H.R. No. 423
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Many proud residents of Penitas traveled to the
State Capitol on January 30, 2013, and the visit provided a showcase
for the city's rich heritage and vibrant features; and
WHEREAS, According to local tradition, Penitas was founded by
a group of survivors of the Panfilo de Narvaez expedition of 1520;
formed to supplant Hernando Cortez and his forces in Mexico, the
expedition failed when Narvaez and his troops were defeated in
battle and imprisoned; after being released the next year, Narvaez
embarked on a second expedition to Florida, leaving behind Fray
Zamora and several of his officers, who instead opted to settle in a
site along the Rio Grande; Zamora's group befriended the local
Calero Indians and began homesteading the land, which they named
Penitas, meaning "little stones"; today, this moment in history is
commemorated with a Texas Historical Marker; and
WHEREAS, Now home to some 7,500 residents, Penitas is a
fast-growing city that benefits from the able leadership of Mayor
Marcos Ochoa, city manager Noe Cavazos, and the members of the city
council, mayor pro tempore Antonio Flores, Jr., Tomas Cedillo, Jose
Roel Flores, and Alejandro Guajardo; through joint efforts with
agencies and organizations, these dedicated public servants are
working to foster economic growth and enhance the quality of life of
their fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, Visitors and residents of Penitas enjoy its many
recreational opportunities, including a number of public parks and
historical sites; each fall, people from throughout the area gather
together for the Penitas White Wing Festival, a celebration hosted
by the City of Penitas and the White Wing Festival Committee, which
draws crowds of thousands for such activities as a cook-off, a 5K
race, a beauty pageant, a car show, and numerous live musical
performances; proceeds from this event help finance service
projects; and
WHEREAS, Heirs to a colorful history and a lively culture,
the citizens of Penitas may indeed take great pride in their
community as they look ahead to a future bright with promise; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the history and achievements of the
City of Penitas and extend to its residents sincere best wishes for
the future.
Longoria
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 423 was adopted by the House on
February 28, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House