Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Landfill, Citizen Collection Stations to Observe July 4th Holiday

June 30, 2009 – The Clint Landfill and the Citizen Collection Stations (CCS) will be closed on July 4 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday.
The landfill, which is normally open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, will resume normal operating hours on Monday, July 6, 2009.
The Citizen Collection Stations will resume normal operating hours on Tuesday, July 7, 2009. Citizen Collection Stations offer residents a convenient place to dispose of extra household waste, bulky items, household hazardous waste and recyclable materials. Normal operating hours for Citizen Collection Stations are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information about these two services offered by the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department the public may call (915) 621-6700.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Web Site Helps Kids Plan Their Future

(AUSTIN) — A Web site called Get a Life helps middle-schoolers answer the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The Web site is new from Texas Comptroller Susan Combs.

“Get a Life encourages kids to dream big, explore the endless possibilities the future holds and map out a plan to get where they want to go in life,” Combs said.

Get a Life, at www.getalife.tx.gov, advises ‘tweens and teens to let their hobbies and interests guide them toward their dream career and to look for activities, classes, volunteer work and paid employment that let them try out possible careers and gain valuable knowledge and skills.

The Web site offers information about fast-growing and well-paying jobs, along with the education required for those jobs.

“Many skilled, professional jobs do not require a four-year college degree, but they do require some training at a community college or technical school,” Combs said. “We want kids to know there are a world of possibilities in Texas and many paths to success.”

Get a Life is a kid-friendly approach to the Comptroller’s commitment to keep the Texas economy thriving. The site was developed with input from real middle school students and educators thanks to the involvement of Bedichek Middle School in Austin.

“Middle School is the perfect time for students to take an inventory of their interests and abilities, be exposed to a variety of experiences, and begin to develop a career path,” Bedichek Principal Dan Diehl said. “Our world will be a better place when we broaden the horizons and shine the light on pathways of success for future generations. Our students can't afford to wait until high school or college to begin building their dreams. Right now is the right time to Get a Life.”

“If our children are well-prepared to face the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead, they will succeed and Texas will prosper,” Combs said.

More information about Texas’ job market and work force needs can be found in Combs’ recent Texas Works report at www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/workforce/.

Are We Setting Ourselves Up For A Jobless Recovery?

Are We Setting Ourselves Up For A Jobless Recovery?
By Tom Pauken


The Texas unemployment rate jumped from 6.7 percent in April to 7.1 percent
in May. While the percentage of Texans out of work is much lower than the
9.4 percent national figure, continued unemployment claims for individuals
out of work for more than a week are 175 percent higher than
they were in our state a year ago.
The national jobless rate is the highest since July 1983, and this current
economic environment has a more worrisome feel to it than the recession back
then. What is troubling is the sense that there is no place to hide when it
comes to loss of jobs in the private sector. The job losses are across the
board, with the manufacturing sector being one of the hardest hit in terms
of layoffs and plant closings. Moreover, debt levels are much higher today
than they were back in the early 1980s.
A major reason why this national recession appears worse -- and more
persistent-than previous recessions is the higher debt levels in the U.S.
During the "go-go" years of what turned out to be a bubble economy,
consumers, businesses, and most governmental entities (the Texas state
government being a notable exception) went on spending sprees as though
there were no tomorrow - and no day of reckoning.

The credit excesses, beginning in the 1990s and continuing throughout this
decade have resulted in a "mountain load of debt." John Riley of Cornerstone
Investments has cited figures about overall debt to GDP (gross domestic
product) which should concern all of us. In 1981, when President Reagan
assumed office, debt to GDP - that is, consumer debt, corporate debt, and
government was 91 percent. In 1930, at the time of the Great Depression, it
was 300 percent. At the end of 2008, it was nearly 400 percent. That is way
too much debt to get this economy moving again. Moreover, rather than
reducing government debt, the Obama Administration is piling on more
government debt with a stimulus package designed to get the American
consumer to spend our way out of this serious national economic recession.
Our federal budget deficit is expected to be nearly $2 trillion this year.
The Bush Administration tried to engineer a similar short term fix in early
2008 with a $168 billion package of tax rebates to individuals (including
money to those who had never paid taxes in the first place).
Are we setting ourselves up for a jobless recovery?
The Bush Plan didn't work; and, I submit, the Obama stimulus plan won't work
either to get our economy out of the ditch - and growing again. Consumers
aren't going to spend if they are worried - as they are today - about
whether they will have a job tomorrow, or about the very survival of their
businesses. Instead, Americans are saving again - putting money away for
their own "rainy day" fund. Personal savings were at 4.5 percent in April
and jumped to 5.7 percent in May.

Meanwhile, however, government spending at the national level is totally out
of control. With these massive budget deficits (and huge trade deficits as
well), don't we run the risk of opening the door to runaway inflation,
similar to what happened to Germany in the Weimer Republic after World War
I?
Government cannot create jobs - only the private sector can. While the
government may seem to create jobs when it hires people or buys things, it
destroys at least as many jobs as it creates when it does so. That is why
you need a vibrant private sector to pay for and support the public sector.
The number one economic issue facing us today is - how do we encourage job
creation in the private sector - particularly, small businesses where most
new jobs originate - and put America back to work?
The federal government does not have to spend trillions of dollars it
doesn't have in a vain attempt to stimulate the economy. Instead, we need to
reform our job-killing, business tax system which rewards debt while
penalizing companies that save and invest in order to create jobs in the
United States. Under a proposal by Austin businessman David Hartman, we
would replace our onerous business tax system with an 8-percent
border-adjusted consumption tax. That would level the playing field with our
foreign competitors for U.S. businesses operating here at home. We need to
quit exporting prosperity abroad, rebuild our manufacturing base,
lessen our dependence on foreign energy, and bring good paying jobs home to
America again. The Hartman Plan would do just that.
The time for action - along with a new direction in economic policy - is
now. Let's put America back to work.

Tom Pauken is Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission

Media Contact: Ann Hatchitt Phone:
512-463-8556

The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas
employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC
and the programs it offers in unison with its network of local workforce
development boards call (512) 463-8556 or visit www.texasworkforce.org.

Mayor and First Lady to Feed the Homeless

WHO: Mayor John Cook and First Lady (Tram Cook)

WHAT: First Lady’s Program to Feed the Homeless – Monthly Dinner

WHEN: Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Ronald McDonald House in El Paso
300 East California Avenue
El Paso, TX 79902

WHY: This monthly initiative started at the beginning of Mayor Cook’s tenure in June 2005 and has been reinforced with his re-election. This is an effort from the First Lady, Tram Cook, to give back to the community she has called home for over 30 years. The First Lady and several volunteers will serve 30 residents of the Ronald McDonald House of El Paso this Sunday. The Ronald McDonald House helps children heal and keeps children healthy by providing services through their different programs. Previous dinners have been served at different locations such as the Rescue Mission, The Opportunity Center, The Salvation Army, Child Crisis Center of El Paso, Center Against Family Violence, La Evangelica Church, Sin Fronteras, La Posada Homes, the Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home, the YWCA Sarah McKnight Transitional Living Center, Center for Children, Dame La Mano Pregnancy Crisis Center, Nazareth Hall Nursing Center, Ronald McDonald House, Christian Home, Lee & Beulah Moor Children's Home, The Reynold’s House, Villa Maria and a Thanksgiving Dinner for four consecutive years held at the El Paso Convention Center.

Gov. Perry Appoints Six to Texas Fire Protection Commission

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has appointed six members to the Texas Fire
Protection Commission. The commission enforces statewide fire service
standards and provides education and assistance to fire service personnel.

Les Bunte of Bryan is executive division director of Emergency Services
Training Institute at the Texas Engineering Extension Service. He is a
member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Fire
Protection Association and National Society of Executive Fire Officers. He
is a past board member of the Texas Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue
Team, and Austin Community College Fire Protection Program. Bunte received
an associate degree from Austin Community College, a bachelor's degree from
Texas State University and a master's degree in public administration from
the University of Texas at Austin. He is being reappointed for a term to
expire Feb. 1, 2015.

Yusuf E. Farran of El Paso is executive director of the Canutillo
Independent School District. He is a member of the Texas Society of
Professional Engineers, El Paso City Water Conservation Advisory Board and
El Paso Community College Foundation Board. He is also vice chairman of the
El Paso Ethics Commission and a member of the El Paso City/County Board of
Health. Farran received a bachelor's degree and master's degree in
engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso. He is being reappointed
for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2015.

Carl "Gene" Giles of Carthage is senior vice president and director of the
First State Bank and Trust Company of Carthage. He is a member of the State
Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association, Panola County Cattlemen's
Association and Carthage Lions Club. He is also first assistant chief of the
Carthage Volunteer Fire Department, treasurer and director of Mission
Carthage, and past treasurer of the Panola Chamber of Commerce and Panola
Salvation Army. Giles received bachelor's degrees from Panola College and
Stephen F. Austin State University. He replaces Kelley Stalder of Parker
for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2015.

John W. Green of San Leon is a professional firefighter, driver and operator
with the Village Fire Department. He is president of the Local 3921 Village
Fire Fighters and a member of the Texas Association of Fire Instructors and
Salt Grass Train Riders Association. He is also a member of Dacus Baptist
Church. Green graduated from the Texas A&M Fire Academy. He replaces John
Riddle of Willis for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2011.

Kimberley Shambley of Dallas is senior vice president and assistant general
counsel for Countrywide Home Loans/Bank of America. She is a member of the
State Bar of Texas Evidence Committee, and a past member of the Texas
Manufactured Housing Board. Shambley served in the U.S. Air Force, and
received a bachelor's degree from Miami University in Oxford and a law
degree from the University of Illinois. She replaces Jane Burch of Arlington
for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2015.

Steven C. Tull of Valley Mills is a lieutenant firefighter in the City of
Waco Fire Department. He is also president of the Waco Professional
Firefighters Association. Tull replaces Kent Worley of Fort Worth for a term
to expire Feb. 1, 2015.

Gov. Perry Names Corley Chair of Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors

Also Appoints Eight Members to Board

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has named Glynda Corley of Round Rock chair of the
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and appointed
eight other members to the board. The board oversees the licensing and
regulation of professional counselors in Texas.

Corley is a self-employed psychotherapist. She is a member of the Texas
Counseling Association, American Psychotherapy Association, and the Net
Connection. She is also a volunteer for the Agape Pregnancy Center and vice
president of the Net Connection. Corley received a bachelor's degree and a
master's degree in clinical psychology from the University of Houston Clear
Lake. She replaces Judy Powell of The Woodlands as chair and is reappointed
for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2011.

Brenda "Brandi" Buckner of Weatherford is a self-employed psychotherapist.
She is a member of the American Counseling Association and International
Association for Play Therapy. She is also an ambassador for the East Parker
County Chamber of Commerce and president of the Friends of the West Parker
Library. Buckner received a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University,
and a master's degree and a doctorate degree in counseling from the
University of North Texas. She replaces Diane Johnson Boddy of Dallas for a
term to expire Feb. 1, 2015.

Karen R. Burke of Austin is a school counselor in the Austin Independent
School District. She is a member of the Central Texas Counselors
Association, Association for Play Therapy and the Sandtray Network. She is
also a volunteer presenter for the Hill County Texas Association for Play
Therapy, and Austin Child and Guidance Center. Burke received a bachelor's
degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in
counseling from Webster University. She replaces Alma G. Leal of Rancho
Viejo for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2015.

Steven D. Christopherson of Pasadena is a psychotherapist for ProAct and
school counselor in the Pasadena Independent School District. He is youth
director at Clear Point Church in Pasadena. He is also a past volunteer
baseball coach for the Pasadena YMCA and karate instructor for the Pasadena
Parks Department. Christopherson received a bachelor's degree and a master's
degree in counseling from the University of Houston Clear Lake. He replaces
Dan. F. Wilkins of Center for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2013.
Brenda S. Compagnone of Carrizo Springs is director and licensed
professional counselor for Cactus Behavioral Health Inc. She is vice
president of the Dimmitt Central Appraisal District Board of Directors and
president of the Carrizo Springs Independent School District Board. She is
also a volunteer at the Carrizo Springs Nursing Home. Compagnone received a
bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master's
degree in education from Sul Ross State University. She replaces James
Castro of San Antonio for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2015.


Michelle A. Eggleston of Amarillo is an attorney and shareholder at
Eggleston and Eggleston P.C. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Board of Directors. She is also
co-chair of the Summer in the Son Camp and a member of the Central Church of
Christ in Amarillo. Eggleston received a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma
Christian College and a law degree from the University of Oklahoma. She is
being reappointed for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2011.

Leslie F. Pohl of Austin is a substitute teacher in the Austin Independent
School District. She is a member of the Travis County Medical Alliance and a
past member of the Junior League of Austin. Pohl received a bachelor's
degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She replaces J. Helen Perkins
of DeSoto for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2013.

Jaa A. St. Julien of Houston is president of St. Julien Communications Group
and NewsWireHouston.com. He is a member of the Greater Houston Partnership.
St. Julien received a bachelor's degree from Clark Atlanta University. He
replaces Judy Powell of The Woodlands for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2011.


Maria F. Teran of El Paso is president and general manager of Sierra
Machinery Inc. She is a member of the National Associated General
Contractors' International and Equipment committees, Texas Association of
General Contractors, Good Roads Association of Texas and Association of
Ingersoll-Rand Distributors. She is also a member of the Metropolitan
Planning Organization Technical Advisory Committee, American Heritage Rivers
Advisory Committee, Bank of the West Board of Directors, El Paso Public
Service Board and Texas Good Roads/Transportation Association Executive
Committee. Teran attended the University of Texas at El Paso. She replaces
Michelle A. Eggleston for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2013.

Firework Extravaganza!

A WHOLE NEW SHOW FOR THE FOURTH!
Tailgating, live music and fantastic fireworks!

It’s a whole new show for the July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza on Saturday, July 4, at the New Mexico Museum of Space History. Changes include allowing VIP parking pass holders to tailgate in the parking lots of the museum, the band “Timberwolf” entertaining from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm and a half time show from Overstreet TaeKwonDo Academy. Early entry onto the museum grounds will begin at 6:00 pm, with overflow parking in the NMSU-A Science Center lot. Buses will be provided to shuttle people from NMSU-A’s lot to the museum grounds.
“It’s going to be a fantastic Fourth of July program this year, especially with spectators being allowed to stay with their vehicles in the parking lots at the Museum. This is the first year people will get to tailgate and enjoy live music. We’re also very pleased that NMSU-A has decided to partner with us this year and provide overflow parking,” said Museum Director Randall Hayes. NMSU-A joins the City of Alamogordo, the International Space Hall of Fame, Burt Broadcasting and the Museum as co-hosts of this community event. The City and Foundation provide the $33,000 in funding for the fireworks display, which is put on by Atlas Enterprises of Fort Worth, Texas.
The agenda for the evening has changed from previous years, due to the addition of “Timberwolf,” a popular local band that features a variety of music from country to rock and roll to original productions. Highway 2001 will open to VIP parking pass holders at 6:00 pm on Saturday, July 4, and the band will begin at 7:00 pm. VIP parking pass holders will be allowed to stay with their vehicles in both large museum parking lots. When both Museum parking lots are full, overflow parking will begin at NMSU-A’s Science Center. Buses will be available to shuttle spectators to the Museum grounds. No one will be allowed to remain with their vehicle in the NMSU-A parking lot. A limited amount of personal belongings will be allowed on the buses.
Tailgating will be allowed in the lots at the Museum, although charcoal grills are banned for fire safety reasons. At approximately 7:45, the Overstreet TaeKwonDo Academy will be performing. The presentation, a series of forms by students, will be highlighted by a board-breaking event that is a fundraiser for the Families Apart program at Holloman Air Force Base. David Overstreet has set a goal of breaking 70 boards in 49 seconds. Members of the Academy have been taking pledges for this fundraiser for the past several weeks. Following this special activity, “Timberwolf” will take the stage again until 9:00 pm. The Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 pm. All events are weather permitting. A back up date of July 5 has been scheduled.
Members of the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation, museum volunteers and staff, along with friends of the museum will be invited to attend the Fireworks Extravaganza. Randall Hayes, Museum Director, said, “The invitation to attend our annual fireworks display is probably one of the favorite benefits of Foundation members. It’s a wonderful evening of family relaxation, and you can’t get any better seats to the show!” Those with VIP passes pack up their car with friends, family, lawn chairs and dinner, then settle in on the Museum grounds for the choreographed show. Parking is limited at the event. Those who receive VIP passes and are unable to use them are requested to return them to the museum. Passes are non-transferable. Letters of invitation and passes were mailed June 12.
As in years past, music for the fireworks program will be carried live on KZZX Radio, 105.3 FM, through the support of Burt Broadcasting. “We certainly appreciate the assistance of Burt Broadcasting each year for the Fireworks Extravaganza,” commented Hayes. “The event is much easier for the general public to enjoy when they can tune in to the same music we’re hearing on site, and KZZX always does a great job.”
The Museum grounds will be closed to the public following the 5:00 pm movie at the Clyde W. Tombaugh Omnimax Theater. Patrons of the 5:00 pm showing will be asked to leave the grounds immediately following the conclusion of the film. Because of safety concerns, the general public is not permitted to remain on the Museum grounds during the Fireworks Extravaganza. Only those with Museum VIP Parking Passes will be allowed onto Museum property after the grounds are closed. However, the show may be viewed from almost anywhere in the city.
The New Mexico Museum of Space History is a division of the NM Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information on Museum related activities or on how you can become a member of the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation, call 437-2840 or 1-877-333-6589, or visit the website at www.nmspacemuseum.org.

2009 Excellence Award Winners Announced

Austin, Texas - The Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation announced the winners of the 2009 Excellence Awards. More than 50 nominations were received from across the state and 17 local winners and three statewide winners were chosen. The Excellence Awards are presented in three categories, back of the house, front of the house and manager.

The Excellence Award, back of the house, is awarded to Jose Flavio Puentes, kitchen manager at Zentner’s Daughter Steakhouse in San Angelo. Taylor Stiles, a server at Reata Restaurant in Fort Worth will receive the Excellence Award, front of the house and Tod Lewis, general manger at Reata Restaurant in Fort Worth will receive the Excellence Award, manager. These three outstanding individuals each will receive $1000 and will be honored at the TRA President’s Gala in Dallas, Texas on June 29.

“By honoring individuals working in all facets of the restaurant, we bring attention to the importance of teamwork to the success of a restaurant, said Ralph Sheffield, Las Casas Restaurante and chair of the TRA Education Foundation. “These awards honor the talented employees who make a difference everyday in our restaurants.”

The Excellence Award winners in the back of the house category at the chapter level are:

Doris Simper, Kloesel’s Steakhouse Eola Fransaw, The Barn Door Steakhouse
Mid Coast Restaurant Association Permian Basin Restaurant Association

Antonio Tellez, Pelican’s Jonathan Gelman, Driskill Grill
North Texas Restaurant Association Greater Austin Restaurant Association

Kassi Dodge, Boot Hill Saloon & Grill
Panhandle Restaurant Association

The Excellence Award winners in the front of the house category at the chapter level are:

Terry Garza, Zentner’s Daughter Steakhouse Mica Edwards, Parkway Grill
San Angelo Restaurant Association North Texas Restaurant Association

Todd Newhouse, The Republic
Brazos Valley Restaurant Association

The Excellence Award winners in the manager category at the chapter level are:

Leo Duran, L&J Café James Cooke, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
El Paso Restaurant Association Greater Austin Restaurant Association

Shannon Danials, Zentner’s Daughter Steakhouse Scott Gunn, The Bar Restaurant
San Angelo Restaurant Association Permian Basin Restaurant Association

Valerie Rutledge, Pelican’s Paul Schultz, San Luis Resort
North Texas Restaurant Association Galveston Restaurant Association

LaShundra Price, Church’s Chicken Aaron Lara, The Republic
East Texas Restaurant Association Brazos Valley Restaurant Association

The Excellence Awards are sponsored by Ben E. Keith and Texas Mutual Insurance.

It is the mission of the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation to serve as the resource arm of the restaurant industry by maintaining educational programs and enhancing the industry’s image to benefit local communities, the state and the foodservice industry. www.restaurantville.com.

The El Paso Museum of Art announces The Nesters

The El Paso Museum of Art announces
The Nesters,
an exhibition of five original drawings by Tom Lea
July 2009

During Tom Lea Month, the El Paso Museum of Art will display five original drawings from Tom Lea’s 1936 mural done for the Ben Franklin Post Office on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. The drawings are on loan from Adair Margo Fine Art and will be on display in the Museum's Ginger Francis Seminar Room. Called The Nesters, the mural was Lea’s first mural project award under the Treasury Department’s Section of Fine Arts Department. The drawings were created in Lea’s studio on Texas Street in El Paso and are the only remnant of this mural. The original was removed from the wall in a remodeling project after World War II, rolled and stashed in an unknown location.

This program is generously funded by the Tom Lea Endowment, El Paso Museum of Art Foundation

This exhibition is free to the public.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

William W. Cowan Pool to close Friday morning June 19th

El Paso Parks and Recreation Pool Closure

William W. Cowan Pool to close Friday morning

The William W. Cowan Aquatic Center, 8100 Independence, will be closed for maintenance this Friday morning, June 19, and will open at 1:00 p.m.

For more information, please call Wright Stanton at (915) 544-3556.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Unemployed Texas receive boost from stimulus dollars

Additional $25 Per Week
in Unemployment Benefits Tops $100 Million

Unemployed Texas receive boost from stimulus dollars

AUSTIN - The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has distributed more than $100
million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) unemployment funds
since February 22, 2009, when ARRA provided a $25 increase to weekly
unemployment benefits.

Eligible Texans began receiving the additional amount in unemployment
benefits beginning mid-March. The increase is effective for all initial
claims filed through December 26, 2009.

"The $100 million for increased unemployment benefits supplied by the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is being pumped back into the Texas
economy," said TWC Chairman Tom Pauken.

The increase is federally funded, and Texas employers do not contribute the
additional benefits. TWC administers unemployment benefits to workers who
become unemployed through no fault of their own and are actively seeking
work.

Claimants may receive unemployment benefit information online through
texasworkforce.org or by using our e-mail form. A staff member will call you
back within 48 hours. Claimants may also contact a UI Tele-Center listed
below:


Austin local: (512) 340-4300
Dallas local: (214) 252-1200
El Paso local: (915) 832-6400
Fort Worth local: (817) 420-1600
Houston local: (281) 983-1100
McAllen local: (956) 984-4700
San Antonio local: (210) 258-6600
Others call toll free: (800) 939-6631

Reemployment services are available through Texas Workforce Centers at
www.texasworkforce.org or by accessing http://www.WorkInTexas.com for
information.

El Paso Zoo Launches “How do you Zoo?” Campaign

Share your story about the El Paso Zoo

The El Paso Zoo is asking all El Pasoans – How do you Zoo? The Zoo, along with the El Paso Zoological Society, has launched a campaign to solicit stories from El Paso residents and anyone who has been to the Zoo to find out just how El Paso “Zoo-s”. As one of El Paso’s top family destinations for over 50 years, everyone is encouraged to share their memories with the rest of the community.

With so many new and exciting changes happening at the Zoo, this campaign is aimed at helping to collect and archive valuable Zoo stories and experiences shared by patrons to commemorate the Zoo’s past and celebrate its future.

Anyone with a story to share may visit www.elpasozoo.org and click on the TELL US YOUR STORY link to submit their personal experience. Those stories gathered will be archived as well as utilized in the events leading up to the grand opening of the Zoo’s new African Expansion, which is expected to open summer 2010.

WHAT: “How do you Zoo?” Campaign
WHEN: Now through January 2010
WHERE: Submit stories at www.elpasozoo.org

Sun Metro Route 57 Detour

El Paso, Texas—TxDOT construction projects on Fred Wilson between Dyer Street and Marshall Drive will require Sun Metro Route 57 to make a detour beginning today, Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14. The detour will not impact ridership along the route. Drivers will make courtesy stops along the detour route.

Buses traveling westbound on Fred Wilson Avenue will turn right on Marshall Road to Railroad Drive, left on Diana Drive, left on Hercules Avenue and then turn left on Dyer Street onto Fred Wilson returning to the regular route. Buses traveling eastbound will travel the inverted route.

Please view attached map of detour route.

For more information about Sun Metro routes, visit www.elpasotexas.gov/sunmetro or call (915) 533-3333.

Guitar Genre Week Camp Press Release 6/23-26

Guitarist James Clarkston to teach a guitar genre camp for students
ages 10-adult. The dates Tuesday 6/23 to Fri. 6-26, each workshop will
meet from 10:30am-11:30am. Those who attend will learn an overview as
well as tricks of Rock & Heavy Metal, Alternative & Pop, Jazz & Blues,
and Country & Mexican Songs. Cost is $100.00 per student and telephone
pre-registration is required at (915) 351-0875. More info. at
www.jamesclarkston.com

FREE GUITAR!

FREE GUITAR! With Group Class Registration

Hi Everyone!

You heard right, we are giving away a FREE Johnson JG-100 Acoustic
Guitar! All you have to do is sign up for the beginners group guitar class
by next Monday June 15th. Cost for the class is only $100.00 per student
and you get a FREE Guitar! The class will be held here at
Clarkston Art, Guitars & Gifts and runs from 10:30am-11:30am June
16-19th. Students ages 7 to adult are eligable to sign up. No prior
musical experience is needed. Guitarist James Clarkston will teach all the
basics of guitar including tuning, strumming and learning simple songs.
Call us now to sign up! If you already have a guitar of your own...then
just pay $50.00 and join us in this fun class.

Classical/Flamenco Guitarist
James Clarkston

Clarkston Art, Guitars & Gifts
407 E. Nevada
El Paso, Tx 79902
(915) 351-0875
www.jamesclarkston.com

Army Birthday 2009 Message

MEMORANDUM FOR All Soldiers, Family Members and Civilian Employees of United
States Army Forces Command

SUBJECT: Army Birthday 2009 Message


1. On June 14, 1775, the U.S. Army was born when the Continental Congress
authorized its first ten companies of riflemen. From this humble beginning,
one year before our Nation's birth, our Army has grown to become the
preeminent land force in the world today.

2. While we proudly celebrate our 234th birthday, we remain an Army at war.
We remember that our most valuable resources remain - as they have over the
course of our glorious past - our Soldiers, Families, Army veterans and
Civilian employees. Their selfless service and profound sacrifice represent
all that is noble and good about our Nation. I cherish the honor,
responsibility, and privilege of leading our magnificent men and women
during wartime.

3. As we pause this year to commemorate our Army's rich history, please
remember you have the firm support of a grateful Nation. I salute your
dedication, sacrifice and selfless service. Never doubt that you are making
a powerful difference. Never think that your many accomplishments over the
past year have gone unnoticed. You are vital to the Army's continuing role
as the strength of the Nation.

Army Strong!

Pat Mora, noted author and poet to share her poems for teens

El Paso Museum of History
June 13, 2009, 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM

The El Paso Museum of History and the El Paso del Norte Region YWCA present Pat Mora for two separate programs beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the museum’s Seminar Room. The title of the program is “Remembering our Own True Name.” Mora will be reaching out to teens and young adults by reading from her collection entitled, My Own True Name: New and Selected Poems for Young Adults, and selections from her yet to be published collection, Dizzy in Your Eyes: Poems about Love. Using her work as examples, Pat will discuss ways teens can develop their own creative potential.

Pat Mora is a native of El Paso and an author of many award-winning children’s books. She is the founder of El dia de los niños/El dia de los libros, Children’s Day/Book Day, which is celebrated across the country in April. The New York Times has written that, “Ms. Mora’s poems are proudly bilingual, an eloquent answer to purists who refuse to see language as something that lives and changes.”

Pat has also been an active participant with the El Paso YWCA’s Mother/Daughter program. Because of her commitment to the YWCA, her program is coinciding with the museum’s exhibit, “El Paso del Norte Region YWCA at 100.”

Pat received Honorary Doctorates in Letters from North Carolina State University and SUNY Buffalo and is an Honorary Member of the American Library Association.

A book signing will be available before each presentation. Pat Mora is underwritten by the El Paso Museum of History, Museums & Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD), and an anonymous contribution. This event is free. For more information, call Sue Taylor at 351-3588.

Code Compliance Targets Weeds, Trash and Debris

New Monthly Program Aims to Increase Community Awareness of
Laws Addressing Bligh and Nuisances

June 10, 2009 – The Code Compliance Division of the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department announced today that beginning this month it will highlight a violation to increase community awareness of code enforcement issues.

The division works to protect the environment, as well as the safety, health and welfare of our citizens by enforcing laws addressing blight and nuisances. The violation showcased this month is Weeds, Trash and Debris, as defined in 9.04.340 of the El Paso Municipal Code.

Under the code, the property owner or occupant must keep and maintain their properties and abutting sidewalks, parkways and alleys free of accumulations of waste. In addition all grass, weeds or uncultivated plants should not be allowed to grow taller than 12 inches. Maintenance of vegetation in parkways and alleys is also the property owner’s or occupant’s responsibility. Violations are punishable by a $270 fine.

Anyone put on notice for a code violation should correct the violation by the compliance date on the notice. If the property is not in compliance at the time of re-inspection, the property owner or occupant will be issued a Class C citation for non compliance. In addition, the City may request a court order seeking permission to access the property to correct the violation.

If the City cleans up the property, the cleanup costs will be passed on to the property’s owner or occupant. A lien will be placed on a property if the clean up costs are not paid.

Citizens my report code violations by visiting www.elpasotexas.gov/environmental_services or by calling (915) 774-4500.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Quintanilla Updates Select Committee on Property Tax Relief and Appraisal Reform

Austin, TX--During the period between the 80th legislative session and the 81st legislative session, State Representative Chente Quintanilla was a member of the House Select Committee on Property Tax Relief and Appraisal Reform. He was appointed to that committee by former speaker Tom Craddick.

The committee was charged with taking testimony on property tax and property appraisal issues. The committee findings would the be the basis for bills to be filed in the session which started in January of 2009.

Based on the committee recommendations, Chairman Otto filed several bills including House Bill 8 joint authored by Representative Quintanilla.

HB8 changes the comptroller's appraisal review cycle from every year to every two years for each appraisal district unless the comptroller finds serious deficiencies in the published appraisals. In such cases, a study would be done annually. This would increase accuracy and improve the practices and standards of appraisals done in Texas. Because fewer school districts are studied annually, the comptroller's office would produce a more focused study thereby eliminating some of the problems that have arisen in the past. Some of the problems with appraisal district findings were related to the failure to concur with the comptroller's numbers. With more focused studies, the process will be more uniform. This should reduce the tendency of the comptroller's findings constantly pushing property values higher than the local appraisals.

The other significant bill to be passed on to Governor Perry was Senate Bill 771. The bill was filed by Senator Williams and sponsored in the house by Chairman Otto. This bill has important provisions that directly affect each homeowner in Texas.

Basically the bill requires that the chief appraiser of a district base appraisals on all available evidence before an increase may be assessed. In other words, an appraisal may not be simply based on a property sale close by. The specifics of each home must be taken into consideration. Also, the burden of proof is on the chief appraiser to substantiate the increase; no longer the responsibility of the homeowner. If a property receives a reduced appraisal, then that lower appraisal shall be the appraised value for taxation purposes. And, the property value may not be automatically increased the following year unless the chief appraiser has shown substantial evidence that the reason for the previously lowered appraisal has been corrected or changed.

In accordance with the committee findings, Chairman Otto also filed a bill that created a pilot program in El Paso county (and five other counties) that would amend the means by which appeals on property appraisals over $1 million could proceed. A property owner could opt to take his protest to a State Office of Administrative Hearings venue as opposed to the more costly district court. The district court may also be more time consuming as it hears a much wider variety of cases (criminal, civil, probate).

Quintanilla also joint sponsored with Representative Joe Moody SB 2317 by Shapleigh setting forth new guidelines for eligibility for appraisal review board members along with continuing education requirements.

"The legislation that was filed, one of which I joint authored, has taken big steps in making the appraisal process more property owner friendly. This will be an ongoing and continuous process. For the first time, the chief appraiser of the district will have to provide evidence to the property owner as to why a property value was raised. Hopefully, this will reduce the number of unfair appraisals based on the sale of a single property in the same area," said State Representative Chente Quintanilla.

Chairmen John Otto had this to say: "We listened to the taxpayers who came to those hearings and told us they are fighting the same battles year after year with their appraisal districts. I believe this appraisal reform package addresses some of the problems that have continually plagued both the taxpayer and the appraisal district."

TWC Offers Tips to Teens, Employers for Summer Hiring

AUSTIN – During the summer months, thousands of youth gain valuable work
experience. Among employment opportunities for youth in Texas are
traditional summer jobs in parks and recreation, leisure and hospitality,
libraries, and other community organizations.

“Seasonal summer jobs offer young Texans an opportunity to earn income,
while gaining valuable work experience.” said Texas Workforce Commission
(TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “Texas workforce centers provide valuable
information and can serve as a core resource as teens start their job
searches.”

TWC offers the following important tips to teens as they seek summer
employment:

• Register for job alerts on www.WorkInTexas.com, TWC’s online
job-matching Web site.
• Look for work in a field that you find interesting. Volunteer work
is excellent way to broaden your résumé and can open doors to landing a job
in that field.
• Visit with a parent, teacher or other mentor about typical interview
questions that you will have to answer and do a mock interview.
• Smile and be friendly to each person you encounter at that business,
even as you are filling out the application and turning it in.
• Once you are scheduled for an interview, learn as much as you can
about the business and even consider visiting that place of business at
least a day ahead of time.
• After the interview, thank your interviewer and follow up with a
thank you note.

TWC reminds employers, workers and parents to familiarize themselves with
state and federal laws, as well as safety regulations that address child
labor issues.

Any person under the age of 18 is considered a child when employed. Federal
and state child labor laws protect youth against potentially detrimental
occupational settings or working conditions that could interfere with their
safety, health or well-being.

Sobredosis Del Sabor to Open 26th Season of Music Under the Stars!

Sobredosis Del Sabor to Open 26th Season of
Music Under the Stars!
Chamizal National Memorial
Sunday June 14, 2009
7:30- 9:30

The City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD) is pleased to present the Sobredosis Del Sabor as the season opening act for Music Under the Stars Festival.

The concert will be held June 14, 2009 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 at the Chamizal National Memorial located at 800 South San Marcial Street. Grills are allowed at the park except at the inner part of the park known as the bowl. Please note that glass containers or pets are NOT allowed at the park!

Park and Ride!
Concert goers may park at the El Paso Zoo and take a shuttle to the park for free! Shuttle hours are from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

About Music Under the Stars
Music Under the Stars Festival began in 1983 as a program of the City of El Paso Arts and Culture Department. The summer music festival has had twenty-five successful seasons and attracts more than 100,000 people annually. This makes Music Under the Stars Festival the largest free outdoor concert in the Southwest!

About Sobredosis del Sabor
Sobredosis del Sabor came to life when a group of Cuban Teenagers got together after finalizing their studies in one of the top musical schools in Cuba. Coming from different regions of the country and with different backgrounds, they created a unique sound that conquered the hearts of Cuban Salsa dancers!

Some of their original songs rose up to the top of the Hit Parade in Cuban radio and television! Soon after that, the band was performing in the best plazas in Havana and all over Cuba. Sobredosis del Sabor has performed all over the globe including Spain, Italy, France, Angola, Ecuador and Mexico. Band members are diverse with the capacity to interpret different styles such as Salsa Band, Latin Jazz, Cabaret and traditional Cuban Septet.

The band’s popularity is quickly growing throughout the United States. In April of 2009 the band performed in on Univision’s Don Francisco Presenta and Despierta America. Both performances were televised nationally.

This presentation is supported by Mid-America Arts Alliance with generous underwriting by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and local companies and individuals throughout Texas.

MCAD would like to thank the Chamizal National Memorial, What’s Up Weekly, the El Paso Electric Company, the El Paso Zoo, the El Paso Fire Department, the El Paso Police Department, Juvenile Probation Department and Sunwest Charters for their support!

For additional information call or visit the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department at (915) 541-4481, www.elpasoartsandculture.org or call Chamizal National Memorial at (915) 532-7273.

Day 162 – Art in the Brew

At the Community Exhibit Space, 1st Floor City Hall
June 3-26

Day 162- Art in the Brew showcases the work of three young visual artists who reside in the El Paso area. Characterized by large scale paintings, this exhibition offers an insight to the artists’ every day experiences. Individuals are invited to interpret the artwork on exhibit now at Exhibit Community Space-1st Floor City Hall.

About the Artists

Alfred Perez was born in El Paso, graduated from Bowie High School and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas at El Paso in painting and graphic design. He will be attending Texas Tech University for his Masters of Fine Arts in the fall.

His work has changed in method and structure in the past year. Perez’s current work attempts to capture the viewers’ attention if only for those few seconds when the painting is seen. The viewer then interprets the work with his own ideas and biases. The artist uses images that seem to reflect the ideologies of everyday life. Perez says, “It is only then can we feel truly human and for that moment forget the divine so that we can permit ourselves to look at our own humanity and our own demise.”
Reginald W. Armstrong Reginald was born in West Berlin, Germany. Some of his major influences are artists such as Kehinde Wiley, Pablo Picasso, Jeff Koons, Francis Bacon, Salvador Dali, Takashi Murakami, John Pugh, and Ben Grasso.

His work is an expressive battle between the good, the bad and the uncontrollable. Armstrong takes what he sees everyday then separates the elements that aesthetically move him and incorporate these elements into his processes. Armstrong has taken a strong interest to the industrial world and its function to society as an economic tool and the role it plays in modern design. His work presents a combination of juxtaposed imagery and personal experiences.

Abel Saucedo is an emerging visual artist in his hometown of El Paso. In May 2009 he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas at El Paso in Sculpture and Painting. Abel has developed an amazing relationship with his art. This is a place where he takes on battles and questions beliefs. He makes art through intuition and uses any material possible to give shape to an idea. His work questions the idea of concept. Abel feels it is important to produce artwork in his community.

Pavo Real Recreation Center New HVAC System

Building will be closed but gymnasium and classes will still go on

Pavo Real Recreation Center is in the process of having a new HVAC system installed for the building only.

The gymnasium area has a separate cooling system and will not be replaced. During the project some of the rooms will be closed, but regular programming and use of the gymnasium will be available.

The HVAC units will be completed by June 12 before the start of the Club Rec Summer Camp program, which will begin on June 15.