Community

BLOOD DRIVE AT THE COURTHOUSE

alazcano — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:40:00 GMT

(El Paso, Texas) – A blood drive for the United Blood Services will be held from 10:30 am- 4:30 pm Thursday, December 04, in the County Courthouse, 3^rd Floor Lobby.
Employees and the public are invited to participate in the drive. Donated blood plays a critical role in surgery and emergency care.
United Blood Services uses special blood collection technology and tools to customize the donation process for each donor and to best match donations to community needs.
Last quarter county employees donated over 50 units of blood. Donors will receive a FREE T-Shirt, a Cholesterol Check, Snacks and a chance to save as many as 3 lives.
IN BRIEF:
WHAT: BLOOD DRIVE
WHERE: 3^RD FLOOR LOBBY, COUNTY COURTHOUSE
WHEN: TODAY
TIME: 10:30 am-4:30 PM

SHERIFF'S OFFICE PUBLIC AFFAIRS HOSTS TRAINING SEMINAR FOR PUBLIC INFORMAION OFFICERS (PIO'S)

jtovar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:25:28 GMT

EL PASO, TEXAS - On Monday December 1, 2008, a Training Seminar for Public Information Officers commenced at the Sheriff's Office Region VIII Training Academy. This seminar is a 4 -Day training course called Chris Ryan ’s PIO BOOT CAMP ™ - A Hard-Hitting , No-Nonsense Media Relations Seminar for Police , Fire & First Responders ™. The Instructor is " Media Relations Guru " Chris Ryan himself- who specializes in Intensive Media Relations...(read more)

MUGSHOTS RELEASED FOR FBI COURTESY EPSO

jtovar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:50:27 GMT

Caption: ALL MUGSHOTS COURTESY EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AS PER FBI REQUEST. For more information about these individuals contact the El Paso FBI Public Affairs Office. BENJAMIN ALVAREZ ( 50 ) ** NO BOND ** MANUEL CARDOZA ( 46 ) ** NO BOND ** CARLOS PEREA ( 49 ) : ** NO BOND ** EUGENE MONA ( 51 ) : ** NO BOND ** ARTURO ENRIQUEZ ( 31 ) : ** NO BOND ** ALL MUGSHOTS COURTESY EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE...(read more)

Second Parent Academy Graduates!

lmarcena — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:42:00 GMT

Parents graduated from the second Mental Heath Academy of the year, with a record registration number. Amongst them, five parents that are actively involved with BCMHC completed the eight week session. The next Parent Academy focused on Mental Health is planned to start mid February 2009. Congratulations to all of you! (click on image to enlarge)...(read more)

WOMAN ON "MOST WANTED" LIST WANTED FOR FRAUD ARRESTED BY DEPUTIES

jtovar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:45:44 GMT

THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION AT THE FIREHOUSE

lmarcena — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:43:00 GMT

The staff from Border Children's Mental Health Collaborative and guests celebrated Thanksgiving at The Firehouse with several youth enrolled in the program and their families. Turkeys and foodbaskets were distributed to needy families. A million thanks to our voulunteer youth from Hanks High School for a job well done!! (click on piucture to enlarge)...(read more)

MANHUNT MONDAY 12/01: GABRIEL BERNAL

jtovar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:05:37 GMT

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2008 WANTED FUGITIVE: GABRIEL BERNAL ( ABOVE ARE PHOTOS OF FUGITIVE BERNAL FROM PREVIOUS ARRESTS ) GABRIEL BERNAL- WANTED FOR : AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD -** NO BOND ** MOTION TO ADJUDICATE GUILT -** NO BOND ** SEX OFFENDER DUTY TO REGISTER - $10,000 BOND UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE COMMUNITY CORRECTION FACILITY - $10,000 BOND FUGITIVE INFORMATION: NAME: BERNAL, GABRIEL ( 29 ) AKA: DELGADO, GABRIEL - RODRIGUEZ, GABRIEL DOB: 06-08-79 HEIGHT: 5'05” WEIGHT: 180 lbs...(read more)

FBI NABS FUGITIVE PREVIOUSLY FEATURED AS EL PASO'S "MOST WANTED"

jtovar — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:00:03 GMT

CAPTURED FUGITIVE: JULIO ADRIAN MARTINEZ EL PASO, TX - Mid-week last week the Federal Bureau of Investigations ( FBI ) took into custody one of El Paso's "MOST WANTED" fugitives. FBI AGENTS picked up Julio Adrian Martinez at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry. Martinez was wanted for kidnapping 15 year-old Janelle Calderon of Vinton, TX back on September 23, 2008. Martinez was also featured on the September 29th edition of "MANHUNT MONDAY" as the Sheriff's Office...(read more)

NAMES RELEASED OF 32 ARRESTED IN THANKSGIVING EVE WARRANT ROUND-UP

jtovar — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 02:45:22 GMT

3850 Justice Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938 NEWS RELEASE Contact: Deputy Jesse Tovar / PUBLIC AFFAIRS Direct: (915) 538-2223 Pager: (915) 533-0733 (#5370) EMAIL: jtovar@epcounty.com Release Date & Time: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2008 WHO: El Paso County Sheriff's Office ( WARRANTS SECTION / PATROL ) WHAT: WARRANT ROUND-UP NABS 32 WANTED FELONS WHERE: EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS WHEN: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2008 WHY: HIGH RISK WARRANT ROUND-UP 32 ARRESTED IN HIGH RISK WARRANT...(read more)

SHERIFF'S OFFICE PIO'S ON-CALL FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

jtovar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:40:50 GMT

PUBLIC AFFAIRS This Thanksgiving Holiday, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office will have both Public Information Officer's on-call. Effective 5:00 PM today November 26, 2008, through Sunday November 30, 2008 at 11:59 PM - Deputy Jesse Tovar & Deputy Eduardo Placencia will be on-call and are the only points of contact with the News Media. Deputy Tovar & Placencia will only respond on scene regarding major incidents: Fatality, Homicide, SWAT, CNT, and Search...(read more)

HOLIDAY UPDATE

alazcano — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:24:00 GMT

Thanksgiving Holiday Celebration

Courthouse to be Closed

(EL PASO, TEXAS) – The El Paso County Courthouse will be closed on November 27^th and 28^th (Thursday and Friday) for the Thanksgiving Holidays.

Commissioners Court will have its regular meeting on Monday, December 1^st.

The Ascarate golf course will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and the “Winter Wonderland” holiday light display at Ascarate Park will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on
Thanksgiving night. Admission is $1 per vehicle.

For emergencies please call 911 for immediate assistance or the Sheriff Department Dispatch for non-
emergencies at (915)546-2280.

--------------------------------ADELANTE EL CURSOR PARA VERSION EN ESPAÑOL-----------------------------

*** CELERBACION DEL DIA DE ACCION DE GRACIAS*******

EDIFICIO DE LA CORTE CERRADO

(EL PASO, TX) -- El edificio de la corte del condado estara cerrado el 27 y 28 de noviembre, (jueves y viernes) debido a la celebracion del Dia de Accion de Gracias.

La junta regular de la Corte de Comisionados se realizara el lunes, primero de diciembre.

El campo de golf del Parque Ascarate abrira sus puertas el dia jueves (Dia de Accion de Gracias) desde las 6:00 AM hasta las 2:00 PM.

La exhibicion de luces en el parque Ascarate "Winter Wonderland" abrira sus puertas el jueves por la noche (Dia de Accion de Gracias) de 5:00 a 9:00 PM. Admision por vehiculo al parque es de $1.
Residentes del condado en necesidad de reportar una emergencia deben hablar al 911 o si desean reportar incidentes no emergentes deben hacerlo al (915)546-2280.

CRIME STOPPERS "MOST WANTED" NABBED BY BORDERSTAR DEPUTIES

jtovar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:30:43 GMT

3850 Justice Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938 NEWS RELEASE Contact: Deputy Jesse Tovar / PUBLIC AFFAIRS Direct: (915) 538-2223 Pager: (915) 533-0733 (#5370) EMAIL: jtovar@epcounty.com Release Date & Time: Monday, November 24, 2008 4:30 PM WHO: EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ( OPERATION BORDERSTAR ) WHAT : CRIME STOPPERS " MOST WANTED " FUGITIVE ARRESTED...(read more)

COMMISSIONERS COURT HIGHLIGHTS FOR MONDAY, NOV.24,2009

alazcano — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:01:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, NOV. 24,2008

El Paso County Adopts State Legislative Agenda

El Paso, TX - El Paso County Commissioners Court unanimously adopted in today's regular session their priorities for the 81^st State Legislative session.

The El Paso County Legislative Agenda for 2009 addresses the expansion of access to affordable and high-quality health care services for all, secures $65 million for the Medical Science Building II at the Texas Tech Medical Center of the Americas, increases funding for renewable energy feasibility and demonstration projects, and advocates resources that will allow for the rapid expansion of necessary community infrastructure as a result of BRAC efforts.

In addition, El Paso County will pursue an exemption from the storm water fees imposed by the City of El Paso and change the Thomason Board size and rules.

Furthermore, the high incidence on family/domestic violence cases that has resulted on the choking or strangulation of the victim has prompted the District Attorney Office to look for initiatives to enhance the criminal penalties applicable to assaults involving family violence in particular that form of abuse.

The firm Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP was hired as the state lobbyist for El Paso County during a Nov. 11 special session.

The 81^st State Legislative Regular Session is set to convene on January 13^th, 2009.

MANHUNT MONDAY 11/24/08: DARRELL LEWIS

jtovar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:30:21 GMT

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2008 WANTED FUGITIVE: DARRELL LEWIS ( ABOVE ARE PHOTOS OF FUGITIVE DARRELL LEWIS FROM PREVIOUS ARRESTS ) DARRELL LEWIS- WANTED FOR : PROBATION VIOLATION ( ORIGINATING FROM A 2007 POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA CHARGE ) - ** NO BOND ** FUGITIVE INFORMATION: NAME: LEWIS, DARRELL ( 25 ) AKA: DARRELL LAJAY DOB: 06-25-83 HEIGHT: 5'05” WEIGHT: 140 lbs. HAIR: Brown EYES: Brown *************************************************************** The Manhunt is on for DARRELL...(read more)

Lighting up Ascarate Park

alazcano — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:19:00 GMT

EL PASO, TEXAS - A week before Thanksgiving and already El Pasoans are gearing up for the Christmas season. In fact, El Paso County will begin celebrating as they transform Ascarate Park into a "Winter Wonderland." The park will be illuminated with life size Christmas displays starting at 5:30pm on Sunday, November 23, 2008.

"The ceremony is a heartwarming tradition and we hope to see many of our families at the park," said County Commissioner Veronica Escobar, Pct. 2.

The lighting ceremony and festivities will include live entertainment, holiday choirs, hot chocolate, cookies and more.

"We hope all El Paso families will come and enjoy the County's gift to our community", said Rosemary Neil, Director of Family and Community Services.

Visitors to "Winter Wonderland" can drive through the park and no admission will be charged on the day of the event only. Ascarate Park will be lit from 5:00pm to 9:00pm every night from Nov. 23rd - Jan. 4th

For more information, please call the County Parks Department at (915) 772-5605.

IN BRIEF:

WHAT: Ascarate Park Winter Wonderland Lights Ceremony

WHEN: Sunday, November 23, 2008

TIME: Program begins at 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Ascarate Park, 6800 Delta Avenue, at the Blue Gill

SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS ASKING ASSISTANCE FROM THE PUBLIC IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME

jtovar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:50:27 GMT

EL PASO, TEXAS- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office recognizes that assistance from the public is the key element in apprehending fugitives, clearing unsolved cases & reporting criminal activity. The Sheriff's office is asking help from the community in reporting any suspicion of criminal or narcotic activity. Working together, the Community & Law Enforcement will help prevent or hinder criminal activity in our neighborhoods. If anyone suspects or knows of ongoing criminal or narcotic...(read more)

UPDATE: FIRE AT OLD MAGIC LANDING AMUSEMENT PARK RULED AS ARSON

jtovar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:00:00 GMT

3850 Justice Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938 NEWS RELEASE Contact: Deputy Jesse Tovar / PUBLIC AFFAIRS Direct: (915) 538-2223 Pager: (915) 533-0733 (#5370) EMAIL: jtovar@epcounty.com Release Date & Time: Thursday, NOVEMBER 20, 2008 4:00 PM WHO: EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ( LOWER VALLEY PATROL / CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY DETECTIVES ) WHAT: ARSON INVESTIGATION COMMENCES WHERE: 11090 GATEWAY EAST EL PASO...(read more)

TEXAS BORDER SHERIFF'S COALITION INSTITUTE BORDER SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

jtovar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:55:42 GMT

November 20, 2008 News From: The Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition For More Information: Donald L. Reay, Executive Director (915) 351-0621 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition ( TBSC) has instituted the Texas Virtual Border Watch Program to enlist the public’s assistance in preventing crime along the Texas-Mexico border. This initiative provides real-time streaming video over a web-based network to enable the public to report suspicious activity...(read more)

SHERIFF'S OFFICE CONDUCTS ACTIVE SHOOTER EXERCISE AT ALDERETE MIDDLE SCHOOL

jtovar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:50:12 GMT

3850 Justice Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938 NEWS RELEASE Contact: Deputy Jesse Tovar / PUBLIC AFFAIRS Direct: (915) 538-2223 Pager: (915) 533-0733 (#5370) EMAIL: jtovar@epcounty.com Release Date & Time: Wednesday, NOVEMBER 19, 2008 1:15 PM WHO: EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ( UPPER VALLEY PATROL / COMMUNITY SERVICES SECTION / SWAT ) WHAT: ACTIVE SHOOTER EXERCISE AT ALDERETE MIDDLE SCHOOL WHERE: ALDERETE...(read more)

Winter Wonderland At Ascarate Park

alazcano — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:31:00 GMT

Christmas Arrives Early to Ascarate Park

Ascarate Park will be lit up by Christmas lights and decorations over the forthcoming holiday season, creating a truly festive atmosphere.
The "Winter Wonderland" Annual Celebration will take place on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at the Blue Gill, next to the boat ramps.
Drive-through admission to view the wonderful magic of the lights on the trees and their reflection on the lake will be waived from 4:30 pm until closing time for that day only.
Hot chocolate and cookies will be free on that day.
Each year, a child from Candlelighters of El Paso helps to turn on the holiday lights and this year, 8 year-old Krystal Morales will do the honors.
This year, the entertainment will be provided by the St. Pius School Choir, Grupo Nazareth; Zavala Middle School, and the Super Senior Y Dance Group.

For more information on the El Paso County’s Winter Wonderland, call (915) 772-5605

IN BRIEF

WHAT: Ascarate Park Winter Wonderland Lights Switch-On
WHEN:    Sunday, November 23, 2008
WHERE: Ascarate Park, 6800 Delta Avenue, at the Blue Gill
                     (Next to the boat ramps)

MISSING 46 YEAR-OLD MAN FOUND AT RESCUE MISSION

jtovar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:15:33 GMT

3850 Justice Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938 NEWS RELEASE Contact: Deputy Jesse Tovar / PUBLIC AFFAIRS Direct: (915) 538-2223 Pager: (915) 533-0733 (#5370) EMAIL: jtovar@epcounty.com Release Date & Time: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2008 5:15 AM WHO: EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ( UPPER VALLEY PATROL ) WHAT: MISSING 46 YEAR-OLD MAN FOUND WHERE: RESCUE MISSION OF EL PASO -1949 W. PAISANO, EL PASO, TX WHEN: LATE...(read more)

COMMMISSIONERS COURT HIGHLIGHTS FOR MONDAY, NOV. 17, 2008

alazcano — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:48:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, November 17, 2008

COMMISSIONERS COURT ENDORSES LEGISLATION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF BOARD MEMBERS OF THE EL PASO COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT, ESTABLISH TERM LIMITS AND ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

In today’s meeting, the members of Commissioners Court approved a resolution endorsing legislation regarding the term length and appointment process for future members of the Board of Managers of El Paso County Hospital District.
With the adopted resolution, the members of Commissioners Court reiterate that they are committed on ensuring that the Hospital District delivers the highest quality and medical care at Thomason Hospital and its community clinics to the people of El Paso and surrounding communities.
According to Ron Acton, Board Chairman, this legislation will promote excellence in governance of the Hospital District and will provide for both, continuity in board leadership and succession planning as well as public participation and opportunities for community service.
Voting in favor of the resolution were Commissioner Pct. 1, Luis Sariñana; Commissioner Pct 2., Veronica Escobar; Pct. 3 Commissioner, Miguel A. Teran and Commissioner Pct. 4 Daniel R. Haggerty.
El Paso County Judge Anthony Cobos did not attended today’s meeting.
Some of the changes, if approved, will contain: an increase in the number of Board members to seven, establishing three-year terms and set a term limit of two full consecutive terms followed by a two year period of ineligibility for reappointment. I
t will also provide a transition from the current two-year terms to three-year terms beginning with the appointments taking place in 2010.
Additionally, it will provide that absence from all regular board meetings and standing committee meetings for a period of 90 days shall constitute an immediate and irrevocable resignation; as well as other reasonable attendance requirements.
El Paso County Commissioners court appoints the members of the Board of Managers of the El Paso Hospital District.

MANHUNT MONDAY 11/17: HUGO DOMINGUEZ MARTINEZ

jtovar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:15:58 GMT

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2008 WANTED FUGITIVE: HUGO DOMINGUEZ MARTINEZ ( ABOVE IS ONLY PHOTO OBTAINED OF FUGITIVE HUGO MARTINEZ ) HUGO DOMINGUEZ MARTINEZ- WANTED FOR : SEX OFFENDERS DUTY TO REGISTER- 10 YEARS ( ORIGINAL CONVICTION- 2 COUNTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD ) - $12,000 BOND PAROLE VIOLATION issued by the STATE OF TEXAS for ABSCONDING FROM THE PAROLE OFFICE FUGITIVE INFORMATION: NAME: MARTINEZ, HUGO DOMINGUEZ ( 20 ) AKA: OSVALDO DOB: 10-30-88 HEIGHT: 5'09” WEIGHT...(read more)

Motor Vehicle Accident Involving A Motorcycle

eplacencia — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:17:00 GMT

On 11/14/08 at approximately 2230Hrs, El Paso County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to the 12800 blk of Montana in far east El Paso in reference to a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle. Deputies arrived at approximately 2233hrs and met with witnesses at the scene. Deputies learned that Thomas Comptois, a 28 year old Fort Bliss soilder, was driving a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle west on Montana Ave in the left lane, when a 1997 Ford Ranger pickup driven by a 19 year old female...(read more)

10th ANNUAL SOUTHWEST REGIONAL CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN'S CONFERENCE 11-17-08

jtovar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:55:32 GMT

________________________________________________________________________ Special invitation to attend opening ceremony of the 10 th Annual Southwest Regional Crimes Against Children’s Conference. Over 500 law enforcement, Child Protective Services Investigators and child abuse specialists from West Texas, and Southern New Mexico will be receiving this vital training on detecting and protecting children from sexual and physical abuse. District Attorney Jaime Esparza, County Attorney Jose...(read more)