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City Vehicles: Do Your Part to Help Conserve
The rising price of fuel is also impacting the City of El Paso. The City, excluding Sun Metro, operates 2,300 vehicles using about 3 million gallons of fuel per year. The rising price of fuel has caused the City’s fuel budget to increase from $6.6 million to $9.6 million in 2008.
Employees who drive City vehicles can do their part to reduce the City’s fuel consumption. Here are some things to remember while driving a City vehicle:
- Slow down and drive at a smooth and steady pace. Driving 55 reduces fuel consumption by at least 10% compared to driving at 60 or 65. Look ahead to anticipate traffic to avoid quick accelerations and hard braking.
- Avoid excessive idling. It only takes about 30 seconds for an engine to warm up and if you are going to leave the vehicle for over a minute then turn it off.
- Clean out your vehicle to reduce the weight. This is especially critical for those who use work trucks and may carry a lot of extra weight.
- Reduce or combine trips. If you really don’t have to make the trip or you can wait to combine it with another trip, then this will reduce the miles traveled.
- Ensure your vehicle is properly tuned and the air pressure in the tires is adjusted correctly. Properly inflated tires can increase your fuel mileage by about 3%.
All of these tips may seem small but when you multiply them over the City’s fleet of 2,300 vehicles, the savings can add up significantly.
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El Paso Municipal Court Traffic Safety Award Recipient
El Paso Municipal Court, in an effort to improve quality of life for the citizens of El Paso, has teamed up with state and local agencies to promote and implement several traffic safety initiatives. In recognition of this, the El Paso Municipal Court was recently recognized for their efforts in Traffic Safety.
The Texas Municipal Courts Education Center’s (TMCEC) Municipal Traffic Safety Initiative, funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation, recently sponsored a Traffic Safety Award to recognize those who work in local municipalities that have made outstanding contributions to their community in an effort to increase traffic safety. This competition is a friendly way for municipalities to increase their attention to quality of life through traffic safety activities. All municipal courts in the State of Texas were eligible to apply. Award recipients were honored at the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center Traffic Safety Conference on May 22, 2008 at the Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. Texas Municipal Court Association (TMCA) Board President, Judge Brian Holman, Lewisville Municipal Court, presented the El Paso Municipal Court with their award.
"Municipal courts across the State can have an enormous impact on the quality of life in each of their communities and the efforts of the Traffic Safety Award recipients reflect a commitment to protect their residents and improve traffic safety,” said Judge Brian S. Holman, Lewisville Municipal Court. “The Texas Municipal Courts Association applauds their efforts and encourages other courts and communities to get involved in ways to increase awareness and improve the effectiveness of their traffic safety programs. In this time of skyrocketing fuel prices, reducing speed not only saves money, it saves lives and will often save a trip to traffic court."
Applicants were judged on the basis of what their court is doing in terms of public outreach in their community to increase traffic safety while decreasing traffic crashes, traffic fatalities, juvenile DUI, child safety seat offenses, red light running, and other traffic related offenses.
PHOTO: L to R: TMCA President, Judge Brian Holman, Sentencing Coordinator Gabriela Valle, Judge Daniel Robledo, and Court Administrator Richarda Momsen.
Public Health Welcomes New Director
The City of El Paso Department of Public Health is proud to announce the arrival of its new Director, Mr. Michael Hill. Mr. Hill brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to El Paso all of which will aid in his leadership over the largest health department on the Texas border.
Mr. Hill has extensive experience in a variety of areas, such as public health preparedness, disease control, and public health information systems. As Health Director, he will oversee a staff of 360 and an annual operating budget of $24.4 million. Mr. Hill will provide leadership in operations for Animal Services, Public Health Preparedness, Epidemiology, Food Inspection, Health Education, Immunization, Laboratory, Rawlings Dental Clinic, STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) Control, Tuberculosis (TB) Control, Texas Vaccines for Children, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and 2-1-1.
Mr. Hill held the position of Administrator and Health Officer for the Okeechobee County Health Department in Florida from 2000 – 2006, where he successfully reduced Hepatitis A cases from 101.5 per 100,000 to 0 in less than three years. He provided public health leadership to support Florida counties impacted by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jean in 2004 and to Mississippi areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Most recently, he served as Senior Deputy Director of Disease Control and Prevention for San Joaquin County Public Health Services in Stockton, California where he led teams including public health laboratory, epidemiology, TB control, communicable disease control, AIDS, STD, public health preparedness and clinical services.
“Our goal for fiscal year 2009 is to begin the process of transforming the Department of Public Health into a high-performing, results-oriented organization that will be universally respected by citizens, professional partners and peer agencies,” says Hill. Mr. Hill states that his immediate goals for the Department of Public Health are “to increase collaboration with the community and with stakeholders”. His long-term goals for the Department of Public Health are to make El Paso the healthiest community it can be. Mr. Hill states that he is “looking forward to working towards building a healthy future for all El Pasoans.”
Michael Hill holds a Master of Public Health from the University of South Florida, a Master of Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northern Michigan University. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), a Certified Public Health Administrator (CPHA), and a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Mr. Hill is the current president of the National Association for Public Health Information Technology and currently serves on the governing council for the American Public Health Association.
National Parks and Recreation Month
The month of July will be National Parks and Recreation Month and will be celebrated in El Paso, Texas with the following list of scheduled events over the month. All events listed are free of charge and for more information call 541-4331.
| Date |
Name of Event |
Location |
| July 1 |
City Proclamation
With Gus and Goldie, Sports individuals dressed up and like (to be discussed) |
City Council Chambers |
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| July 6 |
Scenic Sundays
(Free) |
Scenic Drive |
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| July 8 & 9 |
Autumn Sam Basketball Camp
(Free - Girls only – ages to be announced) |
Chalio Acosta Center |
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| July 9 |
Downtown Concert Series
(Free) (12:00 p.m. to – 1:00 p.m.)
(Singer Jacqueline Mata) |
San Jacinto Plaza |
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| July 13 |
Scenic Sundays
(Free) |
Scenic Drive |
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| July 17 |
Think Green (Recyclable Event)
(For Seniors) (10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Craft Show
(6:00 p.m – Fashion Show.) |
at Bassett Place |
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| July 18 |
Think Green (Recyclable Event)
(For Youth) (10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Craft Show
(6:30 p.m – Fashion Show.) |
at Basset Place |
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| July 19 |
Healthy Hearts and Parks Fun Walk
(8:00 a.m.) (Free) |
Marty Robbins Recreation Center |
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| July 20 |
Scenic Sundays
(Free) |
Scenic Drive |
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| July 22 |
Open House |
all Recreation Centers |
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| July 23 |
Open House
(Times to be announced) |
all Senior Centers |
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| July 25 - 27 |
Sports Extravaganza |
Nations Tobin Sports Center |
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| July 26 |
A Family Event Outing Adventure
(4:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m.) (Overnight) |
Memorial Park Reserve Area and Memorial Aquatic Facility |
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| July 26 |
Outdoor Concert
(Free) |
Park next to Rae Gilmore Center |
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| July 27 |
Scenic Sundays
(Free) |
Scenic Drive |
From El Paso International Airport
Fazio course in El Paso open to public
Texas Golfer Magazine, North Texas Edition featured Butterfield Trail Golf Course as the cover story in the May 2008 issue.
El Paso has something no other city in Texas can claim—a Tom Fazio-designed municipal golf course, the Butterfield Trail Golf Club, that is open to the public, mentioned James McAfee, writer for the magazine. The article emphasized Butterfield Trail Golf Course being named as one of the tip 10 courses you can play by Golf Magazine and one of the candidates for the Best New Courses by Golf Digest. Including, the 8,800 square foot club house which received the Mayor’s Award for outstanding architectural design from the American Institute of Architects.
Full Article
Spirit of Amigo Fair
As part of the National Tourism Week, El Paso International Airport participated in the Spirit of the Amigo Travel Tradeshow on Thursday, May 15, 2008. This event provided the opportunity to showcase and promote Butterfield Trail Golf Course, as well as the opportunity to participate in an annual community event.
El Paso is on the Right Path
Airport Revenue News featured the article by Evonn Gibbs, “Looking to Boost Revenue...Airports
Come Up With Off-Beat Ideas” in their March 2008 Issue.
“From just about anywhere on the campus of El Paso International (ELP), say officials, one can look across the horizon as see a multi-billion-dollar military installation going up almost as far as the eye can see.”
Full Article
Check it out: Restaurant Inspection Scores
Restaurant inspection scores are now available at:
http://www.elpasotexas.gov/health/
This online service is provided by the Department of Public Health to inform the public about food establishments in El Paso County.
City of El Paso’s Department of Community and Human Development to Receive National Award
The National Community Development Association (NCDA) will award the City of El Paso’s Department of Community and Human Development along with six other winners, the John A. Sasso National Community Development Week Award. The award will be presented on Friday, June 20, 2008 at the National Community Development Association’s (NCDA) 2008 Annual Conference in Pittsburg, PA during the John A. Sasso Awards Luncheon.
The John A. Sasso National Community Development Award recognizes those communities that exemplify the spirit of the Community Development Block Grant Program (a federal grant the City receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD) by showcasing its works through the activities and events during Community Development Week. To be eligible for the award, applicants must provide empirical evidence that highlight the City’s dedication to positively affecting the lives of its lower income residents.
The City of El Paso exemplifies all that National Community Development Week stands for. It encourages the participation of the community. It is also apparent that the City of El Paso has established many avenues of getting information and services to its citizens.
In an effort to educate the public, media, federal, state and locally elected officials of the importance of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, the City of El Paso’s Department of Community and Human Development celebrated Community Development Week on April 7-12.
For more information on CDBG Programs call:
541-4643 or www.elpasotexas.gov/commdev/grant.asp
2008 Neighborhood Leadership Academy Graduates Recognized
On May 20, 2008 Mayor and City Council recognized the 2008 Neighborhood Leadership Academy Graduates.
The Neighborhood Services division of the City of El Paso’s Department of Community and Human Development hosted a Neighborhood Leadership Academy Graduation on Friday, April 4, 2008. This academy is a 16-week course, scheduled to meet every Wednesday of the week from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The goal of the Neighborhood Leadership Academy is to provide residents with information and knowledge so they may have equitable input on issues and policies affecting City Government. This program shapes the confidence of citizens who want to be knowledgeable of how City services and policy decisions operate and to also promote their individual purpose within civic and community affairs.
The Academy provided participants with practical skills in developing and organizing a neighborhood association and empowering them to focus on quality of life issues identified through a consensus building process with their neighbors. The El Paso City Council passed a citizen involvement policy to facilitate opportunities for citizens to be involved in local government and one of the goals is to establish the Neighborhood Leadership Academy for non-traditional leaders.
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Meet Lisa Martinez
Lisa is a librarian at the Dorris Van Doren Regional Branch Library on Redd Rd. She was recently presented the Outstanding New Librarian Award by the Texas Library Association.
Interview:
Question 1: How long have you worked for the City of El Paso/library?
Lisa: 2 and ½ years
Question 2: In what position did you start and what were your duties?
Lisa: I started out as a part-time library assistant. I mainly shelved materials and worked several hours a day at the circulation and computer lab desks.
Question 3: When did you get your library degree and tell us about the process?
Lisa: I received my library degree this past fall. UTEP doesn’t have a library science program, so I applied to the University of North Texas. I had to spend 2 weeks in Denton for my core courses as a sort of orientation. The rest of the courses were taken online. After completing coursework, you have to undergo what they call the Capstone experience. You have to either intern at a library or have had 6 months of library experience, and then you have to take an exam that consists of 4 essay questions.
Question 4: When did you find out you were nominated for the “Outstanding New Librarian in Texas Award?”
Lisa: I found out in December.
Question 5: How did you feel when you found out you had won?
Lisa: I was completely surprised. I had to read the letter several times and then made Norice Lee (branch manager and person who nominated me) read it to make sure I really had won. Then, I was grinning ear to ear and telling all my friends and family.
Question 6: What are your future aspirations?
Lisa: Right now, I aspire to make our teen programming and collection one of the best in the nation. I also hope to explore other areas of librarianship whether it continues to be in public libraries or academic.
Question 7: What is your favorite part about being a librarian?
Lisa: Helping people find what information or materials they need, and interacting with teens.
Finally, please, tell us one thing we might not know about you.
Lisa: I love to cook and can be a bit of a food snob at times.
Ana Gurrola – In a League of Her Own
Standing tall at 4-foot-11 Ana Gurrola is barely taller than the 96-gallon trash and recycling containers she repairs. Gurrola, 37, joined the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department in December. Her title is general service worker. Her duties call for replacing damaged lids and broken or missing wheels of city-issued trash and recycling bins. Sometimes she even delivers bins or hauls away containers that can’t be fixed on the spot.
“I don’t like my job, I love it,” Gurrola said. “I take a lot of pride in doing it.”
Gurrola usually arrives to work at least 30 minutes early.
“I like getting there early and opening the gate and making coffee,” she said referring to the city facility at 4200 Delta Drive.
Arriving early allows her to enjoy a cup of coffee before grabbing her tools and replacement wheels and lids to make house calls. Everyday she is given a list of work orders but somehow she manages to squeeze in a few more jobs. Gurrola said she makes sure to use her time wisely so she can repair damaged bins she spots while making her way from one job site to another.
“I don’t have to but I like doing it. Nobody likes to have a broken lid,” she said.
Gurrola says broken lids contribute to windblown trash and they look ugly.
“I take pride in my containers,” she said as she laughs at herself for calling the bins “my containers.”
She considers her face-to-face interaction with the public as a job perk.
“I like being outside in the fresh air and meeting new people. I meet a lot of interesting people,” she said.
Every once in a while she’ll come across a customer, who is amazed that a woman with such a petite frame would be doing such strenuous work.
“I’m often told, ‘I’m glad to see a woman so small doing this job,’” she said.
Before working for the city, Gurrola worked at a local pawn shop. She applied with the City after reading a job posting in the local paper.
“I saw the ad and I misread it. I didn’t realize I’d be out in the sun cleaning bathrooms at parks. I thought I’d be cleaning offices,” she said.
After a few months with the City of El Paso Parks Department, she applied for a transfer to Environmental Services and she got it. She is the only female assigned to repairing bins.
“I like this so much better. It’s more challenging,” she said.
Though, her time with the Parks Department was short she’s thankful for it because it got her hooked on gardening. Since coming to work for the City she has planted roses and a variety fruit trees in her yard. This mother of two boys also enjoys reading romance, mystery and dream interpretation books. Reading is one of her life-long loves. The other is her husband, who she met and began dating when she was just a sophomore at Austin High School.
Escamilla Dedicated to Street Striping and Markings
Somehow Steve Escamilla and paint have been inseparable over the years. This graduate of Jefferson High School found himself working with paint at a local car dealership shortly after earning a diploma from the Central El Paso campus. Back then he painted vehicles. Today, as a traffic control installation supervisor for the City of El Paso Street Department, Escamilla oversees the street striping and markings operations.
Escamilla was hired by the Street Department about 20 years ago. He began as a laborer assigned to installing signs and painting crosswalks. Now, he is entrusted with overseeing the maintenance of street markings and striping, such as double-yellow lines, school crosswalks and handicapped parking spaces.
He said the Department primarily uses water-based paint on streets, which is a change from the oil-based paint that was used when he was new city employee. Escamilla said oil-based paint was banned because it contained lead, so the City switched to water-based paint. Though the department uses the best water-based paint available, it doesn’t last as long as oil-based paint did, Escamilla said. The short life-span of the water-based paint keeps Escamilla and his crews busy.
Escamilla said about a year ago the Street Department began using Thermoplastic Striping, another type of road marking material. The product lasts longer and is highly reflective, but is more expensive so it hasn’t eradicated the Street Department’s need for water-based paint. Despite the challenges, Escamilla said, he looks forward to going to work each day.
“I’m helping my city. I love my city. I work for my city and I’m glad I’m helping to make it better. I think this is one of the best jobs I could ever have,” Escamilla said.
Escamilla was born in El Paso. He and his wife, Lidia, have been married for 29 years. Their two children are now in their 20s. Even when Escamilla is off the clock, he finds himself evaluating the condition of the paint on the roadways. He said he can’t help but look for extremely faded street stripping or markings because of its impact on public safety.
“What we do is real important. We are here to serve the people. We are trying to help to avoid accidents as much as possible,” he said.
Though Escamilla has been with the City for two decades he’s not ready to retire. Escamilla is as dedicated to his work today as he was when he first started. Plus, he’s on a quest to find road-marking product that can outlast water-based paint without breaking the bank.
RETIREMENT - Fonseca retires after nearly 31 years with the Street Department
Getting laid off from a construction job was one of the best things that ever happened to Rudy Fonseca.
“They laid me off at the right time,” Fonseca said with a chuckle.
Days after being laid off Fonseca came to work for the City of El Paso Street Department thanks to a federal job placement program.
He began as a laborer and over the years took advantage of promotion opportunities that eventually earned him the title of assistant street operations supervisor for Central El Paso.
After 30 years and 10 months with the City, Fonseca decided to retire. His last day was May 24.
“Looking back, I can’t believe I accomplished what I did. I think, ‘Man, I worked on that project and I helped with that other project,’” he said. “We are responsible for making sure the roads are safe. Every day has been a different challenge. It’s been challenging but it’s been good. I’ve enjoyed the responsibility. The 30 years have passed by really quickly.”
Fonseca attributes his success to pursuing opportunities afforded to him and to good, old-fashioned hard work. Soon after he was hired by the city he became certified to drive commercial vehicles and to operate heavy equipment.
“I thank God every day for giving me a secure job. By taking care of it, I knew it would be there for me,” he said.
Fonseca said he knew he wouldn’t get rich working for the City, but it did give him something to look forward to down the road, a pension.
“Thanks to the pension, I’m able to retire,” he said. “I still remember sitting under a tree at Washington Park (as a young man) and watching the guys from Parks or Streets working out there. I was out of work. I remember thinking I wish I could go work for them. I would think, ‘Man I need a government job, somewhere where they have a pension.’”
His retirement will allow Fonseca to spend more quality time with his wife, Donna, and their sons, 11-year-old Rudy Jr., and 9-year-old Paul. He’ll also have time to catch up on house and yard work.
“My grass is drying out. I just go water it once in a while. Now, I’ll have a little more time to do that,” he said.
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TAKE ADVANTAGE
Museums and Cultural Affairs Events
Click on any of the links below to learn more about the exciting and intriguing events being offered out of the City’s Museums and Cultural Affairs Department!
Parks and Recreation Events
Learn more about Parks and Recreation Summer Events going on in a neighborhood near you!
Community and Human Development Programs
Find out more on what valuable assistance is offered through various Community and Human Development Department programs and partnerships
Butterfield Trail Golf Club Loyalty Program
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.
Visit our website and sign up to start receiving our monthly newsletters and e-mail blasts today. Simply log on to www.butterfieldtrailgolf.com
Military, Fire & Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
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HALF-PRICE DAY FOR ALL ZOO VISITORS!
El Paso Zoo Salutes the People Who Save & Serve!!
At the
El Paso Zoo
Saturday, July 5th
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Cool displays including Helicopter & Service Vehicles, DJ Music, and Water Safety Demo
Bring the family to see displays by the military, police, fire department, Customs, Border Patrol and many others. They are invited to display their vehicles and equipment as the El Paso Zoo honors all the men and women who save, serve and protect our country.On this day, ALL ZOO
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VISITORS pay HALF PRICE for Zoo admission (not only military, fire and law personnel). Visit inside the Customs and Border Protection's Blackhawk & Huey Helicopters. Plus, the Red Cross teaches Water Safety after the Sea Lion Encounters (11:15 a.m. & 3:15 p.m.), face painting for kids, Sifu Ray Abeyta demonstrates Tai Chi with help from the EPFD and DJ Antonio B Entertainment provides music. Active military with an I.D. card get 10% off at the Grasslands Cafe & Elephant's Trunk Gift Store. El Paso Zoo: 4001 E. Paisano – 521-1850 – www.elpasozoo.org
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Our organization recently underwent a shift in the oversight of various departments. Prior to this change, the City was divided into three distinctive portfolios with pertinent department grouping under each one: Development & Infrastructure Services, Quality of Life and Financial & Administrative Services.
Upon examining potential efficiencies and better opportunities for portfolio synergy, the outlay of the organization was enhanced with the creation of an additional, new portfolio: Mobility Services. This new grouping of departments will assist the organization through providing a more focused and collaborative approach to transportation and mobility related affairs. Jane Shang is the new Deputy City Manager overseeing the new Mobility Services portfolio. You can learn more about Ms. Shang by reading her bio here: Jane Shang Bio
We welcome Ms. Shang and the new opportunities to create successful cross-departmental collaboratives that will benefit City operations. To view the new portfolio groupings in our Organizational Chart, click on the following link: 2008 City Organizational Chart
The schedule for the upcoming budget hearing season was recently released. This part of the budget process involves the City's executive staff presenting, through a series of meetings, the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year to the Mayor and City Council. The budget hearings also provide opportunities for the public to comment on each of the departments' budgets that are up for review.
For the full listing of hearings, click on the following link: Budget Hearings Schedule - As of 06-17-08
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Contact Us
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Send us an email at:
elpasopio@elpasotexas.gov
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