CHECK OUT OUR NEW HABLA y VOTA PODCASTS
I’m PROUD to be taking on the new role as the official political correspondent for HOT Tejano and serving as the host for a new weekly program called HABLA y VOTA. Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT TEJANO as we talk with Latino community leaders, candidates, panelists about local community issues, politics, el chisme and the importance of our voices and votes. - Paul Saldaña
EPISODE 1
Bienvenidos to HABLA y VOTA co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris "TejanoMan" Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we will be talking about the importance of our power, voices and votes. We will have special guests that will join us weekly, from Latino community leaders, elected/appointed officials, and candidates.
In Episode 1 we introduce you to HABLA y VOTA, Latino voter data, the upcoming Primary Elections on March 1st and discuss how local Austin Latino Community Leaders formed the newly created HABLA y VOTA Action Fund.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App).
EPISODE 4
Bienvenidos to HABLA y VOTA co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris "TejanoMan" Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we will be talking about the importance of our power, voices and votes. We will have special guests that will join us weekly, from Latino community leaders, elected/appointed officials, and candidates.
In Episode 4 we are joined by Special Guest, Alma Mena, HABLA y VOTA Action Fund Leadership Committee. We discuss the recent March Primary Election Results and the voting experience of our Latino voters during the elections.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App).
EPISODE 7
Bienvenidos to HABLA y VOTA co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris "TejanoMan" Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we will be talking about the importance of our power, voices and votes. We will have special guests that will join us weekly, from Latino community leaders, elected/appointed officials, and candidates.
In Episode 7 we are joined by Special Guest: Diana Anzaldua, The Founder of Contigo Wellness, is a social change activist and influential leader in mental health equity and reform. Her vision and leadership create a safe space for other survivors to grow, embrace their resilience, and heal; all-in-community with others. During this episode we engage our listening audience in a conversation regarding mental health and why it's important for our Latino community to speak openly about mental health challenges. Diana announces Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and we take a deep dive into the stigma and machismo Latino complex.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App).
EPISODE 10
Bienvenidos to HABLA y VOTA co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris "TejanoMan" Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we will be talking about the importance of our power, voices and votes. We will have special guests that will join us weekly, from Latino community leaders, elected/appointed officials, and candidates.
On Episode 10 of HABLA y VOTA we are joined by Special Guest: Noelita Lugo, Austin ISD Trustee.
AISD Trustee Noelita Lugo grew up in a working class, immigrant family and is a survivor of childhood family violence. She is a mother of three children—two in Austin ISD schools and one future AISD student. She holds two Bachelor of Arts degree (English and Psychology) and a Master of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin.
Trustee Lugo served the state of Texas for 20 years, working on family-centered programs aimed at strengthening the parent-child bond, increasing economic stability and self-sufficiency and improving co-parenting relationships. She currently works as a public policy and management consultant primarily working with child support and foster care/child welfare agencies.
Trustee Lugo holds a deep commitment to public service and to practicing the tenets of servant leadership. She remains active in public education and youth-serving advocacy coalitions.
Trustee Lugo was elected to the Austin ISD Board of Trustees in 2020 as an at-large AISD Trustee in Position 8.
During our platica we discuss AISD’s Long Range Planning Process, a potential AISD Bond Election this November 2022 and the concerns of many in our minority and East Austin communities that the District has not yet earned the trust of the community.
We discuss the status of the 3rd party independent Equity Audit of the District and other existing AISD challenges.
HABLA y VOTA is co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris Tristan every Sunday morning at 9am we discuss the importance of our power, voices and votes.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App).
On Episode 13 of HABLA y VOTA we are joined by Special Guests Stephanie Bazan, Candidate for Austin City Council, District 5 and Ben Leffler, Candidate for Austin City Council District 9.
Stephanie Bazan is an award-winning leader, native austinite, mom, community advocate, and philanthropist, with a long-standing career in communications.
She is the Chief Communications Officer & Crisis Advisor at S L H & A, LLP. Stephanie currently serves on the Steering Committee of the Austin Community Foundation Hispanic Impact Fund, and was the 2021-22 Grant Chair. Stephanie also serves on the board of The Junior League of Austin which supports 30 non-profit partners.
She earned her B.A. in English Writing & Rhetoric from St. Edward’s University and a M.A. with distinction in Creative Writing from the University of Leeds in the U.K. Stephanie graduated from The University of Texas at Austin LBJ Women’s Campaign School in the LBJ School of Public Affairs in 2021. She is a graduate of Leadership Austin, past president of the St. Edward’s University Alumni Association, and chapter member of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas and the LBJ Future Forum.
Ben Leffler was born and raised in a working class household in the heart of Austin, and he’s dedicated his life to serving our community. He studied Government and Public Affairs at University of Texas, and worked in the City Auditor’s Office and as a policy advisor to the city council. Ben has served on the Cherrywood Neighborhood Association, mentored through Austin Partners in Education and UT, and supported numerous progressive campaigns, candidates, and causes. Ben lives in Cherrywood with his wife, Melissa, son, Sonny, and dog, Waffles.
During our podcast we discuss land use issues in East Austin, affordability and the ongoing challenges with gentrification and displacement of Latino and African-American communities. And we discuss Stephanie’s and Ben’s political platform priorities for Austin City Council District 5, District 9 and all of Austin.
HABLA y VOTA is co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris Tristan every Sunday morning at 9am we discuss the importance of our power, voices and votes. We have special guests that join us weekly as we discussion community and quality of life issues.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App).
EPISODE 2
Bienvenidos to HABLA y VOTA co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris "TejanoMan" Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we will be talking about the importance of our power, voices and votes. We will have special guests that will join us weekly, from Latino community leaders, elected/appointed officials, and candidates.
In Episode 2 we are joined by Special Guests: Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, the first Latino elected as Hays County Judge and Denise Hernández, Attorney, Social Justice Advocate and Candidate for Judge, Travis County Court at Law #6 for a platica regarding "Why Latinos Should Be Involved in the Political Process".
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App).
EPISODE 5
Bienvenidos to HABLA y VOTA co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris "TejanoMan" Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we will be talking about the importance of our power, voices and votes. We will have special guests that will join us weekly, from Latino community leaders, elected/appointed officials, and candidates.
In Episode 5 we are joined by Special Guests: Alicia Perez-Hodge and Julio Cesar Guerrero who will be sharing their unique experiences with Cesar Chávez.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App).
EPISODE 8
Bienvenidos to HABLA y VOTA co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris "TejanoMan" Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we will be talking about the importance of our power, voices and votes. We will have special guests that will join us weekly, from Latino community leaders, elected/appointed officials, and candidates.
On Episode 8 of HABLA y VOTA we are joined by Special Guest: Vanessa Fuentes, Austin City Councilwoman, District 2. Vanessa Fuentes proudly represents District 2 on the Austin City Council, which includes the diverse neighborhoods of Dove Springs, Del Valle, Pleasant Hill, Dittmar, Easton Park and Goodnight Ranch. It also encompasses Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Circuit of the Americas and McKinney Falls State Park.
Since taking office in 2021 amid the pandemic, Vanessa has fought for improved health and livability by championing issues around COVID-19 response and recovery, climate resilience, transit, creative arts survival and quality of life issues. In addition to tackling these community challenges, she has taken a stand for health equity as vice-chair of the Public Health Committee by sponsoring legislation on community health workers, vaccine distribution justice, mental health services and healthy food access.
Born and raised in Central Texas to an immigrant mother from Mexico and military veteran father, Vanessa understands the unique challenges District 2 constituents face. Beginning her career in the public sector as a legislative aide focused on criminal policy reform eventually transitioning to health care focused advocacy and policy at a national nonprofit, she is a staunch advocate for healthier communities and racial justice.
During our platica we discuss the recent Austin City Council debate and vote regarding the ABIA Jet Fuel Tank Farm, the false narrative that Austin is a progressive city, other policy priorities for Councilwoman Fuentes and her call to action.
HABLA y VOTA is co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris Tristan every Sunday morning at 9am we discuss the importance of our power, voices and votes. We have special guests that join us weekly as we discussion community and quality of life issues.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App).
EPISODE 11
Bienvenidos to HABLA y VOTA co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris "TejanoMan" Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we will be talking about the importance of our power, voices and votes. We will have special guests that will join us weekly, from Latino community leaders, elected/appointed officials, and candidates.
On Episode 11 of HABLA y VOTA we are joined by Special Guests: Alicia Perez-Hodge and Alma Mena, HABLA y VOTA Leadership Committee Members.
During our podcast we discuss the most recent announcement of the departure of AISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde and the impacts to AISD and the community. We discuss Latino quality of life issues including affordability and displacement, the creation of the Mexican-American Cultural Historic District, future Austin City Council Elections and the latest chisme in the community.
HABLA y VOTA is co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris Tristan every Sunday morning at 9am we discuss the importance of our power, voices and votes.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App).
On Episode 14 of HABLA y VOTA we are joined by Special Guest Gina Hinojosa, State Representative House District 49.
First elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2016, Gina Hinojosa proudly serves the constituents of District 49 in the heart of Austin and the Central corridor of the Texas capital city.
During her first session, Gina earned the title of Freshman Floor Fighter of Year from Capitol Inside, Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC) Freshman of the Year Award, 2017 Legislative Champion from the Texas Women's Healthcare Coalition and Defender of Justice from the Texas Fair Defense Project as she stood up to ensure the voices of HD49 were vigorously represented. In 2019, during the 86th Legislative Session, Gina proudly passed legislation and budget riders focused on improving women's reproductive health care, maternal mortality data collection, special education oversight, disaster preparedness, and disaster relief services.
Prior to becoming a Texas House member, Rep. Hinojosa was elected to an at-large position on the Austin ISD School Board in November 2012. Thereafter, she was elected Board President by her fellow trustees in January 2015. In the short time that Gina served on the School Board, she led successful efforts on workers’ rights, advocated and testified at the Legislature in support of increased funding for public education, partnered with the City to secure millions in additional funding for students, and secured the rights and safety of LGBTQ employees and students. Under her leadership, every AISD high school met state accountability standards for the first time, a major step forward in improving academic performance for all students.
The 87th Legislative Session marks Gina's third legislative session. She was re-appointed to serve as Vice-Chair of the Human Services Committee and as a member of the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. During her time in the Texas Legislature, Gina has served on the following House Committees: Defense and Veterans’ Affairs, Homeland Security & Public Safety, Economic & Small Business Development, and House Administration.
During our podcast we discuss Gun Control Laws in Texas, Women’s Reproductive Rights, Partisan Politics, potential legislation to mitigate unaffordable issues, Austin ISD, el chisme and other issues.
HABLA y VOTA is co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris Tristan every Sunday morning at 9am we discuss the importance of our power, voices and votes. We have special guests that join us weekly as we discussion community and quality of life issues.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App).
EPISODE 3
Bienvenidos to HABLA y VOTA co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris "TejanoMan" Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we will be talking about the importance of our power, voices and votes. We will have special guests that will join us weekly, from Latino community leaders, elected/appointed officials, and candidates.
In Episode 3 we are joined by Special Guests: State Representative Eddie Rodriguez, HD51 and Candidate for CD35 and Dyana Limon-Mercado, Community Advocate and Candidate for Travis County Clerk for a platica regarding Latino Voting, Voter Suppression and what we all need to be prepared for on March 1st Election Day!
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App)
EPISODE 6
Bienvenidos to HABLA y VOTA co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris "TejanoMan" Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we will be talking about the importance of our power, voices and votes. We will have special guests that will join us weekly, from Latino community leaders, elected/appointed officials, and candidates.
In Episode 6 we are joined by Special Guest: Susana Almanza, Founder and Director of PODER (People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources) as we discuss the life and legacy of César Chávez, the recent Sí Se Puede! César Chávez March & Day of Action at Parque Zaragoza and modern day social justice issues in Austin, Texas.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App).
EPISODE 9
Bienvenidos to HABLA y VOTA co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris "TejanoMan" Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we will be talking about the importance of our power, voices and votes. We will have special guests that will join us weekly, from Latino community leaders, elected/appointed officials, and candidates.
On Episode 9 we are joined by Special Guest: Senator Kirk Watson, Candidate for Austin Mayor.
Austin City Council Elections are scheduled this November 2022, and voters will elect a new Austin Mayor along with Council Members for Single Member Districts 1, 3, 5, 8 and 9.
Elected Mayor of Austin at just 40-years-old, Kirk helped Austin navigate its first tech boom, driving initiatives that accommodated an influx of people and businesses in ways that addressed affordability, the economy, and things people love about Austin. He did it by bringing different political sides together — leveraging the community’s creativity, commitment, and compassion to advance transformative environmental, transportation and public safety initiatives.
Kirk went on to become the State Senator representing most of Austin and was honored multiple times in Texas Monthly magazine's analysis of the state's best legislators.
At the Capitol, he filed and passed bills aimed at employing diverse strategies to create affordable housing and make Austin more affordable. He fought efforts to reduce Austin's control of its destiny, especially in cases where the Texas Legislature wanted to undermine local policies that help people live and thrive here.
Kirk was also the Founding Dean of the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston. During this time, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed him to the Mayor's Task Force on Policing Reform.
During this episode we discuss land use issues starting with the debates between Austin's development and environmental communities to protect environmental sensitive land. We discuss the historic environmental racism and land use issues in East Austin and the creation of the East Austin Overlay.
We also discuss the racial reconciliation efforts that led to the "Peace Between Communities Conference" of policing, race, racial intolerance and racism. And the ongoing narrative of Austin's progressive policies, affordability, transportation issues and Kirk's top priorities and vision for Austin.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App).
EPISODE 12
Bienvenidos to HABLA y VOTA co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris "TejanoMan" Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we will be talking about the importance of our power, voices and votes. We will have special guests that will join us weekly, from Latino community leaders, elected/appointed officials, and candidates.
On Episode 12 of HABLA y VOTA we are joined by Special Guest: José “Chito” Vela, Austin City Council Member, District 4. José “Chito” Vela proudly represents City of Austin District 4. Born in Laredo, Texas Chito moved to Austin to gain his bachelor’s in history at the University of Texas, which led him to fall in love with Austin as a city. He continued his education and received his Master’s in Public Affairs and his Law degree from UT Austin as well.
Before being elected to City Council, Chito worked as an immigration and criminal defense lawyer at Walker Gates Vela, a law firm in District 4. His passion has always been defending the residents of Texas from forces that seek to marginalize them, and he is (and should be) very proud of his record on immigration and criminal justice reform. This includes his legal experience as well as his time as President of the Board of the Worker’s Defense Project. Prior to private law experience, Chito Vela was General Counsel to Texas State Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr. (D).
Locally, Chito has extensive experience in both the political and social worlds of District 4. Chito served as President of the Blanton Elementary PTA for several years, in addition to my experience as Greg Casar’s Planning Commissioner. He has lived in Windsor Park for almost 20 years raising three children with his wife Fabiola.
Chito feels that Austin has been a welcoming and neighborly home for him, and he is working to ensure that it is the same for everyone who wants to make a home here. Above all, Austin must be a safe and thriving home for the working class, not a playground for the wealthy.
During our podcast we discuss the tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, a community of deep Latino roots. We discuss Latino quality of life issues including affordability, transportation and displacement. The false narrative that Austin is a progressive city and Chito’s Council priorities.
HABLA y VOTA is co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris Tristan every Sunday morning at 9am we discuss the importance of our power, voices and votes. We have special guests that join us weekly as we discussion community and quality of life issues.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano App)
On Episode 15 of HABLA y VOTA we are joined by Special Guests Christopher Tristan, TK Tunchez, Denise Hernandez, & Jose Orta who share their lived experiences growing up in the LGTBQ community.
Christopher is a graduate from the University of North Texas with a bachelor's degree in political science. Currently, he works for Civitech as an Operations Coordinator, focusing on using technology and software in various ways to help Democrat and Progressive causes all around the country.
TK Tunchez is a full time multi-media artist, cultural producer and event organizer. She is the Creative Director and Founder of Austin-based Maximalist Accessory brand: Las Ofrendas; Local Marketplace and Cultural Event: Frida Friday ATX; and, creative nightlife venture: Fuego ATX.
Denise Hernandez is a lawyer, community advocate and Judge Elect for Travis County Court at Law #6. She is a graduate from the University of the Incarnate Word and The Texas Tech School of Law.
Jose Orta is a disabled, openly Gay Air Force Veteran and former Executive Director of The Austin Latino Lesbian & Gay Organization, ALLGO. Jose is a strong advocate and leader for LGBTQ rights as he has spent decades fighting for equity and inclusion. He is the Democratic candidate for Williamson County Commissioner Precinct 4.
HABLA y VOTA is co-hosted and produced by Paul Saldaña, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz and Chris Tristan. Every Sunday morning at 9am we discuss the importance of our power, voices and votes. We have special guests that join us weekly as we discuss community and quality of life issues.
Join us every Sunday at 9am on HOT Tejano! https://hottejano.com (download the HOTTejano app).