Statement by Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, President National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) / CONELA Regarding President Obama’s announced plans to normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba and ease economic restrictions on the nation
Statement by Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, President National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) / CONELA Regarding President Obama’s announced plans to normalize diplomatic relations with Cuba and ease economic restrictions on the nation
SACRAMENTO, California, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “As a Christian, the normalization of diplomatic relations with Cuba prompts both concern and hopeful expectations.
“First, I am concerned that normalizing diplomatic ties without addressing Castro’s horrendous human rights record serves as a defacto endorsement for one of the most oppressive regimes in recent history. As a result of Castro’s totalitarian rule, millions live in poverty, thousands lie in prisons, and many have lost their lives. In addition, the God-given rights of Cuban citizens are held hostage to governmental persecution.
“Nevertheless, if this controversial step results in the alleviation of hunger and opens the door for personal freedoms to flourish, then I pray this decision will serve as a catalytic step in unleashing the followers of Jesus to be the Church both inside and outside of the island nation, addressing the spiritual and physical needs of the Cuban people.”
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NHCLC/CONELA is the largest Hispanic Christian organization. It serves as a representative voice for the more than 100 million Hispanic Evangelicals assembled in over 40,000 U.S. churches and another 500,000 congregations spread throughout the Spanish-speaking diaspora. For additional information, visit http://www.nhclc.org.
Sears® Offers Last-Minute Doorbusters, Exclusive Conveniences As Holiday Shopping Season Reaches Fever Pitch
Sears® Offers Last-Minute Doorbusters, Exclusive Conveniences As Holiday Shopping Season Reaches Fever Pitch
Members Can Benefit from Integrated Retail Services, Two-day Shipping, Deals in Final Holiday Shopping Days
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Illinois, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In the countdown to the final days to Christmas, Sears, a leading integrated retailer, will offer multiple sales events starting on Dec. 19 with more deals on America’s trusted brands, Kenmore and Craftsman, and faster, more convenient ways to get them under the tree.
Sears also announced Dec. 22 as the last day to order online and receive by Christmas. However, to help members get their online purchases even faster – on the same-day they order, through Christmas Eve – shoppers can take advantage of several free integrated retail services, including Reserve It, Free Store Pickup and In-Vehicle Pickup, guaranteed ready in five minutes or less or the member or customer will receive a $5 voucher.
“Holiday shopping in late December once meant paying full price for gifts and jockeying for a spot in the packed mall parking lot,” said Imran Jooma, executive vice president, Sears Holdings. “Whether taking advantage of great deals on exclusive brands or using In-Vehicle Pickup in Five to get a gift from the comfort of your car, Sears is turning the standard on its head to get our members their gifts faster.”
For online last-minute shoppers, Sears offers free two-day shipping options on qualifying orders for Shop Your Way MAX members and on qualifying purchases of $59 or more. And in-store, Sears’ last-minute doorbuster deals include the hottest brands – many exclusive to Sears – from big and small appliances to apparel, footwear, tools, and more.
Doorbuster Deals Starting Dec. 19 starting at 8 a.m.
- Up to 50% off all Craftsman tools including the Craftsman® 140-pc. Mechanics Tool Set; Reg. price $159.99, sale price $79.99
- Up to 75% off all Fine Jewelry including the Certified Diamond Solitaire Studs in 14k white gold Reg. price $499.99, sale price $149.99
- Up to 25% off all Kenmore Appliances including Kenmore® 4.3 cu ft. Front Load Washer Reg. price $939.00, sale price $699.99
Last -Minute Shopping Deals Starting Dec. 21 In-store, with Thousands More Online
- Save 43% on the Kenmore® 22 cu. ft. French-Door Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, Reg. price $2299.99, sale price $1299.99
- Save 50% off the Craftsman® 230-pc Mechanic’s Tool Set, Reg. price. $199.99, sale price $99.99
- Buy more save more on regular and sale priced clothing, accessories, sleepwear, lingerie, footwear, and home fashions when you get an extra 30% off when you spend $150 or more, an extra 25% off when you spend $100-$149.99, or an extra 20% off when you spend up to $99.99.
- Save up to 60% off on coats, sweaters, sleepwear, and fleece for the entire family. Savings range 30-60% off.
- Save big on fashions for her, including up to 50% off the redesigned Metaphor collection; Reg. price $24.00-$72.00, sale price $11.99-$35.99
- $9.99 Everlast Tank and Yoga Pant Gift set for her, Reg. price $28.00
- Save up to 50% off on the redesigned Structure collection for men, savings range 30-50% off.
- 20-60% off family footwear, including 50% off all Craftsman® slippers; Reg. price $40.00-$50.00, sale price $20.00-$25.00
With the holidays just days away, members and customers can find more deals on the most popular gifts of the season at Sears.com and via Sears Marketplace.
Last Minute Shopping Conveniences:
- With no time to spare finding the right size, Shop Your Way members can reserve an apparel item online and it pick it up in-store using its newest customer convenience, Reserve It.
- Skip looking for a parking spot, take advantage of Sears curbside convenience, and buy items online and have a Sears associate bring it out your car within five minutes or less using In-Vehicle Pickup.
- If you’ve missed the shipping deadline, take advantage of Free Anyone, Anywhere pickup and send a friend or family member to pick up the purchase.
To learn more, follow the conversation on Twitter and Facebook about Sears holiday at #MoreMerry and Shop Your Way at #MembersFirst.
About Shop Your Way®
Shop Your Way is a free social shopping destination and rewards program offering millions of products, personalized services, and advice. Through a network of retail partners and service providers, members can shop, compare, purchase items and earn points to use on future purchases. Members also enjoy special pricing, exclusive sales, events, access to celebrity brands and sweepstakes. And through the unique social community on shopyourway.com members can research and browse products, create wish lists, poll friends and family and even get advice from experts to help choose the products and services that best meet their needs.
There is no minimum purchase required for Shop Your Way members to redeem points and points can be used toward purchases across countless product categories. Download the free Shop Your Way app available on iTunes or Google Play.
About Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a leading integrated retailer providing merchandise and related services and is part of Shop Your Way, a social shopping experience where members have the ability to earn points and receive benefits across a wide variety of physical and digital formats through shopyourway.com. Sears, Roebuck offers its wide range of home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through Sears-branded and affiliated full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States. Sears, Roebuck also offers a variety of merchandise and services through sears.com, landsend.com and specialty catalogs. Sears, Roebuck offers consumers leading proprietary brands including Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard — among the most trusted and preferred brands in the U.S. The company is the nation’s largest provider of home services, with more than 14 million service and installation calls made annually. For more information, visit the Sears, Roebuck website at www.sears.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com.
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MEDIA CONTACTS: |
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Brian Hanover |
Meghann Dowd |
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Sears Holdings |
Zeno Group for Sears |
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847-286-6080 |
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National Research Study Confirms Minority and Low Socioeconomic Students Outpace Peers Into Second Year in College
National Research Study Confirms Minority and Low Socioeconomic Students Outpace Peers Into Second Year in College
San Diego-based AVID Educational System Effective in Closing the Achievement Gap
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a San Diego-based non-profit, proven college-readiness system, recently released data providing clear evidence that shows the impact AVID has in closing the achievement gap and preparing typically underserved students for college. The initial data offer comparisons for AVID high school graduates from 2010 and 2011 and show that AVID graduates outpaced their national cohorts in persisting in college in freshman and sophomore years. AVID Center contracted with the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) to acquire postsecondary enrollment information for the period studied.
While year one data is significant, even more significant are the percentages of AVID graduates overall who persisted into their second year of college when compared to the U.S. cohort. AVID graduates—largely derived from historically underrepresented populations—are persisting into their second year of college at very similar rates across all student groups.
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AVID Center’s CEO, Dr. Sandy Husk, announced the results of the research study, stating, “The report is nothing short of remarkable. Considering that more than two-thirds of the AVID graduates are from low socioeconomic backgrounds and minority populations, that AVID graduates outpaced their national cohorts in persisting in college is a testament to both the determination of the students and teachers, and the AVID strategies and skills that were used and learned during high school.”
The report released in a white paper entitled, “AVID Secondary Students’ College Enrollment and Persistence: What Equity Gaps?” provides a general overview of the 2010 and 2011 cohorts of AVID seniors, their enrollment in college, their rates of persistence into the second year, and a brief illustration of enrollment and persistence rates disaggregated along characteristics commonly associated with achievement and equity gaps. A full copy of this report may be requested through Dr. Dennis Johnston, Senior Director and Chief Research Officer at AVID Center in San Diego, via email at [email protected].
Dr. Johnston commented, “Equity gaps, which are typically seen and all too expected in educational attainment, have not yet surfaced for AVID students currently enrolled in college. Signs of equitable persistence among diverse groups of college students, as illustrated in the research findings, are evidence of success from our efforts to close the achievement gaps by preparing all students for college readiness and success.”
ABOUT AVID
AVID is a non-profit, proven college readiness system that closes the achievement gap. Today, AVID is implemented in approximately 5,000 schools in 44 states, the District of Columbia, and 16 countries/ territories and impacts more than 800,000 students in grades K–12 and in 43 post-secondary institutions. The AVID College Readiness System transforms a school’s academic culture to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges and succeed in higher education and training. www.avid.org
Acura NSX Production Model to Make World Debut at 2015 North American International Auto Show
Acura NSX Production Model to Make World Debut at 2015 North American International Auto Show
TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The production version of the highly anticipated Acura NSX supercar, successor to the legendary original NSX, will make its world debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12, 2015. The model will reflect the production design and specifications of the mid-engine Acura supercar that is slated to launch in 2015. To celebrate the impending debut of NSX, Acura released a 30-second teaser video that gives an early glimpse of the production car and the sound of its three-motor, twin-turbocharged Sport Hybrid power unit. View the video on Acura’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/Acura.
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“The next-generation NSX will deliver a ‘new sports experience’ true to its heritage and to the supercar concept that originally gave rise to the name NSX,” said Mike Accavitti, Acura division senior vice president and general manager. “The NSX will serve as the ultimate expression of Acura performance that is fueling a reenergized brand.”
An Acura NSX concept model made its debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, where Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President & CEO Takanobu Ito announced that development of a next-generation NSX would launch in three years, led by an American R&D team and produced at a state-of-the-art new plant in Ohio.
“After three years of intensive development work we are excited to reveal this next-generation supercar—the Acura NSX—to the world,” said Ted Klaus, chief engineer and global project leader over NSX development. “We’ve developed a human-centered supercar that responds to the will of the driver and that builds upon the NSX heritage.”
The next milestone in the launch of the NSX will be the reveal of the production version at the Acura press conference at the North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12 at 11:50 a.m. ET. Watch the press conference live at youtube.com/Acura.
The NSX is being developed by a global team of engineers led by the company’s North American R&D operations in Raymond, Ohio, with design led by the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, CA. The Acura NSX will be produced exclusively at the new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Honda FCV Concept to Make North American Debut at 2015 North American International Auto Show
Honda FCV Concept to Make North American Debut at 2015 North American International Auto Show
– Honda FCV Concept demonstrates the exterior and interior styling evolution of the next-generation zero emissions Honda fuel-cell vehicle
– Next-generation Honda FCV is intended to provide significant gains in packaging, interior space, cost reduction and real-world performance, including an anticipated driving range in excess of 300-miles
TORRANCE, California, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Honda FCV Concept will make its North American debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12. Continuing more than a decade of Honda leadership in the area of fuel cell vehicle (FCV) technology, the Honda FCV Concept showcases the styling evolution of Honda’s next fuel-cell vehicle, anticipated to launch in the U.S., following its introduction in Japan, which is scheduled to occur by March 2016.
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As the next progression in Honda’s dynamic FCV styling, the Honda FCV Concept features a low and wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines. The interior strives to achieve harmony between man and machine by taking advantage of new powertrain packaging efficiencies delivering even greater passenger space than the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, including seating for up to five people.
The Honda FCV Concept made its world debut in Japan on Nov. 17, 2014, followed by an announcement that Honda will provide FirstElement Fuel with $13.8 million in financial assistance to build additional hydrogen refueling stations throughout the state of California in an effort to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles.
Honda Fuel-Cell Vehicle Firsts:
The original FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel-cell vehicle in July 2002. The FCX also was the world’s first production fuel-cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in December 2002.
Additional highlights include:
- The Honda FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).
- The FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle leased to an individual customer (July 2005).
- With the FCX Clarity, Honda was the first manufacturer to build and produce a dedicated fuel-cell vehicle on a production line specifically made for fuel-cell vehicles (2008).
- Honda was the first manufacturer to create a fuel-cell vehicle dealer network (2008).
Honda Environmental Leadership
Based on its vision of “Blue Skies for our Children,” Honda is taking a portfolio approach to reducing the environmental impact of its products, advancing fuel efficiency, low emissions and fun-to-drive performance with new powertrain technologies from its Earth Dreams Technology™ lineup, which includes more fuel-efficient engines and transmissions and advanced electromotive technologies. Honda’s alternative-fuel vehicle lineup includes the Fit EV, Civic Hybrid, the CR-Z sport hybrid coupe and the Accord Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient 5-passenger sedan in America[1], as well as the Accord Plug-In Hybrid and the Civic Natural Gas, the only dedicated natural gas-powered passenger car available from a major automaker in America.
[1]Based on 2015 EPA mileage. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending driving conditions, how the vehicle is driven and maintained, battery pack age/condition and other factors.
Updated Reverse Mortgage Guide: Two Things You Should Know
Updated Reverse Mortgage Guide: Two Things You Should Know
By Nora Down Eisenhower, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Reverse mortgages are a special type of home equity loan sold to homeowners aged 62 years and older, which are repaid when the borrowers sell the home, move out, or die. It’s a complicated type of loan that works best for homeowners who carefully consider all of their options.
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Things to consider
Before borrowing, seniors and their families should consider:
- The cost of homeowners’ insurance and taxes
- Plans for staying in the home or leaving it to family members
- Plans for dependents or others living in the home
- Alternatives to reverse mortgages
Because some important things about reverse mortgages have changed recently, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) updated its guide to reverse mortgages (PDF).
First-year payout limits
One of these changes limits the amount of money you can draw from your loan in the first year. Borrowers often get into trouble by taking a lump-sum payment early on. It may feel great to get a big payment up front, but borrowers can outlive this money – which spells financial trouble for borrowers who live longer lives.
Borrowers can still take out lump-sum single payments – but this is still a risky choice. Borrowers should strongly consider the monthly payment or line of credit options before choosing to get a lump-sum. These options provide more long-term security than lump-sum payments.
Protections for non-borrowing spouses
Another important change is for couples considering a reverse mortgage. In the past, couples who took out a reverse mortgage loan in the name of only one spouse ran into trouble when the borrowing spouse passed away. When a borrower died, the “non-borrowing spouse” had to pay back the reverse mortgage or move out. With recent changes, a non-borrowing spouse may be able to continue to live in the home under certain conditions, even after the spouse who signed the loan dies. However, the non-borrowing spouse will still stop receiving money from the reverse mortgage after his or her spouse dies.
For couples considering a reverse mortgage, borrowing together makes more sense. If both spouses sign the reverse mortgage, then the surviving spouse can continue to receive monthly payments or use an existing line of credit. It also ensures that a surviving spouse may live in the home after his or her spouse (co-borrower) dies.
To make an informed decision, compare your options and read CFPB guide to reverse mortgages (PDF).
To learn more about mortgages issues, see USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov, the U.S. Government’s official web portals in English and Spanish, and part of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).
got milk? CowParade Comes To California
got milk? CowParade Comes To California
Celebrity Jaleel White launches nation’s largest public art exhibition celebrating California dairy industry and benefiting educational nonprofits
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), the creator of got milk?, in conjunction with California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, represented by Interim Deputy Superintendent Keric Ashley, and actor Jaleel White, announced today that the got milk? CowParade is coming to California in September 2015. CowParade is the largest and most successful public art event in the world, having been staged in 80 cities worldwide. The event will feature life-size fiberglass cow art exhibits in select cities throughout the Golden State, promoting art, education and celebrating the California dairy industry. No other state has hosted a public art event of this magnitude.
“The got milk? CowParade is a fun, entertaining and whimsical art exhibit that highlights education and California’s thriving dairy industry,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. “At the same time it generates funds for educational groups that do important work for our students.”
As part of the got milk? CowParade public art exhibition, got milk? is partnering with educational nonprofits including THINK Together and STAR Education among others. At the end of the exhibit period, the art pieces will be auctioned and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the organizations.
“We’re proud to present the opportunity for California cities and companies to join the celebration and participate in this historic art exhibition,” said Steve James, Executive Director, California Milk Processor Board. “We’re going to promote education, art, and our important dairy industry – through this fun and creative installation that will be uniquely California.”
The got milk? CowParade will connect with adults and children through one-of-a kind art exhibits placed throughout California communities with the goal being to have large art installations in Sacramento, San Francisco/San Jose, Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Palm Springs and San Diego. National and internationally renowned artists and local talent as well as celebrity supporters will be invited to participate in the exhibitions. For participation and/or submission info, visit www.gotmilkcowparade.com.
“As a father I place a high value on education, which is a key objective of the got milk? CowParade,” said actor Jaleel White from popular sitcom Family Matters, Dancing with the Stars and Total Blackout. “I’m happy to be a part of this program and help bring this important message to families.”
CowParade is an art installation consisting of variously designed and painted full-sized cows hosted by sponsors for a duration of 2-4 months. CowParade has been staging art exhibits worldwide since 1999. Past cities include Chicago (1999), New York City (2000), London (2002), Tokyo (2003), Dublin (2003), Stockholm (2004), Mexico City (2005), Sao Paulo (2005), Buenos Aires (2006), Boston (2006) Paris (2006), Milan (2007), Istanbul (2007), Taipei (2009), Rio de Janeiro (2011), Hong Kong (2013), and Shanghai (2014). The cow sculptures, mounted on a 300 pound cement display base, are made of fiberglass with steel rebar reinforcement. The sculptures come in three basic positions – standing (head up), grazing (head down), reclining. The Standing Cow is 95″ long x 29″ wide x 57″ high, the Grazing Cow is 84″ long x 29″ wide x 48″ high, and the Reclining Cow is 88″ long x 44″ wide x 42″ high. For more information on CowParade visit www.cowparade.com.
For more information on the got milk? CowParade visit: www.gotmilkcowparade.com or follow got milk? via social media on Facebook @gotmilk, Twitter @gotmilk and Instagram @officialgotmilk. Join the conversation via #gotmilkcowparade.
About the CMPB
The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of got milk? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history. Got milk? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995. The CMPB’s Spanish-language campaign began in 1994 using the tagline “Familia, Amor y Leche” (Family, Love and Milk). The TOMA LECHE (Drink Milk) campaign replaced it in 2006, in order to better align the English and Spanish language work. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
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Paisano, Welcome to Laredo
Paisano, Welcome to Laredo
City of Laredo celebrates 17 years helping Mexican citizens return home for holidays
LAREDO, Texas, Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For the past 16 years, the City of Laredo has hosted a Paisano Rest Stop to help Mexican citizens returning home from throughout the U.S. have a smoother experience as they head home for the holidays. This unique bi-national project is offered only in Laredo, Texas. The City of Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau works with the Mexican Consulate General to set-up the rest stop; however, there are many city, state and federal departments and agencies from both sides of the border who come together to help the paisanos.
The Paisano Rest Stop will be at IH-35 southbound, just off Mile Marker 13, beginning Friday, December 19, at 12 noon and closing at 12 noon on Sunday, December 21, 2014. For 48 continuous hours, the rest stop has individuals who help review documents necessary for travelers, as well as any goods or vehicles they may be taking into Mexico. Information on bridge wait times, directions, simple mechanic help, refreshments, restroom facilities and simply, an opportunity to rest and stretch their legs is free and offered at the site.
Additional information given includes:
- Hotel and restaurant listings;
- U.S. Customs regulations for return trip;
- Legitimate nationalization processing business listing;
- Complaint and crime reporting procedures with Mexican Consulate and local agencies;
- Volunteer mechanic on-call to do initial inspection, minor car repairs;
- Mexican immigration regulations and forms;
- Free copies.
All is done with a smile and in Spanish. In fact, to help welcome the paisanos as they stop off at the rest stop will be Laredo’s own Ambassadors, who will be a part of the volunteers providing helpful information and assisting in any way possible to help make their stop at the rest area a pleasant one.
“Laredo welcomes paisanos,” said Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz. “We want their experience in Laredo to be positive, restful, and beneficial before they continue into Mexico. We host the Paisano Rest Stop to help facilitate their crossing experience here because Laredo, Texas does appreciate the work these Mexican citizens are doing in the United States,” Saenz concluded.
Motorists will see signage and hear radio messages posted from San Antonio on south. Local, state and federal officials patrol the roadside on IH-35 South, to offer assistance to paisanos that need help, including security, traffic control, and road side assistance. This year, the exit to the rest stop will be marked with extra signage and lights, especially for those traveling at night or who may not be familiar with the turn-off to the facility. Motorists who have not stopped before are encouraged to do so before continuing on their journey.
The Texas Department of Transportation is offering the Texas Travel Center, located on north-bound side of IH-35 at Mile Marker 15 as an overnight parking facility with restrooms available 24 hours.
“Our effort to mount this city-wide welcome to Laredo is to facilitate the travel experience and help our visitors have a safer, more positive time each year that they chose to come back through our community,” stated Blasita J. Lopez, Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau Director. “While we will offer a variety of services across town, overnight parking is of particular importance because we have traditionally seen our hotels fill to capacity. I encourage all of our travelers to book a hotel reservation early so that they can benefit the most from the stop in Laredo before they continue their journey into Mexico.”
Paisanos returning to Mexico through Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas should take Bridge I to avoid traffic congestion along IH-35 at Bridge II. Motorists exit Del Mar Exit #4 and will be on Santa Maria Avenue; follow Santa Maria south to Bridge I.
Along the alternate route to Bridge I, off of Santa Maria Avenue, the parking lot and bathroom facilities at Veteran’s Field will be available to paisanos. Hours of operation are Friday, December 18 at 12 noon, through 12 noon on Sunday, December 20, 2014; Laredo officials have planned to have the facilities be available throughout the week leading up to Christmas.
Additional overnight parking facilities will also be available at the Laredo Civic Center, located at 2400 San Bernardo Avenue where portable restrooms facilities will be available. Thanks to the Laredo Independent School District, whose two parking lots will be patrolled be Laredo and L.I.S.D. Police.
Paisanos wishing to avoid congestion all together can take Colombia Solidarity Bridge (Bridge III) into Nuevo Leon. The extended holiday hours of operation for Bridge III will be: December 19 opening at 8:00 a.m. It will begin operating continuously for 24 hours through midnight, Monday, December 22, 2014 and remain open until all traffic is processed. For regular AVI motorists who cross daily, there will be a special designated crossing route for them to take to Bridge II, to avoid the downtown paisano and shopping traffic congestion. AVI motorists should take San Eduardo south to Hidalgo, turn west on Hidalgo and then turn south again on Santa Ursula.
Local traffic should be aware of the additional holiday traffic in the upcoming days and exercise caution and patience when traveling in the downtown areas and around major retail centers.
Finally, for up-to-date changes to laws regarding Mexican citizens returning home to Mexico for the holidays and vehicle important laws, as well as for U.S. or other foreign nationals traveling into Mexico, concerning the documents they must have to facilitate this process, please consult Mexican authorities. For more information, follow the link http://www.paisano.gob.mx/pdfs/Guiapaisano.pdf which can be downloaded on smart-phones, for up-to-date and accurate information.
Paisanos making the trip through Laredo come from throughout the United States, including Texas, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Oklahoma, New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina, to name a few, citing the welcoming experience as they cross in Laredo and once in Mexico, the safety and ease of travel on the highway through this route.
For more information about the Paisano Rest Stop, paisanos should call the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-361-3360 or visit www.paisano.gob.mx or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/welcomepaisanostoLaredo.