On Wednesday October 22, 2008, the second day of roundups, officers from the El Paso Sheriff Department, the County Attorney’s Office, Texas DPS Troopers, and County Constables continued conducting warrant roundups against individuals with outstanding hot checks.
Today officers arrested 14 individuals, among them 3 members of the same family with outstanding warrants for writing hot checks. Early this morning officers arrested 48-year-old Ricardo Chacon at a residence in West El Paso. Officers also picked up his daughter 28-year-old Gabriella Chacon, who was listed as living at an apartment complex also in West El Paso. When Chacon’s wife, 41-year-old Mirna Vega showed up at the jail to bond them out, the officers decided to run her name and discovered that she also had an outstanding warrant for writing hot checks. All of them were released after paying $1,060 in restitution.
With today’s roundup, the County Attorney’s Office collected an additional $17,250 for local merchants. That amount, along with the $120,829 that were collected since the beginning of the amnesty period on October 3, 2008, brings the total collection to more than $138,000.
With today’s detentions the number of individuals arrested is now 29. In the upcoming days investigators from the County Attorney's Office will continue their search for individuals with outstanding arrest warrants. Individuals with outstanding hot-checks may attempt to avoid arrest in upcoming roundups by paying as soon as possible.
However, the amnesty period is over, and law enforcement officers can conduct arrests at any time without prior notice. To make payments individuals need to go to the El Paso County Attorney’s Office, 5th floor of the County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio, Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Forms of payment accepted include most credit cards, money orders, cashiers checks, and cash, however those paying cash would have to bring the exact amount (cashiers can’t give change). For more information regarding hot check payments and balances please contact the El Paso County Attorney’s Office Hot Check Unit at 546-2051. The complete and updated list of individuals with theft by check outstanding warrants will remain posted in the El Paso County web site at: www.epcounty.com/CA.
Resident with no access to a computer can look up their names by picking up one of more than 10,000 free copies of the printed warrants list that have been distributed throughout El Paso County at the following locations:
- El Paso Police Headquarters 911 N. Raynor El Paso, TX 79903
- EPP Central Regional Command 200 S. Campbell St. El Paso, TX 79901
- EPP Mission Valley Command 9011 Escobar Dr. El Paso, TX 79907
- EPP Northeast Regional Command 9600 Dyer St. El Paso, TX 79924
- EPP Pebble Hills Command 10780 Pebble Hills El Paso, TX 79935
- EPP Westside Regional Command 4801 Osborne Dr. Paso, Texas 79922
- El Paso County Sheriff's Office Vinton Substation 436A E. Vinton Road
- El Paso County Sheriff's Office Headquarters 3850 Justice Drive
- Justice of the Peace #2 (Northeast) 4641 Cohen, Suite A
- Justice of the Peace #1 (West-side) 424 Executive Center Suite 100
- Anthony Police Department 401 Wildcat Dr, Anthony TX
- Horizon Police Dept. 14999 Darrington Rd. Horizon City, TX
- Socorro Police Dept. 800 N Rio Vista Rd. Socorro, TX
- Vista Foods Supermarket 121 N. Kenazo
- Vista Foods Supermarket Central 2231 N. Zaragosa
- Vista Foods Supermarket Montana Vista 14700 Montana
- La Feria Grocery and Market 502 S Mesa St., El Paso, TX
- La Feria Supermarket Anthony 317 Main St, Anthony TX
- Mr. Payroll Check Cashing 4426 Dyer St
- All five Quality Food Marts in El Paso
- All six Melek locations in El Paso
# # #
Hot Check Roundup Day 2 Press Release.pdf
On Tuesday October 21, 2008 officers from the El Paso Sheriff Department, the County Attorney’s Office, Texas DPS Troopers, and County Constables conducted an early warrant round up against individuals with outstanding hot checks.
Several teams went out today targeting nearly 100 fugitives and after 6 hours on the field, the officers arrested 15 fugitives who were booked into the County jail.
With today’s round up, the County Attorney’s Office collected an additional $6,291 for local merchants. That amount, along with the $114,538 that were collected since the beginning of the amnesty period on October 3, 2008, bringing the total collection to more than $120,000.
The roundups are not over. In the upcoming days, more officers will continue their search for individuals with outstanding arrest warrants for writing hot checks.
Individuals with outstanding hot-checks may attempt to avoid arrest in upcoming roundups by paying as soon as possible. However, the amnesty period is over, and law enforcement officers can conduct arrests at any time without prior notice.
To make payments individuals need to go to the El Paso County Attorney’s Office, 5th floor of the County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio, Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Forms of payment accepted include most credit cards, money orders, cashiers checks, and cash, however those paying cash would have to bring the exact amount (cashiers can’t give change).
For more information regarding hot check payments and balances please contact the El Paso County Attorney’s Office Hot Check Unit at 546-2051. The complete and updated list of individuals with theft by check outstanding warrants will remain posted in the El Paso County web site at: www.epcounty.com/CA.
Resident with no access to a computer can look up their names by picking up one of more than 10,000 free copies of the printed warrants list that have been distributed throughout El Paso County at the following locations:
- El Paso Police Headquarters 911 N. Raynor El Paso, TX 79903
- EPP Central Regional Command 200 S. Campbell St. El Paso, TX 79901
- EPP Mission Valley Command 9011 Escobar Dr. El Paso, TX 79907
- EPP Northeast Regional Command 9600 Dyer St. El Paso, TX 79924
- EPP Pebble Hills Command 10780 Pebble Hills El Paso, TX 79935
- EPP Westside Regional Command 4801 Osborne Dr. Paso, Texas 79922
- El Paso County Sheriff's Office Vinton Substation 436A E. Vinton Road
- El Paso County Sheriff's Office Headquarters 3850 Justice Drive
- Justice of the Peace #2 (Northeast) 4641 Cohen, Suite A
- Justice of the Peace #1 (West-side) 424 Executive Center Suite 100
- Anthony Police Department 401 Wildcat Dr, Anthony TX
- Horizon Police Dept. 14999 Darrington Rd. Horizon City, TX
- Socorro Police Dept. 800 N Rio Vista Rd. Socorro, TX
- Vista Foods Supermarket 121 N. Kenazo
- Vista Foods Supermarket Central 2231 N. Zaragosa
- Vista Foods Supermarket Montana Vista 14700 Montana
- La Feria Grocery and Market 502 S Mesa St., El Paso, TX
- La Feria Supermarket Anthony 317 Main St, Anthony TX
- Mr. Payroll Check Cashing 4426 Dyer St
- All five Quality Food Marts in El Paso
- All six Melek locations in El Paso
# # #
Roundup Day 1 Press Release.pdf
El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez informed today that a local 16-year-old male accused of aggravated sexual assault will be tried as an adult after a district court judge decided to certify him as an adult.
The allegations stemmed from a night-time abduction of a young woman who left her home to get a late-night snack from a fast food restaurant. The victim was forced back into her car under the threat of a gun and driven to an isolated area of the city where she was sexually assaulted. After the attack the abductor drove her to another part of the city. When she had an opportunity, she jumped from the moving vehicle and ran screaming to a nearby home.
Quick response from the El Paso Police Department’s Forensic Team lead to the discovery of a fine print and the victim subsequently identified a picture of the defendant. This morning, after hearing the facts of the case, 65th District Court Judge Alfredo Chavez certified the juvenile to face 4 criminal counts: Aggravated kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated robbery, and aggravated assault.
As a consequence of the certification, the juvenile will be transferred to the county jail to await trial. In the meantime, the County Attorney's Office will transfer the case to the District Attorney's Office for prosecution. Adult certification of a juvenile offender is reserved for the most serious criminal cases. In approving the certification the judge considers four factors:
- Whether the alleged offense was against a person or property, with greater weight in favor of transfer given to offenses against the person.
- The sophistication and maturity of the child.
- The record and previous history of the child.
- The prospects of adequate protection of the public and the likelihood of the rehabilitation of the child by use of procedures, services, and facilities currently available to the juvenile court.
In this case, the court weighed all the factors and determined that due to the serious nature of the crimes alleged that it was appropriate to certify. The juvenile is now subject to the full range of penalties available in adult criminal cases.
- 30 -
Juvenile Sex Offender Press Release.pdf
Arrest roundups to follow publication of the names
On Sunday October 19, 2008, the El Paso County Attorney’s Office will be publishing names of more than 4,500 individuals with outstanding hot-check warrants in the two main local newspapers: El Paso Times and Diario de El Paso. The 4,626 individuals owe local merchants almost 4 million dollars.
At any time after the publication of the list, officers from the El Paso Sheriff’s Office, Texas DPS Rangers, Constables, and investigators from the County Attorney's Office will conduct hot-check warrant roundups, arresting individuals at their homes and place of employment. Since Friday October 3, 2008, when the amnesty week was announced, the El Paso County Attorney's Office has received more than $98,000 in payments for outstanding hot checks.
Individuals with outstanding hot-checks may attempt to avoid arrest in the upcoming roundups by paying as soon as possible. However, the amnesty period is over, and law enforcement officers can conduct arrests at any time without prior notice.
To make payments individuals need to go to the El Paso County Attorney’s Office, 5th floor of the County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio, Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Forms of payment accepted include most credit cards, money orders, cashiers checks, and cash, however those paying cash would have to bring the exact amount (cashiers can’t give change).
For more information regarding hot check payments and balances please contact the El Paso County Attorney’s Office Hot Check Unit at 546-2051. The complete and updated list of individuals with theft by check outstanding warrants will remain posted in the El Paso County web site at: www.epcounty.com/CA.
# # #
Hot Check Warrant List Publication Press Release.pdf
No Fear, No Guilt, No Shame Campaign
El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodriguez today announced a week-long series of events aimed to inform the ***, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community about resources available in our community to combat domestic violence.
The “No Fear, No Guilt, No Shame” campaign was organized by the County Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the organization “Puentes LGBT Resources” to reduce the incidence of domestic violence among members of the LGBT community. Gay and *** community members will receive information about programs and agencies that can provide help to victims of intimate partner violence.
The series of events are structured in a way that allows members of the legal and law enforcement agencies to answer questions and present information on available services to members of the LGBT community. At the same time, service providers will be able to learn about specific issues affecting victims within the LGBT community, and how to help them more efficiently to cope and recover from domestic violence experiences.
Gay and *** couples experience domestic violence like everyone else. Often, victims struggle with the pain on their own, fearing that law enforcement and other agencies will judge them harshly or ignore their complaints.
The campaign will begin on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at the El Paso County Courthouse with a community forum where the organizers will discuss the results of a survey that reveals the prevalence of LGBT domestic violence in El Paso.
The week-long activities will end on Saturday October 25, 2008 with a presentation on the domestic violence movement in LGBT communities at the state and national levels. “This conference is the latest in a series of efforts focused on raising domestic violence awareness in the community; previous conferences have been directed towards teens and the general population. This conference will focus on another, perhaps more, vulnerable population: the gay and *** community,” explained County Attorney José R. Rodríguez.
WHO: El Paso County Attorney's Office and Puentes LGBT Resources
WHAT: No Fear, No Shame, No Guilt CampaignWHEN: October 21 thru the 25, 2008
WHERE: Several locations
Tuesday October 21, 2008 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Community Forum: Domestic and Dating Violence in LGBT Relationships
El Paso County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio, 3rd floor
Wednesday October 22, 2008 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Roundtable Discussion: Legal Aspects of LGBT Violence
The Percolator, 217 N Stanton St. (by invitation only)
Thursday October 23, 2008 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion: LGBT Issues in Domestic Violence
Center Against Family Violence, 580 Giles Rd.
Friday October 24, 2008 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Presentation: Legal Advocacy for LGBT Communities
Metropolitan Community Church, 216 S. Ochoa St.
Saturday October 25, 2008 1:45 -2:30 p.m.
Presentation: Reaching Out to LGBT Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
Region 19 ESC Head Start Multi-Purpose Center, 11670 Chito Samaniego
For more information about a particular event please call Sam Aguilera at (915) 526-1350.
# # #
LGBT Domestic Violence Press Release.pdf
Hot-Check Writers still can Avoid Arrest by Paying by Friday El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez announced today that more than 300 hot-check writers took advantage of the amnesty week.
Since Friday October 3, 2008, when the amnesty week was announced, more than 300 El Paso residents took advantage of the program paying $50,088 in outstanding hot-checks. Individuals who paid by today’s deadline will have their names deleted from the list of hot-check writers that will be published in the local newspapers on Sunday October 19, 2008. The list will include more than 4,200 names of individuals who owe local merchants almost 4 million dollars.
| Although the amnesty period is over, individuals with outstanding hot-checks still can avoid arrest in the upcoming warrant roundups by paying by this Friday October 17, 2008. However, their names will still appear in the hot-check warrant list that will be distributed inside Sunday’s El Paso Times and Diario de El Paso.
At any time after the publication of the list, Officers from the El Paso Sheriff’s Office, the US Marshals, Texas DPS rangers, and investigators from the County Attorney's Office will conduct hot-check warrant roundups, arresting individuals at their homes and place of employment.
Residents still interested in paying their outstanding hot checks by this Friday October 17, 2008 can make their payments at the El Paso County Attorney’s Office, 5th floor of the County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Forms of payment accepted include most credit cards, money orders, cashiers checks, and cash, however those paying cash would have to bring the exact amount (cashiers can’t give change).
For more information regarding hot check payments and balances please contact the El Paso County Attorney’s Office Hot Check Unit at 546-2051. The complete and updated list of individuals with theft by check outstanding warrants will remain posted in the El Paso County web site at: www.epcounty.com/CA.
Amnesty Week Collections Press Release.pdf
El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez announced today that, due to the evacuation of the courthouse, the amnesty week for hot check writers has been extended until Monday October 13, 2008.
Individuals who pay their outstanding checks by Monday at 5:00 p.m. will not have their names printed in the newspapers on Sunday October 19, 2008. County Attorney Rodríguez made the decision to extend the amnesty period after an electric fire forced the closing of the courthouse around noon today. Shortly after the Courthouse was evacuated, the County Attorney’s Office started to receive dozens of phone-calls from individuals who were not able to enter the building to make their payments and who were concerned about the publication of their names in the local newspapers.
Residents with outstanding hot check warrants can make their payments at the El Paso County Attorney’s Office, 5th floor of the County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio. The payment window at the County Attorney’s Office will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p. m. In addition to avoid the publication of their names in the local newspapers, individuals who make payments during the amnesty period will save money by avoiding the payment of many fees, such as court costs, attorney fees, and the payment of bonds. Most importantly, they will avoid incarceration during the upcoming countywide arrest warrant round up.
Forms of payment accepted include most credit cards, money orders, cashiers checks, and cash, however those paying cash would have to bring the exact amount (cashiers can’t give change). For more information regarding hot check payments and balances please contact the El Paso County Attorney’s Office Hot Check Unit at 546-2051. The complete and updated list of individuals with theft by check outstanding warrants will remain posted in the El Paso County web site at: www.epcounty.com/CA.
At the beginning of the amnesty period there were more than 4,600 names in the County’s hot checks warrants list, who owed local merchants more than 4.04 million dollars. During fiscal year 2007-2008 the County Attorney’s Hot Check Unit collected 1.4 million dollars in outstanding hot checks
Hot Check Amnesty Week Extended Press Release.pdf
El Paso County Sheriff Jimmy Apodaca and Assistant County Attorney Kent Sutton announced today an upcoming massive warrant roundup and amnesty week for individuals with outstanding hot check warrants in El Paso County. The amnesty period runs from Monday October 6 thru Friday October 10, 2008. Individuals with outstanding hot check warrants who pay during the amnesty period will avoid the publication of their names in a special insert to be distributed in the El Paso Times on Sunday October 19, 2008. Additionally, individuals who make payments during the amnesty week will save money by avoiding the payment of many fees, such as court costs, attorney fees, and the payment of bonds. Most importantly, they will avoid incarceration during the upcoming county-wide arrest warrant round-up. Residents with outstanding hot check warrants can make their payments at the El Paso County Attorney’s Office, 5th floor of the County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio. The payment window at the County Attorney’s Office will be operating with extended hours Monday thru Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Forms of payment accepted include most credit cards, money orders, cashiers checks, and cash, however those paying cash would have to bring the exact amount (cashiers can’t give change). For more information regarding hot check payments and balances please contact the El Paso County Attorney’s Office Hot Check Unit at 546-2051. The complete and updated list of individuals with theft by check outstanding warrants will remain posted in the El Paso County web site at: www.epcounty.com/CA. There are currently more than 4,600 names in the County’s hot checks warrants list, who owe local merchants more than 4.04 million dollars. During fiscal year 2007-2008 the Hot Check Unit collected 1.4 million dollars in outstanding hot checks
2008 Hot Check Amnesty Week Press Release.pdf
INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED FILMMAKER COMES TO EL PASO TO DISCUSS THE VIOLENT CULTURE OF HIP-HOP
Will lead discussion on how rap music is fueling dating violence among teens El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodriguez is proud to invite members of the media to participate in a press conference with award-winning documentary filmmaker, writer, and anti-sexist activist Byron Hurt. Mr. Hurt will be in El Paso on Wednesday October 1st, 2008 to participate in the County Attorney’s Office Annual Teen Dating Violence workshop, which this year will feature his documentary “Hip-Hop: Beyond the Beats and Rhymes.” The filmmaker will conduct a pre-screening discussion of the film, followed by a viewing of the film, and a post-screening discussion of such pressing issues as women and violence in rap music, representations of manhood in hip-hop culture, what today’s rap lyrics reveal to their listeners, and homoeroticism in hip-hop. Hundreds of local teens are expected to participate in this seminar aimed at reducing the incidence of dating violence in El Paso. Because of his busy schedule, Mr. Byron will only be available for interviews during a scheduled 30-minute press conference, so we encourage interested members of the media to be punctual. Right after the press conference reporters will also have an opportunity to speak to some of the teens who will be participating in the workshop. WHO: Award-winning Documentary Filmmaker Byron HurtWHAT: Press Conference on Hip-Hop and ViolenceWHEN: Wednesday October 1, 2008 at 11:35 a.m.WHERE: Auditorium of the YISD Cultural Arts Center9600 Sims # # #
About the film “Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes”: Sparking dialogue on hip-hop and its declarations on gender, HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes provides thoughtful insight from intelligent, divergent voices including rap artists, industry executives, rap fans and social critics from inside and outside the hip-hop generation. The film includes interviews with famous rappers such as Mos Def, Fat Joe, Chuck D and Jadakiss and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. The film discloses the complex intersection of culture, commerce and gender through on-the-street interviews with aspiring rappers and fans at hip-hop events throughout the country.
“I sometimes feel bad for criticizing hip-hop, but I guess what I am trying to do is get us men to take a hard look at ourselves”. Filmmaker Byron Hurt
Byron Hurt Press Release.pdf
Training will help local private attorneys and case workers improve their services to individuals with mental health issues in our community The El Paso County Attorney’s Office, along with the District Attorney and Public Defender Offices will be organizing the 1st Annual El Paso County Mental Health Law Conference on Friday September 26, 2008 at the County Courthouse. The conference provides an opportunity for local lawyers, case workers, and interested citizens to learn more about legal issues surrounding mental health patients. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts on a wide variety of topics including Criminal Incompetency, Involuntary Commitments, and Ethics representing the mentally ill. They will also have the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion with several local judges, law enforcement representatives and Garry Larcenaire, CEO of the agency Mental Health Mental Retardation.
Attending attorneys will be eligible to receive 5 free credit-hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and 1 free credit-hour of Ethics.
First Assistant County Attorney JoAnne Bernal explained this conference will allow participants to become more proficient in dealing with legal issues regarding the mentally ill, thus providing better services to this particular segment of the population.
“Mental Health law is a very specialized field, and our community needs competent attorneys who can protect the rights and integrity of individuals with mental illnesses. We believe offering this type of training in our community at no cost is the way we can contribute to improve the quality of life of our residents,” Bernal said.
WHO: County Attorney, District Attorney and Public Defender Offices.WHAT: 1st Annual El Paso County Mental Health ConferenceWHEN: Friday September 26, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.WHERE: Commissioner’s Courtroom, Room 300El Paso County Courthouse (500 E. San Antonio) # # # For more information, please contact Anne Emmer at 546-2050 Ext. 3667
Mental Health Conference Press Release.pdf
Funds will allow the Probation Dept. to expand clean-up activities in remote areas of the El Paso County El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodriguez announced today that Commissioner’s Court has approved funding to expand graffiti clean-up efforts in the outlying areas of the County. During a special budget meeting held on Tuesday September 23, 2008, Commissioner’s Court approved $83,000 for the “Graffiti Wipeout” Program managed by the West Texas Community Supervision and Corrections Department (Adult Probation). The funds will pay the salary of a new field manager, and include $34,000 for the purchase of a new truck. The “Graffiti Wipeout” Program operates under a very efficient, cost-effective system in which probationers perform the bulk of the work without compensation to meet their community service hours. During Fiscal Year 2007-2008 the “Graffiti Wipe-Out” Program has cleaned more than 4,600 sites throughout the El Paso County. Restoring the County’s funding of the program was one of the main goals identified by the Anti-Graffiti Task Force in its report issued on June 21, 2008. The report is the blueprint for a new anti-graffiti initiative and contains more than 20 concrete proposals that can be implemented to reduce the incidence of graffiti in our neighborhoods, among them: · Amend state law to enhance punishment for repeat offenders.· Developing a first offender program for juveniles who commit graffiti.· Propose city ordinance requiring property owners to consent to graffiti clean-up or else pay a fine and costs of clean up.· Adopt ordinances to require business to lock up or place spray paint behind a counter. · Implementation of a Graffiti Public Information Campaign.· Promote “Campus Crime Stoppers” at all local schools. El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez, Chairman of the Anti-Graffiti Task Force said getting funding from Commissioner’s Court for the program is very important because it is very cost-effective. “Ten years ago we had the same effort and the County began to fund the “Graffiti Wipe-Out” program. They were so successful in eradicating graffiti that, in 2004, the County cut its funding because anti-graffiti efforts were not considered a priority. As a result, the presence of graffiti has been increasing dramatically in the last few years,” Rodriguez explained. Rodríguez also explained that the Anti-Graffiti Task Force will continue to work on implementing all of the recommendations included in the report.. # # #
Graffiti Funding Press Release.pdf
Plan includes 22 proposals including suggested legislative changes, public outreach ideas and educational strategies to fight graffiti On June 21, 2008, after 6 months of hard work, members of the Anti-Graffiti Community Task Force will present the 2008 Anti-Graffiti Final Report. The report is the blueprint for a new initiative and contains more than 20 concrete proposals that can be implemented to reduce the incidence of graffiti in our neighborhoods, among them: · Amend state law to enhance punishment for repeat offenders.· Developing a first offender program for juveniles who commit graffiti.· Propose city ordinance requiring property owners to consent to graffiti clean-up or else pay a fine and costs of clean up.· Adopt ordinances to require business to lock up or place spray paint behind a counter. · Implementation of a Graffiti Public Information Campaign.· Promote “Campus Crime Stoppers” at all local schools.
El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez decided to reconvene the Anti-Graffiti Task Force earlier this year after reports of increased tagging activity all around the El Paso County.
“Graffiti reduces retail sales and produces declines in property value because it generates the perception of blight and heightens fear of gang activity. It also affects residents’ quality of life and scares away investors who otherwise might be willing to bring new business and industries to our communities,” Rodriguez concluded.
The 2008 Anti-Graffiti Final Report will be unveiled at a public meeting to be held on Saturday June 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the El Paso Police Department’s Northeast Regional Command (9600 Dyer). Local and state elected officials, representatives from all the school districts, law enforcement agencies, business organizations, concerned citizens and volunteer organizations are expected to be present. The public is encouraged to attend. WHO: Anti-Graffiti Community Task ForceWHAT: Presentation of the County-wide Anti-Graffiti InitiativeWHEN: Saturday June 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.WHERE: EPPD Northeast Regional Command
9600 Dyer (Northeast El Paso)
Graffiti Task Force Press Release.pdf
On Wednesday September 24, 2008, El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez will deliver welcoming remarks and briefly address some of the county’s most important environmental issues during a meeting of the U.S. Good Neighbor Environmental Board in El Paso. The Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) is an independent federal advisory committee that meets three times a year. Its mission is to advise the President and Congress of the United States on good neighbor practices along the U.S. border with Mexico. Recommendations are focused on environmental infrastructure needs within the U.S. states contiguous to Mexico. The GNEB does not carry-out any specific border program. Rather its role is to step back as an expert and a concerned observer, to analyze the big picture when it comes to the problems the border faces, as well as opportunities at hand. The GNEB members are a mosaic of non-governmental organizations, state, local, and tribal representatives across the border states, and it has an EPA Designated Federal Officer from Washington, D.C.; it also includes representatives from other federal agencies (other than EPA) such as Dept of Agriculture, Dept. of the Interior, Dept. of Commerce, Department of State, Dept. of Health, Dept of Transportation, Dept. of Human Services, Customs and Border Protection, Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, and the International Boundary and Water Commission.
The GNEB board will meet in El Paso on Wednesday September 24, 2008 at the Camino Real Hotel from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Some of the issues to be discussed include the Asarco smelter and the water supply to the area.
WHO: El Paso County Attorney José R. RodríguezWHAT: Meeting of the Good Neighbor Environmental BoardWHEN: Wednesday September 24, 2008 at 8:30 a.m.WHERE: Camino Real Hotel
101 S. El Paso St. # # #
Good Neighbor Environmental Board Meeting Press Advisory.pdf
The recent proliferation of housing construction within the city limits and other areas of the county has generated a serious problem of illegal dumping of construction debris in our community.
Apart from being an eyesore, this type of illegal dumping is dangerous, not only because it pollutes the land and breeds pests, but also because the construction debris sometimes is used as a fill and, if a structure is erected on top of it, years later the foundation of the building could shift due to the pockets of air forming underneath.
Defining what all the government entities and community organizations can do to eradicate illegal dumping of construction debris in our community is the purpose of the upcoming 8th Annual Environmental Summit “What Can You Do to Make a Difference?”
The summit brings together government agencies, local companies, high school students, environmental experts, and El Paso residents, to discuss the different environmental problems in our community, to find possible solutions, and implement the solutions.
How do we stop the illegal dumping of construction materials out on the desert? Can the hundreds of thousands of used tires and construction materials we dispose of every year in El Paso be recycled? Those are just some of the questions we hope to find answers for during the environmental summit.
This year the keynote speaker will be the Honorable Judge Larry Potter, from Shelby County, Tennessee, who in 1983 became the first Environmental Court Judge in Memphis. With his judicial experience, Judge Potter is considered an authority on the subject of environmental law. He travels throughout the United States consulting with governmental authorities on the establishment of environmental courts in their communities. County Attorney José R. Rodríguez and Assistant County Attorney Cristina Viesca-Santos will present what City, County and State agencies are doing, and Senator Eliot Shapleigh will moderate a discussion on how to solve the problem of illegal dumping of construction debris in El Paso. As part of the Summit, members of the organization “Community Scholars” will present a report titled "Think Clean, Go Green." The study describes several environmental issues they have identified in El Paso and suggests possible solutions.The event is free and open to the public. Registration will begin promptly at 8:00 AM. Free lunch will be provided to first 350 individuals who RSVP calling the number 834-4970 or by e-mail to Gterraza@tceq.state.tx.us. WHAT: 8th Annual Environmental Summit “What Can You Do to Make a Difference?”WHEN: Friday September 19, 2008 from 8:00 AM - 2:30 PMWHERE: Ysleta ISD Cultural Arts Center9600 Sims- 30 -
2008 Environmental Summit Press Release.pdf
2008 Environmental Summit Agenda.pdf
Plaintiffs prepare to appeal the case before the U.S. Supreme Court
El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez announced today that U.S. District Judge Frank Montalvo has dismissed a lawsuit filed by El Paso County, the City of El Paso, the El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1, and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, among others, against the construction of the border fence in El Paso County.
Judge Montalvo granted the Department of Homeland Security’s motion to dismiss based on the merits of the case on a final judgment issued on September 11th, 2008. In his ruling, Judge Montalvo held that the waivers used by the Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff to expedite the construction of the border fence were constitutional because “…Congress constitutionally delegated its authority in the Waiver Legislation.” Judge Montalvo further ruled that the Waiver legislation did not violate the 10th amendment because the waivers were issued with the intent to “preempt state and local laws, which would interfere with Congress’s objective to expeditiously construct the border fence.”
El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez explained that, according to the law, the plaintiffs have 90 days to file an appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court. The law firm Mayer Brown LLP of Washington D.C., who is handling the litigation, is already working on the appeal, which the County Attorney will encourage El Paso Commissioner’s Court to join.
The lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security was filed on June 23, 2008, and challenged Secretary Chertoff's statutory authority to issue a waiver of more than 30 federal laws, as well as any state and local laws related to such federal laws, to accelerate the construction of a border fence in El Paso County. # # #
Border Fence Lawsuit Dismissed Press Release.pdf
Border Fence Case Motion to Dismiss.pdf
Border Fence Case Final Judgement.pdf
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