Author: John Maldonado

Community

Congressman talks veterans, burn pits

John Maldonado

Congressman Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, met with local veterans and elected officials Feb. 23 to raise awareness and discuss the unmet needs of veterans suffering from or who have died from exposure to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. “During the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, there were about 250 open-air burn pits that were used to destroy everything that needed to be discarded,” Castro said at the Burn Pits Town Hall in downtown Corpus Christi. “Our service members were not too far away and were inhaling these fumes.” Service members who were in close proximity of the noxious fumes experienced…

Community, Texas

Sandy hotspots around the Bend

John Maldonado

Time to put down the books and get out and have some fun in the sun.  Here are five beaches just minutes from Corpus Christi to bum on during Spring Break. Each location has its own vibe for those looking for the perfect spot. “Our maintenance crew begins preparing for the Spring Break season about two months in advance using front-end loader tractors to clear the beach area of debris and drain flooded and standing water areas,” said Callan Price, natural resources specialist for the Nueces County Coastal Parks (Balli Park). “They also ensure all facilities are in working order.”…

Campus, Community

Volunteering, exercise could lead to big award

John Maldonado

Volunteering in the community, exercising, drawing a picture and visiting a historical site can get you congressional-level recognition and a medal. The Congressional Award is a self-paced program that presents you with certificates and medals as you reach goals in Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration. “The program fosters principles of citizenship and encourages goal-setting, both important traits for youth to carry into adulthood,” said Derek Doyle, director of communications and strategic outreach for The Congressional Award. Time begins when you register at www.congressionalaward.org. As activities are completed, accumulated hours are carried on up to the next…

Campus, Column, Community

Rider’s first impressions quickly change

John Maldonado

I have to admit that when I was tasked to ride the bus for a first-hand experience while writing this article, I was not excited. The last time I was on a bus, Corpus Christi had those green metal buses. Even in the summer, they were cold inside, and always dirty, and definitely smelly. My grandmother used to take me downtown to Woolworth’s so she could do her shopping but the best part was we would have lunch at Popeye’s.  So, as asked, on a recent Sunday I parked at the Staples Street Center and waited on the platform for…

Campus, Community

Smooth Riding on the B

John Maldonado

Map provided by Del Mar College By John Maldonado Del Mar students can ride the bus with a valid student ID.  “My bus stop is at Prescott and Gollihar intersection,” said Emilio Esparza, 22, a criminal justice major. “I take bus No. 25 to the Port Ayers Transfer Station and then catch bus No. 19 to Del Mar. It takes about 25 minutes to get to school.” A part of college registration fees are shared with the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority so students are not charged when boarding the bus. Riding the bus can also save students from the…