Author: Alejandro Cruz
Unraveling the Pecan Dilemma in Southern New Mexico’s Mesilla Valley Nestled in the heart of the Chihuahua Desert, Southern New Mexico boasts unexpected greenery, primarily in the form of pecan orchards. This verdant transformation began over a century ago when the pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis), native to the lower Mississippi Valley, was first introduced to the arid Mesilla Valley. With only about 9 inches of rainfall annually, sustaining these Eastern hardwoods seemed a daunting challenge until the Rio Grande Project and its signature Elephant Butte Dam were completed in 1916, providing essential irrigation. The Pecans of the Mesilla Valley Stretching…
San Antonio Man Arrested for Stalking Police Chief and His Wife In a troubling turn of events in San Antonio, a 29-year-old man has been accused of stalking the city’s police chief, William McManus, and his spouse. Roger Vittitoe was apprehended in Weslaco, located in the Rio Grande Valley, on September 6, 2023, and subsequently transported back to Bexar County to face legal proceedings. Arrest Details and Charges According to records from the Hidalgo County Jail, Vittitoe’s release to another agency occurred shortly after his arrest. Reports confirmed that he was officially booked into the Bexar County Adult Detention Center…
Texas Proposition 13: A Game Changer for Property Taxes Introduction In the upcoming November election, Texas voters will encounter a significant state proposition that promises to alter the landscape of property taxes across the state. As property values continue to surge, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley, many homeowners are feeling the financial strain from rising tax bills. Proposition 13 aims to address these concerns while raising crucial questions about funding for local school districts. The Rise in Property Values Year after year, Texas families have watched property values escalate. According to Jorge Gonzales, a representative from the Hidalgo County…
Tackling Flooding Issues in the Rio Grande Valley: Community Solutions Needed The Rio Grande Valley faces significant flooding challenges that require collaborative approaches to address. The Region 15 Flood Planning Group, established by the Texas Water Development Board, is actively seeking solutions and funding to tackle these persistent issues. This initiative is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents in the area. Understanding the Flooding Challenges Flooding can have devastating effects on communities, damaging homes, infrastructure, and local ecosystems. In the Rio Grande Valley, residents have experienced firsthand the repercussions of severe weather patterns and insufficient drainage…