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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Many proud residents of Penitas traveled to the |
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State Capitol on January 30, 2013, and the visit provided a showcase |
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for the city's rich heritage and vibrant features; and |
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WHEREAS, According to local tradition, Penitas was founded by |
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a group of survivors of the Panfilo de Narvaez expedition of 1520; |
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formed to supplant Hernando Cortez and his forces in Mexico, the |
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expedition failed when Narvaez and his troops were defeated in |
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battle and imprisoned; after being released the next year, Narvaez |
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embarked on a second expedition to Florida, leaving behind Fray |
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Zamora and several of his officers, who instead opted to settle in a |
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site along the Rio Grande; Zamora's group befriended the local |
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Calero Indians and began homesteading the land, which they named |
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Penitas, meaning "little stones"; today, this moment in history is |
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commemorated with a Texas Historical Marker; and |
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WHEREAS, Now home to some 7,500 residents, Penitas is a |
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fast-growing city that benefits from the able leadership of Mayor |
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Marcos Ochoa, city manager Noe Cavazos, and the members of the city |
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council, mayor pro tempore Antonio Flores, Jr., Tomas Cedillo, Jose |
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Roel Flores, and Alejandro Guajardo; through joint efforts with |
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agencies and organizations, these dedicated public servants are |
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working to foster economic growth and enhance the quality of life of |
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their fellow citizens; and |
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WHEREAS, Visitors and residents of Penitas enjoy its many |
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recreational opportunities, including a number of public parks and |
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historical sites; each fall, people from throughout the area gather |
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together for the Penitas White Wing Festival, a celebration hosted |
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by the City of Penitas and the White Wing Festival Committee, which |
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draws crowds of thousands for such activities as a cook-off, a 5K |
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race, a beauty pageant, a car show, and numerous live musical |
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performances; proceeds from this event help finance service |
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projects; and |
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WHEREAS, Heirs to a colorful history and a lively culture, |
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the citizens of Penitas may indeed take great pride in their |
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community as they look ahead to a future bright with promise; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize the history and achievements of the |
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City of Penitas and extend to its residents sincere best wishes for |
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the future. |