ABOUT US WWW.BORDERECO.COM PG. 4ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU”

copyright © 2014 Border Eco all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Border Eco Magazine is prohibited. Any material produced is the property of Border Eco. Any material published is not necessarily the opinion of Border Eco and will not be held responsible. Border Eco Magazine accepts material from advertisers, clients, readers and various sources which are not neccessarily the opinion of Border Eco Magazine in print or on Border Media websites and will not be held responsible.

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STAFF

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Alberto ‘Beto’ Fuentes was born August 14, 1967 in Nogales Sonora, Mexico. He came to the U.S. where he attended Desert View High School in Tucson, Arizona. He later returned to Mexico after graduating from high school in 1994. Mr. Fuentes later returned to Tucson where he attended Pima Community College. He later took over the family business in construc-tion. The family owns a business in construction in ambos Nogales.

Mr. Fuentes has a long and success-ful history in public service. He served various positions while in public service in Agua Prieta Sonora and Rocky Point. Although, he is not a native of this city

he considers himself part of it. “I am a part of this city,” says Fuentes. He is currently running for Mayor of the City of Nogales.

Fuentes feels his predecessors have done everything possible for our city, but believes his experience in public service will help to move Nogales for-ward.His plans for the City of Nogales are to improve our local economy by working closely with the federal government to increase funding. Mr. Fuentes plans include providing addi-tional support to local small businesses, and entrepreneurs hoping to open a business in Nogales.

2014 ELECTIONS WWW.BORDERECO.COM PG. 4ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU”

ALBERTO “BETO”

FUENTES

WWW.BORDERECO.COM“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU” 2014 ELECTIONSPG. 5

ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014

Carlos “Cabeto” Gamez, 2014 candidate for Santa Cruz County Constable Precinct #1, was born in Nogales Sonora, Mexico and raised on both sides of the border. In 1999 he was married and immigrated permanently to the United States.

Gamez began his role as a public servant when his Uncle went missing and he became a search and rescue volunteer. He enjoyed the feeling of helping others so much that he decided to do it full time with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team. A couple of years later he transferred within the Sheriff’s Office to become a Detention

Officer where he served for eight years. During this time he was named Detention Officer of the Year in 2011. From there he moved on to the County Courts where he served under the current constable, Mr. Augustine Huerta.

It was while working with the courts that Gamez made the decision to run. When Huerta announced his retirement, Gamez felt that the legacy of respect, service and humility that Huerta had established needed to be continued and that he was the right person for the job.

Look up Carlos Gamez on Facebook.com for more info.

CARLOS “CABETO”

GAMEZ

2014 ELECTIONS WWW.BORDERECO.COM PG. 6ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU”

Building Community • Enriching Lives

www.nogalescdc.org

INDIVIDUAL SERVICES• Individual Development Accounts (IDA)• Financial Capability• Housing Counseling• Foreclosure Prevention• Job Skills Courses• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

BUSINESS SERVICES• Entrepreneurial Support and Development• Little Mercado-Nogales Mercado• Small Business Loan Program• Technology Resource Center• Business Training

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124B N. Terrace Ave • P.O. Box 421 • Nogales, AZ 85621

(520) 397-9219 Fax (520) 397-9217

You can also e-mail us at ncdcinfo@nogalescdc.org

Among the candidates running for Santa Cruz County Constable, Precinct 1 is long time Nogales Uni-fied School District employee Eddie Huerta. Though born in Los Angeles, California, he came to Nogales at an early age. Being a product of NUSD as well, Huerta went attended school lo-cally and in 1990 he graduated from Nogales High School.

Having raised two sons, Huerta made a point to be actively involved in the community, especially when it came to children. Over the years, Huerta has coached for various sports

and even ran a couple of programs for children with the National Guard.

Huerta is a licensed Process Server and feels that his experience in that field will benefit him and Santa Cruz County if he is elected. He says he knows he has big shoes to fill and hopes to take over the reigns and continue where the previous Constable left off once the election comes. He considers accessibility to be an important part of public service and plans to make himself available to the public 24/7.

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HUERTA

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WWW.BORDERECO.COM“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU” 2014 ELECTIONSPG. 7

ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014

Luis Gonzalez, II is one of four candidates running for the posi-tion of Santa Cruz County Constable for Precinct #1 and brings a young, but experienced approach to the campaign field. Though he was born in Hermosillo, Mexico, Gonzalez has spent a large majority of his life in SCC and is a graduate of Rio Rico High School.

Having worked in various posi-tions for the county between the Assessor’s and Sheriff’s Offices in the Communications Department, as well as working as a community volunteer, Gonzalez feels that his experience will

help him to better serve the com-munity.

Furthering his education and train-ing is also something Gonzalez sees as an important aspect of public service. He is a Certified Appraiser through the Arizona Department of Revenue and continues to educate himself and train in law enforcement.

Gonzalez plans to serve with full dedication and in the best interest of the community. He promises that if elected he will give one hundred percent of himself back to Santa Cruz County and to always be available when needed.

LUIS M.

GONZALEZ, II

LAW ENFORCEMENT WWW.BORDERECO.COM PG. 6ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU”

PUBLIC NOTICE2014 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY POLLING PLACES

PRECINCT NAME/NUMBERNogales 1

Nogales 2

Nogales 3

Nogales 4

Coronado 5

Elgin 6

Rio Rico 7

Nogales 8

Nogales 9

Tubac 11

Nogales 10

POLLING PLACE LOCATIONMary Welty School1050 W. Cimarron Street, NogalesV. F. W. Hall 653 N. Grand Ave., NogalesKnights of Columbus Hall 718 N. Perkins Ave., NogalesKnights of Columbus Hall 718 N. Perkins Ave., NogalesSt. Andrew’s Church Hall969 W.Country Club Dr., NogalesElgin Community Hall475 Elgin Road, ElginChristus Rex Lutheran Church282 Rio Rico Drive, Rio RicoChallenger School 901 E. Calle Mayer, NogalesAbundant Life - Assembly of God Church 1380 E. Patagonia Hwy., NogalesSanta Cruz County North Facility50 Bridge Road, TubacMi Casa RV Park 2901 N. Grand Avenue, Nogales

PRECINCT NAME/NUMBER Nogales 12

Santa Cruz 13

Patagonia 14

Sonoita 15

Nogales 16

Calabasas 17

Nogales 18

Baca 19

Nogales 20

Peck Canyon 21

Potrero 22

Mountain 23

Lake Patagonia 24

POLLING PLACE LOCATION V. F. W. Hall653 N. Grand Ave., NogalesNogales Suburban Fire Station A558 Highway 82, NogalesCady Hall346 Duquesne Ave., PatagoniaSonoita FirehouseHwy 82/Hwy 83, SonoitaWade Carpenter School595 W. Kino Street, NogalesRio Rico Fire Station957 Calle Calabasas, Rio RicoAbundant Life - Assembly of God Church1380 E. Patagonia Hwy., NogalesCoatimundi Middle School490 Avenida Coatimundi, Rio RicoV. F. W. Hall653 N. Grand Ave., NogalesTubac-Peck Canyon Fire Station1360 W. Frontage Rd., Rio RicoMi Casa RV Park2901 N. Grand Avenue, NogalesCady Hall

346 Duquesne Ave., PatagoniaCady Hall346 Duquesne Ave., Patagonia

WWW.BORDERECO.COM“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU” LAW ENFORCEMENTPG. 9

ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014

Election Day occurs every November, and it’s the duty of all eligible United States citizens to exercise their right to vote. Doing so is the easiest way Ameri-cans can actively participate in government.

Participating in federal, state and local government can be done in many ways, but few are as easy and important as voting. The following are a few voting guidelines to consider as Election Day approaches.

EligibilityOnly United States citizens can vote in federal, state

and local elections. In many states, voters must be 18 years old to vote. However, some states do afford 17-year-olds the right to vote.

Voter eligibility may also depend on the voter’s residency. Each state has its own residency require-ments. To learn the requirements in your state, visit the United States Election Assistance Commission at www.eac.gov.

RegistrationVoters must register to vote before they can vote

in an election. The National Mail Voter Registration Form is accepted in most states, and this form can be found at www.eac.gov. In addition to helping voters register, this form can be used to update one’s reg-istration due to a change of name or make a change of address or register with a particular political party.

North Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not accept the National Mail Voter Registration Form, while New Hampshire only accepts it as a request for an absen-tee voter mail-in registration form. Residents of these states or territories should consult their local state election office to learn how they can register to vote.

Voters may also be able to register to vote in per-son at various public facilities. This varies from state to state, but such facilities may include the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles office, the local elec-tion office, public assistance agencies, armed services recruitment centers or any public facility that has been designated as a voter registration agency by the state.

Some states allow voters to register to vote online. Contact your local state election office to learn if your state allows online voter registration.

The state registration deadlines vary from state to state as well. Voters who reside in the state of Con-necticut, for instance, can register as few as 14 days before the election, while voters who live in Alaska must register at least 30 days before the election to be eligible to vote. Contact the state election office no less than 45 days in advance of Election Day to learn the requirements in your state

How to resgister to VOTE

HEALTH WWW.BORDERECO.COM PG. 10ISSUE 22 / MARCH 2014“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITY YOU”

WWW.BORDERECO.COM“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU” EDUCATIONPG. 11

ISSUE 23 / APRIL-MAY 2014

WWW.BORDERECO.COM PG. 12ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU”EDUCATION

1Nogales Unified School

• High Expectations• Accountability • No Excuses

www.nusd.k12.az.us

This year’s Sacred Hearth Summer Camp has been a huge success! Once again the month was packed full of kids and unique art projects. The kids absolutely love all of the fun projects.

As you talked to the students you could tell that this one-of-a-kind

experience is one they will never forget.

And if you want to participate next year be sure to follow us on Face-book for all the latest information.

Special thanks to the teachers, kids and parents for making this possible.

Sacred Heart Summer Camp huge success

WWW.BORDERECO.COM“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU”

PG. 13ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014 EVENTS

Best Industry Professionals

(520) 281-2387 / 1780 N Mastick Way Suite F / Nogales, AZ 85621-1013 www.lawyerstitlearizona.com / aramirez@ltic.com

Red Flags/Listening To Victims Discussed At 2014 Domestic Violence Conference

On Wednesday June 18, County Attor-ney George Silva and the victim services department held the 2014 Domestic Violence Conference in the Sonora Ballroom at the Esplendor Resort.

The theme of the event was End the

Silence, Stop the Violence with various law enforcement officials and domestic violence experts speaking on the sub-ject. Among the speakers was our very own Chief Derek Arnson of the Nogales Police Department.

Edna Zinnia Berry de Peralta, presi-dent of Mujeres A.C., is the organizer re-sponsible for organizing the event held at Esplendor Resort at Rio Rico, AZ. The event brought together members of our community those who participate in the were Mayor Arturo Garino, Sheriff Tony Estrada and a large number of success-ful community leaders.

“We have for five years been recog-nizing women and men in the com-munity leaders, known for their work in promoting health care and taking action with the sole purpose of helping their peers,” says Edna said Zinnia.

This year the individuals recognized for their work in the community were: Nidia Solorzano , Marcela Chavez, Cinthia Crespo, Betsey Crowford, Grup de Mujeres Sembradoras, Javier Barjas, Daniel Knoblock, Lourdes Maldonado, Conchita Somoza, Sandra Davila, Matt Jasper, Blanca Leiva, María Eugenia Piña and Radio Xeny.

All those present enjoyed a breakfast as well as entertainment from a local young singer. Edna Zinnia stated, “She will continue to organize these events to recognize the people who deserve it, especially women in our community.”

History was made this Wednesday at the 2014 Law Enforcement Domestic Violence Conference hosted by the County Attorney’s office Victim Services Division.

During the event a proclamation was signed by authorities on both of the

border to participate in ‘Start By Believ-ing,’ a program that provides support for victims of sexual assault.

This is the first program of its kind, continuing a long tradition of cross border cooperation between Ambos Nogales.

Historic Proclamation Signed at 2014 Domestic Violence Conference. First Ever Of Its Kind

Mano Amiga in coordination with Mujeres A.C. and the City of Nogales recognized women of our community

BREAKFAST & LUNCH

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Transitional Living Center is a Non-profit Organization

There are plenty of youth programs out there that help get teens on the right track in regards to healthy living and making the right choices, but Mariposa Community Health Center through Placticamos Salud, has a program that not only educates teens on healthy eating, smoking, drinking, drug abuse, and premarital/unprotected sex, but then sends those students back into the schools armed with that information and in turn they use it to educate their peers. These students are Teen Health Facilitators.

In order for a student to become a Facilitator they must apply for a program offered by MCHC called the Summer Youth Institute. This is where they receive the education necessary to step out into the world and deal with important health issues that affect teens on a daily basis. By May, the students are notified of whether or not they’ve been accepted into the program. When school is out and summer starts, so does their training.

At the end of the summer when the program comes to an end, everyone who complete d the program graduates but only a select few are chosen to be certified as Teen Health Facilitators. The program must be completed in order to receive this cer-tification. The following school year, these students can take what they’ve learned and apply it; not only in their own lives but they can and do use it to help those around them as well.

Aside from day to day interactions with peers, Facilitators and other SYI gradu-ates take part in activities and events year round that help inform and educate the

community about drinking and driving, HIV/AIDS, teen dating, and teen pregnancy. They are often present at community and nationwide events such as the Great Amer-ican Smokeout, World AIDS Day, Health Fairs, and of course Mariposa Community Health Center’s annual Haunted House.

Platicamos Salud also holds its own events with the Teen Health Facilitators, such as Free HIV Testing, Youth Trainings, and they were even present at the state capitol for the first annual STAND(Students Taking A New Direction) Legislative Day in March.

Hundreds of teens from around the state gathered in Phoenix on March 18, 2014 to showcase the hard work they’d done toward tobacco prevention and tobacco policy change within the State of Arizona. The Teen Health Facilitators from MCHC were there as well and were even given the opportunity to meet with their District Legislators to discuss local tobacco issues and what their program has done to deal with them.

The SYI and THF programs have proven themselves a great benefit to the com-munity. Over the years more than 350 stu-dents have gone through the SYI program. Some of them have even found success in similar fields as well as receiving scholar-ships because of their participation in these programs. Thanks to the help of Mariposa Community Health Center and its staff, such as Susanna Kunz and Alicia Villa, these two programs continue to go strong and the youth of Santa Cruz County continue to receive the education they need to live and promote safe, healthy lifestyles.

May was a busy month for local Carondelet Holy Cross hospital. A lot happened to celebrate the hospital, it’s nursing staff and even the law enforce-ment and emergency personnel that often take advantage of the opportunity to help out in the Emergency Depart-ment while they are there.

Kicking it all off was National Nurses

Week, followed up by Hospitals Week. Holy Cross celebrated with a barbecue and presented an award to one of the nurses for excellence in performance.

Another barbecue took place the following week to show appreciation to the law enforcement and emergency personnel who are often present in the ER and help out where they can.

Respected local pediatrician, Dr. Oscar Rojas, recently received an award of great honor; the Karl Meyer Physician Service Award.

Dr. Rojas was born September 19, 1959 in Nogales Sonora, Mexico. After high school, he came to the US begin-ning his education at Pima Community College. After one year he moved on to the University of Arizona where he studied from 1979 to 1982.

He started his post grad work at the Medical college of Wisconsin from 82 to 86. When he completed his education there, Rojas returned to Arizona and his alma mater the U of A to finish up his residency.

Eventually Rojas opened up his own private practice in 1990 which he’s held ever since. He has also served as the Department Head of Pediatrics off and on since July of 90.

HEALTH WWW.BORDERECO.COM PG. 14ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU”

Teens Educating Teens

Busy month for Holy Cross Hospital

Dr. Oscar Rojasreceived the Karl Meyer Physician Service Award

WWW.BORDERECO.COM“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU” NONPROFITPG. 15

ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014

Do you know, or are you related to someone with Autism? Chances are someone in your life is Autistic whether they realize it or not. It probably isn’t very obvious to you and if they haven’t been diagnosed then it may not be obvious to them either. A large number of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are fully functioning members of society, especially if the symptoms are caught and a diagnosis is made early on.

ASD, which is more commonly know simply as Autism, is a disorder that can affect nearly every aspect of a child’s development including speech, motor skills, and social interaction. But despite the developmental hurdles that those with ASD must overcome, nearly half (approx. 46%) are of average to well above average intelligence. This is often recognized at a very young age; some even demonstrating the ability to color coordinate before they can speak.

According to the Center for Disease Control’s website, its Autism and Devel-opmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) states that approximately 1 in 68 children has been identified with ASD, and it is almost five times more common in boys (1 in 42) than girls (1 in 189). Previous statistics showed that only 1 in 88 children was identified with ASD. The big question in the Autism community is ‘Why has the number of cases increased so much?’ Could it be that more and more children are being affected by ASD, or is it that we’ve simply gotten better and identifying it?

Santa Cruz County natives, Albert Acuña and Erika Johnson, discovered early on that their son Aidan, a bright, bubbly and intelligent five year old boy, is among the 1 in 68 that falls into the ASD category. Aidan began speaking at only 5 and a half months. He spoke very well and often, but at 18 months he suddenly stopped. Albert, who was working toward a degree According to the couple, e in education at the time happened to be studying Autism in school. After Aidan stopped speaking, Albert began to notice that his son was missing other developmental ‘milestones’ as well. When it became clear to the couple that something was wrong, they took Aidan to a specialist and he was diagnosed with ASD.

Although the last few years have not been easy, Albert and Erika have worked hard and done research into the disorder and ways to help their child get over the hurdles. Thanks to early detection and immediate intervention, they were able to work with Aidan to hit his developmental ‘milestones.’ He may not be able to carry on a full conversation he’ll answer ques-tions and will also look you in the eye, which is a task that most with ASD are un-able to accomplish. His parents have also begun to teach him anatomy. For example, if you were to ask Aidan to point to his mandible, he would point to his lower jaw;

if you ask him where his metatarsals are, he’ll point to his toes. He knows the com-mon names for the body parts as well.

Albert and Erika, who were living in Douglas, eventually moved back home to Santa Cruz County. They realized immedi-ately that even though there were great programs to help those with Autism, such as Jenny Hill’s organization, Angels Purse Inc, there was no group or program to help their families and loved ones. Having been through the long nights and scream-ing fits, they knew how important and helpful it is to have the support of others who understand the stresses and difficul-ties of having a loved with with ASD.

The idea of forming an Autism support group started in July 2013. It began, as these things often do, with raising awareness. The next step was building up support in the community. Finally in September of 2013. On April 2nd they held the first Annual Santa Cruz County World Autism Awareness Day Celebration which took place during National Autism Awareness Month.

That first meeting was essentially to identify and analyze the needs of the local families affected by ASD. Once that first step was taken and the needs were identified, they could finally be addressed. Since then the group has been meeting at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s office every first and third Wednesday of the month.

The meetings aren’t the only way that Albert, Erika and other members of the group are reaching out to the families in need. They have also made themselves available 24/7 for those who need rides, moral support, or just someone to talk to when things get tough.

“We will hold their hands and take them through the process,” says Erika. “It’s a labor of love.”

Although the Santa Cruz Autism Support Group is off to a great start, the fullness of Albert and Ericka’s dream is far from realized. They and their supporters look to the future with big plans in mind. One of which is already in the works.

One of the projects that the group is working on is a hard copy and digital ID card that would provide first responders with all the information necessary if an Autistic or other special needs child(or adult) were to go missing. The ID will con-tain a current photograph, a description of the individual’s disorder, and informa-tion that could provide clues as to where they might have gone (i.e. if the person is attracted to large bodies of water, cars, etc.). A panicking, distraught parent will more than likely have a hard time getting all this information across. The card puts it all together in black and white.

The idea is to help emergency person-nel shorten the time between the initial report and when the search begins, as well as to give them an idea of where to search. In these cases, a few minutes can

save a life.According to Albert Acuña, “It’s a pre-

ventative measure to provide structure, and completely voluntary.”

Another of the group’s plans is to attain a non-profit status which is necessary in order to receive grants and other sources of funding. They’re currently exploring two options to make that happen.

They are already members of the Tuc-son Autism Coalition and are in negotia-tions with the Autism Society of Greater Tucson. Communication between the two organizations has already been opened up and it may only be a matter of time.

The other option is to get the sponsor-ship of another business or organization in order to attain a non profit status, or to try and get their own 501(c)3.

Once the SCASG becomes official, they hope to raise funding with the goal of educating the public and its public servants by providing them with the skills needed to better understand those with special needs along with opening up a full time Autism Resource Center available to local families in need of support. They even hope to use those funds to help get

at least one teacher in each school district with a degree or certificate as an Autism Specialist.

Even with the big plans, the primary message of the Santa Cruz Autism Support Group remains the same. “You’re not alone.” They are there day and night ready and willing to give their support to those families that need it.

For further information on the Santa Cruz Autism Support Group and what they do, you can look them up on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/santacru-zautismsupportgroup or http://www.facebook.com/groups/309867519162478. You may also contact them directly at (520)344-4261.

There is a common saying in the Autism community. It goes, “If you’ve met one person with Autism, then you’ve met one person with Autism.” This saying is used because, being that it’s a spectrum disorder, a broad number of symptoms fall under the category of ASD and they all affect each individual differently. No two caThe other option is to get the sponsor-ship of another business or organization.

There is a common saying in the Autism community. It goes, “If you’ve met one person with Autism, then you’ve met one person with Autism.” This saying is used because, being that it’s a spectrum disorder, a broad number of symptoms fall under the cat-egory of ASD and they all affect each individual differently. No two caThe other option is to get the sponsorship of another business or organization.

Local Autism Support Group makes and impact

NONPROFIT WWW.BORDERECO.COM PG. 16ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU”

“When people work they feel good about themselves which enhances their recovery,” says Cenpatico CEO, Terry Stevens. “Linkages is the agency that helps put people back to work.”

Every community across the world has individuals that are forced to live with disabilities. In these times getting a job is a difficult task for anyone, but for many of them it often seems impos-sible. Thanks to Linkages, an organiza-tion in that acts as a “middleman” for the disabled and employers across Southern Arizona, getting a job is easier than they ever thought possible.

Linkages began with notable car dealer, Jim Click, when he recognized a need to employ capable individu-als that suffer from disabilities. “I’ll do anything I can to help people with disabilities have a better life.” Click said. He started within his own dealerships and then started to expand. With the help of organizations like Cenpatico, Linkages now helps find jobs for dis-abled citizens all across Arizona. Click was even recognized for his accom-plishments in helping the disabled by former President of the United States Bill Clinton.

On Tuesday June 17, Linkages held its 1st Annual Building Bridges Awards

Ceremony for Nogales. The event took place at the Quality Inn American on Grand Avenue.

Prior to the ceremony, Click took the time to give those in attendance a little background on Linkages even citing a few of its many success stories. Follow-ing Click, an invocation was given and lunch was served.

The highlight of the day was when the awards were given out. The Employer of the Year Award went to Friends In Recovery, an organization associated with The Living Center who only hires individuals with disabilities.

Arthur Espinoza of the Nogales Com-munity Food Bank, then stepped up to recognize long-time volunteer Danny Knoblock saying, “there is not one, out of three thousand clients that does not ask for Danny.” Jim Click even stood up and personally awarded Knoblock as the Employee of the Year.

Click and Linkages Regional Manager Jeremiah Lopez say they are fully com-minted to the community and intend to continue their work with Corazon and Linkages’ other sponsers.

Espinoza told Border Eco that, “Working with Linkages has been a true inspiration, seeing how the community has connected in ‘building bridges.’”

The Living Center had their 3rd Annual Banquet this year at Mr. C’s. The event “Friends in Recovery” was a huge success as many community partners and mem-bers were present. The event is to honor individuals who have been successful in their recovery. It also honored those or-ganizations who helped these individuals through their recovery. Many individuals were honored for their work and support.

Guest speakers were: Adriana Romero from Cenpatico and Alfedo I. Velasquez the Santa Cruz County School Superin-tendent.

Linkages Builds Bridges Between Local Employers and The Disabled

3rd Annual Friends in Recovery Awards

WWW.BORDERECO.COM“SHARING THE COMMUNITY WITH YOU” LAW ENFORCEMENTPG. 17

ISSUE 24 / JUNE-JULY 2014

With all the current information coming out about the ‘financial bur-den’ the Jail has become on Santa Cruz County, Border Eco decided to take a look inside to check out the everyday operations of the Santa Cruz County Detention Center.

If for any reason someone is ar-rested and taken to the Detention Center the process begins with the inmate will be taken to a secure drop off location inside a protected, fenced in area. The arresting officer will escort the prisoner into a pro-cessing room where the proper pa-perwork can be filled out. From this point on the arresting officer hands over responsibility of the prisoner to the Detention Staff. The inmate is then taken into the Assessment Area where they can be classified for safety reasons.

Classification Officer Janeth Ortiz, assesses each individual for mental stability, gang involvement, and danger to him/herself or others. Each inmate will hand over their belongings which are tagged and stored in a secure locker and then given clothing, color coded by their security level. Orange for low to minimum security, and red for Maxi-mum security.

Once a prisoner is classified they will be taken to a pod based on their security level. The male and female sections of the Detention Center are separated by a ‘Neutral Zone’ and no contact is allowed between male and female prisoners.

In the minimum security pods patients are allowed to wander freely around their designated area. Everything they could need is avail-able to them inside their pods; beds, phones, recreation, and even a kiosk where they can order approved items from the commissary, report medical claims, and even file griev-ances. Their three square meals are also served in the pods where they can sit and comfortably eat. The in-mate bathrooms are also located in their pods, but in a separate location behind a screen to provide them privacy. Although the medium/maxi-mum security prisoners are located in the same pod, contact is not allowed between the inmates. There are also two other separated sec-tions for remanded juveniles(those being tried as adults), and the work release prisoners. The work release prisoners are kept separate to limit the amount of contraband brought into the jail, a practice that has proved to be successful since the new detention center was built.

The final section consists of the Segregation Cells. This pod is desig-nated for inmates at risk of violence

from other inmates, such as former police officers. These prisoners are kept in the cells for their own protec-tion except for their scheduled time outside.

Overall the Detention Center is a clean, organized, and most impor-tantly safe well oiled machine. One US Marshal said that the Santa Cruz County Detention Center is the cleanest, quietest detention center she’s ever visited. This is largely due to the successful classification system that the detention center employs, ensuring that inmate violence is kept to a minimum and that no outside contraband enters into the jail.

On top of the classification system, they also take a number of other measures to ensure the safety and security of the inmates and staff. For example, every door is monitored by camera and in order to enter one must push an intercom button and have the proper clearance to pass through. This is handled in the com-mand and control center, where three officers can monitor the entire build-ing, as well as control all the doors.

On the off chance that security measures fail, or a riot is started in one of the pods, the Emergency Response Unit is deployed and the air in the specific pod can be shut off. Gas is shot in from a window up high and in a matter of minutes the riot is quelled.

More important than use of force is keeping the inmates content. They are provided three square meals a day served from a full service kitchen which is staffed by Summit Food Services. The food is delivered on trays right to the inmates pods. Each pod also has its own recreation area where the inmates can step outside, get some fresh air and even a little exercise.

The Infirmary, designed and laid out like a standard clinic, is manned by detention officers and highly quali-fied nurse, Julie Iguerra. With two examination rooms and even isolation rooms for extreme medical cases, the Infirmary is ready and available to serve the medical needs of the

inmates. If any additional medical attention is needed, the Transport Department can schedule appoint-ments, and organize transportation for the inmates.

Visitation is also allowed, now seven days a week, via video. This provides additional security and is an extra measure to avoid contraband getting in to the jail. Family members and friends can enter the Detention Center Lobby, request visitation and speak with their loved one any day of the week. Private, soundproof booths are also available for lawyers to visit their clients to discuss their cases. This video system is also used for arraignments, which provides security for the judge and limits the staff that would be present in a traditional courtroom setting.

The jail houses around fifty federal inmates at any given time, which translates to $100,000 a month in revenue from the federal govern-ment. This would not have been possible at the old detention center, or at least would have been much less manageable.

Another benefit of the new building is that it’s now centralized with the rest of the county offices and the court house as well as no longer being in a flood zone. There was an occa-sion at the previous building where everyone, staff and inmates, had to be evacuated do to flood warnings.

Managing the Detention Center is the experienced, qualified Sheriff’s Office veteran Lieutenant Robert Morales. Morales began his career with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office 23 years again, starting out in communications. He worked his way through several departments including Investigation, Patrol, and the Narcotics Metro Task Force. He even worked as a SWAT Operator and eventually the SWAT Commander. In 2007nhe was promoted to Lieutenant and took command of the Detention Center.

“It’s been an honor to work under Sheriff Tony Estrada,” Morales says. “I’m fortunate to have received all these opportunities.”

Mr. George E. Silva is the Santa Cruz County Attorney and was elected to his post in No-vember of 2004. As the County Attorney, Silva prosecutes all felony and juvenile offenses which occur in the county and all misdemean-or offenses which occur in the unincorpo-rated areas of Santa Cruz County. Moreover, he provides legal advice to the County Board of Supervisors and all other County Depart-ments. In addition, he represents school districts and fire districts within the County.

As the County Attorney, Silva is an advo-cate for our youth and is very active in his community with his “You Have The Power” campaign. This campaign empowers our youth and teaches them that only they have the power to make good, healthy choices in life. Good and healthy choices will allow our youth to realize their dreams, goals, and full potential.

Prior to his election to the County At-torney’s Office, Silva worked as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Nogales. He also worked in the Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office for approximately five years as a Dep-uty County Attorney. In this position he was assigned to the Juvenile Prosecution Division, the Misdemeanor Prosecution Division, and the Drug Enforcement Prosecution Division assigned to the Santa Cruz County Metro Task Force (Narcotics).

As a drug prosecutor, he worked on Opera-tion Apache. Operation Apache consisted of infiltrating the Nogales High School with an undercover police officer pretending to be a student. The undercover officer was able to identify key drug dealers in the school which resulted in successful prosecutions. Silva also worked as a Law Clerk for the City of Tucson Public Defenders Office. He also enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and served his country for eight years as a Legal Special-ist. He was Honorably Discharged in 1999.

George Silva is a proud graduate of Nogales High School. Upon his graduation in 1989, he attended Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Silva attained a Bachelor of Science degree from ASU in May of 1994. He then enrolled in the University of Arizona College of Law and obtained his Juris Doctor in Law in May of 1997. Although Silva attended both ASU and UofA, he considers himself a proud Sun Devil.

Local Detention Center cuts down on violence and contraband

PEOPLE THAT ECHO-

Geroge E. Silva