CALL TO LOCAL ARTISTS: REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR MURAL PROJECT

CALL TO LOCAL ARTISTS:

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR MURAL PROJECT

DEADLINE FEBRUARY 29, 2012

The City of El Paso Public Art Program invites professional artists or artist teams living within the County of El Paso to submit their qualifications to be considered for City of El Paso Police Department Headquarters Mural Project located at 911 N. Raynor in the Five Points area. Call to Artists will open February 1^st. To access application, go to www.callforentry.org and look for “City of El Paso: Police Department Headquarters Mural Project”. 

Current employees of the City of El Paso, their spouses, or members of the Public Art Committee are not eligible to apply. The City of El Paso does not accept qualifications from undergraduate students for Public Art Projects.

About the Project

The City of El Paso Public Art Program is seeking artists or artist teams to create a series murals on west facing façade of the Police Department Headquarters building located at 911 N. Raynor. Four panels have been identified on Piedras Street, each measuring approximately 8ft by 12ft for the design and development of a series of murals. The commissioned artist will be required to gather research and present an original design reflective of the history of the Five Points area.

Application

All interested artists are encouraged to apply and review further details of the RFQ at www.callforentry.org and submit application by February 29^th by 5 o’clock pm.

For more information please visit www.elpasoartsandculture.org and click on the “Public Art” tab. For questions or concerns please contact Patricia Dalbin, Public Art Coordinator, at (915) 541-4894 ordalbinp@elpasotexas.gov.

Scholarships Available at El Paso Community College

The Foundation for El Paso Community College (EPCC) is proud to announce the 2012 – 2013 Scholarship Application is now available online at  www.epcc.edu/scholarships.  Apply now to be considered for hundreds of EPCC scholarships being awarded to new and current students for the fall 2012 and spring 2013 semesters.  A select number of awards will also be made available for the summer 2012 semester.   The deadline to submit an application is April 1, 2012.

Scholarships available to students enrolled full-time or part-time will eligible for scholarships.  Scholarships are available to all majors, associate or certificate seeking students, or those wishing to brush up on new skills.

The Foundation for El Paso Community College’s mission is to promote excellence in education through scholarships awarded to deserving individuals and to create new educational opportunities.  The Foundation has received over $2 million in scholarship funds and thousands of students have been given the opportunity to achieve the dream of a college education with our scholarships.  Become one of these students and apply online today at  www.epcc.edu/scholarships . 

For more information on scholarships or the application process contact Mirella Pasillas at (915) 831-2529.  If you would like information on joining the Foundation for El Paso Community College in their mission visit   www.epcc.edu/foundation or call (915) 831-6485.

Energy Project Stimulates Economy, Creates Jobs

WHO:             Mayor John Cook, City of El Paso General Services Department and Sustainability Office along with Johnson Controls

WHAT:            Energy Project Update

WHEN:            11 a.m. Wednesday (Feb. 1^st, 2012)

WHERE:           Clardy Fox Branch Library, 5515 Robert Alva

WHY:               The City of El Paso has completed energy-efficient facility improvements at 44 of its buildings. The project helped boost the local economy through the creation and retention of more than 35 jobs and $2.8 million in community spending.  It was carried out by City contractor Johnson Controls and was made possible through a multi-million Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Museum of History’s Motorcycle Exhibit Makes Headway

Local motorcycle owners have come forward and are excited about the El Paso Museum of History’s upcoming History of the Motorcycle exhibit this coming July 1 – December 31, 2012. It is estimated that the museum has room for 50 bikes. So far, development director Jim Murphy states, they have 25 promised. The goal of the exhibit is to provide a unique collection that will appeal to a wide audience. The bikes can be of any make or model. Being in perfect condition is not important; being unique is. A short list of what has been offered: 1939 Harley knucklehead, 1942 WLA Harley war bike, a Russian ice racer with spiked wheels, 1954 British Maxey, 1959 650 Triumph, 1975 750 Ducati, a Shovelhead blown fuel drag racer, a 1964 Harley panhead and others. If interested, remember that the bikes will be on loan to the museum for a six-month period. Old posters, parts, books, advertisements, clothing are also being sought. For information contact Jim Murphy at 915-351-3588.

Bach’s Lunch & Music Film Series

El Paso Pro-Musica and

The El Paso Museum of Art

announce

Bach’s Lunch & Music Film Series

Please join us Thursday, February 2, 2012 at noon 

at the El Paso Museum of Art for Bach’s Lunch.  Later in the evening join us for Music Film Series at 7:00 pm in the El Paso Energy Auditorium.  Auditorium seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to 220 persons.  These events are partnership programs with El Paso Pro-Musica and are free to the public.   

Bach’s lunch, 12:00 pm

Stephanie Meyers, violin

Nina Missildine, viola

Zuill Bailey, cello

Lara Downes, piano

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1792)

Piano Quartet in G minor

I.         Allegro

II.    Andante

III.   Rondo (Allegro moderato)

                Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

                Piano Quartet in G minor

I.         Allegro

II.    Intermezzo: Allegro ma non troppo—Trio: Animato

III.          Andante con moto

IV.           Rondo alla Zingarese: Presto

Sponsored by United Bank of El Paso Del Norte

Believe in the Community

&

Music Film Series, 7:00 pm, El Paso Energy Auditorium

Musical Overture

“Shine”

Geoffrey Rush stars as Australian Piano prodigy David Helfgott in an Academy Award winning performance.  The young pianist, despite his early fame and talent, suffers a psychological collapse following years of abuse from his Father.  As a schizophrenic adult, Helfgott realizes that his only form of expression and the pursuit of his dreams are through the keys of the piano.  Sir John Gielgud also stars.

Sponsored by Broadcast Film Critics Association

Sponsored By

Western Refining

El Paso Pro Musica Guild

Marlene and J.O. Stewart, Jr. Foundation

Hunt Family Foundation

United Bank

Broadcast Film Critics Association

Bank of the West

Sierra Providence Hospital East

For information please contact (915) 532-1707

or visit www.ElPasoArtMuseum.org

Two upcoming events at Pavo Real Recreation Center

Valentine’s Dance and Arts and Crafts Fair

            El Paso, Texas – The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department will host two upcoming events at the Pavo Real Recreation Center, 9301 Alameda Ave. in the coming month.

                                                                                                            Teens Valentine Dance

                                                                                       Friday, February 10^th             

                                                                                       3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

                                                                                       Fee: $2 per person 

                                                                                       Arts and Crafts Fair

                                                                                       Saturday, February 25^th

                                                                                       10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

                                                                                       Vendor’s fee:  $5 per table  

                                                                                       Free admission to the public 

Black History Month Celebration at Veterans Recreation Center

February 9, 2012 at Veterans Recreation Center

Who: City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department

What: Celebration of African American History Month

When: Thursday, February 9, 2012, (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)

Where: Veterans Recreation Center, 5301 Salem St.

The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department will host a

Black History Month Program on February 9, 2012 at the Veterans Recreation

Center, 5301 Salem St.

The event is free and open to the public with the one hour program

starting at 10:30 a.m.

Table displays will be the backdrop of the event featuring the works

and collections from Historical Civil Rights events, Buffalo Soldiers,

Tuskegee Airman, and other African American contributions.

All displays will be available for viewing until 3:00 p.m. the same day.

TWC Chairman Highlights Success of Programs to Help Returning Veterans

AUSTIN - Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken today
highlighted TWC's efforts to help returning veterans transition back to
civilian life. Pauken spoke to hundreds of veterans at the Texas Veterans of
Foreign Wars (VFW) Mid-Winter Round Up at the Doubletree Hotel in Austin.
"Texas is leading the way in getting military experience in critical skills
recognized and that experience is being put to work a lot quicker," Pauken
said in his remarks to VFW attendees. "As part of our College Credit for
Heroes initiative, Houston Community College has streamlined the credit
hours needed for veterans to attain the surgical technology certification so
that no longer do veterans who had that training and experience in the
military have to get 37 hours in credits to be able to take the
certification test. They can sit for the certification exam and, if they
pass, they can go right to work in that field."

TWC funds the College Credit for Heroes initiative, which is designed to
recognize the exceptional knowledge and skills gained by military service
members and award them college credits for their military experience,
allowing them to more easily re-enter the workforce.

"In addition, Central Texas College has completed a database available to
other community colleges and veterans to allow veterans to get college
credit for their military experience and training - and not have to start
all over again from square one," Pauken also noted.

Chairman Pauken also promoted TWC's Texas Veterans Leadership Program
(TVLP), which is staffed by returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan to
help fellow veterans transition successfully to civilian life by applying
the skills they acquired during their military service to civilian jobs.
TVLP has served more than 8,000 returning veterans from Iraq and
Afghanistan, Pauken said. Most of those have received direct assistance from
TVLP veteran representatives, ranging from finding employment to directing
them to educational and health benefits.

"Approximately 25,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans separate from the
service and return to Texas every year," said Pauken. "These young men and
women have answered our country's call under very difficult circumstances
and they deserve our maximum support in making a successful transition to
the civilian world."

Homegrown El Paso

WELCOMES LEADING INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ADVOCATE 

TO HELP HOMEGROWN EL PASO 

Starts 8:30 a.m. February 7 With Lunch/Workshops Until 1:00 p.m.

Event Demonstrates Tools to Support Local Entrepreneurs and 

Sustain Vibrant Local Economy

Homegrown El Paso’s membership works to support the efforts of the El Paso area’s locally owned, independent businesses to compete in an increasingly global environment.  Homegrown promotes its member businesses and educates them to provide a level of product quality and service that earns them the support of local consumers while, at the same time, educating the area’s population on the benefits of buying from local businesses.

Jeff Milchen, co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) and a leading advocate for community-based businesses, will speak at The El Paso Community Foundation, 333 N. Oregon, 1^st Floor Foundation Room, at 8:30 a.m.–noon with lunch from 12 noon–1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 7.  Milchen will offer a provocative presentation illustrating the economic and civic importance of sustaining a strong base of local, independently owned businesses.  He’ll provide numerous success stories of programs developed to support community-based businesses and keep them thriving in the face of competition from chains, online businesses, and others.

This presentation and training will advance the work of Homegrown El Paso.  Local organizer Nancy Ontiveros says, “Homegrown is just what El Paso needs at this critical time in our development.  Everything that is unique and inviting about El Paso comes from a local source.” 

“This conference will bring new synergy to Homegrown Members and supporters,” adds Heather Cuthbertson, President of Homegrown El Paso Board of Directors.

Milchen co-founded and directed the first Independent Business Alliance (IBA) a decade ago.  In response to inquiries and requests for help from dozens of communities, he went on to co-found AMIBA to help other communities start successful IBAs of their own, create a network for collaboration among them, and begin building momentum for national shifts.  His presentation will feature examples from some of the 80 affiliated groups, like El Paso’s, now operating across North America in communities of all sizes.

“Independent businesses are struggling for survival across the country,” said Milchen. “But through collaborative efforts and the active involvement of citizens, communities have proven that harmful trends can be stopped and home-grown businesses still can prosper.”

IBAs use a three-pronged approach, including public information campaigns about the benefits of doing business locally; organizing collaborative purchasing, marketing and media campaigns among business members; and creating a visible public presence for independent business owners whose interests too often are sacrificed in favor of more politically powerful entities.

“In the strongest local economies, most dollars are spent at locally owned businesses, where they recirculate several times in the community.  This multiplier effect is a critical but often overlooked factor in creating community wealth,” said Nancy Ontiveros. “Sustaining local ownership isn’t just important for sustaining our community character, it’s key to the long-term economic vitality of El Paso.” 

The event is free and open to the public. Lunch reservations ($15.00/person) are required.  To learn more or get involved in Homegrown El Paso, call Nancy at 915-240-8804 or contactme@homegrownelpaso.com

Regulation of Political Campaign Signs

El Paso, Texas – As the election season kicks into gear, the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department is once again seeking the public’s cooperation in following regulations for posting campaign signs.

The El Paso City Code prohibits the placement of campaign signage on utility poles, traffic control devices, or public right-of-way. Violators risk a citation punishable by a fine of up to $2,000.

The code does allow for some flexibility if the campaign signs are free-standing signs. Free-standing signs made of wood, metal, plastic, or cardboard no larger than 5 square feet and no greater than 36 inches in height are allowed in a parkway between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Code compliance inspectors will be going out daily during this campaign season between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. to remove free-standings signs on public right-of-way.

Campaign signs are allowed on private property with permission from the tenant and/or property owner. However, signs constituting a hazard to the traveling public will be removed from public or private property.

The violation for Prohibited Signs is defined in 20.18.140 and Temporary on-premise signs in 20.18.500 of the El Paso City Code.

To report code violations, call the Code Compliance Division at 599-6290.

EPCC Baseball and Softball 2012 Campaigns

The El Paso Community College (EPCC) Tejanos Baseball Team and Tejanas Softball Team go into action for the 2012 season on January 27^th.  Both squads play on their respective fields on the EPCC Valle Verde campus, 919 Hunter.

The EPCC Tejanos start at home versus Scottsdale Community College, Friday, January 27^th at 2:00 p.m. A special first pitch ceremony will occur prior to the game (1:45pm) with EPCC Interim President, Dr. Ernst Roberts and EPCC Board of Trustees member, Nicolás Domínguez participating.

The EPCC Tejanas start their season with a series of away games beginning January 27^th in Henderson, Nevada at the CSN-Kickoff Classic. Their first home game is a doubleheader against Odessa College, Friday, March 2^nd at 1:00 p.m.

Manhunt Monday

EL PASO, TEXAS - This week’s MANHUNT MONDAY Most Wanted Fugitive is sought for DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES. The target is identified as GEORGE RIVAS (62) of El Paso, TX.

MARCH 2011 In March 2011, GEORGE RIVAS was hired to install a refrigerated air conditioning system at a home in the Montana Vista area. Over the course of the following months, the Homeowners (Victims) paid RIVAS $5,500 for the job he never completed. All RIVAS ever did was remove a swamp cooler from the residence at the onset of his hiring. The Homeowners have tried numerous times to contact RIVAS & luckily got a hold of him by phone in late October 2011 where RIVAS again promised & failed to show to complete the work he was hired and paid to do.

Charges have since been filed & GEORGE RIVAS is now wanted for the offense DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES.

GEORGE RIVAS knows he is wanted & is believed to remain in the area hiding with friends or family.

If anyone has seen or has any information on the whereabouts ofGEORGE RIVAS to please contact Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 566-TIPS (8477). Callers will remain anonymous & may be eligible for a reward if the information provided leads to the apprehension of the individuals featured.

MANHUNT MONDAY & CRIME STOPPERS OF EL PASO are partners with the media to fulfill our mission of reducing the fear of illegal activity in our neighborhoods by involving the community in helping Law Enforcement solve crime.

NAME: GEORGE RIVAS (62)

AKA: GEORGE FUENTES

DOB: 08-15-49

ETHINCITY / GENDER: HISPANIC/FEMALE

HEIGHT: 5’2”

WEIGHT: 140 lbs.

HAIR: Black

EYES: Brown

BUILD: Small

COMPLEXION: Medium

PLACE OF BIRTH: El Paso, Texas

TATTOOS: Left Arm – Christ, “G.R.” / Right Arm – “Chela”, Eagle

I-10 / AMERICAS INTERCHANGE PROJECT UPDATE

COMPLETE CLOSURE: 

There will be a complete closure  of the north and southbound lanes (intermittently) on Joe Battle Blvd. between Bob Hope Dr. and I-10 Friday, January 6 at 8 p.m. through Sunday, January 8 to 7 p.m. 

NOTE:

Joe Battle Blvd. Southbound will close first.  Northbound lanes will remain open. 

When the northbound lanes are closed the southbound lanes will remain open.

Expect north and southbound right lane closures on Joe Battle (Loop 375) between Bob Hope Dr. and I-10 Friday, January 6 at 8 p.m. through Sunday, January 8 to 7 a.m. 

NOTE:

Both north and southbound travel lanes will be reduced to one lane through the left shoulder. Southbound will close first.  Northbound lanes will remain open. 

When the northbound lanes are closed the southbound lanes will remain open.

COMPLETE CLOSURE: 

The Rojas Intersection (underneath Loop 375) will be completely closed Friday, January 6 at 8 p.m. and remain closed through Sunday, January 8 at 7 a.m.

These closures are necessary for the demolition of existing Pilasters (columns).

The following closures will continue closed until further notice:

Alza Drive at Gateway East  

Rojas Turnaround at Joe Battle Blvd. 

A&M Circle northbound on Americas Ave.

Please observe work zone warning signs.

Library customers can help battle hunger by trading Food for Fines

From Saturday, January 7 to Saturday, January 14, 2012, the El Paso Public Library will be accepting canned food donations in exchange for overdue fines that library patrons may owe.  Patrons will be able to pay down $1 worth of fines for every can of food or non-perishable food item donated, up to $5(per account), provided that their materials are also returned in good condition.  The food donations will then be collected, sorted and distributed to organizations that serve the less fortunate as part of the 12^th Annual MLK Canned Food Drive.

Patrons need to simply bring in their overdue materials and up to 5, canned or non-perishable, food items.  The Library staff will then take their food donations and apply up to $5 in credit to the patron’s account. 

The El Paso Public Library is encouraging their customers to donate canned goods to benefit people in El Paso that don’t have enough to eat.  It is estimated that 1 in 3 children in El Paso struggle with hunger every day.  Hunger makes it more difficult for kids to stay engaged and focused on activities important to their development such as studying.  The food collected as part of the Food for Fines program, as well as that collected through the MLK Canned Food Drive, will be used to replenish depleted pantries of organizations that serve the less fortunate.  For more information call 543-5468 or visit www.elpasolibrary.org. 

JOE BATTLE/ZARAGOZA DIRECT CONNECTORS PROJECT

Construction on the Joe Battle (Loop 375) / Zaragoza (FM 659) Direct Connectors Project began today.

The proposed project will construct two direct elevated connectors.

    **One connector will be constructed for traffic traveling in the northbound direction of Joe Battle (Loop 375) onto northeast Zaragoza Rd. (FM 659).

    **One connector will be constructed for traffic traveling in the southwest direction of  Zaragoza Rd. (FM 659) onto southbound Joe Battle (Loop 375).  

 

CLOSURES:

The southbound Joe Battle Blvd. left lane between Montwood Dr. and the Montwood Entrance Ramp will be closed starting tomorrow, January 4 at 9 a.m. and continued closed through April 2012.

The construction crews will be building a retaining wall.

There will be a right lane closure southbound on Joe Battle (Loop 375) from the Montwood Exit Ramp to the Montwood Entrance Ramp on Thursday, January 5 and Friday, January 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Crews will be placing concrete barriers on the shoulder.