September 2008 - Posts

• VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE NEARS

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                            Tuesday, September 30, 2008 (El Paso, Texas) – El Paso County Elections Administrator, Javier Chacon, reminds the El Paso County residents that the deadline to register to vote to be eligible to participate in the November 4 presidential general election is Monday, October 6th at 5:00 p.m. Applications are available at the county elections administration office located at the 4th floor of the courthouse and city libraries and postal offices. Online registration forms can be downloaded from the Texas Secretary of State at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml The registration applications downloaded from the website must be mail-in and postmark by Monday, October 6th. The voter registration cards shall be mail to the County of El Paso Elections Department at 500 E. San Antonio, Suite 402, El Paso, Texas, 79901. When registering to vote, please have your driver’s license, your Social Security Card (last four digits) or other form of identification that lists your current address.  To be eligible to register to vote in Texas, you must: Be a U.S. citizen; Be a resident of the county Be 18 years of age (You may register at 17 and 10 months); Not a convicted felon (unless a person’s sentence is completed, including any probation or parole) Not declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law According to the Elections Department Administrator, Javier Chacon, there are almost 383,338 people registered to vote and the goal is to increase registration numbers up to 387,000 registered voters. “It is essential that all the people wanting to participate in the next general presidential election get register as soon as possible”, says Chacon. “Don’t wait until last minute because the Elections Department must receive the voter registration cards post mark by Monday”, he concluded.  On Friday, October 3, 2008 there will be a registration drive and a touch-screen voting machine demonstration at La Fe Clinic from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  On Sunday, October 5, 2008 there will be a registration drive and a touch-screen voting machine demonstration at the Mission Valley Hall located in Horizon Boulevard from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 pm     IN BRIEF:  What: Deadline for registering to vote  When: Monday, October 6, 2008  Where:  El Paso County Elections Administration, Postal Offices and Public Libraries For further information, please contact Elections Department Administrator, Javier Chacon at (915)546-2154 or visit www.epcounty.com/elections/          Scroll Down for Spanish Version    Adelante el cursor para version en español   SE ACERCA ULTIMO DIA DE REGISTRO PARA PODER VOTAR  (El Paso, Texas) – El Administrador del Departamento de Elecciones del Condado, Javier Chacon, le recuerda a los habitantes del condado que la fecha limite para registrarse para votar y ser elegibles a participar en la elección presidencial programada para el 4 de noviembre es el próximo día lunes 6 de octubre a las 5:00 p.m. Las solicitudes de registro se encuentran disponibles en la oficina del Departamento de Elecciones ubicada en el cuarto piso de la corte del condado, al igual que en las bibliotecas publicas y oficinas de correos. Las solicitudes de registro pueden obtenerse también por Internet en la página de la Secretaria de Estado en la siguiente dirección: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml Las solicitudes adquiridas por Internet y/o en la oficina del Departamento de Elecciones y el Servicio Postal o Bibliotecas Públicas deben de ser enviadas por correo el día lunes 6 de octubre a la dirección: 500 E. San Antonio, Suite 402, El Paso, Texas 79901 Las personas interesadas en registrarse para votar deben de presentar una licencia valida, su seguro social -los cuatro ultimos numeros- o alguna identificación que contenga la dirección actual de su residencia.  Para ser elegible para registrarse para votar en Texas, usted debe: Ser un ciudadano estadounidense; Habitar dentro del condado de El Paso; Ser mayor de 18 años (Se pueden registrar personas de 17 años con 10 meses); No ser un criminal sentenciado (al menos que la persona haya cumplido su sentencia, incluyendo libertad condicional) No haber sido declarado mentalmente incapacitado por un tribunal   De acuerdo al Administrador del Departamento de Elecciones, Javier Chacon, actualmente existen 383,338 personas registradas para votar y la meta es incrementar el registro en el padron hasta 387,000. “Es esencial que todas las personas que quieran participar en la siguiente elección presidencial se registren lo antes posible”, dice Chacon. “No esperen hasta el ultimo minuto porque el Departamento de Elecciones debe de recibir las tarjetas de registro selladas por el correo con fecha del lunes”, concluyó. El viernes 3 de octubre del 2008 se llevará a cabo un registro de votantes y una demostración del sistema electrónico de voto con las maquinas “Touch-Screen” en la Clínica La Fe de las 10:00 a.m. a las 12:00 p.m. El domingo 5 de octubre se llevará a cabo un registro de votantes y una demostración del sistema electrónico de voto con las maquinas “Touch-Screen” en el salón Mission Valley ubicado en el boulevard Horizon de 2:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.  EN BREVE: Que: Fecha limite para registrarse para votar Cuando: Lunes, 6 de octubre, 2008  Donde: Oficinas del Departamento de Elecciones del Condado de El Paso, Oficinas de Correo y Bibliotecas Publicas     Para información adicional, por favor comunicarse con Javier Chacon, Administrador del Departamento de Elecciones del Condado de El Paso al (915)546-2154  o visite www.epcounty.com/elections/                                                                                              ###   Posted Sep 30 2008, 04:33 PM by alazcano with no comments Filed under: padron electoral, registro para votar, ultimo dia de registro para votar, Javier Chacon, Elections Department, last day, voter's registration cards, Voter registration deadline, departamento de elecciones, ultimo dia

• COMMISSIONERS COURT HIGHLIGHTS FOR MONDAY SEPT. 29

  For Immediate Release    Monday September 29, 2008 (El Paso, TX) – In today’s meeting, the members of the commissioners court modified the location restrictions imposed last week during the adoption of a court order to regulate Sexually Oriented Businesses (SOBs) located in unincorporated areas of the county. The new restriction states that no person shall own, operate or conduct any sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of a school, church, daycare center, residential district or public park, amongst others. Commissioner Pct. 1, Luis Sariñana, requested to rescind the previous court order and adopt the modification. “The reason I did that is to be consistent with the Supreme Court ruling in order to avoid possible lawsuits,” Sariñana said. The motion was approved unanimously and seconded by County Judge Anthony Cobos. Last week, the Commissioners Court voted to adopt the regulations after they found evidence about negative secondary effects, which include public lewdness, vandalism and the decrease of value in properties located nearby the adult businesses. Amongst the new restrictions are: Location requirements specify that SOBs must be at least 1,000 feet from certain properties including: churches, schools, daycares, residential areas and public parks. Outdoor signs stating that a SOB is planned must be posted at the proposed location Business already operating in the county must apply for a license of operation with in 120 days of the adoption of the court order. The County Clerk office or the Tax Office have been proposed to be responsible to receive applications, renew or suspend permits. (No decision has been made) No business shall be open between 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 am. The license fee (if granted) is $550 for initially and $350 for annual renewal.   EL PASO COUNTY ADOPTS NEW HOLIDAY SCHEDULE                     FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008/2009 Tuesday, November 11, 2008           Veterans Day Thursday, November 27, 2008         Thanks Giving Day   Friday, November 28, 2008              Day after Thanks Giving Wednesday, December 24, 2008      Christmas Eve Thursday, December 25, 2008          Christmas Day Friday, December 26, 2008               Day after Christmas Wednesday, December 26, 2008       New Year’s Eve Thursday, January 1, 2009                 New Year’s Day Friday, January 2, 2009                     Day after New Years Monday, January 19, 2009               Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, February 16, 2009             President’s Day Tuesday, March 31, 2009                  Cesar Chavez Day Friday, April 10, 2009                        Good Friday Monday, May 25, 2009                      Memorial Day Friday, June 19, 2009                          Juneteenth Friday, July 3, 2009                             Independence Day Monday, September 7, 2009              Labor Day           Posted Sep 29 2008, 04:26 PM by alazcano with no comments

• SPECIAL SESSION TO DISCUSS THE SPORTSPARK PRIVATIZATION

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (El Paso, Texas) Tuesday, September 23, 2008 – A Special Session to discuss the privatization of the El Paso County Sportspark will be held today at 6:30 p.m. at the El Paso Community College's Administrative Service Center Board Room located at 9050 Viscount, Building A. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the special meeting and voice their opinions or concerns about the privatization of the park. For more information you may contact Elizabeth H. Sotelo at (915) 546-2014 or Aracely Lazcano at (915)546-2098 Scroll Down for Spanish Avance el Texto para ver Información en Español Una sesión especial de la corte de comisionados a sido programada hoy con el fin de discutir la posible privatización de el parque Sportspark ubicado en el este de la ciudad.  La junta se realizara hoy a las 6:30 de la tarde en el salón de juntas del Centro de Servicios Administrativos del Colegio de la Comunidad, ubicado en el 9050 de la calle Viscount, Edificio A.  Todos los habitantes de la comunidad están invitados a participar en esta junta especial para que den a conocer sus opiniones o dudas en relación de la posible privatización del parque.  Para mayor información puede contactar a Elizabeth H. Sotelo al (915)546-2014 o Aracely Lazcano al (915)546-2098   Posted Sep 23 2008, 10:35 AM by alazcano with no comments

• COMMISSIONERS COURT HIGHLIGHTS

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2008   COUNTY TO REGULATE SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES (El Paso, TX)-- In today’s meeting, the members of Commissioners Court adopted a court order to regulate the Sexually Oriented Businesses (SOB) situated in unincorporated areas of the county. The Commissioners court voted to adopt the regulations after they found evidence about negative secondary effects, which include public lewdness, vandalism and the decrease of value in properties located nearby the adult businesses. The motion to adopt the court order was made by Commissioner Pct. 2 , Veronica Escobar and seconded by Commissioner Pct. 1 , Luis Sariñana. Amongst the new restrictions are: Location requirements specify that SOBs must be at least 1,500 feet from certain properties including: churches, schools, daycares, residential areas and public parks. Outdoor signs stating that a SOB is planned must be posted at the proposed location Business already operating in the county must apply for a license of operation with in 120 days of the adoption of the court order. The County Clerk office or the Tax Office have been proposed to be responsible to receive applications, renew or suspend permits. (No decision has been made) No business shall be open between 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 am. The license fee (if granted) is $550 for initially and $350 for annual renewal. BORDER CHILDREN MENTAL HEALTH COLLABORATIVE HONORED BY THE STATE  El Paso County’s Border Children’s Mental Health Collaborative was honored by the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) Leadership Foundation. El Paso County’s program is being honored for Exceptional Delivery of Services in Health and Human Services. The program is one of 24 county programs around the state selected to receive high honors for innovation, achievement and delivery of services in the 2008 County Best Practice Awards, which recognizes county initiatives that serve as a model to others and save taxpayer monies. The award was presented by Brazos County District Clerk Marc Hamlin, immediate past president of TAC and Leadership Foundation board member; Gene Terry, TAC operations director; and Victor Uvalle, TAC field representative to the county Judge, Anthony Cobos. During the presentation ceremony and on behalf of the Commissioners Court, El Paso County Judge Anthony Cobos, congratulated all involved in the collaborative for their impeccable work addressing the needs of children and adolescents who suffer emotional disturbances. A plaque was presented to the Director of the Program, Roger Martinez in recognition of his work and leadership.“The plaque presentation caught me by total surprise and gave me another reason to be more motivated and work hard for the upcoming years. Now, we can say that we are all making a difference in the lives of children, youth and families of El Paso County,” Martinez concluded. Scroll Down for Spanish Version Avance el Texto para ver Información en Español  REGULA CONDADO NEGOCIOS PARA ADULTOS  En la junta de hoy, los integrantes de la Corte de Comisionados adoptaron una orden de corte para regular los negocios para adultos -también conocidos como SOBs o Sexually Oriented Businesses, en inglés- que se ubican en las áreas no incorporadas del condado. La Corte de Comisionados voto a favor de aprobar la adopción de una serie de regulaciones luego de determinar, mediante dos audiencias publicas, que existía evidencia suficiente sobre los efectos secundarios nocivos en las comunidades adyacentes a dichos centros de entretenimiento, entre ellos actos lascivos realizados en publico, vandalismo y depreciación del valor de las propiedades.La petición para adoptar el nuevo reglamento fue interpuesta por la Comisionada del Precinto 2, Veronica Escobar y fue apoyada por el Comisionado del Precinto 1, Luis Sariañana. Entre las nuevas restricciones se encuentran: Requisitos de ubicación especifican que el negocio para adultos debe de estar al menos a 457 metros (1,500 pies) de distancia de ciertas propiedades incluidas iglesias, escuelas, guarderías, áreas residenciales y parques públicos. Ningún negocio debe de permanecer abierto entre las 4:00 am y las 6:00 am Letreros en el exterior del edificio deben anunciar que ese lugar es considerado para establecer  un negocio para adultos. Los negocios existentes en el condado deben de solicitar una licencia de operación en un lapso de 120 días en que se aprobó la orden de corte para regular los negocios para adultos. La oficina de la Secretaria de Distrito (County Clerk) y la Oficina de recaudación de Impuestos (Tax Office) han sido propuestas para recibir las solicitudes de licencias de operación, renovación o suspensión de permisos. (La corte aun no realizado decisión al respecto) El costo de la licencia de operación (Si es aprobada) es de $550 y $350 por concepto de renovación anual. GALARDONA EL ESTADO DE TEXAS A COLABORATIVA DE SALUD MENTAR PARA NIÑOS FRONTERIZOS La Colaborativa de Salud Mental para Niños Fronterizos (BCMHC, por sus siglas en ingles) fue galardonada por parte de la Fundación de Liderazgo de la Asociación de Condados de Texas (TAC, por sus siglas en inglés). El programa del condado obtuvo los máximos honores al ser reconocido en la categoría de Excelencia en Provisión de Servicios Humanos y de Salud al ser uno de 24 programas através del estado que destaca por su innovación, logros y entrega de servicios a la comunidad. Esto les valió hacerse acreedores al premio “2008 County Best Practice Award” donde se reconoce a iniciativas que realizan los gobiernos del condado y que sirven como modelo a otros para ahorrar dinero de los contribuyentes. El premio fue entregado al Juez del Condado, Anthony Cobos, en representación de la Colaborativa  de manos del titular de la Secretaria de Distrito del Condado de Brazos y ex presidente de la Asociación de Condados de Texas e integrante de la mesa directiva de la Fundación de Liderazgo, Marc Hamlin; el Director Operativo de TAC, Gene Terry y el Representante Distrital de TAC, Victor Uvalle. Durante la entrega del reconocimiento y en nombre de la Corte de Comisionados del Condado de El Paso, el juez del condado, Anthony Cobos, felicito a todos los integrantes de la Colaborativa por su impecable trabajo al dirigir sus esfuerzos a solventar las necesidades de los niños y adolescentes que padecen alteraciones emocionales. Una placa conmemorativa fue entregada al Director de la Colaborativa, Roger Martínez, en reconocimiento a su ardua labor al frente de dicho programa.“El reconocimiento me tomo por sorpresa y nos motiva a esperar lo mejor para los años venideros porque con esto demostramos que estamos logrando hacer una diferencia en la vida de los niños, adolescentes y sus familias que viven en el condado”, asevero Martínez.   Posted Sep 22 2008, 04:49 PM by alazcano with no comments Filed under: Regulating Adult Businesses, Negocios para adultos, Horas de operacion, Permisos, License, sob, Permits

• AWARD PRESENTATION TO EL PASO COUNTY

  (El Paso, TX) Thursday, September 18, 2008 -- On Monday, September 22, Representatives from the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) Leadership Foundation will present the 2008 County Best Practice Awards to El Paso County’s Border Children’s Mental Health Collaborative during the Commissioners Court Meeting. El Paso County’s program is being honored for Exceptional Delivery of Services in Health and Human Services.The program is one of 24 county programs around the state selected to receive high honors for innovation, achievement and delivery of service in the 2008 County Best Practice Awards, which recognize county initiatives that serve as a model to others and save taxpayer monies. The award will be presented by Brazos County District Clerk Marc Hamlin, immediate past president of TAC and Leadership Foundation board member; Gene Terry, TAC operations director; and TAC field representative Victor Uvalle.  In Brief:   What: 2008 County Best Practice Award presentation to El Paso County   When:  Monday, September 22, 2008   Time:  9:30 a.m.   Where: Commissioners Court Chambers, Suite 300, El Paso County Courthouse.                             500 E. San Antonio Avenue, El Paso Texas, 79901   F                            For additional information you may contact:                         ELNA CHRISTOPHER (512)-478-8753, 512-924-3402(cell)                          or by email at elnac@county.org                                ########## Posted Sep 18 2008, 02:17 PM by alazcano with no comments

• COMMISSIONERS COURT HIGHLIGHTS

  PUBLIC RESTROOMS AT ASCARATE  PARK TO BE  BUILD  (El Paso, TX) Monday, September 15, 2008 -- In today’s meeting, the members of the Commissioners Court approved to sign a contract for the design and construction of two restroom buildings at Ascarate Park.The restrooms considered in this project are the ones adjacent to the baseball fields and the ones located on Joe Yarbrough Street. “Having new restrooms will refresh our asset and bring our park to public standard,” said Commissioner Pct. 2 Veronica Escobar.Rosemary Neill, Director of Family and Community Services, advised the court that both restrooms already exceeded their useful life and are no longer capable of supporting the capacity that the park has built during recent years. After a brief discussion, the members of the court approved to sign a contract with an estimated cost of $259,332.74.    NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH  The El Paso County Commissioners Court passed a resolution at today’s meeting officially declaring the months of September 15th to October 15th, 2008 as the National Hispanic Heritage Month. The resolution cited that the League of United Latin American Citizens, which is celebrating seventy-nine years of community service, has increase educational opportunities and improved the quality of life for Hispanic Americans. The resolution was presented by Pct. 2, Commissioner Veronica Escobar, in which the court voted unanimously to accept it.Several representatives from the local chapter of LULAC were present at the meeting to accept the resolution.    DEPUTY CONSTABLE ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE   Also, in today’s meeting, the members El Paso County Commissioners Court approved a 30-day administrative paid leave for Deputy-Constable Mario Ramos from Precinct 6.  Posted Sep 15 2008, 04:44 PM by alazcano with no comments

• SACOS DE ARENA DISPONIBLES

  Habitantes del condado con la necesidad de obtener sacos de arena para protejer sus propiedades de una posible inundacion pueden obtenerlos en las siguientes localidades:  Montana Warehouse                   14698 Van Lane    Fabens Warehouse               1331 Fabens   Canutillo                                191 Canutillo Avenue  Los oficiales del Condado no han recibido ningún reporte de inundaciones severas, sin embargo se han enviado operadores para eliminar acumulamientos de agua menores en calles y caminos en las áreas de San Elizario, Sparks y Fabens.  Posted Sep 11 2008, 03:21 PM by alazcano with no comments

• EL PASO SEDE DE CONFERENCIA DE LA COALICION DE CONDADOS FRONTERIZOS

  ELIGEN AL CONDADO DE EL PASO COMO SEDE DE LA CONFERENCIA DE LA COALICION DE CONDADOS FRONTERIZOS DE E.U. Y México  PARA DIFUSION INMEDIATA:                                                                  Martes, 9 de Septiembre, 2008            (El Paso, Texas) -- El Juez del Condado de El Paso, Anthony Cobos, anuncio que la conferencia de la Coalición de Condados Fronterizos de Estados Unidos y México, se realizara el 11 y 12 de septiembre del año 2009 en esta ciudad. Así mismo, Cobos fue elegido como Tesorero y Representante del Oeste de Texas del Comité Ejecutivo de la Coalición durante la conferencia anual llevada a cabo en la ciudad de Tucson, Arizona. “Haber sido elegido por la coalición nos dará una plataforma para pedir y educar al gobierno federal en relación a  diversos asuntos que ocurren a lo largo de la frontera”, explicó Cobos. “Es también importante destacar los asuntos que impactan al Hospital Thomason y nuestra base de impuestos”. Se espera que docenas de delegados de diversos condados y su contraparte mexicana asistan a la conferencia donde el Juez del Condado presidirá la inauguración oficial. La Coalición de Condados Fronterizos de Estados Unidos y México es una organización no-partidista que se fundó basada en el consenso de pólizas y asesoramiento técnico instituido para enfrentar los retos  que afectan a los 24 gobiernos de condados establecidos a lo largo de la frontera de Estados Unidos y México en los estados de California, Arizona, Nuevo Mexico y Texas.  Durante la conferencia los asistentes analizaron la agenda anual perteneciente al Congreso federal, discutieron en anticipación iniciativas legislativas para el año 2009 y recibieron varios informes.  Los participantes de la conferencia fueron instruidos sobre lo que pueden esperar de la próxima administración federal luego de la elección presidencial a realizarse el próximo mes de noviembre, al igual que fueron puestos al corriente sobre las actividades que realiza la Patrulla Fronteriza a lo largo de la frontera. Durante la sesión del sábado, el Procurador del Condado de El Paso, José R. Rodríguez informo a los participantes sobre los recientes acontecimientos en torno a la demanda que interpuso el condado de El Paso en contra de el Secretario de Seguridad Nacional, Michael Chertoff, para prevenir que la agencia federal construya barreras físicas a lo largo de la frontera de Estados Unidos y México, al menos hasta que cumpla con el mandato de las leyes pertinentes. Rodríguez explico que el caso continúa pendiente aun cuando el Juez de la Corte de Distrito de Estados Unidos, Frank Montalvo, negó la semana pasada la petición del Condado para interponer un requerimiento judicial preliminar.  El Procurador también enfatizo la importancia de promulgar una reforma migratoria comprensiva como medio para controlar la migración de la frontera, en vez de contarcon un método poco sistemático como la barda fronteriza. Rodríguez concluyó su participación ofreciendo modelos alternativos para incrementar la seguridad en la frontera y una aplicación que refleje el sentir de las comunidades fronterizas. Para información adicional puede contactar al Juez del Condado de El Paso Anthony Cobos al (915)546-2098.   ##   Posted Sep 09 2008, 05:18 PM by alazcano with no comments

• COUNTY JUDGE APPOINTED TO REGIONAL COUNTIES COALITION

  EL PASO TO HOST CONFERENCE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:          Tuesday, September 09,2008                                                                                               (El Paso, TX) – El Paso County Judge, Anthony Cobos, announced that the 2009 annual conference of the U.S./Mexico Border Counties Coalition will take place on Sept. 11-12 of next year here in El Paso, TX.  Cobos was elected Treasurer and West Texas Representative for the Coalition Executive Committee at the 2008 conference held last weekend in Tucson, Arizona.  “Being appointed by the coalition will give us a platform to petition and educate the federal government on issues about the border at large,” Cobos says. “It is also particularly important that local issues such as the impact on Thomason Hospital and our local tax base be highlighted.” Dozens of delegates from counties on both sides of the border are expected to attend the conference where the El Paso County Judge will deliver welcoming remarks.   The United States/Mexico Border Counties Coalition is a non-partisan, consensus-based policy and technical forum founded to address challenges facing the 24 county governments along the U.S./Mexico border.  During the conference; members reviewed the 2008 Congressional action, discussed anticipated legislative initiatives for 2009, received updates on what can they expect from the incoming federal administration after November’s presidential election, and received updates from the U.S. Border Patrol on current border activities.   On Saturday, El Paso County Attorney, José R. Rodríguez, updated participants on the lawsuit filed by the County of El Paso against the Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff. The intention of this lawsuit is to prevent the agency from constructing any physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border, unless and until DHS complies with all applicable laws.   Rodríguez explained that the case is still pending even though U.S. District Court Judge Frank Montalvo denied the County’s petition for a preliminary injunction last week. Mr. Rodríguez also emphasized the importance of enacting comprehensive immigration reform as a mean of controlling immigration at the border, instead of just relying on piecemeal efforts, such as the border fence. He concluded by offering alternative guidelines for border security and enforcement, which reflect the views of border communities.  For additional information you may contact El Paso County Judge Anthony Cobos at (915)546-2098.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ##   Posted Sep 09 2008, 05:02 PM by alazcano with no comments

• COMMISSIONERS COURT HIGHLIGHTS

  Sportspark Public Hearing Date Set (El Paso, Texas) Monday, September 8, 2008 – In today’s meeting, the members of the Commissioner’s Court set the date for a public meeting to discuss the privatization of the El Paso County Sportspark. The meeting will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the El Paso Community College’s Administrative Service Center Board Room located at 9050 Viscount, Building A. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the special meeting and voice their opinions or concerns about the privatization of the park.   Honoring the Memory of Coach Don Haskins El Paso County Judge Anthony Cobos ordered that all flags in the county building be flown half staff from Monday to Friday in honor of former University of Texas at El Paso basketball coach Don Haskins. The legendary coach and member of the Hall of Fame also known as “The Bear” died on Sunday, at age 78. He is survived by his wife and two sons. Haskins coached at the University of Texas at El Paso for 38 years, winning 719 games including the 1966 NCAA men’s basketball championship. County Judge Anthony Cobos expressed his condolences to coach Haskin's family on behalf of the members of the court.     Tax Rate Set In today’s meeting Commissioners unanimously set the effective tax rate for the County of El Paso. The proposed rate was 0.342437 cents per every $100 based on home valuation. Posted Sep 08 2008, 05:45 PM by alazcano with no comments

• Stay Away from Bats

  (El Paso, TX) Tuesday, Septermber 8, 2008. -- Health Officials are warning people to protect themselves and their pets from rabies after finding eight rabid bats since the beginning of the year.   The bats which tested positive for rabies were found in highly populated areas of El Paso County. According to state health officials, the last case was confirmed at the beginning of this month.  Dr. Raymond Bader, County Extension Director of Agri LIFE EXTENSION from the Texas A&M System, reminds the public to avoid contact with bats that typically become more active during this time of year. “It is best never to approach a bat and, if found in a home or building, people should contact the local public health department for assistance with removing it.” Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Humans get rabies after being bit by an infected animal or if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth or a wound.  Without anti-rabies treatment, rabies is a fatal disease. A bat that is active during the day, found in a place where bats are not usually seen (such as in a home or on the lawn), or is unable to fly is more likely than others to be rabid.  Such bats are often easily approached but should never be handled. “Teach children to stay away from bats on the ground and to let an adult know if they see a bat. If you find a bat on the ground, don’t touch it,” Bader concluded. For addionatl information for rabies prevention you may contact Dr. Raymond Bader at (915)851-2515   Posted Sep 08 2008, 08:36 AM by alazcano with no comments Filed under: bats, rabies

• "Mental Health System Nears Crisis": Study Finds

  (El Paso, TX) September 03, 2008 -- The Institute for Policy and Economic Development at the University of Texas at El Paso has completed "Mental Health: A Looming Crisis in El Paso County," a three-part study of mental health services in the El Paso region.  This study was commissioned by the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce and championed by local elected officials and mental health leaders with the intention of using the findings to develop critical legislative items related to mental health in preparation for the 81st Texas State Legislative Session beginning in January 2009.  According to Susan Guerra, Chair of the Greater Chamber's Healthcare Council, this study provides an in-depth analysis of the gaps in the system and a picture of what lies ahead for this community unless these needs are addressed. County Commissioner Pct. 2 Veronica Escobar, who helped lead the study, asserted that the next step is engaging the community and elected officials at all levels to make mental health funding a priority.  "We as a community need to be ready to address these and all the other societal issues that are impacted by a weakened mental health system." El Paso County Judge, Anthony Cobos, long-time advocate for the Border Children's Mental Health Collaborative, also highlights the need to address together these and other community problems. "I praised everyone involved in this bold and groundbreaking collaboration to engage in a common effort to provide better consumer services, research, policy analysis and public education to the residents of this community affected by mental health issues," he says. Gary Larcenaire, CEO of El Paso Mental Health and Mental Retardation, the State-designated mental health authority for El Paso County, says that providers are under-funded and caseloads continue to grow. "What this study demonstrates is that when an individual with mental illness goes untreated, they end up in the hospital, the jail system or a homeless shelter," says Larcenaire. All of these options are far more expensive in the long run than a robust system that allows both children and adults to receive the treatment they need, he concludes. The research findings will be used to develop a set of comprehensive mental health legislative priorities in preparation for the 81st Legislative Session beginning January 2009. The Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce's Health Care Council, mental health advocates and elected officials will release the findings of the study at a press conference scheduled for tomorrow, September 4th , 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at El Paso Greater Chamber of Commerce, 10 Civic Center Plaza.   ### Posted Sep 03 2008, 04:26 PM by alazcano with no comments

• Armed Forces Voters Week

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                    Wednesday, September 03, 2008 (El Paso, Texas) Wednesday, September 03, 2008-- Military voters always have had special challenges when it comes to voting. To help them overcome those challenges, the Secretary of State, Hope Andrade, El Paso Elections Administrator, Javier Chacon, and representatives from Fort Bliss Army Base will be highlighting the "Armed Forces Voters Week" on Thursday, September 4th, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fort Bliss Museum. A new pilot program aimed at protecting the voting rights of military voters will be also discussed. Col. Edward Manning, Fort Bliss Garrison Commander, as well as individual unit voting representatives will be in attendance. What: Armed Forces Voters Week When: Thursday, September 4th, 2008 Where: Fort Bliss Museum Time: 1:30 p.m. Media planning to attend the event must contact the Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office at (915) 568-4505 to gain access to the post. Please call and confirm participation. Interested media will meet at Cassidy Gate at 1:00 p.m. For additional information you may contact El Paso Elections Administrator, Javier Chacon at (915)546-2154.                        ### Posted Sep 03 2008, 11:45 AM by alazcano with no comments