Animal Services Prepares for Changes to City Ordinance

El Paso, Texas – The City of El Paso Department of Public Health’s Animal Services Program is reminding the public that several revisions to the Title 7 Ordinance regarding animals in the city will go into effect on January 1, 2011.  Earlier this year, City Council approved a budget increase of $250,000 in order to hire more staff and make changes necessary to educate the public as well as to enforce the ordinance.  A campaign is already underway where educators will give outreach presentations to local groups and agencies to help residents understand the existing laws and the revisions.

“I am confident these changes, including an increase in staff, will be a turning point in developing a more solid partnership with the community. It will take a united effort between pet owners and our Department to successfully reduce the number of unwanted animals in our community” said Michael Hill, Health Department Director.

Among the changes are the following regulations that deal with the sale or transfer of animals:

• You cannot sell or offer to sell or transfer puppies or kittens that are under eight weeks old.

• If you are selling or transferring a pet that is less than a year old and it has not been spayed or neutered, you cannot charge more than $50.00 unless you have proof that you spent more than that amount to take care of it (less the cost of food.)

• If you are selling or transferring a pet that is less than a year old and it has been spayed or neutered, you cannot charge more than $150.00 unless you have proof that you spent more than that amount to take care of it.

Residents are also reminded that a litter permit is required and the permit number must appear on any and all advertising.

A complete list of changes to the ordinance as well as an easy to understand brochure can be found on the Department’s website located at: www.elpasotexas.gov/health

Sun Metro - New Fares Become Effective January 1, 2011

El Paso, Texas—Sun Metro fares for standard, military and student passengers will see an increase beginning Saturday, Jan. 1.

Sun Metro hosted several public hearings throughout the city, as well as an informational booth throughout the month of June. The City Council, in its capacity as the Mass Transit Department Board, approved the new fare structure on Aug. 24, 2010.

The new structure is:

type of fare	current fare	new fare
regular fare	$1.25	$1.50
student fare	$0.75	$1.00
military fare	$0.75	$1.50
senior/disabled fare	$0.30	$0.30
transfers	$0.25	FREE
day pass	$3	$3.50
regular weekly pass	$10	$12
student weekly pass	$6	$7
senior/disabled weekly pass	$2.50	$2.50
regular monthly pass	$40	$48
student monthly pass	$25	$30
senior/disabled monthly pass	$10	$10
LIFT (paratransit)	$2.50	$2.50
Full-Fare Tokens (10/pkg)	$12.50	$15
Full-Fare Tokens (100/pkg)	$125	$150
Student-Fare Tokens (10/pkg)	$7.50	$10
Student-Fare Tokens (100/pkg)	$75	$100

Under the new fare system, passengers no longer have to pay 25 cents for a transfer. Senior, disabled and LIFT (paratransit) fares will remain unchanged.

Sun Metro’s funding is based in part on sales tax revenues, which has declined significantly while the cost to provide service continues to grow, as well as the demand for modern amenities.

“We recognize the financial burden this places on our passengers and we’d prefer that the fares weren’t going up,” said Sun Metro Director Jay Banasiak. “The city is growing and to meet the existing and future needs of our community we must grow, too, and not allow ourselves to travel backward.”

Over the last two years Sun Metro has seen drastic improvements. In 2010, the city experienced a variety of enhancements to include, the completion of three state-of-the-art transfer centers, the significant completion of one new transfer centers, and the placement of more than 160 new shelters. Sun Metro also completed an alternatives analysis to develop a Bus Rapid Transit System along Alameda Avenue, Mesa Street, Dyer Street and Montana Avenue. Alameda Avenue will be the first corridor to come online in 2013.

4,000 Lights of Peace, Hope, & Social Justice

Join Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe this Saturday evening (Dec. 18^th) from 6 to 10 p.m. for the 19^thAnnual Navidad de La Fe Luminarias. Enter Scenic Drive at Richmond Avenue. Admission is free. Bring a bag of canned goods to donate and help our community’s families in need.

A beautiful, live nativity scene awaits you at the top of the mountain. Santa Claus will also be there to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and to welcome your canned goods donations.

On behalf of our family at Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe, we wish you and your loved ones “¡Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!”

Sun Metro Partners with Salvation Army to Collect Toys

Jolly Trolley will pick up toys at designated locations

El Paso, Texas—Sun Metro is once again teaming up with the Salvation Army to share the holiday spirit.

The Salvation Army of El Paso County has distributed over a thousand Angel Tree tags across the community in an effort to provide toys for the less fortunate.

Sun Metro will once again be collecting toys using the Jolly Trolley at various selected locations on December 15, 16 and 17.

Last year more than 800 families—1,100 children—were able celebrate the season of giving thanks to the community’s generosity.

El Pasoans interested in supporting the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree project can go online to www.salvationarmyusa.org or call544-9811 to learn more.

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

Holiday Souvenir Ornaments

The El Paso Employees Federal Credit Union is selling a specially designed Holiday 

Souvenir Ornaments commemorating the recent Celebration of Lights Program in downtown El Paso at San Jacinto Plaza.

The ornaments are $10 and are available at any of their eight (8) branches in the city or at the Candlelighters Administrative Office at 1400 Hardaway St. (Suite 206).

All of the proceeds raised will be donated to Candlelighters of El Paso that was started in 1978 by a group of parents whose children had all been diagnosed with cancer.

Today the organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of children who have cancer by providing hpe, support, encouragement, advocacy and education to those children, their families, and the community at large.

For more information call (915) 593-5866.

DIABLOS MAKE MANAGERIAL CHANGE

EL PASO-The El Paso Diablos have announced today that they are not renewing Butch Henry’s contract, and are naming Jorge Alvarez as the new Diablos field manager for the 2011 season.

“The Diablos organization is excited to have Jorge as our next field manager. His experience as a result of a long and successful playing career, as well as the passion that he brings to the ballpark every day, will make him a success here in El Paso,” said Diablos General Manager Matt LaBranche.

Alvarez comes back to El Paso fresh off his success as a player-Hitting Coach for the Shreveport-Bossier Captains, the 2010 American Association League Champions. Alvarez’ experience in professional baseball is extensive with a total of 23 seasons and about 2,000 games played as a designated hitter, infielder, and outfielder. The native Dominican started his professional baseball career in 1987 when he signed as a non-drafted free agent for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Alvarez was later signed by the Marlins in 1994, making it as high as the Triple A level in his career. 

Alvarez then began his career in independent baseball, spanning 16 seasons. He joined the Diablos in 2006 where he stayed until halfway through the 2009 season. In 2007, Alvarez led the Diablos into the playoffs and was named the league’s Player of the Year.

“I’m excited about this great opportunity and will work hard each and every day to make the Diablos a winner again. I enjoyed my time in El Paso as a player, and can’t wait to come back as the leader of the Diablos,” said Jorge Alvarez. 

The Diablos will begin the 2011 season in mid-May. The 2011 Official American Association Schedule will be released next week.

Paydirt Pete a Step Away from Mascot Championship Match

Paydirt Pete, the athletic representative of The University of Texas at El Paso, has made it to the Final Four in the 2010 Capital One All-America Mascot Challenge.

Pete is in a semi-final contest against last year’s mascot winner, the University of Cincinnati Bearcat. This is a double-or-nothing match for Pete, who defeated the Bearcat in the first week of the 12-match season. Winners are based on fan votes.

The winner of the Pete-Bearcat challenge will face either Big Blue lion from Old Dominion University or Puddles the Duck from the University of Oregon. The top mascot will be named during the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1. The winning representative will earn a $15,000 scholarship to support its university’s mascot program.
 

“The support I’ve received throughout this competition has amazed me. I never knew that my antics on the Sun Bowl turf and Don Haskins Center floor and my efforts as UTEP’s goodwill ambassador throughout the community would put me in the Final Four,” Pete said. “It’s an honor to be in the company of these many fine mascots, but it would be a pleasure to win.I appreciate that so many have voted on my behalf and ask them to continue to generate support for my candidacy. Go Miners and go me! Let’s beat that Bearcat!”

Aaron Villalobos, a UTEP Athletics marketing assistant, said Pete’s success can be attributed to the support of El Pasoans and the UTEP fan base who believe that Pete is a good representative.

The mascot, who turned 30 this year, earned 760,694 votes during an undefeated 12-0 run to the playoffs. His numbers earned him a No. 2 seed in the single-elimination quarterfinal match against Joe Vandal from the University of Idaho.

According to a Captial One mascot challenge website, Pete and the other finalists were selected in part because of their originality, interaction with fans, creativity of their signature moves, ability to stir up a crowd and the originality, creativity and professionalism of their costume.

“At this point a national championship is within our grasp and Pete’s relying on our fans,” Villalobos said. “We urge them to stay active and to get their family and friends involved.”

The 16 mascot finalists earned $5,000 for their participation in the 9-year-old contest, sponsored by Capital One, a financial services institution.

Fans can vote through Dec. 13 at www.capitalonebowl.com. Text voting, which was encouraged during the regular season, is no longer accepted.

62nd Army Band Concert

Join the 62nd Army Band for their annual Holiday Concert scheduled for 7
p.m. Dec. 14 at the University of Texas at El Paso Magoffin Auditorium.

Don't miss Santa's special appearance. The concert will feature a mix of
traditional holiday music, a couple of Hanukah pieces, original versions of
holiday tunes in different ensemble settings such as the Jazz Combo and
newer vocal tunes featuring the 62nd Army Band's vocalists.
The concert is free and open to the public.Doors open at 6 p.m. for ticket holders and 6:40 p.m. for non-ticket patrons.
Tickets will be available Dec. 8 at the Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office, Bldg. 15, Slater Road.
For more information call 568-4623.

‘Tis the Season for Flu and other Vaccines

El Paso, Texas – With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season upon us, the City of El Paso Department of Public Health continues help make sure that all El Pasoans have the opportunity to get up-to-date on their vaccines, and that children are protected from the flu this season.  Together with Sun Metro, the Department is providing vaccines to local commuters as they brave the crowds and the cold weather.

“For many, this season brings with it plenty of stress which can put a strain on our immune system.  That sensitivity, coupled with the fact that the cold often forces us to be in confined spaces with more people who may have the flu, makes a vaccine all the more important,” said Goya Garcia, Immunization Program Outreach Coordinator.

At this time, clinic staff is providing the flu vaccine free of charge for children between zero and 18 years of age.  The Department encourages adults to get a flu vaccine from their primary health care provider or from one of various retail outlets. In addition, staff will be providing: DTAP, HEP A, Polio, MMR, Varicella, MCV,  and HPV.  The public is invited on:

Friday, December 3, 2010

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Bert Williams Downtown Santa Fe Transfer Center

601 Santa Fe Street

The fee for Vaccines (other than the child flu vaccine) is $10.00 for one, $20.00 for two or more.  No one will be denied service due to inability to pay.

Clients must bring their immunization record, and for minors, the parent/guardian must have a picture ID to include documentation of guardianship.  Cash, local checks, Medicaid, and CHIP will be accepted.

For more information on the vaccines provided by the Department of Public Health and clinic locations, visit www.elpasotexas.gov/health/immunization.asp or call (915)771-5822.

For more information about Sun Metro routes and schedules to the Downtown Transfer Center, visit www.elpasotexas.gov/sunmetro or call (915)533-3333.

Prevention Tips for Burglary of Vehicles and Automobile Thefts during the Holidays

To: All El Paso citizens  

From: Pebble Hills Regional Command Center

Please be advised the up-coming Holiday activities create an increase of Burglary of Vehicles and Automobile Thefts at various eastside El Paso apartment parking lots, shopping centers, and gyms. These crimes occur during various hours. The El Paso Police Department reminds you and your family to remain alert and to practice Pro-Active Crime Prevention measures to help reduce the odds of you becoming a victim of crime during the Holidays. 

We also request you share this information with your family. 

You can be an effective Crime Stopper if you:

Always lock your vehicle and keep your vehicle windows rolled up;

Use an anti-theft device such as a burglar alarm or a steering wheel lock; 

Do not leave any packages, electronics, or other valuables in plain sight;

Secure your valuables in your vehicle’s trunk or in an out of sight storage;

Park your vehicle in a secured lighted area; 

Report suspicious activity or individuals to the El Paso Police Department 

      Non-Emergency number 832-4400 or call 911.

These Crimes are Crimes of opportunity. When you practice these tips you 

reduce the opportunity.

On behalf of the Officers and staff of the Pebble Hills Regional Command 

Center, and the El Paso Police Department, we thank you for your attention 

and support.

Pebble Hills Regional Commander Center

10780 Pebble Hills Blvd.

El Paso, TX 79935

915-599-5512

4 ARRESTED IN LOWER VALLEY DRUG BUST / AMONGST ARRESTED–COUNCILMAN FOR THE CITY OF SOCORRO, TX

SOCORRO, TEXAS- On 11-16-10 at about 5:40 pm the El Paso County Sheriff's Office conducted an operation at 10840 North Loop in Socorro Texas. The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects for the Delivery of43.5 lbs of marijuana.

• Luis Varela (40) of Socorro Texas
• Ernesto Garcia (29) of El Paso Texas
• David Alarcon (19) of El Paso Texas
• Jesus Palacios (49) of El Paso Texas

A search of the vehicle driven by Luis Varela resulted in the locating and seizure of 27.5 grams of cocaine. Varela was charged additionally with the possession of a controlled substance/cocaine. Information on the arrests as follows:

No further information will be released at this time as the investigation continues and further arrests are pending.

LUIS VARELA (40) of the 13900 block of Geneveive El Paso, TX DELIVERY OF MARIJUANA >5LBS. <50LBS.– $80,000 BOND POSSESSESSION OF COCAINE >4G <200G – $60,000 BOND	ERNESTO GARCIA (29) of the 600 block of N. Carolina El Paso, TX DELIVERY OF MARIJUANA >5LBS. <50LBS.– $80,000 BOND
DAVID ALARCON (19) of the 12800 block of Fredrico San Elizario, TX DELIVERY OF MARIJUANA >5LBS. <50LBS.– $80,000 BOND	JESUS PALACIOS (49) of El Paso, TX DELIVERY OF MARIJUANA >5LBS. <50LBS.– $80,000 BOND

“Every child deserves a forever family”

WHAT: National Adoption Day Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, November 20, 2010

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

WHERE: El Paso County Courthouse

Commissioner’s Courtroom, 3^rd Floor (1^st floor entrance)

CONTACT: 65^th Judicial District Court

Honorable Yahara Lisa Gutierrez at (915)546-2102

Today, more than 115,000 children in the U.S. foster care system are available for adoption.  That figure includes 105 children in El Paso County who are growing up without permanent families of their own.  These children came into the foster care system because they were victims of child abuse, neglect or abandonment.  After their parent’s legal rights were terminated, they became free for adoption.

While more children enter the foster care system each year, fewer children leave the system through adoption.  The typical child who has been freed for adoption is at least eight years old, moves three or more times to different foster homes, may have been separated from siblings, and will wait five years or more to be adopted.  Tragically, tens of thousands will never be adopted and they will leave the system at age 18 without families.

On Saturday, November 20, 2010, the 65^th Judicial District will join other courts across the nation in celebrating the families that have opened their homes to give 14 children a “forever” family. Please join us at 10 a.m.

POLICE SEEK INFORMATION ABOUT STOLEN GRAVE SITE VASES

Crime Stoppers of El Paso is assisting the El Paso Police Department in identifying and locating the persons responsible for stealing 180 bronze vases from Mt. Carmel Cemetery, making this the “Crime of the Week.”  

On Sunday, October 24^th, family visitors to their loved ones at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 401 S. Zaragoza Road, reported that bronze vases had been stolen from the grave sites.  Upon investigation, Police officers discovered that 180 of the vases had been stolen.  The vases are solid bronze and are used to hold flowers on the gravestones of the departed.  At a value of $160 each, the total damages are $28,800.   

Investigators believe the vases were stolen sometime between Friday, Oct. 22^nd, and the morning of Sunday, Oct. 24^th.  At this time, there is no description of the persons responsible for the thefts. 

If you have any information at all about the identity of the persons responsible, please call Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 566-TIPS(8477) or submit your tip online at  www.crimestoppersofelpaso.org.  You will remain anonymous and, if your tip leads to an arrest, you may earn a cash reward up to $1,000.  

Crime Stoppers of El Paso, Inc. is a private non-profit corporation that brings together the community, law enforcement and the media to solve crime. 

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Nominations for the Cindi Lazzari Artist Advocate Award

The Entertainment and Sports Law Section Council is now soliciting nominations for the recipient of the 2010 Cindi Lazzari Artist Advocate Award.  The award is named for the late Cindi Lazzari, a Texas attorney who went far beyond the call of duty in her efforts to protect the rights of artists in the music industry.  

Each year the Council recognizes an individual working in Texas who has been actively involved in advocating and supporting artist’s rights in the music business. Nominees need not necessarily be attorneys. Nominations should be sent by e-mail only to LazzariNomination@gmail.com and should include the following information: 

?        the nominee’s name 

?        the nominee’s employment and contact information

?        a brief statement (not to exceed 100 words) as to why the individual believes the nominee should receive the award

?        a short bio of the nominee (if available)

Nominations will be accepted through January 15, 2011. 

SHERIFF'S NEWS: SEVERAL TEENS ARRESTED AS DESERT OPERATIONS CONTINUE

EL PASO, TEXAS- Over the weekend, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Strike Team conducted desert operations in far East El Paso County. Strike Team Deputies patrolled desert areas in search of illegal activity. Deputies targeted desert areas known to be frequented by party goers and off road vehicle clubs. Over the weekend, Deputies disrupted multiple parties, bon fires and large gatherings where people under the age of 21 were found consuming alcohol or people were partaking in criminal activity.

Despite the warnings & results of these desert operations (click here for 11-10-10 news release), teens continue to frequent this area. Several Teens were arrested & cited over the weekend.

During the operation Deputies also initiated and are investigating several Illegal Dumping cases.  Deputies are looking for several people of interest in these cases and arrests are forthcoming.

Similar future operations targeting underage drinking will continue.  Dates and times of the operations will not be disclosed. 

Results for this weekend included:

•  9 citations  / Consumption of alcohol by Minor
• 10 citations / Minor in possession of Alcohol 
• 3 citations  / Traffic related offenses
• 4 citations / Curfew violation 

PETER LICON (17) of El Paso, TX POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA– $300 BOND	BRIAN VARGAS (17) of El Paso, TX POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA– $300 BOND	JORDAN LUCERO (21) of El Paso, TX POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA– $300 BOND
EDUARDO GALLEGOS (20) of El Paso, TX   POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA– $300 BOND		JAIME JACQUEZ (20) of El Paso, TX   POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA– $300 BOND

El Paso Emergency Alert System

El Paso Emergency Alert System FAQ’s

Q: Who is responsible for the El Paso Emergency Alert System?

A: The City/County of El Paso Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is the facilitator of the El Paso Emergency Alert System.

Q: What is the El Paso Emergency Alert System?

A: The El Paso Emergency Alert System is a reverse, emergency notification process/system. 

Q: How do citizens of El Paso County benefit from this system?

A: The El Paso Emergency Alert System provides a secure and reliable way of notifying citizens about a city and/or county wide crisis or disaster. 

Q: What should I expect to see on my device during an emergency?

A: Depending on the device you will see or hear a message that says EMERGENCY ALERT and this will be followed by further instructions pertaining to the crisis on hand. 

Q: What happens if the incident is isolated, will I still receive an alert? 

A: The system uses GIS-based mapping technology which allows the Office of Emergency Management to isolate incidents and send alerts to only those targeted area/s. 

Q: When will the El Paso Emergency Alert System be used? 

A: Used in these situations:

Emergency Evacuations

Natural or Man Made Disasters

Hazardous Material Incidents

Border Violence Incidents

Q: What personal information is required to register for the El Paso Emergency Alert System? 

A: Citizens must create an account by supplying some basic information:

Creating a user ID and password 

Email address

First and Last Name

Street Address

City 

Zip Code

Check the box “Agree to website policy”

Q: What is required after the account is created?

A: Citizens need to choose their method of notification and devices. You can select several options at once and prioritize the order for the alert notifications. Alerts may be sent by:

Email 

Text 

Phone Call 

Devices for the Deaf such as Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) and Teletypewriter (TTY)

Q: How many times may I register with the El Paso Emergency Alert System?

A: Citizens may register several times and enter various addresses, phone numbers and devices if needed. Citizens may register a home, business, friend and family member’s information.

Q: Who can I contact for assistance?

A: Ask a friend for help or visit these community partners for registration assistance: 

211

Area Agency on Aging 

DSHS-Division for Blind Services 

DSHS- Deaf / Hard of Hearing 

VOLAR 

LULAC Project Amistad 

Q: So how do citizens receive these emergency alerts?

A: Citizens who live within the boundaries of El Paso County have to register with the El Paso Emergency Alert System by visiting this website: EPEmergencyAlert.com

Rise For Your Rights: A Concert Fundraiser for PDNCRP

Time	Thursday, October 28 at 5:30pm - October 29 at 2:00am
Location	Bombadier's: 109 E. Castellano
By	Paso del Norte Civil Rights Project

---

More InfoPlease come out to celebrate our local talent and support free legal services for the poor. Tickets can be purchased at the door or here:https://www.texascivilrightsproject.ejoinme.org/MyPages/PCRPRegistrationPage/tabid/196974/Default.aspx

Music and performers from jazz to indie to break dancers and a bunch in between. Please help us promote this exciting event by sharing the news with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, students, and all the other music-lovers and civil-rights-supporters in your life. 

Thank you for promoting racial, economic, and social justice, and for your generous support.

OPENING NIGHT!! THE 2ND ANNUAL GRAVEYARD HAUNTED HOUSE @ BASSETT PLACE OPENS TONIGHT 10/13 6PM

OCTOBER 2010: EL PASO, TEXAS- The El Paso County Sheriff’sOffice in partnership with Bassett Place will be hosting the2nd Annual Graveyard Haunted House. The Graveyard Haunted House will run from October 13 thru October 31, 2010. Come join the family fun!!

OPENS TONIGHT!! WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2010 6pm 
OPEN: WED. & THURS. 6pm-10pm / FRIDAYS 6pm-11pm / SATURDAYS 2pm-11pm / SUNDAYS 2pm-10PM

COVER: 17 & OVER $6 / 16 & UNDER $4 / MILITARY ID $2 OF