FRIDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO PAY AND AVOID PUBLICATION OF NAME IN THE HOT CHECK WARRANT LIST

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today reminded hot check writers with outstanding arrest warrants who want to avoid the publication of their name that they need to pay their outstanding balances in full by Friday, May 28, 2010.
On Monday, May 31, 2010, the County Attorney's Office will publish in the El Paso County’s web page, and with local media outlets the names and addresses of more than 3,600 individuals with outstanding hot check warrants.
The current amnesty period to pay your outstanding balances without fear of being arrested runs through Monday, June 7, 2010. Individuals who pay their outstanding balances during the amnesty period will avoid arrest during an upcoming county-wide warrant round-up being coordinated by the County Attorney’s Office with the assistance of the El Paso Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, local constables and the Fort Bliss Military police. Additionally, by paying their outstanding balances during the amnesty period, they will save money by avoiding the payment of various fees, such as court costs, attorney fees, and the cost of posting a bond after arrest.
Residents with outstanding hot check warrants can make their payments in person at the following locations:

El Paso County Courthouse
500 E. San Antonio, room 503 (5th floor)
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

El Paso County Ysleta Annex
9521 Socorro Rd., Suite A-3
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m

Forms of payment accepted include most credit cards, money orders, cashiers checks, and cash; those paying cash will have to bring the exact amount (cashiers can't give change).
In addition, residents can make payments online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through "Hot Check E-pay," by visiting the El Paso County Attorney's Office web-page at HYPERLINK "http://www.epcounty.com/CA" www.epcounty.com/CA.
For more information regarding hot check payments and balances please contact the El Paso County Attorney's Office Hot Check Unit at 546-2051 or visit the El Paso County Attorney's Office web site at: HYPERLINK "http://www.epcounty.com/CA" www.epcounty.com/CA.
There are currently more than 3,600 names in the County's hot checks warrants list who owe local merchants more than $3.3 million dollars. During last fiscal year (2008-2009) the Hot Check Unit collected 1.2 million dollars in outstanding hot checks. Since Friday May 14, 2010 when the amnesty period was announced, the County Attorney's Office has collected over $16,000 from 87 hot check writers.

Garage Sale Season City Reminds Citizens to Brush Up on Rules to Avoid Violations

El Paso, Texas – Now that the warm weather has arrived bringing with it garage sale season, the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department would like to remind citizens about regulations pertaining to garage sales.

Yard or garage sales are limited to three times per calendar year at the same residential location. Each sale may not last more than two consecutive days.

If you plan to promote your garage sale using signage remember:

- Signs may be displayed on private property with the owner’s consent;

- It is prohibited to place yard or garage sale signs on utility poles, street signs or street medians;

- Temporary garage sale signage is allowed on the parkway, the strip of land between a sidewalk and a street, but only between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Remember to remove your signs to avoid a violation);

- Temporary garage sale signage must be free-standing and made of wood, metal, plastic, or hardboard no larger than 5 square feet and no greater than 36 inches in height.


Garage sale violations are punishable by a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500. Court costs may apply.

Citizens may report code violations by calling (915) 599-6290 or using on-line services available through www.elpasotexas.gov/environmental_services.

Learn more about city ordinances by clicking on the El Paso Municipal Code link at www.elpasotexas.gov/virtual.asp. Garage sales are part of Title 20.

New Traffic Signals at Sun Valley and Rushing

El Paso, Texas – The traffic signal equipment going up at Sun Valley Drive and Rushing Boulevard in Northeast El Paso will be set to flash mode on Friday (April 16, 2010), the City of El Paso Street Department announced today.

The new traffic signals will be placed on flash mode to acquaint motorists and pedestrians with the equipment. Motorists are encouraged to use caution while traveling through the newly signalized intersection.

The new signals will be set to automatic mode, or normal operation, on Monday (April 19, 2010). The project cost approximately $150,000.

Traffic signal projects are designed to improve vehicular and pedestrian traffic operations in El Paso. Several new traffic signals are scheduled for installation in the coming months.

ANTRON BROWN/ MATCO TOOLS DRAGSTER TO VISIT STUDENTS AT WESTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE ON APRIL 13

El Paso, Texas, April 9, 2010- Antron Brown, driver of the Don Schumacher Racing-owned Matco Tools/U.S. Army dragster, will visit with students and provide presentations at Western Technical College in El Paso on April 13 . The event is one of several events that will be held this year, celebrating the 40 year anniversary of the college. Also in attendance will be El Paso’s own World Ranked Boxer, Antonio Escalante.

Brown, a former college track star at Mercer (N.J.) Community College will speak to students at Western Tech about education and career choices after competing at the 23rd annual O’Reilly Spring Nationals, April 9-11, in Baytown, Texas near Houston. Brown’s 7,000-horsepower Matco Tools/U.S. Army dragster also will be on display.

“I really enjoy these school visits we do for Matco (Tools),” Brown said. “I was just like many of these students not too long ago when I was a student at Mercer College in New Jersey. It’s nice to give back and speak to the students about career paths and the importance of focusing on education. These are the technicians and mechanics of tomorrow and it’s great to meet the students and hopefully deliver a positive message to them. I think it’s great that Matco makes this a top initiative for the company.

“The students, staff and faculty are looking forward to having the Matco Tools race team with Antron Brown back at Western Tech,” Western Technical College President Allan Sharpe said. “Antron is a product of career school education and really connects with our students. Over the past few years we have enjoyed a strong partnership with Matco Tools. This has allowed students at Western Tech to obtain quality, professional tools at great prices. This has better prepared them for meaningful employment in the industry which they have trained for.”

Who/What: Presentations & Autographs by Antron Brown, On Display the 7,000 horsepower Matco Tools/US ARMY dragster, Autographs by Antonio Escalante, Register to Win Concert Tickets during the KHEY & KPRR live Broadcasts , Other Prize Drawings, Campus Tours, and more.
When: Tuesday, April 9, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Presentations and autographs by Brown throughout the event hours. Autographs by Escalante from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Western Technical College, Main Eastside Campus-9624 Plaza Circle Dr.
More Info: (915) 532-3737

2010 Alfresco! Fridays Season season starts THIS Friday, April 2!

In 2010, Alfresco! Friday’s enters its 8th season. Alfresco Friday’s provides a casual way to experience some of the best established and upcoming local bands. Originally conceived as a way of keeping employees downtown at the start of the weekend, the concerts quickly became a draw for visitors to downtown. The upcoming season will feature Jazz, Latin, Reggae, Classic Rock, 70's, Funk, Mariachi and more.

ALFRESCO FRIDAYS takes place on Arts Festival Plaza, adjacent to the Plaza Theater and El Paso Museum of Art and is FREE and open to the public. Performances start at 5:30PM.

No outside food or beverages allowed. No pets allowed.
Please call the weather inclement hotline at 915-534-0675 for up to date information on whether or not the performance will be canceled due to weather.

2010 Schedule

Friday, April 02, 2010 La Imperial Sonora - Latin Cumbia
Friday, April 09, 2010 Dusty Low Border - Country
Friday, April 16, 2010 Sangre Gitana - Rumba / Flamenco
Friday, April 23, 2010 Radio la Chusma - Latin Reggae (world)
Friday, April 30, 2010 Azucar - Latin/Variety
Friday, May 07, 2010 Exito - Tejano
Friday, May 14, 2010 Captain Radio - Classic Rock
Friday, May 21, 2010 Aztec Zodiac - Jazz/Funk/Latin
Friday, May 28, 2010 Guitar Slim - Blues/Jazz
Friday, June 04, 2010 Fungi Mungle - 70's Disco/Funk/Rock
Friday, June 11, 2010 Karma - Rock
Friday, June 18, 2010 Windy City Tribute to "Chicago"
Friday, June 25, 2010 Brown Betty - Classic Rock
Friday, July 09, 2010 Exito - Tejano
Friday, July 16, 2010 El Paso Blues Band - Blues/Jazz
Friday, July 23, 2010 Mariachi Raices de America - Mariachi
Friday, July 30, 2010 La Imperial Sonora - Latin Cumbia
Friday, August 06, 2010 Aztec Zodiac - Jazz/Funk/Latin
Friday, August 13, 2010 PT and the Cruisers - Easy Listening
Friday, August 20, 2010 Mike Hamilton - Jazz
Friday, August 27, 2010 Radio la Chusma - Latin Reggae (world)
Friday, September 03, 2010 Marcelo & Friends - Salsa/Latin
Friday, September 10, 2010 Fungi Mungle - 70's Disco/Funk/Rock

Acts subject to change.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE RECEIVES $900,000 GRANT AWARD FROM GOVERNORS OFFICE TO FIGHT CRIME ALONG TEXAS BORDER

Austin, TX- On March 25, 2010, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office received a grant award from the Office of the Governor – Criminal Justice Division in the amount of $900,000. This grant is primarily for Deputies’ Overtime pay to protect the community and citizens of El Paso County through the reduction of crime within El Paso County & along the Texas border.

The project objective is for law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to provide support for peace officers involved in the investigation of violent crimes and/or organized crime to ensure complete and thorough investigations are conducted to gather adequate evidence to prosecute cases. Activities include, but are not limited to, conducting interviews, taking statements, assisting with crime scene evidence with collecting and processing, and other covert operations.

Download Letter Here:
Grant Award - Office of the Governor Award Letter

Health Fair Celebrates 28th Year of Serving the Community

El Paso, Texas – The City of El Paso Department of Public Health, Lower Valley School Nurses Association and Sierra Providence Health Network will host the oldest and largest health fair in the region. The 28th Annual Lower Valley Health Fair will feature free health screenings for children (speech, hearing, dental, vision, developmental) and adults (cholesterol, blood sugar, pap smears, hearing, blood pressure and foot screenings).

Children and adult immunizations will be available for $10.00 (for one shot) or $20 (for two or more shots). H1N1 influenza vaccines will be provided free of charge.

The Health fair will take place:

Saturday, April 17, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Socorro High School
10150 Alameda

As a part of the festivities, two family fun walks will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

For more information on this year’s health fair, please call Sandy Beckford, Socorro ISD Nurse Coordinator at (915) 937-0057, or Mario Hernandez, Heath Education Training Specialist at (915) 771-5704.