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I hope you enjoy our efforts to keep you informed.
Mayor John F. Cook - City of El Paso
In this issue of “¿Qué Pasa?” you will learn about the following:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."
~ F. D. Roosevelt
REFLECTION
"The wise man in the storm prays God not for safety from danger, but for deliverance from fear."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
FROM THE MAYOR`S DESK
As the year comes to an end, I would encourage all El Pasoans to reflect on the many blessings that we’ve experienced. Over the years we have weathered a fierce economic storm that has tested our resourcefulness and our resolve.
Many thanks to all 6,200 City employees, especially our first responders, for making our city a great place to live, work, play, and raise our families.
Finally, to everyone and in the spirit of the season, Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Mis mejores deseos para que tengan una muy Feliz Navidad y un próspero Año Nuevo!
John F. Cook
Mayor
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVMENT FOR EXCELLENCE AWARDED TO THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING DIVISION OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal year Ended August 31, 2010, presented by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada to government units and public employee retirement systems whose comprehensive annual financial reports (CAFRs) achieve the highest standards in government accounting and financial reporting.
CITY OF EL PASO AWARDED 2011 NATIONAL SMART GROWTH AWARD
On December 1, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will present the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement to the City of El Paso for using innovative approaches to create healthier, safer and more economically and environmentally sustainable places to live. Mayor John Cook, Representatives Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega, and Planning & Economic Development Deputy Director, Mathew McElroy will accept the award on behalf of El Paso in Washington D.C
EL PASO RANKS #1 IN LOWEST CRIME RATE RANKING FOR CITIES OVER 500,000 IN POPULATION FOR 2ND YEAR IN A ROW
For the second year in a row El Paso fills the #1 spot of the Lowest Crime Rate Ranking for cities with a population of over 500,000. The rankings were release today by CQ Press in their latest City Crime Rankings 2011-2012. This rating, developed by CQ Press, compares crime rates in cities with a population of more than 500,000 residents. El Paso has ranked in the top three of this category every year since 1997. The crime numbers used in this latest Crime Rate Ranking are from 2010 crime statistics. Police Chief Greg Allen would like to congratulate all the citizens of El Paso and the employees of the El Paso Police Department on this great achievement. Chief Allen said, “This is a great accomplishment for all who live, work, and play in El Paso, Texas.”
MLK CANNED FOOD DRIVE 2012
The MLK Canned Food Drive is organized by departments of the City and County of El Paso, The Salvation Army, The El Paso Rescue Mission, the Opportunity Center for the Homeless, the Center Against Family Violence, AmeriCorps, UTEP`s Greek Council and others. It will be held January 5 through January 16, 2012!
FIRST LADY’S PROGRAM TO FEED THE HOMELESS
Mayor and Mrs. Cook, with a group of the Mayor’s 100 Teens served a delicious and wholesome lunch on Dec. 18, 2011, to the women and children at the YWCA Sarah McKnight Transitional Living Center.
*There is a critical shortage of funds for this important program.
Our sincere thanks and appreciation to all members of our community who make feeding the homeless possible by donating to the Feeding the Nation’s Homeless Foundation and Señor John’s Barbeque Sauce.
CODE INSPECTORS TO ISSUE PARKING CITATIONS
Code Enforcement inspectors now have the authority to issue parking citations, the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department announced. An ordinance amendment to Title 12 adopted earlier this month by City Council empowers inspectors to issue parking citations. Fines will vary depending on the parking violation. Before the change only police officers could issue citations for all parking violations.
HOLIDAY TRAVEL ADVISORY FROM THE EL PASO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHARACTER FIRST! ~ On the Road to Greatness by Laurie Huffman
Benevolence, our character focus, is described as giving to other`s basic needs without having personal reward as my motive.
ON THE WATERFRONT
Making certain to have water available whenever you need it, and you need it 24 hours a day.
CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN / NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES GARBAGE AND RECYCLING TIPS FOR SEVERE WEATHER
The City of El Paso Environmental Services Department is reminding residents not to place their blue bins out for collection if the temperatures dip below 20 degrees. The Environmental Services will not collect recyclable from blue bins if the weather dips below 20 degrees. The department recommends that residents wait until their next regularly scheduled pick-up day to place their blue recycling bins out for collection.
WINTER / HOLIDAY SEASON SAFETY TIPS FOR THE TEENS AND KIDS The Mayor’s Top 100 Teens Moments
Teens & Mayor at Sun Bowl Parade 2011 |
Mayor & Teens at Program Orientation |
Teens at Holiday Lights Parade |
Teens at Senior All Star Game |
Mayor & Teens at Sun Bowl Parade II |
Teens at Teens in the Driver Seat Workshop |
Special thanks for valuable assistance to the Mayor’s Top 100 Teens program go to Lupe Ramos, coordinator of Teens in the Driver Seat workshop, Laura Cruz-Acosta, PIO for Sun Metro, for the coordination of the Teens participation at the Holiday Lights Parade and Martha Luna, driver of the Teens trolley, Mario Betancourt of Domino’s for donating the food and Mike Dipp of Economy Cash & Carry for donating the soft drinks at Teens in the Driver Seat workshop.
HELPFUL NUMBERS
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Animal Services: |
842-1000 |
Code Compliance: (trash, cars, blight):
Code Enforcement Office: |
599-6290
541-4800 |
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The Fire Marshal’s Office if a home may pose a fire hazard: |
771-1090 |
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Environmental hazards - City’s Environmental Services Department: |
621-6700 |
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Graffiti Hotline: |
621-6789 |
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Police non-emergency: |
832-4400 |
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Police (to file a report): |
832 4436 |
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Solid Waste Services: |
621 6700 |
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Street lights that are out: |
543-5970;
877-3400
(after hours) |
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Unsecured, vacant homes - City`s Building Permits and Inspections Division: |
599-6290 |
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