HistorianAxel C.F. Holm was the Grand Marshall.

CITY OF NOGALESXMAS LIGHT PARADE

GIRL SCOUTS FUNDRAISE AT PARADE

The Girls Scouts of Santa Cruz County sold various food items to raise fundsfor their continued e6orts at the Christmas Light Parade.

The Career Resource CenterJob seekers have access to work stations and office equipment as well as:

• Internet access and e-mail accounts• Labor market information• Job leads and job banks• Disability employment services• Veterans services• On-line job matching• Workshops to include:

- Resume writing- Interview skills- Employability skills- Career exploration- Adult education classes

There are no eligibility requirements for any of the above listed services.Intensive and Training ServicesJob seekers who need additional assistance or skill training may be eligible for the following services provided by the One-Stop Career Center:

• Vocational and educational assessment• Case management• Individual employment and career plans• Job search and placement assistance• Training provider information• Financial aid information and budgeting• Financial assistance• Training plans and course schedules

Youth ServicesThe One-Stop Career Center provides special services to help young people make a successful transition into the workforce including:

• Workshops on resume preparation, employability skills, and interviewing tips• Job matching• Vocational assessment career planning• Summer work experience• Summer educational programs• After School work experience

Services for employers include but are not limited to:• Labor market information on wage/salary, employment, occupation, education and training projects.• Annual workforce projections data to identify future occupational needs.• Job fairs, recruiting events and other opportunities to meet and network with employers who are hiring.• Applicants who are pre-screened for job orders received to match your job requirements.• Job training contracts to offset wages during training for both new hires and existing employees.• Information an tax credit assistance such as Work Opportunity Tax Credit program, the Federal Empowerment Zone program and the State Enterprise Zone program.• Customized training for business that need to improve skills for current employees as well as business that need new training programs to address workforce skills gaps.• Transition services to assist employers and employees in the event of a layoff or facility closure to minimize the negative impact on employees and the community.• Youth programs that target assistance to support the hiring of youth with minimal work experience who have shown initiative and desire to be in the workplace. Services include after school, summer and year-round employment opportunities and internships’.• Targeted business outreach in the fields of sustainable energy/conservation, construction, health care, aerospace-defense, logistics and supply chain management.

To learn more about Services for Job Seekers & Employers contact Santa Cruz County One-Stop Career Center610 N. Morley AvenueHours of operation 8:00 to 5:00 pm(520) 375-7670

www.santacruzonestop.org

ONE STOP CAREER CENTERS

Job SeekersEmployers&

Services for

SERVICES FOR JOB SEEKERS

SERVICES FOR EMPLOYERS

ice oplopl akeices to help

information job banks

ployment servicesicesatchinginclude:

writingskills

ity skillslorationation classes

The Santa Cruz County One-Stop Career Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Derek Arnson, the new City of Nogales Chief of PoliceCONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The City of Nogales is recently an-nounced that Derek Arnson has beenhired and sworn in as the new Chief ofPolice. Chief Arnson will began work im-mediately. “I am thrilled to be a part ofthe City of Nogales team,” stated ChiefArnson. “I look forward to having a posi-tive impact on the community and itsmany residents and businesses as we pro-mote safety in Nogales.” Chief Arnson,who is bilingual in Spanish and English,comes to Nogales with an extensiveamount of experience and leadership inArizona law enforcement. He has servedas Chief of Police for the Gila River In-dian Community and has held other lead-ership roles in the Arizona Department ofPublic Safety, which included two years inthe Governor’s Protection Detail. ChiefArnson possesses a Bachelors Degree inCriminal Justice and a minor in Spanishfrom Northern Arizona University, a

Masters Degree in Education, and willsoon complete a second Masters Degreein Security Studies from the UnitedStates Naval Post Graduate School inMonterrey, California. “Chief Arnson willbe an excellent asset to the City’s seniorleadership team,” stated City ManagerShane Dille. “I look forward to workingwith Chief Arnson and the rest of the No-gales Police Department staff as we workto keep Nogales a great place to live,work, and play.” City Magistrate MayraGalindo swore Chief Arnson into office ata ceremony at the Nogales City Councilchambers on November 5, 2012. NogalesMayor Garino accompanied Chief Arn-son, members of the Nogales City Coun-cil, Nogales Police Department commandstaff, City Manager Shane Dille, othercity staff, and personal friends and family.

For more information please visit777 N. Grand Avenue Nogales, AZ., Call(520) 287-6571 or visit online at www.no-galesaz.gov

CONTRIBUTED

DEREK ARNSONNEW POLICE CHIEF

People with disabilities of all agesfrom the international communities com-peted in this year in 3rd Annual SpecialOlympic games at the Pierson VocationalHigh School field. The event was organ-ized in part by “Nogales Infantil.” Theevent had an attendance of over 200 par-ticipants of all ages.

“We had participation from allover the county including Mexico, we areexcited to have hosted the event for thethird year and are confident that we cancontinue to bring this type of event to thecommunity,” said Gloria Smith, NogalesInfantil/Organizer. “This type of activities

are extremely important for the commu-nity, they give participants a sense ofbeing and community,” said Smith.


OLYMPIC GAMESFOR DISABLED

Roberto Crespo Fitch foundedRCF Produce in 1996, with the de-sire to import Mexican fruits and veg-etables to the United States.Agriculture was a family affair thatbegan with Crespo’s father who wasalso in the business but solely dealt inMexico. In 1986 Crespo began im-porting small amounts of produce tothe Nogales, AZ., area. “We startedwith chile products, this was the fam-ily business for generations until myfather had the vision to import intothe United States,” said Maria de laLuz Crespo, current RCF ProducePresident. “My family is originallyfrom Rosario, Sinaloa and from hiseleven sibling he was the only onethat followed in my grandfathersfootsteps,” said Crespo.

In 1992 the company began toexpand its distribution to includetomato and mango. “My fathers drivearose from his desire to succeed, ex-plore different markets and providehigh quality projects,” said Crespo.This desire to succeed led to Robertoofficially founding RCF Produce in1996, which is rightly named afterhim. Being a family businessRoberto’s two sons and daughter be-came involved. “I began coming toNogales in 1996, I was a college stu-dent at the time but we opened up asmall office here and soon after in2000 we opened an office in McAllen,Texas,” said Crespo.

With the company’s growth,due to its high quality product ex-panded its distribution farther intothe United States and into interna-tional markets. The company alsosaw the establishment of its own la-bels such as R.C.F., Crespos, Golden

Angel and Rossin. In 2007 the com-pany suffered the passing of its found-ing member, Roberto Crespo Fitch.“We were all devastated by his pass-ing, my siblings and I had an im-mense learning curve to overcome,with trials and tribulations but wehave held fast and we have prevailed,”said Crespo. “We owe everything tohim and the reputation that he built,”said Crespo.

“Produce is a tough businessespecially with the hardships we hadto endure but we love it,” said Cre-spo. Crespo earned a degree in busi-ness administration from theMonterrey Institute of Technologyand Higher Education in 2001, whichfacilitated the rapid learning andgrowth of the family business.

Today RCF receives productsfrom Sinaloa, Oaxaca, Chiapas,Puebla, Jalisco and Nayarit, Mexico.The produce includes chili peppers,mangos, limes, tomatoes, pineapples,squash, avocado and onions. Thecompany to this day is still family runand operated business with Crespo asacting president and her brothersworking in all aspects of the opera-tion. The company is a year roundbusiness operating from two loca-tions, which are Nogales, AZ., andMcAllen, TX. “We are currently im-porting approximately 800 semi-trucks of products a year,” saidCrespo.

For more information, pleasevisit 12 E. Calle Cristina, Rio Rico,AZ or call (520) 281-0203 Fax (520)281-9670 or visit online at www.rcf-produce.com


WOMEN LEADERS IN THECOMMUNITY RCF PRODUCE FOUNDED ON DESIRE

TO IMPORT QUALITY PRODUTS

Maria de la Luz Crespo, RCF Produce PresidentPHOTOS | EDGARDO MUNOZ

(520) 223-8010 or 223-8030118 W. Ellis St. Suite 5 • Nogales, [email protected]

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A new seed has been planted herein Santa Cruz County. A seed of inno-vation, healthy living, and environmen-tal consciousness, and when this seedgrows it has the potential to bring withit hundreds of jobs and a boost to thelocal economy. This seed I'm talkingabout is the new, 100% organic Whole-sum Harvest green house farming facil-ity in Amado, and the Crisantes familyis responsible for planting it.

Decades of tradition combinedwith modern innovation and a strongfamily bond form the foundation of theCrisantes family and their business.Their story begins over eight decadesago when a young boy, MiguelCrisantes Galzionis, migrated to Mex-ico from Europe. Miguel started thefamily tradition of farming. His sonTheojary Sr., and grandsons Ricardo,Theojary Jr., and Adrian now carry onthe tradition, implementing new, safeand innovative methods of farming thathave helped to bring them continuedsuccess.

“No sensible decision can bemade any longer without taking into ac-count not only the world as it is, but theworld as it will be,” Theojary Sr. said,quoting famed science fiction writerIsaac Asimov in his speech during theribbon cutting ceremony on SaturdayNovember 10th. This was in referenceto the long term benefits that organicfarming has not only on our health buton the environment as well. Using topengineers from Holland, WholesumHarvest designed their new greenhouses with that in mind.

The facility is situated on a largeplot of land just off I-19 at Arivaca Exit48. According to Ricardo Crisantes,who is the General Manager of Whole-sum Family Farms, they chose the loca-tion based on a number of factors; themoderate weather, its proximity to amajor produce hub, and the availabilityof water. Since the property lies at thebase of a mountain, run off can be col-lected and recycled, ensuring that the

plants receive the clean water they needto flourish. By harnessing the tools pro-vided to them by mother nature, theCrisantes family and the facility's staffcan efficiently and effectively grow andharvest healthy, organic foods in a waythat has minimal impact on the envi-ronment.

The farm in Amado is just one ofthe four that the Crisantes family ownsand operates, but it is the first that theyhave built in the United States, and intime they intend to continue their ex-pansion. As Ricardo put it, they are justbeginning the first phase of the opera-tion during which they will grow onlytomatoes and on just 12 acres of land.For now they plan to keep things simplein order to properly train new employ-ees and 'lay down roots,' so to speak.

Phase one may consist of only 12acres, but so far Wholesum Harvest hasprovided over 80 jobs for locals and thatnumber will continue to climb as thingsmove forward. “We plan to keep invest-ing in this community,” Ricardo toldBorder Eco. “Our plan is to have a totalof 60 acres that will create 300+ jobs.”The importance of achieving that goalis magnified by the fact that Santa CruzCounty has the highest rate of unem-ployment in the state and has reliedgreatly on seasonal employment forgenerations.

But providing year round em-ployment for locals isn't the only thingthat Wholesum Harvest has done toconnect with the community. Theyhave also made contact with localschools and the U of A in hopes to col-laborate with their agricultural depart-ments in the future when possible.

“We hope to be a positive forcein the area,” says Ricardo, but the fullimpact the new facility will have onSanta Cruz County, its economy, and itscitizens is yet to be seen. With time anda lot of hard work the seed that theCrisantes family has planted in ourcommunity will stem up from theground, and bear fruit. A result thathopefully will be a benefit to all.

(Editor’s Note: Wright is a free-lance writer for Border Media, LLC.)

PHOTOS | JOSEPH WRIGHT

BY JOSEPH WRIGHT

NEW SEED HAS BEENPLANTED IN SANTA CRUZ

Santa Cruz County Sheriff OfficeTony Estrada Law Enforcement Center

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office built a new 300+ bed facility. The total number of staff is being increased considerably and there are a great deal of opportunity for advancement. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office maintains open recruitment for Detention Officers.Detention officers are responsible for the care, custody and control of adult male and female inmates. Detention Officers work five (5) eight (8) hours shifts. The shift schedules are as follows:

Day Shift......................0600-1400Swing Shift..................1400-2200 (+ .25 per hour differential pay)Graveyard Shift............2200-0600 (+ .45 per hour differential pay)

Salary Range: $29,152 - $39,357

BENEFITS:• Twenty (25) year Correctional Officers retirement (AZ CORP)• Paid vacation & sick leave• Medical and dental insurance• Double time holiday pay

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:• Be a high school graduate, or have completed a G.E.D• Must be 18 years of age (at time of appointment)• Valid Arizona driver’s license (at time of hire)• United States citizen or Resident Alien• Be of excellent character• Must be able to write, read and speak the English language• Prior military: Must have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces• No felony convictions• No unlawful use of a narcotic or dangerous drug within the last five (5) years• No unlawful use of marihuana within the past three (3) years• Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays• Bilingual preferred

www.santacruzsheriff.org2170 N. Congress DriveNogales, Arizona 85621(520) 761-7869

(Santa Cruz County is an EEO/AA Employer)

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Do you havewhat it takes?Apply today online, by phone or in person at our district head-quarters and find out. It could be the most rewarding move you’ll ever make

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