May 2009 - Posts

• PASSPORT FAIR ON MAY 30,2009

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                               (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                               I http://www.epcounty.com/ I      Saturday Service for U.S. Passport Applicants   (El Paso, Texas)Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - Travelers will be required to present a passport when traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean beginning June 1st. To assist El Paso County residents in meeting this deadline, the office of the District Clerk will hold a Passport Fair on Saturday, May 30 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the El Paso County Courthouse located at 500 E. San Antonio. The Passport Service Division will provide services for applicants of new passports and passport renewals. Applications will be taken for the first 400 applicants ONLY. The service will be on a first-come, first-served basis and no appointments will be taken. Those applying for a new passport should bring the following documents:   A completed application (form is available at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html; do not sign it until instructed by the passport clerk) Proof of identity (a valid permanent state driver's license, a government ID or military ID) Proof of citizenship (previous passport, original birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization certificate) Two recent identical color photographs, 2" x 2" in size.      A photo service will be available at the passport fair for a fee of $10 Social security number El Paso County District Clerk Gilbert Sanchez reminds applicants to be patient and to present all their documents and the correct form of payment to expedite the processing service. Those wishing to renew a passport should bring the following items: Your most recent U.S. passport book and/or U.S. passport card. A marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed. Two recent identical color photographs, 2" x 2" in size. A photo service will be available at the passport fair for a fee of $10 A check or money order in the following amounts: The cost for the traditional passport book is $75 for adults, payable by check or money order and $60 for children; in addition there will be a $25 cash processing fee payable by CASH or money order to El Paso District Clerk. The passport card is $20 for first-time adult applicants, $10 for children, 15 and younger, and in addition there will be a $25 cash processing fee payable by CASH or money order to El Paso District Clerk. If the applicant is a minor both of the child's parents or legal guardians must appear when applying. A passport application requires both parents' consent. Applicants obtaining the passport book and the passport card simultaneously will pay ONLY one $25 execution fee. Background: Monday, June 1st, 2009 is the deadline by which people traveling by land or sea from the Mexico, Panama, Bermuda and the Caribbean must present a valid U.S. Passport before entering the United States as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. For more passport information, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport; http://www.epcounty.com/ or call the District Clerk Office at (915)546-2021 ***ADELANTAR EL CURSOR PARA INFORMACION EN ESPAñOL****   FERIA DE PASAPORTES Condado de El Paso Ofrece Servicio de Trámite el Próximo Sábado   (El Paso, Texas) -A partir del 1 de Junio del 2009,  autoridades aduanales en los puertos de entrada de Estados Unidos, requerirán a los viajeros presentar un pasaporte americano valido cuando ingresen por las fronteras provenientes de México, Canada, Bermuda y el Caribe. Con el fin de ayudar a los residentes del condado de El Paso a cumplir con el nuevo requisito, la Secretaría de Distrito (District Clerk Office, en inglés) realizará una Feria de Pasaportes el Sábado, 30 de Mayo de 2009 de 8:00 A.M. a 12:00 P.M. en las oficinas ubicadas en el edificio de la corte del condado ubicado en el centro de El Paso en la cuadra 500 E. de la calle San Antonio. La división de Servicio de Pasaportes brindará asistencia a las personas que están solicitando el pasaporte tipo libro o tarjeta por primera vez o a quienes buscan renovar dicho documento. El servicio de trámite se ofrecerá por orden de llegada y únicamente se aceptaran las solicitudes de las primeras 400 personas. No se requiere previa cita para obtener el servicio. Las personas que deseen solicitar un pasaporte deben de traer los siguientes documentos: Una solicitud con datos completos ( la forma esta disponible por Internet en la dirección http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html; No se debe firmar la solicitud hasta que se lo indique la persona que procesara su solicitud) Prueba de identidad (Licencia de conducir provista por el estado, identificación de gobierno o militar) Prueba de ciudadanía (Pasaporte vencido, acta de nacimiento, certificado de ciudadanía o naturalización) Dos fotografías en color recientes especiales para pasaporte (tamaño 2" x 2")      Servicio de fotografía disponible con un costo adicional de $10 dólares. Número de Seguro Social El titular de la Secretaría de Distrito, Gilbert Sanchez, insta a los solicitantes que sean pacientes cuando vengan a realizar su tramite y que cuenten con los documentos requeridos y la forma correcta de pago con el fin de ayudar a agilizar los trámites. Las personas que busquen renovar su pasaporte deberán traer los siguientes documentos:   Pasaporte vencido Un certificado de matrimonio o una orden de corte en caso de que su nombre haya cambiado Dos fotografías en color recientes especiales para pasaporte (tamaño 2" x 2")      Servicio de fotografía disponible con un costo adicional de $10 dólares. Un cheque o giro postal (Money order, en inglés) con las siguientes cantidades: El costo para el pasaporte tradicional de libro es de $75 para adultos y $60 para los menores de 16 años, pagadero en cheque o giro postal a nombre de U.S. Department of State y $25 adicionales de costo por procesamiento pagadero en efectivo o giro postal a nombre de District Clerk Office. El costo para la tarjeta pasaporte es de $20 para los adultos y $10 para los menores de 16 años, pagadero en cheque o giro postal a nombre de U.S. Department of State  y $25 adicionales de costo por procesamiento pagadero en efectivo o giro postal a nombre de District Clerk Office. Ambos padres o tutores legales deben acompañar a los menores de edad a realizar el trámite de solicitud del pasaporte. La solicitud del pasaporte requiere el consentimiento de ambos padres de familia. Las personas que soliciten el pasaporte tradicional de libro y la tarjeta al mismo tiempo pagaran únicamente una tarifa de $25 para cubrir el costo del procesamiento. Antecedentes: El día lunes primero de Junio del 2009 entrará en vigor la Iniciativa de Viaje del Hemisferio Oeste (WHTI) la cual requerirá a todas las personas portar un pasaporte estadounidense valido cuando intenten ingresar a Estados Unidos por tierra o mar provenientes de México, Panamá, Bermuda o el Caribe. Información adicional en http://travel.state.gov/passport o  http://www.epcounty.com/     (DC-CC05-09-43)             (DC-CC05-09-43) Posted May 26 2009, 02:31 PM by alazcano with no comments Filed under: Passport Service, District Clerk, Servicio de Pasaportes, requisitos para pasaporte, U.S. Passport, passport requirements, pasaporte americano

• County Pools Opening this Weekend

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                               (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                               I http://www.epcounty.com/ I      SUMMER SPLASH Swimming Pools Opening this Weekend   (El Paso, Texas) - The El Paso County swimming pools at Ascarate Park, Canutillo and O'Donnell Park in Fabens will be open for families to cool off beginning this Memorial Day weekend. Pools will be open from 12 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The fee at Ascarate is $2 and Canutillo and O'Donnell Park pools are $1 entry. Beginning June 2, the Ascarate pool hours switch to 3 to 9 p.m. After the Memorial Day weekend, the pools will be open Tuesday through Sunday.   Ascarate Park Aquatic Center 6900 Delta Dr. El Paso, TX  79905 12pm -to- 5pm $2.00 Admission Fee   Gallegos Park Pool 7361 Bosque Rd. Canutillo, TX  79834 12pm -to- 5pm $1.00 Admission Fee   O'Donnell Park Pool 518 G Ave. Fabens, TX  79836 12pm -to- 5pm $1.00 Admission Fee   (DC-CC05-09-42) Posted May 22 2009, 08:00 AM by alazcano with no comments

• Music Under the Lights

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                               (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                               I http://www.epcounty.com/ I    Nighttime Event for Golf Enthusiasts (El Paso, TX) - The Ascarate Golf Course will hold its first-ever ‘Music Under the Lights' in the newly lighted driving range, this Friday night, May 22, 2009, starting at 7:30 p.m. Golf enthusiasts will have the opportunity to improve their swings in this sports facility strategically in place to provide a magnificent view of the Franklin Mountains. During the event, golfers will be serenaded by Mariachi Music performed by the Bowie High School Mariachi Band. At the event, golf lovers can buy a small bucket for $2.75 or a large for $4 dollars and practice their swings in the 300-yard target shooting range or warm up before they play golf. The driving range is located next to the Ascarate Golf Course, at the south end of the Ascarate Park on 6900 Delta Drive. Admission for all event participants is free.     Posted May 20 2009, 03:35 PM by alazcano with no comments

• El Paso County Courthouse to Be Closed

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                 (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                 I http://www.epcounty.com/ I  (El Paso, TX)Tuesday May 19, 2009 – In observance of Memorial Day, the day of remembrance in honor of all those men and women who gave their lives to our country during war, the county courthouse will be closed to the public this Monday, May 25, 2009.Commissioners Court regular session will not take place.The District and County Clerks central offices will not provide any services to the public, neither their satellite offices located on the Northeast and Lower Valley. We urge the community to take this into consideration and plan ahead in case there is the need to use a service provided by the county.For example; passports applications, birth and marriage certificates, deeds, etc. Normal operations for all offices and facilities will resume on Tuesday, May 26, 2009. For more information please call (915) 564-2000 or access the county website, www.epcounty.com    (CC05-09-041)   Posted May 19 2009, 03:59 PM by alazcano with no comments

• Music Under the Lights -Nighttime Event for Golf Enthusiasts

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                               (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                               I http://www.epcounty.com/ I    (El Paso, TX) - The Ascarate Golf Course will hold its first-ever ‘Music Under the Lights' in the newly lighted driving range, this Friday night, May 22, 2009, starting at 7:30 p.m. Golf enthusiasts will have the opportunity to improve their swings in this sports facility strategically in place to provide a magnificent view of the Franklin Mountains. During the event, golfers will be serenaded by Mariachi Music performed by the Bowie High School Mariachi Band. At the event, golf lovers can buy a small bucket for $2.75 or a large for $4 dollars and practice their swings in the 300-yard target shooting range or warm up before they play golf. The driving range is located next to the Ascarate Golf Course, at the south end of the Ascarate Park on 6900 Delta Drive. Admission for all event participants is free.     Posted May 19 2009, 03:35 PM by alazcano with no comments

• County Unable to Reach Agreement for the Sportspark Revitalization

  County Seeks reimbursement of funds from Big League Dreams   El Paso County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the termination of negotiations with Big League Dreams, a company hired to renovate the Sportspark located in the Eastside of El Paso. County Commissioner Pct. 1, Anna Perez; who represents the area where the park is located, addressed the Court today and said that the company has shown no interest in formalizing the contract for the transformation of the sports facility. The court also approved to instruct the legal department to take the necessary actions to terminate the licensing agreement and seek reimbursement of $460,000 plus interest that the county had put in escrow as part of the licensing agreement with the California-based company. County Commissioner Perez requested permission from the court to start looking after other options for the park revitalization.   Court Approves New Lighting System for Westway Park   Westway residents will soon have a new lighting system for the park located in that area. During today's meeting, the members of Commissioners Court authorized the installation of a new lighting system as well as other improvements for the Westway Park. Road and Bridge Department officials informed the court that besides installing the new lighting system, they also will be upgrading the playground equipment and installing a shade over the playground area. The total cost of the project was estimated at $50,000.                                         Rural Bus Service Extended In a 4-to-1 vote, the County Commissioners extended an agreement with the Mass Transit Department of the City of El Paso to continue the operation of Sun Metro Route #84, which services the El Paso Community College (EPCC) Mission del Paso Campus, Clint, San Elizario and Socorro. Although the County of El Paso will pay $26,000 annually for the transportation service, 80% of the operating cost for this bus route is funded by the federal government through the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Program. Bob Gyer, Rural Transit Manager, informed the court that El Paso County also has Intergovernmental Agreements to offset the county's 20% funding: EPCC Student Government Association pays $10,000, the City of Socorro pays $5,000 and the Town of Clint $1,100. Bus service has been provided for Route #84 since 2002. For route schedule and information please call 532-3474 or visit us online at epcounty.com/transit/     (CC05-09-40) Posted May 18 2009, 04:00 PM by alazcano with no comments

• PASSPORT FAIR

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                 (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                 I http://www.epcounty.com/ I  Saturday Service for U.S. Passport Applicants (El Paso, Texas) – The office of the District Clerk Passport Service Division will provide service for applicants of new passports and passport renewals at a Passport Fair on Saturday, May 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the El Paso County Courthouse located at 500 E. San Antonio. No appointments will be taken; applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis and the doors will close at noon. Monday, June 1st, 2009 is the deadline by which people traveling by land or sea from the Mexico, Panama, Bermuda and the Carribbean must present a valid U.S. Passport before entering the United States as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Everyone, including newborn infants, is required to obtain a passport in his or her own name. For children under 16, the consent of both parents/guardians is required. In order to complete the application process, the following items are required.  ·        A completed application (form is available at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html; do not sign it until instructed by the passport clerk) ·        Proof of identity (a valid permanent state driver’s license, a government ID or military ID, previous passport, Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization Certificate) ·        Proof of Citizenship (Previous passport, original birth certificate)·        Two official passport photos (passport photo service will be available at $10 additional cost)  ·        Social Security number  El Paso County District Clerk Gilbert Sanchez reminds applicants to be patient and to present all their documents and the correct form of payment to expedite the processing service. The cost for the traditional Passport book is $75 for adults’ payable by check or money order and $60 for children; in addition there will be a $25 cash processing fee payable by CASH or money order to El Paso District Clerk. The passport card is $45 for first-time adult applicants, $35 for children 15 and younger and $20 for current passport holders seeking the new documents. Applicants obtaining the passport book and the passport card simultaneously will pay only one $25 execution fee.  (DC-CC05-09-39)   Posted May 13 2009, 03:26 PM by alazcano with no comments

• Passport Service Division Offers Extended Hours of Operation

  (El Paso, Texas) - During today's meeting, the members of Commissioners Court unanimously approved to extend the hours of operation of the District Clerk's Passport Service Division in an effort to process a greater number of the applications submitted to this office. Monday, June 1st, 2009 is the deadline by which people traveling by land or sea from the Mexico, Panama, Bermuda and the Carribbean must present a valid U.S. Passport while entering the United States. The Passport Service Division will now be open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. District Clerk Gilbert Sanchez suggests applicants to have their documents and the correct forms of payments ready to quicken the process. Due to the increasing number of residents soliciting a valid U.S. Passport, applicants must be prepared to wait at least 2 hours before completing all the application process. The Passport Service runs in a walk-in basis. In anticipation of the new entry requirements, the District Clerk Office is also taking applications for the Passport card, a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional Passport book issued by the US Department of State. This wallet-sized card, which uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to facilitate wireless reading, was created in response to the needs of border resident communities an will also facilitate entry and expedite document processing at the ports of entry. The cost is $45 for first-time adult applicants, $35 for children 15 and younger and $20 for current passport holders seeking the new documents. The new federal document will have the same validity period as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, and five for children 15 and younger.  The traditional Passport book is $75 for adults' payable by check or money order and $60 for children; in addition there will be a $25 cash processing fee. First time applicants for both documents will pay only one execution fee.   Passport Requirements: Two Photographs            (Photography service available for $10) Proof of citizenship A valid form of identification like Texas Driver's License.   People interested in applying for a Passport card or book can do it at the lower level of the County Courthouse located at 500 E. San Antonio.   For additional Information please call Gilbert Sanchez at (915) 546-2000 Posted May 11 2009, 05:16 PM by alazcano with no comments

• District Clerk Temporarily Suspends U.S. Passports Processing Services

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                I http://www.epcounty.com/ I    Passports Office Temporarily Suspends Processing Services   (El Paso, Texas) Tuesday, May 5, 2009 - El Paso County District Clerk Gilbert Sanchez has temporarily suspended the U.S. Passport book and card processing service as a result of the current sanitary emergency the community is facing by the spread of Influenza A (H1N1). Sanchez said he will re-evaluate his decision on Friday. "We are taking this precautionary measure because we are concerned for the safety and welfare of the public and our staff," Sanchez said. Monday, June 1st, 2009 is the deadline by which people traveling by land or sea from the Mexico, Panama, Bermuda and the Carribbean must present a valid U.S. Passport while entering the United States. Once the Passport Service Division is re-open to the public longer hours of service will be extended to accommodate individuals directly affected by the temporarily suspension of this service. Additional Passport Fair are being plan on Saturdays leading to June 1st. For additional Information please call Gilbert Sanchez at (915) 546-2021     (DC-CC05-09-36) Posted May 05 2009, 05:29 PM by alazcano with no comments

• County Employees to Take Furlough as Fiscal Solution

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                I http://www.epcounty.com/ I    (El Paso, TX) Monday, May 4, 2009 - The entirety of the departments of El Paso County remitted a 2 percent reduction on their budgets to comply with a Commissioners Court request following the County Auditor's recommendation as a measure to navigate the county government through projected budget deficits. Members of commissioners court unanimously approved the department's recommendations, which are expected to save the county about 4.1 million dollars before the end of the current fiscal year. Among those proposals are the reductions of salaries, working hours, unpaid leaves, and auto allowances. The 658 employees that are taking furlough will help on saving the county about $2.6 million in salary expenditures. An additional 1.4 million will also be saved in operating expenses. The County Auditor informed the members of Commissioners Court that departments did not lay-off any personnel and have rather chosen not to fill their vacant positions. A request was made to all county departments to be as frugal as possible to minimize the impact in the general fund for the remainder of the current fiscal year. Last week the court approved a hiring freeze that additionally saves the county close to a million dollars. Although employee hours are being cut emergency operations and services will not be affected.   Posted May 04 2009, 04:30 PM by alazcano with no comments