By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
Michael Rodriguez
I was out of the office Tuesday due to a bad case of food poisoning. Simply put, I thought I was going to vomit a lung. So there I was, lying in bed trying not to breathe because relentless puking had made me so sore that even so much as laughing felt like I was cracking a rib. Still, as sick as I was, nothing made me more nauseous than the information that was shared with me that evening.
I received a phone call from someone who informed me that Chuy Aguilera of Chuy’s Custom Sports had name-dropped me during one of his marathon public comment speeches at the regular board meeting on Tuesday night. I watched the meeting on the district’s YouTube channel Wednesday and was utterly disgusted to hear Chuy claim that the “San Benito News” had called him to inquire about whether San Benito CISD Board President Yliana González was getting a divorce and if she was having an affair. He then proceeded to go into detail about another fabrication, alleging that he had also questioned why we’re not talking about men having affairs and claimed further that my reaction was to just drop it—none of which is true, by the way.
I’m not sure what world Chuy is living in, but it’s not in the world of reality. Neither I nor anyone at the San Benito News have ever called Chuy for the sole purpose of maliciously prying into González’ personal life. I can attest to the fact that it’s often come up, in more than one conversation, but only ever in the context of condemning those who commented about it on sbnewspaper.com and elsewhere.
In other words, I didn’t just call Chuy one day and say, “Hey, Chuy. How’s it going? So is it true that Yliana is getting a divorce and having an affair?”
Please.
This technique of lying is quite common. They’ll take the truth, remove it from its original context so it becomes a half-truth, concoct an entirely different context and then call it gospel. Chuy has mastered this, the art of lying that is. I can testify to as much especially after I called him Wednesday to question him about his little speech. To say that he was evasive would be an understatement. After Chuy maintained that such a telephone conversation did take place and tried to back it up by stating that his mother was in the room at the time (not sure what that proves, but O.K.), I attempted to correct him about how all our past conversations regarding González have taken place. His reaction was to pull that third grade routine of talking over me in a laughable attempt at aggression.
In order to get anywhere with Chuy, you have to meet him at his game. So I obliged and began speaking more aggressively. He later conceded the fact that he likes to say whatever he wants during public comments—whether what he’s saying is true or not—but doesn’t want to be held accountable for what he says either. How convenient.
I scored a victory in the debate, if you want to call it that, when he continued to resort to schoolyard antics by saying, “You and your mom and everybody will not tell me what to do! You can say whatever you want in your (expletive) paper, because I don’t give a (expletive). You can kiss my (expletive)!” Then he hung up. I’m not entirely certain what my mother or “everybody” has to do with this, but I can only assume that he attempted to get personal and thought that maybe it might get me upset. I suppose if I was a child, it might. Instead, I called him back and explained to him that I’d be doing my talking in the paper if he refused to hear me out (that usually happens when people don’t want to be corrected).
I once knew this man as a merchant the community was blessed to have, largely due to the fact that his funding of the Los Indios NFL Flag Football League offers area children with an outlet and also because of his propensity to help those in need. For instance, Chuy purchased a casket for a little girl who tragically died over a year ago.
I want to know that man again, because the man who I just spoke to on Wednesday and who was untruthful at Tuesday evening’s board meeting is someone else. Exorcise those demons once and for all, Chuy. Then man up and come see me when you’re ready to be held accountable for the venom you spew.
In closing, the ironic thing is that in Chuy’s attempt to distract attention away from the rumors surrounding González’ personal life, he only served to make it public. With that said, I want one thing to be made clear: No one deserves their personal life to be thrust into the spotlight. I have worked long and hard to keep the board president’s personal life out of the paper because it has nothing to do with our news coverage. It’s a shame that the actions of one man served to render such attempts futile. In responding to Chuy’s blatant lies, I am in no way validating his remarks about González but only refuting the claims he made regarding our involvement.
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After reading the letters to editor yesterday, Chuy has a new name. El M&M (Mil Mentiras)
Mr. Editor,
Instead of calling out Chuy A. just because he mentioned your name , you should have reported how many children got recognized at the meeting. But as always you report the things that we don’t care about.
Author
I’m certain you know the difference between lies and mere mentions. You also cared enough about this topic to offer your comments five times. So here’s the real question: How does that Kool-Aid taste?
Looks like CHUY won again PUSHING ALL THE RIGHT BUTTONS. Also i hear he DONATED a bunch of items to a needy San Benito Family a few days ago.
Interesting how Sonia de la Cruz , Oscar M. and Anna Cruz were not present at the meeting. If Oscar and Ana cared so much , why do they miss out on meetings? It seems that when Chuy has some comment they don’t show up. And its also funny how Rosalinda Garcia showed up after Chuy was done talking.
Why hide Rosalinda Garcia? you just a puppet to your puppet masters (Oscar and Ana) ?
All I can say is that this sounds like a real mess…it is sad that our district does not have transparency…all taxpayers deserve that at the very least. …our city continues to be the laughing stock of the valley…whenever I sing in other Valley cities and I tell them I taught in San Benito they immediately make negative comments about our school board…whoever finally gets in office needs to stop playing politics and needs to be willing to institute transparency with a focus on all our children and their education.
To: Leticia S.
When I go up to speak at school board meetings I don’t go up to attack board members. Attack is a very strong word. And when I speak its my opinion from information I read in the SB News and Valley Morning Star. Or information I hear by attending the school board meetings. That simple. Not rumors!
It’s very funny how people come on here and bash the 3 board members and say that they don’t do anything! But do you all realize that if you feel they are not doing enough, (which by the way I know for a fact they have been doing more for what is right) YOU can do something! In fact, I encourage all you bashing Mr. Medrano to run for school board and show us what you are made of! In fact, tell us who you really are and take a stand! What do people not understand about the school board? The 4 majority board members have control and the votes they need to do WHATEVER they want!! The other 3 can only expose them and their wrongdoings. They do not have majority; therefore, have very little say so to what happens! Now, if you all want to do something about the 4 do what I did! Call the FBI, call TEA, call TASB, let them know there is something suspicious going on with those 4 board members! BUT please, shut up about Mr. Medrano not fighting and doing the right thing or Ms. Cruz, or Mr. Leal. Because all I have seen these last 2 years is seen those 3 fighting for what is right!! Especially Mr. Medrano!
Have a nice day!!!!!!
Please, Leticia S. Please. Have you heard of freedom of speech!! You are not in Mexico sweetie!!!!!!
Get a clue!!
Its unfortunate that supporters of certain incumbents continue to resource to negative political tactics. We the votes of San Benito are tired of the same old dirty political tactics just to win a race that doesn’t pay.. ( or does it ?) its apparent who’s in for the right reasons and who’s infatuated with power. My family will be voting on positive and qualified ( educated – not falsified titles) candidates..
Unless somebody else runs against Medrano, I think he will win. I just hope he does a better job. I hope he realizes that students deserve a better effort from him and the other 6 board members. Papas won’t win with his driving record and his affiliation with Chuy, the President, and the Huertas.
Why was the portion,where Chuy made his comments deleted? He chose to speak in an open forum to inform the public. This was on the board meeting 2/11/14.
Mr. Medrano supporters are still with him and they are going to be knocking on doors daily and ask the voters that this time around they vote for the most qualified candidate. I believe persons are blogging and stating that Mr. Medrano is not an effective candidate because they know they are losing more votes after the Chuy Aguilera comments/rumors stated by Chuy Aguilera at the last school board meeting and posted on You-Tube. Very embarrassing comments by Chuy Aguilera about board president, attny. and incumbent’s opponent that should not have been stated. No class. Oh, and the comments he made of the SB News reporter! Unbelievable. Sounded like the SB News was the National Enquirer calling him and not a professional reporter like we know Michael Rodriguez to be.
Rosalinda: what both you and Chuy should do is stop commenting in public commen, attacking board members. Both you and Chuy should be prohibited from addressing the community. Both of you are irrational and should not be allowed to attack or discredit anyone in an open forum.
Leticia, I couldn’t agree with you more! We need to boycott them both from speaking at board meetings.
Rosalinda: you too are like Chuy and have no class! Start a petition to ban them both from speaking at board meetings! Neither make any sense!
Suffering? What about the junior high kids who can’t speak English? What about the kids in junior high that read at a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade level? What about the junior high kids that can’t add, subtract, multiply, or divide?
Spending money on this and that, interims, surveys, workers that aren’t working. How about spending the money on the students?
This isn’t anything personal. And it’s definitely not about having a stroke, 10 fingers, 2 legs, or “pobre mijo”. Sympathy doesn’t get anything done. This is strictly business. And he hasn’t got the job done. The 7 board members haven’t. That’s what this is about.
Shame on me? Shame on you for getting twisted. Shame on the school board for not getting it done. You can applaud them all you want for what they do. But what they haven’t done is inexcusable.
Bombay = Triple P
Please excuse the typo. I meant that name for my comment in the Washington Post
It’s going to take a lot more than a sympathy card this election.
RE Triple P
You have no idea how many contacts Oscar has had with attorneys, TASB and TEA over the wrongdoings of the 4. The way you talk, he’s done nothing. He questions, he exposes situations for the public to know and he votes and votes, and votes against the wrongdoings. And all this after suffering a severe stroke that almost claimed his life a year ago and which took him almost a year to recover from. I know who you are… You never came around when he was in hospital, and at rehab, but here you are criticiising all he’s done for our community. Shame on you.
Dear Puente,
As per PPP:
Do all current board members have degrees?
Have you asked him about his record?
For all the one paragraph readers out there that aren’t ready for multiple paragraphs and can’t focus on different points at one time:
Yliana should resign. It’s one thing to be irrational, have a poor sense of judgement, and make greedy decisions; it’s another thing to smirk about it.
Triple P: I can read very clearly, however, you are again contradicting yourself. You state:
” If board members are to have these kind of responsibilities, a degree should be required”- again, what purpose with that serve if Yliana has a degree (and you state having a degree is a necessity to be on the board) yet you want her to resign. As JF reiterated: “PPP wanted her to resign because of what’s she done not because of her education qualifications” proving my point that with or without a degree serves no merit if the decisions do not support the views of Oscar, Anna, and Hector.
RE: Enough
Why didn’t Medrano step up to all the wrongdoings of his opposed foursome? (And please don’t tell me he did because he didn’t and hasn’t.) I don’t side with him or his opponent. I just can’t support someone who knows of wrongdoings yet doesn’t do anything about them. It’s one thing to know too much. It’s another thing to do nothing with the “too much” that you know.
So you last few bloggers want to remove one of the only people on the board who is willing to jeopardize his health, his time and his years of unselfish service to this district because he has been there too long? Because of the propanganda? Because of the politics? Empty words. You don’t back these words up with examples, just catch-words to make others think you know what he actually stands for.
And his supporters have NOT turned on him. Whoever you are, you are lying to get readers to believe that Oscar’s supporters have turned on him. NOT TRUE.
I suppose you also want to sweep under the rug all the situations that Oscar and his team have uncovered, like the Insurance debacle, the chuypads, the raises in pay for board members’ relatives, and have an inexperience person step in and know nothing about these problems. Yes, now I understand why you want Oscar out. The same reason you wanted Bob T. out. They know too much and they know where all the corruption stems from and they are willing to fight to stop it. Yes, now I understand.
Really , the insurance debacle? Why don’t you talk to Oscar about the “insurance”, he will tell you all about it!
Puente,
I like how you commented on your inability to understand what PPP put rather than the actions of the President. That is very convenient coming from a Papas supporter. As I read it, PPP wanted her to resign because of what’s she done not because of her education qualifications. The education qualification was more than likely meant for the current board members that do not have degrees – that are making the decisions people with degrees normally do.
RE: Felipe Puente
1) “If the board is going to be in charge of hiring, firing, budgets, spending money, the SBCISD community deserves educated board members. That means board members with degrees.”
I don’t know how more clear I could be. If this website was in Spanish, I would have put it in Spanish. Chinese, German, etc.; but, it’s in English. I put it in plain English. I’ll restate what I already stated in a different choice of words. If board members are to have these kind of responsibilities, a degree should be required.
Do all current board members have degrees?
2) “Orlando “Papas” Lopez shouldn’t be voted to the board either. His record of irresponsibility and bad decision making is not what the SBCISD Board needs.”
My statement wasn’t made to defame the candidate. It was not made to be for or against the candidate. How well his campaign is running is irrelevant. My statement was strictly made with the SBCISD, its students, admin, faculty, staff, and parents in mind. All of my statements were.
Have you asked him about his record?
3) To answer your question:
“Unless you truly know him, on what basis would you gauge his bad decision making?”
Yes, I do know him and my statement about him was based up factual factifying facts.
Triple P: I must commend you for your comment; however, it seems to me as if you are contradicting yourself. To my knowledge Yliana holds a degree, yet you want her to resign.
In addition, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Lopez at his function and he seemed to be a fine and smart man ( he holds a degree and is educated). It seems to me he is running a positive campaign. Unless you truly know him, on what basis would you gauge his bad decision making? To my knowledge he has never served on the board in any capacity.
My reply is certainly not to defame anyone, but just to point out that too often presumptions are made due to falsification of facts. In my opinion, Mr. Lopez is shaping up to be a great candidate.
RB: I agree that Medrano should be off the board. He’s been there too long and has done too little. He too is corrupted by the politics, propaganda, and blurred power that has become the SBCISD School Board.
Anyone corrupted by Jesus Chuy Aguilera should have no business being a board member.
Yliana should resign. It’s one thing to be irrational, have a poor sense of judgement, and make greedy decisions; it’s another thing to smirk about it.
Orlando “Papas” Lopez shouldn’t be voted to the board either. His record of irresponsibility and bad decision making is not what the SBCISD Board needs.
If the board is going to be in charge of hiring, firing, budgets, spending money, the SBCISD community deserves educated board members. That means board members with degrees.
Oscar and his opponent need to step down. I can see the writing on the wall. They should both save themselves and not look back.
Clean slate by voting Medrano off the board.. Medrano has caused more harm than good in the past 8 years, just ask all his supporters that have turned on him.. May cant come fast enough.. Medrano will be history and the focus on education will began. ” milking the cow” is over Medrano you should step down and save yourself humilitation in May election results….
Did you think that Chuy needed to defend himself further.he had his chance and blew it. Televised and public comments are more than enough to show what am idiot he is.
You are so right, Richard. What happened to his well known character? We need a clean slate! Send a message citizens.
Chuy also turned on Interim Obregon Tuesday night, but he loves the new interim “hired gun” Cantu. He even got a $50 a day increase and a three month contract extension. Do what the four board members tell you and you will be rewarded!
But she sure did smile with June after smirked at Chuy. “Class”ic!
It says alot about her to allow him to talk about her personal life. A man has the right to do what he wishes. A woman has a right to what she wishes. And I have the right to not want her representing the district and the children of the district. Some role model she is. All class! What a great leader she is. All class! She really knows how to lead by example. All class! The smirk she gave Chuy said it all.
Policy clearly states that this type of behavior is not allowed in public comment, yet she allows it. What exactly are they BOTH trying to do?! I hope she wasn’t offended or baffled by Chuy’s rant. She allowed it!
Thank you Mr. Aguilera. Sounds like she was baffled to me. Did you hear clapping after he was done talking, I think those people were bewildered too.
No breakfast specials, legislative branch parties, or cuddling allowed…
Well said Mr. Editor and so true. Keep up the good work!!
Author
All: Your comments are appreciated, but I must also remind you to please take note that any inflammatory remarks referring to a person’s sexuality, family or private life will not be tolerated. The spirit of this column was to not only uphold the integrity of the San Benito News but of San Benito as a community. Give us a hand by being part of the solution and not part of the problem that breeds the mentality that the subject of this piece has adopted.
Why would anyone be intimidated by a bully named Chuy Aguilera? Who is this guy so he owns a store that prints tshirts and he thinks he can have the floor…Who let him speak at the board meeting? That is the real question. People that are not from San Benito saw that speech he gave and have nothing but bad comments and are laughing at how ridiculous he sounded and they think everyone in San Benito thinks and acts like this dude…This is the reputation San Benito has to act and talk like this person…EMBARRASSING!!!!!! When are elections? Please vote these people out seriously its gone way too far…
I guess you got the last laugh considering you could print your side or the story. Makes me wonder though is this a real local news website or a gossip colum?
Author
Do you often visit and comment on gossip columns?
OH ITS TRUE!
I can’t believe what I just saw on youtube. The school board meeting where Chuy points to Tony Torres the attorney and states that it is rumored he is having an affair. He also points to his right and states that a candidate for the board is rumored to have had an affair. Does the man leave his brain at home? Next time Chuy remember the old American Express commercial…don’t leave home without it!
After seeing the video I now understand why Michael Rodriquez confronted him over his comments about the SBNews. Chuy for the longest time has been perfecting the Art of Lying. No one had ever called him on the carpet for it until now. Good job Michael!
Doesn’t surprise me .. It’s obvious he is only there to get the attention of some sort .. He is trying to live out his dreams through those board meeting , not to mention his daughter doing and being everything chuys tells her to .
The system is all corrupt and choaictic! The community needs to stand up to bullies and people like Chuy and vote for people who have integrity and are at the best interest of the kids and our school system ! Not all the drama behind thier mama and some ! Chuy is full of hot air and I’m so glad someone finally stood up to him and wrote what you did!! I’m proud of you for standing up to this bully and showing the community what a person he is .. So many people know how he is this way and still for some reason give him business and entertain themselves erg his BS!! Our board needs to hve a serious clean up !! I know I’ll be first in line to vote them out !
Excellent job, Mr. Editor!
This type of behavior is usually displayed in junior high.
It’s obvious who the editor protects!
Author
It is indeed. I protect the San Benito News.
And who might that be, Paco. The only thing obvious is you.
Thank you Mr. Editor for your professionalism… that man you spoke about acts like a junior high bully.
I just watched the video of the SBCISD Board Meeting on Tuesday.
That man needs to stop talking at board meetings and stop spreading rumors. This is the type of person that San Benito DOES NOT need running the district…. because WE ALL KNOW he tells his daughter and the board president and those other two what to do.
And saying you saved the district $100,000 on those worthless tablets is ridiculous. Tablets that were not even needed… wonder how you made that happen?
Voters of San Benito need to really check out the ballot carefully in May.
And who would that be Leo?
Editor Michael Rodriguez, I commend your professionalism in your editorial. It’s a fine line in writing what needs to be said, and filtering the manner in which it should be said.
I wholeheartedly agree, Chuy ranting about rumors in a public forum now have many a tongues a wagging. It will be extremely interesting to see how all this unwinds.
Who knows, we might even see a particular candidate withdraw name from school board race, in the best interest of ALL concerned.
And to quote King Leonidas from the movie “300”
There is no reason we can’t be civil, is there? [Stated while chewing on an apple as his soldiers spear wounded enemies].
That guy that spoke at the 2/11/14 board meeting from 36mins to 42mins STINKS!
All those that vote for school board members:
Chuy papas will come back to haunt you.
Get rid of everyone affiliated with Jesus Chuy Aguilera.
Vote wisely.
Thank you, Mr. Aguilera. That totally took me by surprise!
One, did Y. Gonzalez know the SANDUSKY Address was going to happen? Two, was a “Thank you, Mr. Aguilera” warranted? Three, did she smirk prior to SANDUSKY?
Is June up for re-election? Does her dad think this will help her chances to be re-elected? Chuy Papas, needs to leave the building!
Well put, Richard.
The community works so hard informing people not to bully. Chuy is a perfect example of a bully. It is sad that a person who claims to do so much for people is polar extreme opposite and does so much bad causing division and strife. He needs to be reminded he is not a board member and should not be pretending to be one. Your earn respect from people by showing respect and being able to control your mouth and having some sense of self restraint. The good deeds become obsolete because he has no control over his mouth, temper, and attitude. Que Lastima!
Someone once said never pick a fight with someone who buys his paper in rolls and ink in barrels. Chuy, however, is not the sharpest tool in the shed.
I’m not surprised. This is hilarious. I’m sure this was not his first lie. This only makes everything he has ever said unreliable, half-truths, or just lies.