Mission resident donates plasma after recovering from COVID-19
Following her recovery from the coronavirus, Carina Garza De Luna felt the need to give back to patients still struggling. Garza De Luna, a resident of Mission, was diagnosed with COVID-19 on March 25. She was tested after her children were sick with an upper respiratory virus before coronavirus testing was available in the area.…
Read MoreTransplant recipient becomes advocate for organ donation
La Joya Early College High School freshman volunteers with TOSA 14 years after life-saving liver transplant When she was just ten months old, Shantel Garza was given a second chance at life thanks to a family who opted for organ donation in the wake of tragedy. Garza, a freshman student at La Joya Early College…
Read MoreStriving to Serve: The Tea Room
A series spotlighting locally-owned restaurants adjusting to the pandemic The Tea Room has been working to give back to the less fortunate and stay afloat during the pandemic. Located at 1524 N. Conway Ave., The Tea Room has been a staple in the Mission community for several years. Owner Michael Mendiola spoke on the changes…
Read More‘The Florida Project’ and making your own magic
At some point in many of our lives, the fantasies that occupy mundane moments fade away as reality creeps to the forefront. It’s time for another quarantine watch. This week’s film, The Florida Project, was one that was initially on my radar when it was released in 2017. Like many independent films, this movie had…
Read MoreLJISD Counseling works to keep services available to students and parents
LJISD District Counselor Miriam Tellez has seen a need for counselors now more than ever. Since the La Joya Independent School District announced they would be closing campuses in wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Counseling Department has been hard at work developing and implementing a new plan for remote services. Tellez said it was…
Read MoreMission CAC amends by-laws during public hearing
The Mission Citizens Advisory Committee met through a Zoom video conference this week and held a public hearing before amending their by-laws and expanding the participation range of members. Jo Anne Longoria, the Community Development Director for Mission who oversees the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, presented a few items to the committee, including…
Read MoreStriving to Serve: Brick Fire Pizza
A series spotlighting locally-owned restaurants adjusting to the pandemic Steven and Corina Alaniz want to continue their support of local students and residents through these trying times. The couple opened Brick Fire Pizza & Inferno Patio Bar in 2017 with the intention of serving great food and bringing the community together. An establishment with a…
Read MoreMission approves consultant contract on Madero Bridge Project
Mission will be seeking an extension on a Presidential Permit that was first issued in 1978. This week, the Mission city council met for the first time over a Zoom video conference, where they approved several items and a couple of resolutions. They also approved a contract with Rigo Villarreal to act as a consultant…
Read MoreMasks for the masses
Valley residents use their sewing skills to give back in a time of crisis When Maria Guadalupe De Leon saw a shortage of masks available to the public, she knew she had to do something. De Leon, along with several others in the Valley, has been spending her quarantine time sewing masks for anyone who…
Read MoreStriving to Serve: Ranch House Burgers II
A series spotlighting locally-owned restaurants adjusting to the pandemic For Michael and Christy Barrera, keeping the community fed is their top priority. Ranch House Burgers II, located at 409 N. Bryan Rd. in Mission, has been keeping busy as to-go and curbside orders come in. Their usual atmosphere, kept spirited with live entertainment, has had…
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