• Yard maintenance:  Don’t let your grass, weeds or uncultivated plants grow taller than 12 inches. Remember that the maintenance of vegetation in parkways and alleys is also the property owner’s responsibility.

• Junked vehicles: Don’t store an uncovered junked vehicle or junk vehicle parts in a residential area where visible from the street or other public or private property.

• Open storage: Don’t store materials that would not be generally used outdoors, such as indoor furniture or appliances, outside.

• Sidewalk obstructions: Keep your tree branches, foliage, hedges and shrubs trim so that there is at least eight feet of clearance between their overhang and sidewalk.

• Illegal dumping: It is against the law to dispose of solid or hazardous waste, such as garbage, construction materials and used tires, in any non-permitted area.

• Auto repairs: Auto repairs in residential areas are limited to minor emergency repairs unless the work is conducted within a building.

• Commercial Vehicles: Don’t park or store more than one commercial vehicle, such as semi-trucks, per residential property. Oversized commercial vehicles parked or stored in residential areas should not exceed two tons capacity, 26 feet in length, 9 feet in height, and 7-foot-8 inches in width.

• Prohibited signs: Don’t place signs on utility poles, traffic control devices, sidewalks, medians or other public property. Free standing signs constructed out of wood, metal, plastic, or hardboard, which are not larger than 5 square feet and 36 inches in height, are allowed in a parkway between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

• Pets: Do clean up after your pets. State law mandates that property owners or occupants of a home clean up after their pets.

• Curbstoning: Don’t sell your vehicle on a public right-of-way. This activity is prohibited.

For more information about code or ordinance regulations or to report violations, call 774-4500.

• Many people are killed while trying to drive or walk on roads and bridges covered by water. Though the water may look only inches deep, the pool could be far deeper and have very strong currents. It only takes two feet of water to carry away many cars and only six inches of swiftly moving (6 mph) water can sweep a person off their feet.

• Trucks, two wheel- as well as four-wheel-drive, and sports utility vehicles are also susceptible to the dangers of pooled water. Such vehicles often give motorists a false sense of security, believing the vehicles are safe under all hazardous conditions.  This is simply not true.  For instance, large tires add to the vehicle’s buoyancy and can cause it to lose traction sooner.   Simply put, do not allow overconfidence in your vehicle to cost you your life.

• Consequently, if you are approaching a flooded roadway, turn around and take an alternate route. Though vehicles in front of you may have passed through the high water, you may not be as lucky.

• If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.

• Never let children play near storm drains when the water is rising or is high. Every year, deaths or injuries occur as a result of people being swept away.  Sadly, the most frequent victims are children.

• If you live in a low-lying area, pay close attention to water levels during heavy rain events. Water levels rise rapidly during flash floods, often surprising victims. Be prepared to move quickly to higher ground if water levels begin rising. Sandbags are available at all city fire stations and are free to the public.

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.

Drink plenty of water. Carry water with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, take plenty of breaks in a shaded area or do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Stay indoors when possible.

The public is also asked to continue supporting the El Paso Fire Department and the Extreme Weather Task Force Fan Drive.  People can donate and drop off new fans at any fire station in the city. The donated fans are given to the elderly, disabled and needy families throughout the El Paso area. Anyone needing a fan can call 211.

Extreme Weather Task Force members are also asking the public to practice the Buddy system. A Buddy can be a relative, friend or neighbor who checks up on an elderly or disabled person on a daily basis.

For more information, please contact the El Paso Fire Department Fire Prevention Division at (915) 771-1090.

Animal Services asks the public to stay away from bats or other wild animals in order to avoid infection with rabies.  Parents should inform their children about the steps they should follow if they encounter a bat or other wild animal.  Let the child know that he/she should stay away and inform an adult immediately.  If bitten by a bat or wild animal, citizens should immediately call 911 and animal control officers will respond.

They inspect not only restaurants but public schools, day care centers, concession stands, and also issue temporary permits for special events and festivals – basically, anywhere food is served to the public.

With our new website, the public will have 24-7 access to this valuable information.  You can now find out how your favorite restaurant scored on their inspection by logging onto

http://www.elpasotexas.gov/health/ and clicking “Food Establishment Inspections”.

You can also let us know what you think about our site by clicking on the “Contact Food Establishment Inspection Program” link in the top right hand corner.

Dodge Road Street & Drainage Project

Construction initiated mid July as part of the Dodge Road Street and Drainage Improvements Project focusing on Dodge Road from the intersection of Dale Road to the intersection of Stiles Drive. To allow for the necessary improvements, the public is advised that partial closures will be in place on Dale, Stiles and Dodge for an estimated 7 months of construction.

The project scope provides several improvements to include the construction of a 4-lane roadway of reinforced concrete pavement, ADA compliant sidewalks and ramps and median improvements. Drainage enhancements consist of new concrete flumes to discharge to the retention pond.

Additional Highlights

• Expected completion in February
• Access will be provided to residents
• Approximate construction cost of $573,240

Lomita Drive Street & Drainage Project

Construction efforts as part of the Lomita Drive Street and Drainage Improvements Project initiated July 23, 2008.  The public is advised that throughout the expected construction period of 2 months, Lomita Drive will be closed to traffic from Verdeland to near Courtland.

The scope of work for this initiative consists of the installation of a new underground drainage system and includes cross-sectional inlets, RC pipes and asphalt pavement on Lomita Drive approximately 700 lineal feet from Verdeland.

Additional Highlights

• Expected completion in September
• Detour routes will be provided
• Pedestrian access will be available
• Approximate construction cost of $157,165

 The following information highlights immediate actions taken to date:

• July 15, 2008 - 5 properties received notices requesting the immediate vacation  of the premises due to an identified immediate public health and safety condition present at or around 118 Northwind
• July 16, 2008 - Right-of-entry agreements were hand delivered to owners of these properties.

o        Provides for access to the properties during the assessment and any action necessary to abate the public nuisance at or around 118 Northwind

o        The City has provided payment for granting the right-of-entry during the construction period. Payment consisted of $2,000 to cover the anticipated construction period of 60 days. If the construction period exceeds these period, the agreement will be amended accordingly.

o        Required vacation of the premises by 7 am on July 18, 2008

• July 17, 2008- a Temporary Restraining Order was issued
• July 21, 2008- The Judge presiding over the 34^th Judicial District Court granted the City’s request for a Temporary Injunction, which will be in effect until the entry of the final judgment on the merits of this case with a trial set for January 21, 2009.

o        The court order found that the rock wall located at 118 Northwind is a public nuisance that is in imminent danger of collapsing and has created a public safety hazard in and around the area of this rock wall, including but not limited to irreparable injury to real property and persons.

o   Allows the City to gain access to the properties to abate, remove and correct the public nuisance and hazard at or around 118 Northwind;

o     Maintains that all occupants or residents of involved properties under 18 years of age must vacate the premises listed and shall not re-enter/re-occupy such properties until the City has provided written notice that the public nuisance and hazard of said property has been abated and the properties are safe for re-entry/re-occupancy;

o   Occupants or residents over the age of 18 choosing to remain on the premises do so at their own risk and will not hold the City liable for any damages as a result of such actions

The City has retained the services of a contractor under an emergency procurement order. Remediation actions to remove the existing retaining wall and stabilize the slope mobilized effective July 18, 2008 with a projected construction period of 60 days.

The Street Department maintains about 80,000 traffic signs from regulatory signs to warning signs to street name signs. The signs are designed, produced and installed by street department personnel following standards set by the state.  The signs are intended to manage traffic flow by helping drivers safely navigate the roads in the daytime and at nighttime.

The public is also encouraged to notify the Street Department if they see any signs that are blocked by tree branches or other physical obstructions. Signs that are covered pose a safety threat to drivers and pedestrians.

To report a missing, damaged or obstructed traffic sign; visit www.ci.el-paso.tx.us/streets  or call 621-6750.

Zip-Lock bags are being distributed at the Transportation Security Administration table by the escalator, courtesy of El Paso International Airport. 

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed.
Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. 

Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening.
X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

Butterfield Trail Golf Club is excited to announce the unveiling of our new loyalty program for golfers.  The 6-Shooter and Golfer’s Dozen offer a variety of benefits including preferred weekday and weekend rates.  In addition to the preferred rates you will also receive exclusive invitations to Butterfield Trail Golf Club events, complimentary USGA GHIN handicap service for 2008 and a club bag tag.  These cards will be an optimal way for El Paso area golfers to make Butterfield Trail Golf Club their home golf course. 

El Paso residents can purchase their 2008 6-Shooter for $266.76 and/or a Golfer’s Dozen Loyalty card for $533.52.  Butterfield Trail Golf Club loyalty cards also offer these preferred rates to seniors, Military, Tri-Residents and Non-Residents as well. 

Contact information:
Lisa B. Marquez
915-772-1031
1858 Cottonwoods
El Paso, TX 79906
www.butterfieldtrailgolf.com

To enhance the reading experience, the Big Read will help sponsor several cultural events, including a public presentation by NEA Chairman, Dana Gioia.  Mr. Gioia is a highly sought after and compelling public speaker who holds the distinction of having given the commencement address at Stanford University.  There will also be several book discussions and author presentations throughout the community.  These programs will run between September 19 and October 31, 2008.

The book that will be read as part of the festivities is called Sun, Stone and Shadows: 20 Great Mexican Short Stories.  It contains stories by Octavio Paz and Carlos Fuentes among others.  The book will be available at Public Libraries throughout El Paso, as well as book stores.   

El Paso is one of only two communities to be selected for this honor.  For more information, call 543-5468.

“An important way to strengthen our members is support them as they hone their organizations’ leaders,” said Martín Gómez, president of the ULC.  “We’re delighted to fund continuing education that will not only impact Norice’s branch, but El Paso and our membership at large.”

Ms. Lee began her career in academic libraries, but moved to public libraries to have a greater community impact.  The Brookings Institution’s training will expand upon work she has completed at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Institute for Policy and Economic Development (customized for City employees), where she improved her knowledge on ways libraries can position themselves to be considered essential assets.

“The buzz phrase we most typically hear in our business is the value of ‘library as place,’” said Ms. Lee.  “I believe that ‘the place of the library’ -- where we are positioned, our status, our ranking within the larger organization -- is what will help us get the resources we need to perform important work.  It takes strong leadership to strategically position the library to its best advantage.”

Grants from The Joey Rodger Fund for Library Leadership require recipients to share the knowledge gained from their leadership experiences with ULC members.  Ms. Lee will present what she learned at ULC conferences.  “Librarians are increasingly unable to attend training sessions and conferences away from their libraries,” said Ms. Lee.  “I continuously strive to share and distribute information as broadly as possible.”

Leadership development is a key initiative of ULC’s effort to build its members’ organizational strength.  The Joey Rodger Grant, one of a number of programs available to ULC members, was established in 2004 to honor Eleanor Jo “Joey” Rodger, who led the ULC from 1992 to 2004.   Fund organizers raised more than $50,000 in donations from individuals and institutions. 

To learn about this and other awards, visit ULC at www.urbanlibraries.org.

About the Urban Libraries Council

For more than 30 years, the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) has worked to strengthen public libraries as an essential part of urban life.  A membership organization of North America’s premier public library systems and the corporations that serve them, ULC serves as a forum for sharing best practices resulting from targeted research, education and future forecasting.  ULC’s programs are acclaimed for inspiring new organizational models that invigorate urban libraries and enrich the areas surrounding them.  ULC is headquartered in Chicago.  For more information, visit the group on the Web at www.urbanlibraries.org.

For more information please contact:
H.W. “Bill” Sparks
Chairman, El Paso Neighborhood Coalition Council
hwsparks@sbcglobal.net