Public Notice

Debra Schmidt's custody case leads the concerns in this week's Public Notice, jam packed will all sorts of benefits and the like..

By Kate X Messer, Fri., April 14, 2000

You Think Elian's Got it Bad?

The story of little Elian Gonzalez, the boy caught in the middle of a big Push-Me-Pull-You game between the U.S. and Cuba, is at its heart a custody saga, not unlike the thousands of traumatic custody struggles that happen everyday in this country. The reason we know Elian by name, however, has more to do with political posturing than it does concern for a child's welfare. What are the names of Debra Schmidt's kids? Do you know? We don't. And the case involving their well-being is a doozy. Here's a reprint from a press release for the Benefit Concert for Debra Schmidt & Her Children, happening this Sun, Apr 16, 6pm, at Babe's Stageside, 208 E. Sixth:

On Wed, Mar 1, Debra ended a three-week incarceration at Del Valle Correctional Facility, even though she is charged with no crime. She was sentenced under a coercive contempt citation after refusing to divulge to a state district judge, her two children's whereabouts. Those children were brought to court as Debra was released. A California court has awarded custody of the kids to Debra's ex-husband, an alcoholic and convicted sex offender. Debra fled California after she was ordered to allow him visitation with the children. In her absence, a judge there awarded custody of the children to her former husband. He has [since] been ordered deported to his home in Chile, but in the meantime, the California judge is demanding the children be returned to their father. Debra's children are in foster care in Texas awaiting resolution of the case. Her jail stay has exhausted her personal finances. All money earned at this show will be used to benefit the children's physical, emotional, and social needs. It will not be used for attorney's fees.

The lineup includes Ginger Mackenzie, Trish Murphy, Leeann Atherton, the HeadHunters, Sexy Finger Champs, Julieann Banks, Mystery Date, Dreamtyrbe, and Penny Jo Pullus. An Auction is also slated for the evening. For those wanting more details about the case, check out the Press Conference on Fri, Apr 14, 2pm, Babe's Grillside. Oh, and watch out for Benefit Concert #2, which will take the stage at B.B. Rovers Cafe & Pub, Sat, Apr 29. 473-2262.

Working Masses

Wheatsville is the place for the Cesar Chavez Recordado Photo & Art Display, Fri, Apr 14-Mon, Apr 24. And right in the middle of all that, Texas State Director of the National AFL-CIO Rebecca Flores-Harrington will speak, Thu, Apr 20, 1pm, and share memories of the late Chavez, who passed away seven years ago, April 23. 478-2667.

This Sat, Apr 15, 10am-3pm, there will be a Union Organizer Training & Seminar at the Mexican American Cultural Center (the MACC), 600 Rivers. A variety of speakers from the IWW, IBEW, OCWA, ETC., ABC will share strategies for getting everyone together to stand down The Man. 467-7360.

Boots're Made for Giving

Those strapping lads and lassies you'll see at 41 traffic intersections over Thu-Sat, Apr 13-15, are from the Austin Fire Department offering you their boots and and an opportunity to donate $$ to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), in their (46th!) annual Fill the Boot event. 345-3800.

Garage Sale, Garage Rawk

Political Asylum Project of Austin (PAPA) presents a Plant & Garage Sale this Sat, Apr 15, 8am-5pm, at 38th & Avenue H in Hyde Park. Proceeds will let PAPA continue with their mission of equal access to justice for immigrants. 478-0546.

Babe-laden bands Buttahfly, Litter Meet, Proletariat no.2, and Handful, will play for the Grrl Party Fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign, this Fri, Apr 14, at the MACC, 600 Rivers. Beverages included in the $8 cover charge. 474-5222 or 467-7309.

Shoo-Bop-Shoo-Wah- Dah-Wah-Dah-Yippity- Boom-De-Boom

The United Court of Austin presents the Class Reunion at Ridell High, Mon, Apr 17, 8:30pm, at Dick's Deja Disco, featuring the sassy talents and illusions of Scarlett Leigh, Kelly Kline, Misty Stevens, Empress Dee Dee Davis, and the Babtist Women singing those snappy hits from Grease. Admission to this cabaret gala is Free. Any tips given to the performers will go to Project Transitions. 454-8646.

Hope

St. Andrew's Presbyterian invites everyone to share in the dedication their Field of Hope this Sat, Apr 15, 9am, to symbolize hope for an end to HIV/AIDS. Individual Crosses and Stars of David will represent loved ones lost. 990-2565.