Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityWATCH: Powerful Message About A Mother’s Love
A heartfelt message encourages everyone to express their love and appreciation for their mothers. The reminder emphasizes the dedication and sacrifices that mothers make for their families. It serves as a call to action for individuals to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of maternal love in their lives.
CommunityCameron County celebrates opening of $6.3M Santa Maria Community Park
LA FERIA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday for the opening of the Santa Maria Community Park. The new park at 33034 River Drive in La Feria features numerous amenities, including a basketball court, lighted baseball and soccer field, and volleyball court. The 10.83-acre park also includes a splash pad,
CommunitySTC Exhibit Showcases WWII Art of George Withers
In honor of Memorial Day, South Texas College (STC) is hosting an exhibit featuring the artwork of World War II veteran George Withers at its Pecan Campus. The display includes illustrations that depict the harsh realities of combat and the emotional aftermath faced by veterans. Brian Withers, George's son, donated the prints to support veterans and raise awareness about their struggles, including PTSD. STC aims to create a welcoming environment for veterans, showcasing their stories and experiences. The exhibit highlights the healing power of art and the importance of community support for those who served in the military.
CommunityInside look at Echoes From Brownsville: The Rubio Murder documentary
Channel 5 News is set to broadcast a 30-minute documentary titled Echoes From Brownsville: The Rubio Murders, focusing on John Allen Rubio, a father on death row for the murder of his children. The special will air commercial-free on May 21, following months of preparation. The news team, including Stefany Rosales and photojournalist Alex Ochoa, conducted an interview with Rubio about a month ago. They also attempted to interview the children's mother, Angela Camacho, but she declined. The documentary will feature insights from Rubio, his former defense attorney, and investigators who were present at the crime scene.
CommunityJoin the Celebration at the World Cultures Festival, May 17th
The McAllen community is invited to the World Cultures Festival on May 17, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the McAllen Public Library. This free, family-friendly event celebrates global cultures through music, storytelling, dance, and interactive activities. Formerly known as the World Languages Festival, the event showcases the library's World Languages Collection and promotes cultural diversity. Attendees can enjoy live performances, cultural presentations, and hands-on activities suitable for all ages. Pre-festival programming starts at 1:00 p.m. For more details, visit the McAllen Library website.
CommunityPharr EMS to Host Massive Free Community Lifesaving Workshop, May 21st
Pharr EMS is hosting a free community workshop on May 21, 2026, at Pharr ONE, located at 1121 E. Nolana Ave. The event will feature Hands-Only CPR and Stop the Bleed training courses, teaching vital lifesaving skills. Five classes will be available throughout the day, accommodating up to 100 participants each. Class times are 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 6:30 PM. Additionally, a blood donation drive will run from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with free tote bags for donors while supplies last. Registration is encouraged for both the training and blood drive.
CommunityKRGVCares Closet campaign continues
The KRGVCares Closet campaign is making significant progress, having raised over $10,000 to provide toys, arts and crafts, and stuffed animals for children in local hospitals. The initiative aims to highlight the challenges faced by young patients during extended hospital stays at South Texas Health System Children's Hospital and Driscoll Children's Hospital. KRGV encourages viewers to contribute during newscasts and the Take 5 segment, with all funds going directly towards purchasing necessary items for the KRGV Cares Closet. Donations can be made through their website.
CommunityRGV Red Crowns players visit patients at South Texas Health System Children hospital
Seven players from the RGV Red Crowns visited pediatric patients at the South Texas Health System Children's Hospital in McAllen ahead of their upcoming season. The players engaged with children in the playroom and made bedside visits for those unable to participate. Vicente Alvarez, Randy Galvan, Rene Galvan Jr., Izhaid Gamez, Alberto Yanet, Julian Sandoval, and Martin Tiscornia took part, along with the team mascot, Rico. Alvarez expressed how the experience was uplifting for both the players and the children. The visit included the unveiling of the STHS Children's logo on the team's jersey, highlighting their partnership. The Red Crowns' season starts on May 16, 2026.
CommunityElsa artist transforms Weslaco animal shelter after winning art competition
Karina Gonzalez, a 31-year-old artist from Elsa, has transformed the Weslaco Animal Care Services building with her artwork after winning a city art competition last April. Over several months, she painted both the interior and exterior of the shelter for free, motivated by her love for pets and her children. Gonzalez expressed her desire to enhance the space, making it more welcoming for families. Following the completion of her project, the shelter reported an increase in pet adoptions. She is now preparing for her next artistic endeavor, which will take place at a library in San Antonio.
CommunityFounder’s Day of Caring: 30 nonprofits in 30 days
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —This year at ValleyCentral, we’re celebrating Founder’s Day of Caring on June 12 with a special community spotlight: 30 nonprofits in 30 days. The response from our viewers was overwhelming, and because we received so many nominations, we’re highlighting a few extra organizations, as well. Between May 12 and June 10, these
CommunityCesar Chavez Day renamed in San Benito
San Benito city officials have voted to change the name of Cesar Chavez Day to Community and Labor Heritage Day. This decision comes in light of recent allegations against Chavez, who was accused of sexual abuse in a March 2023 New York Times article. City leaders emphasized that the new name will still honor the contributions of farmworkers in the United States. The renamed holiday will take place on the Monday following Good Friday and Easter Sunday, providing a four-day weekend for city leaders and some businesses. San Benito commissioners plan to commemorate the holiday next year.
CommunityChairman Guerra Leaves Lasting Impact on Community
Chairman Esteban "Steve" Guerra is concluding his eight years of service on the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners. Elected in 2018 and appointed chairman in 2022, Guerra has been instrumental in promoting economic growth and sustainable development at the Port of Brownsville. He emphasized the importance of community engagement and collaboration during his tenure. Guerra believes he leaves the port in a better position than when he began, highlighting the relationships formed with staff and commissioners as his proudest achievement. He encourages future board members to prioritize the interests of the port and its constituents.
CommunityGroundbreaking Ceremony Marks New Era for Harlingen VFW Post
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new VFW Post 2410 in Harlingen was attended by Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, local officials, and Noble Texas Builders CEO Rene Capistran. The 10,000-square-foot facility aims to enhance support for South Texas veterans and their families, backed by $850,000 in federal funding from the FY 2024 appropriations. The total project cost is approximately $2.5 million, with additional funding from Cameron County and in-kind donations. Gonzalez emphasized the importance of supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life. VFW Post 2410 has served the community for over 80 years but has faced significant damage, necessitating this rebuild.
CommunityWATCH LIVE: RGV Palm Awards 2026
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — ValleyCentral and ValleyCentral+ will livestream the Palm Awards happening Wednesday night at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. The event is expected to begin at 7 p.m. and will be livestreamed on this article and on ValleyCentral+, our free streaming app available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Samsung TV. The
CommunityMercedes officials move to rename street after World War II veteran
Officials in Mercedes are proposing to rename a street in honor of Dr. Hector Garcia, a local World War II veteran and the first Mexican American to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The initiative aims to celebrate the legacy of influential figures from the area and inspire future generations. Skyler Howell, a director at the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of recognizing local history while motivating current and future leaders. The city has identified several streets for renaming, and residents can participate in a survey to choose their preferred option, which is open until May 18, 2026.
CommunityDiscover, Play and Learn at the McAllen Public Works Block Party, May 16th
The McAllen community is invited to the annual Public Works Block Party on May 16, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 4201 N Bentsen Rd. This free event will feature interactive booths, educational activities for children, and equipment demonstrations. Thanks to Lone Star National Bank, 50 local children will have the chance to win bicycles, with helmets provided by McAllen Crimestoppers. Attendees can meet city employees responsible for maintaining essential services like streets and sanitation. The event aims to foster connections between residents and the Public Works Department, which consists of 14 divisions dedicated to community welfare.
CommunityThe Painful Farewell to Kevin, the Young Man Who Saw His Deported Parents Before Dying
Amid applause, silence, and the music of a marching band, classmates, teachers, and family members bid farewell to Kevin González on Wednesday during a tribute held at the school where he attended high school. The 18-year-old's coffin was received at the school while his classmates said their goodbyes in the classrooms, fulfilling one of his dreams: to graduate. Although life did not allow him to achieve this, his school community wanted to pay him a final tribute in the place where he shared important moments. In honor of Kevin, who passed away from terminal colon cancer, the drums of the marching band echoed through the school as students dressed in white and holding flowers observed a moment of silence. 'Today we find ourselves here with a great pain in our hearts,' said Citlali Zamarripa, a classmate of Kevin. 'Kevin, thank you for being a part of our lives, thank you for your friendship, for your way of being, and for all the moments you gave us,' Zamarripa added. The tribute also included the presence of his parents, who were urgently deported to be with him in his final moments.
CommunityH-E-B Hosts 20th Baby Shower for Military Moms
H-E-B celebrated its 20th baby shower for military families on May 6 in San Antonio, partnering with Operation Shower and the San Antonio Spurs. The event welcomed 55 expectant military moms and highlighted H-E-B's commitment to supporting over 600 military families since the program's inception in 2016. This milestone also marked Operation Shower's 250th event nationwide. Throughout May, H-E-B will continue to collaborate with organizations like the United Service Organizations to honor military spouses and families across Texas.
CommunityRemembering Sarai Cantu
Sarai Cantu, 39, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Edinburg, Texas. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Fermin Cantu, and their four children: Jeylisse Fierro, Mia Pierro, Victor Fierro, and Leonidas Cantu. Additionally, she leaves behind her parents, Victor and Maria Lopez, two siblings, Cindy and Isai Lopez, and her maternal grandparents, Basilio and Maria De Jesus Rivas, along with many aunts and uncles. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 5 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 6 p.m. The funeral will take place on Friday, May 15, at 10 a.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, with interment at Hillerest Memorial Park.