By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
Oscar Medrano
San Benito CISD School Board Member Oscar Medrano is disputing the circumstances surrounding his arrest this weekend for violating the city’s leash law.
According to a San Benito Police Department (SBPD) report obtained by the News via an open records request, Medrano was arrested at approximately 1 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 22 at a residence located on the 700 block of E. Stenger Street. There, Officer Arturo Flores, Jr. was responding to a call in reference to noises heard at the said location.
Upon arrival, Flores made contact with Medrano, who was speaking with two other male subjects in an alley behind the residence.
Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the Jan. 29 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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the citizens have the right to know what happens in our city and our schools, Medrano is no exception, he should not be treated differently and citizens should be informed, thank you San Benito News!
Author
You may have something there, Mr. Cassidy!
too funny! love SB news!
Not your type? Now I am insulted! Not even for charity? Ya know, could help circulation, a big color photo on the front page with the caption, “Editor and Blogger Kiss To Makeup – For Charity!” I’m just not certain I could ever find myself that charitable…. :/
Author
I’m going to have to agree with Mark on this one. Nice guy… don’t get me wrong. Just not my type.
Kissed? That’s how rumors start! Not that there’s anything wrong with him…. I prefer to think we came to a meeting of the minds – agreed to disagree – figuratively shook hands, and moved on. But, I am open to kissing – just not the Editor!
Author
On the contrary, we have polled the people of San Benito regarding their thoughts on our coverage. We even printed their responses, positive and negative, in the paper a year or two ago. The reaction was not what you suggested here, though. It was, in fact, quite positive, which is surprising since we were looking for constructive criticism on ways we could better the San Benito News. This is proof positive that we do take into account what our readers want to see in the paper.
If the way you see things is that this newspaper would “do anything to sell papers,” then you’re blinded by bias. I can’t speak for other publications, but this is another common misconception. There’s only so many quarters we can collect, Lorenzo. The main source of our revenue is not newspaper sales, hence no urgency in needing to sell papers to make a buck.
Also, notice that I omitted your remarks regarding a local businessman. To put it simply, you can’t just report an alleged incident via website comments without first providing documentation and/or proof to support your claims. I’m not disputing that it occurred, but we reserve resources that would or would not confirm your claim for news stories, not for comments posted here. As far as why the incident you claimed occurred wasn’t reported, I wouldn’t be able to tell you since this is the first I heard of it. So it’s quite possible that it happened before my time at the News.
I am curious, however, as to why the issues you expressed here have only been made just now. Is it because of the subject of the article? If it were anyone else, say the businessman you had mentioned, would this be an issue? I’m guessing you’ll say yes, but somehow I remain suspect.
And yes, Liz. Front page… top fold.
OK, the editor and Mark kissed and made up! will this make the headlines too!
Dear Editor, you’re living in your own little world, why don’t you do a survey of the people here in San Benito, the people out on the street and get their opinion about your paper. I’m pretty sure you will find out that not too many people have a high opinion of your paper, many just buy it because it’s the only paper in town. When I read your paper it only takes me 3 to 4 minutes to go through it because usually there’s very few news worth stories. The way I see things your paper and your competitor down the way will do anything to sell papers, no matter if it ruins a persons good standing in the community. As per being held to higher standards, I disagree with that opinion in this case; I would agree with it, like I said before if it was a serious violation of the law.
Author
Touché, Mr. Cassidy. I hope to see you soon. I enjoyed your “Taxgate” reference. I’m going to use that, crediting you, of course. Thanks for the discussion.
Very true, Mr. Rodriguez, two years ago I did shake your hand for your coverage of Taxgate; you did an excellent job, not only uncovering the scandal, but following up. Never would I take that away from you. And regardless of our differing views exchanged here, I will still shake your hand when our paths cross. In fact, do hope it’s soon so we can share a laugh…with or at one another.
In the mean time, I am bowing out of this particular debate. Not because I am defeated, but because it is counter-productive: Neither one of us will change the other’s point of view. Until the next occasion, I wish you well.
But you are mistaken, sir. 😉
Como que no?? Isn’t that EXACTLY what the chief of police said that the Miranda Rights or Warning or whatever don’t have to be read unless you’re interrogated?? lmao!! So Oscar Medrano was arrested then. Becauae he was “no longer free to leave” and Officer Flores restricted his movement, aren’t those “actions” by an officer that say someone is in custody like the copy and paste statute thingy says?? Oscar Medrano was taken to stripes by an officer to pay off a warrant for his arrest that Oscar Medrano said himself couldn’t wait! If Oscar Medrano couldn’t freely go on his own accord then he is in custody!! Duh! What I want to know is did Oscar Medrano buy a powerball ticket when he was there and did he ride in the front seat or the backseat?? What seat should Oscar taaaaaaake! It’s Friday, Friday gonna get arrested on the weekend, weekend!! Did you also notice that the story that shouldn’t be a story came out on the front page of the Valley Morning Star today?? lmao!! Ay, mi gente. No sabes nada!
An officer is only required to provide a Miranda warning if there will be a custodial interrogation. You are “in custody” when you are no longer free to leave. Whether you are in Custody may be inferred by actions or by the words of the officer. An interrogation means that the officer must ask questions to elicit incriminating information. Information volunteered is generally not the result of an interrogation. If an officer conducts a custodial interrogation without first giving Miranda Warnings, any statements that are made in response to the interrogation may be held to be inadmissible in Court. Moreover, any evidence derived from statements taken in such a context would also be inadmissible. This is called the “fruit of the poisonous tree” meaning the later discovered evidence was derived from illegally obtained statements. —Source: Texas Constitution and Statutes. **** Folks, a formal arrest was not made in this case. The police chief has it wrong by saying his officers DO NOT have to read people their rights. Medrano was under volunteer custody, thus allowing him to pay the ticket. This was definitely not an arrest and disputable. It is quite common to allow people to allow them to buy a money order, pay their ticket and let them go. This is my opinion.
Oh my goodness, so much criticism. To those wanting “news worthy” stories … um, this is one. According to the police, Mr. Medrano was arrested. Yes, Mr. Medrano disputed that, but since he is a school board member he is held to a much higher standard than the average person, therefore making this a newsworthy story. Teachers have the same, if not more pressures on them to maintain that same high standard. An arrest is an arrest, regardless of what the circumstances are surrounding it. Mr. Medrano paid the fine, wrote a letter, and moved on. You don’t see him acting like a child and attacking the San Benito News over this, unlike some of you who seemed to have lost the point of your argument and lowered yourself to attacking your local paper and the Editor, who by the way, has every right to voice his opinions as you all do. Stick to the point of the argument, otherwise it just looks silly to keep arguing.
Moving on …
Editor, I have enjoyed many stories that have been in the San Benito News. Stories such as the ones about Janet Mata and the food pantry. The sports section has come a long way from being non-existent to being very informative for those who might not be able to make it to the games, even though I do wish our ‘Hounds would win the Battle of the Arroyo EVERY year. However, that is not your fault. (See how easy that is people?) Anyway, keep up the good work. It must be difficult to try to please everyone.
God bless.
Author
Freak on a leash, please refrain from using derogatory and/or obscene language. Engaging in personal attacks will not be tolerated. If you notice, I’ve deleted two of your comments as a result.
Author
Your comments, Mr. Cassidy, have actually made a case that we’re doing our job here as well as ever. Consider that two years ago, which just so happens to be when we broke the stories about Mayor Joe H. Hernandez owing back taxes and his subsequent forfeiture, you were singing our praises. You even shook my hand and congratulated me on articles that followed. Fast forward two years later, when besides Raspagate there’s less controversy surrounding the mayor than there was in 2010, and now you’re “disappointed.” Convenient indeed.
Our aggression hasn’t changed, nor has our coverage… but you have. This newspaper remains a voice for the community, it’s just not a voice for Mark Cassidy and Mark Cassidy only. It’s also rare when this paper gets scooped, with the exception of Raspagate. “Little” San Benito News has broke stories on nearly every major event that has occurred in our area, which leads me to Lorenzo, who is mistaken/wrong/incorrect about the state of this publication. We’re actually enjoying increased readership in our print and online editions not to mention an influx of print and e-edition subscriptions, and the fact that folks are stealing our paper shows more demand for the News than it does otherwise. Like Mr. Cassidy, you’re only making my case that the San Benito News is well-read, Lorenzo; otherwise, you wouldn’t have such passionate opinions nor care enough to engage in dialogue.
I appreciate the fact that the two of you do care so much.
Still, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention just how productive we are, which I hope adequately addresses your opinion, Lorenzo, that our reporters are “too lazy.” Take the Jan. 29, 2012 weekend edition of the San Benito News, for example. In that publication, there’s 22 items of local content for your reading pleasure, mainly news stories and sports features as well as game coverage. In a local daily paper that hit the streets on the same day as our Jan. 29 edition, there were 18 items of local content. This little newspaper was more productive than a daily with only a quarter of its resources at our disposal.
And yes, Mr. Cassidy, there are no hard feelings. Only common misconceptions, such as your attempt to support your notion that we’re somehow slanted by using City Manager Manuel Lara’s guest column as an example. Realize that Lara’s column wasn’t staff written. It was a guest column under an Opinion page banner. That’s something we actually used to do much more often, a fact that disproves your accusation that we’re somehow a mouthpiece for the city administration.
See, now don’t you feel better for speaking to the editor? I would also like to encourage you, Mr. Cassidy, and anyone else to come by the office and speak with me about whatever’s on your mind. We always make time for our loyal readers. After all, I care about what you think, otherwise I wouldn’t be responding to your concerns… as an editor should.
I would actually like to know why Oscar Medrano’s name was checked out by Officer Flores in the first place, and why would Oscar Medrano refuse to believe he was arrested if the chief of police is TELLING HIM that he was arrested lmao!! What everyone is fighting about is dumb because I just learned in two stories that the officials in San Bene don’t know the law enough to realize when they are arrested and why a raspa stand cant pay your bills lmao!!! Seriously people if you don’t think this should be in a newspaper, you are fooling yourselves.
Of course Medrano’s arrest is published in the newspaper. Obviously if a man who is a high profile public official is arrested it is news, and because its over a small thing like a leash law it gives it an even more interesting take. As for those of you who suggest the editor should have no part in exchanges of conversation, it is more likely that the conversation is beneficial to any party due to the fact that you are debating or conversing with a person who has knowledge of every aspect of this city. Not only is he giving you further information, but challenging the opposing view points by stating his opinion. Like the editor said, if you would rather your opinions not be challenged, then do not comment. It is that easy.
For the record, I have no opinion on Mr. Medrano’s actions one way or the other. My initial comment was in support of Mr. Cavazos’ position. Then I received a dissenting opinion from the “Editor,” to which I felt compelled to reply.
I’m just mystified that your paper would print this story on the front page; if at all this story should have been printed in the inside pages of your newspaper. The real truth to the matter is that your paper is struggling to make it and any little thing gets published on your front page and the reason for this is to to sell papers and to create controversy in our community. I know many people do not subscribe to your paper or buy it off the news stand and if they do get it they won’t drop money in the canister; that’s how much they dislike your paper, such a shame. There are a lot of news worthy stories in our community, but as always, your paper takes the easy way out, relying on police reports to dig up dirt on our citizens. Your reporters are too lazy to go out and do some leg work and find the positive things that are going on in our community; there are plenty of organizations, church groups and sporting events that never get covered by your newspaper. You need to get off your duff and find the news worthy stories in our community. I completely disagree with your story; true there are some that are public servants, but they also have their private lives, none of us are perfect; I could understand if Medrano was accused of a more serious crime, but in this case a leash law violation, come on give us a break!!!!
One thing I have learned in life, Mr. Rodriguez, there are no actions without consequence. For example, when one calls a reporter with a story that reporter elects to ignore, that reporter should not call the source months later seeking a comment when he has been upstaged. You of all people should know, sir, when you miss the deadline you have missed the story.
There are no hard feelings, Mr. Rodriguez, only disappointment. Disappointment in the fact that this newspaper has gotten soft over the last few years. What once was an aggressive publication has become complacent. There was a time the SB News was a voice of the San Benito community. Now it has become the voice of the San Benito administration.
Sure, you print stories about the community, but many are slanted from the administrations’ angle. Like the Opinion Piece that appeared in this edition written by the City Manager. I couldn’t find it on here to respond, though, to point out his falacies. To answer Mr. Lara’s question, yes, submetering is permissible by law where a master meter exists, according to the Texas Utilities Code. But this is San Benito, where laws seemingly cease to exist for some, and integrity has been replaced by compadrismo.
I suppose you will tell me I’m “mistaken” again. That is fine. We have differing viewpoints. It is funny you use the term “mistaken,” when what you really mean is, “you are wrong.” I would rather be accused of being “mistaken,” Mr. Rodriguez, than complicit for the benefit of convenience.
No where else but San Benny! lol
this is to funny! these people are clearly supporters of medranos and would rather talk about the editor commenting??!?! an sbisd school trustee is arrested for a stupid thing and this is not supposed to be in the newspaper!? im not buying it! if its good for barber joe then its good for oscar!
Author
You’re mistaken, Mr. Cassidy. It appears as though you prefer expressing opinion without consequence. That’s convenience to your benefit, not just free expression. You’re open to express yourself here, yes, but your comments are still subject to editing by a moderator. The presence of an editor, whether it’s replying to or moderating comments, has helped reduce trolling on this website. Also, simply saying something should be a certain way doesn’t make it gospel. You’re acting as though because Mark Cassidy says it that it must be true. The truth is you couldn’t be more wrong. It is up to individual publications as to how they handle commenting on their websites. Some draft policies and procedures that reflect my views and others reflect yours.
We just so happen to be proud of the fact that open communication between our readers and the editor and staff is present, regardless of the forum. In fact, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Make no mistake, Mr. Cassidy, this is not interference. This is dialogue. And as I informed Mr. Cavazos, if you prefer that your comments go unchallenged, that’s something for you to address.
I have to agree with Mr. Cavazos. I find it unprofessional for an editor to be engaging and debating with its readers. The purpose of these blogs should be for readers to comment on articles, and they should be allowed to express their opinions freely without interference from the publisher or its employees. The Editor has an outlet for expressing its opinion in the Editorial Column or social media, and can and do write news articles with the slant it chooses. Heck, some “Editors” are even given news stories – important news stories concerning corruption in the community on which they report – months before the news breaks and choose, whatever their reason, not to report.
Editors should stick to editing their publications and its content, and should refrain from engaging, influencing and editing the outlet provided readers unless and until the posts become too indecently obscene.
Author
Ms. Garcia, yellow journalism is – by definition – exaggeration. There’s nothing exaggerated here as it is all taken straight from the police report, the operations chief and Mr. Medrano himself. Also, reporting a story about a board member being arrested for failing to pay a leash law fine is as much news as an ethics complaint being filed against the mayor over a snow cone stand. If not more so since in this case there was an actual arrest made.
Mr. Cavazos, I think what you’re referring to is a publication that would cater solely to elected officials and that would also refrain from running articles that may portray them in a non-flattering light. That’s something we call selective journalism. For the birds, indeed. To put it mildly, you and I have very different ideas about how a newspaper should be run. While we have no problem showcasing the extraordinary accomplishments of any person, an elected official or otherwise, this newspaper is also not a mouthpiece for a select group of people. You’re definitely entitled to your opinion, I just happen to disagree, especially when considering the fact that we’ve won first and second place awards in newswriting and headline writing in recent years, not to mention the attention this story has already attracted. We’re doing something right for people to keep reading. I wonder if you’d feel the same way if someone else was the subject of this article, say a person who wasn’t an elected official running for office?
I have never commented here, but this is yellow journalism at its best. There has to be better news than attacking Mr. Medrano over a leash ticket. I applaud him for having the courage to write the letter to the editor in this past weekends issue. Excellent letter! It was very well written and so true. People hate Mr. Medrano because he is the best school board member San Benito has ever had. I’ve worked with him before and he is a friendly and genuine person who loves serving his community and always gives 100%. Just take a look at the meetings we see on tv. Those other ones don’t know how to speak or dress. This story was blown way out of proportion just to humiliate Mr. Medrano. His letter made so much sense to me. San Benito attacking their own. Unbelievable!
It used to be a great newspaper. Back in the 1960’s and 70’s, but, lately it’s been only good enough for my birds. They laugh, like bird brains often do, as they read what passes for news in the latest edition and decorate it as it covers the floor to their cages. Para algo sirve, verdad? You should be writing about the elected public servants who are running for office and need the people to know what a good job they have done. That would be an article I would fight to keep my birds away from.
Author
That’s actually where you’re wrong, Mr. Cavazos. It’s quite common for an editor of any sort to respond to concerns and/or comments. I don’t know about the Freedom papers or the Statesman, nor do I concern myself with how they’ve engaged in dialogue with their readers. In fact, I’m more curious as to why you would think it’s out of the ordinary for an editor or any representative of a newspaper to refrain from communicating with you. After all, these comments are posted “freely” despite what you may or may not believe. If it’s a matter of not wanting your sentiments challenged, that would be something for you to address. Also, aside from fielding belittling remarks, part of my job is to have a relationship with our readers and to engage in dialogue when appropriate. It’s a shame you disagree, especially since we pride ourselves in being directly accessible to the community. Thanks for reading this little paper.
Editor,
Why are you commenting at all? I have never seen the Editor of the Valley Morning Star, McAllen Monitor, Austin Stateman or any other newspaper write comments in support of an article or respond to a reader who has posted a comment like I have just read. Why don’t you just do your job and write your little paper and let your readers express their opinion freely?
SB Citizen –the story was totally about a leash ticket. Hello!! You have never been out after 12 midnight? I seriously doubt it SB Citizen! We all have. By the way, last time I checked all alleys are connected to homes back yards and for public use. My goodness! So much hate! Ignorance sure feeds ignorance!
Author
Notice that I edited your comments, Sb citizen. Please do your best to refrain from innuendo and making remarks concerning information that was confirmed to be mere rumor.
Author
If that were the case, then your comments wouldn’t be approved. Yet here they are. You can comment all you want, but do not confuse my correcting you with being “bothered.”
How dumb are people to think that this is about a leash law. I think Medrano is deflecting from a fact that what was he doing in an alley way at one in the morning with other individuals. If it was someone else everyone would be saying there was something going on, but because it’s Oscar medrano it’s ok. And for Art Flores to take him to a store wow I hope when ever I get arrested, probably will never happen because I have class, Art Flores picks me up so he can do me the same favor. I am sure some people get what medrano is doing and for those he fools I feel sorry for you stupidity.
It was simply my opinion Mr. Editor. Obviously my note bothered you sir. I thought this blog was for us to give our opinion freely, but obviously it is not.
Author
Yet you read the entire article and felt compelled enough to comment on it. It appears as though it was front page news after all, judging by your response and the multitude of phone calls and text messages received over the weekend. Thanks for reading.
Great letter to the editor by Mr. Medrano. People take politics to the extreme.
You are reporting over a leash ticket? What has our hometown paper become!! I read the whole story and couldn’t believe this made front page. The same thing happended to my family when we were pulled over last year. We had no idea we had a leash ticket pending in municipal court. We had to go to the police department and pay. Seems to me that the city municpal court needs to get their act together. This can happend to anybody.
Yea, reporting over a leash ticket? you should be reporting about Medrano’s bad decisions and ‘compadrismo’ in the school system and affects students through the board and superintendent’s bad judgment calls.
Much ado about nothing! Gee, I wonder if Oscar will get jail time? The police should do more investigating of the corruption in City Hall !