Thinking Outside and Inside the Box

Bulldog Championship Park Begins Taking Shape

2012-01-06T14:21:00.001-07:00

The City of Socorro is excited to begin seeing Bulldog Championship Park take shape. Enjoy the notes of progress below as we begin to see our premier park in the County take shape.

Images below in the three pictures are the seat walls that are being constructed.

Images below in the three pictures are the stage that has been poured.

Images below in the two pictures are the restroom walls that are being erected.

City of Socorro Beautification Competition

2011-12-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

Holiday Christmas Beautification Competition

Where: Your Home in the City of Socorro
When: Application Deadline is December 16, 2011.
Event: Decorate your house or business with Christmas Lights. Decora tu casa o negocio con luces navidenas. Trophies to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place. Donated prizes of $150 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd place, and $50 for 3rd place.

City of Socorro Spirit of Christmas Tree Lighting

2011-12-14T02:20:00.002-07:00

City of Socorro Tree Lighting

• Where: 124 S. Horizon

• When: 12/15/2011 (Thursday) at 6:30 p.m.

• Event: Please bring a holiday ornament that your family will place on the tree. Por favor traiga una vacaciones ornamento que tu familia lugar en el árbol. The ornament can be handmade with your family’s name on it.

2010 Census - Socorro City Council Districts Reapportioned

2011-12-13T07:29:00.002-07:00

The Reapportioning Ordinance was addressed by City Council on December 12, 2011 along with a Public Hearing on the issue. The Socorro City Council voted unanimously on a 3-0 vote to redistrict Districts 1, 2, 3, and 4. A Motion was made by Councilman Jesus "Jesse" Gandara Jr., seconded by Willie Madrid to approve the new council districts. Councilwoman Maria Reyes and Mary Garcia were absent. The City is obligated after every census to evaluate and bring council districts into compliance. The 2010 Census data among the City of Socorro's existing single member election districts exceeded seventy percent (70%) variation, this is in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution. The Redistricting Ordinance brings the City into compliance and takes effect immediately from and after its passage of December 12, 2011.

New Roads Paved in Socorro... More to Come

2011-12-12T09:39:00.002-07:00

Many of you may have seen the new roads being overlayed. Here is the list of streets that have been completed in the month of November 2011. Keep your eyes out for more street paving to come.

La Fogata Rd.
Campeche Rd.
Camichin Pl.
Abejeno Rd.
Lagrimas Dr.
Nooch Rd.
Wellettka Dr. (South of railroad tracks)
Roden
Nueva Mission
Reveles Way
De Lucio Rd.
Isabel Way
Bakersfield
Anaheim Rd.
Huereque Rd.
Letona St.
Celedon Cir.
Olano St.

Socorro City Manager Profile Developed

2011-11-28T07:36:00.001-07:00

On November 21, 2011, Monday, the Waters Firm was in the City of Socorro to interview various stakeholders in the community. The purpose of the interviews is to develop the profile for the next City of Socorro City Manager. A broad spectrum of leaders were interviewed to include:

City of Socorro Residents
City of Socorro Commission Members
City of Socorro Council Members
Socorro School Board Members
City of Socorro Department Heads
Lower Valley Water District Representatives
Socorro Police Officers Association Representatives

The Waters Firm will use the information gathered to develop the profile which will be used when it advertises the position nationwide.

El Paso Legislature Joe Pickett mistake potentially jeopardizes license plate law

2011-11-16T09:09:00.002-07:00

I thought this story was quite interesting as it affects law enforcement in municipalities.
Representative Joe Pickett authored a bill (House Bill 2357) that removed the language placing a $200 fine for violations of driving a vehicle without licence plates.
The potential here is that a person could not have license plates on their car and although it would be illegal, their is no fine attached. So a police officer pulls over a car with no license plate, notifies them they need it, but CANNOT issue a citation. So their is no infraction to force compliance, the driver can continue to drive without license plates.
Apparently Rep. Pickett admits this was a mistake. He has asked the Attorney General to help in issuing an opinion continuing with the fee. The law becomes effective Jan. 1, 2012 and the Attorney General has 6 months to issue an opinion. Offenses such as operating a vehicle with fake, altered, or obscured plates could also be potentially effected.

To read more information, please click on the link below:

http://www.statesman.com/news/texas-politics/legislatures-mistake-jeopardizes-license-plate-law-1971446.html

Socorro School District Discusses Realigning Trustee Boundaries

2011-11-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday (November 15, 2011) at 6 p.m., the Socorro School District will look at changing the boundaries of the School Board Representatives to bring them into compliance with the new 2010 Census numbers. The City of Socorro will see a big change also. The map shows substantial gains by current member, Paul Guerra, picking up the majority of the City of Socorro. Previously Mr. Guerra only represented a minority portion of the Socorro City limits. This will move current representative Gary Gandara into a minority part of Socorro and having to run basically north of the freeway where it appears the majority of his district is.
I look forward to working with Mr. Guerra if this redistricting map is approved. Mr. Guerra appears to me to be a capable school board representative who analyzes facts before making an informed decision. Socorro should benefit from having Mr. Guerra obtain more of the City of Socorro in his district.

Please click on links below to view maps:
http://www.sisd.net/cms/lib/TX01001452/Centricity/Domain/4510/Redist%202011%20Socorro%20ISD%20Illustrative%20Plan%201%20Large%20Map.PDF

http://www.sisd.net/cms/lib/TX01001452/Centricity/Domain/4510/Redist%202011%20Socorro%20ISD%20Illustrative%20Plan%201%20Map.PDF

County Tax Assessor-Collector Candidate, Armando Rodriguez Campaign Kickoff

2011-11-11T12:28:00.001-07:00

Canutillo I.S.D. Board of Trustee Member, Armando Rodriguez, has thrown his hat in the ring for County Tax Assessor-Collector. He will be having a Campaign Kick-Off this Wednesday, November 16, 2011. Below is the information I was sent. You can also view his website at:
http://www.rodriguez2012.org/

Judge Alejandro Vidales named Interim City Manager for Socorro

2011-11-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Judge Vidales for being placed as Interim City Manager for the City of Socorro. The selection is temporary as the City conducts its first ever professional executive search for a City Manager. The City Manager search is expected to last until February 2012. Mr. Vidales selection allows the City to promote someone from within who is already knowledgeable of the policies and employees within the city. Mr. Vidales education is also beyond reproach. Mr. Vidales is a product of our community having graduated from Socorro High School. He received his Bachelor's from UTEP and his Doctorate of Jurisprudence in Law from the University of Texas at Austin. The City is proud and honored to have him accept this position as we transition to the next step in hiring a permanent City Manager.

New Mayor Elected in Socorro - Breakdown including failed recall leader Socorro Suky Ramos

2011-11-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

The election for Mayor was interesting this year. I'd like to point out some obvious points that may not be known to people who do not live in Socorro. This election was also a bellwether for the council.

Candidate Gomez ran an anti-council campaign. On his debate on Ch. 26 he claimed a lot of negative things about the current city council. One of his campaign signs even said to elect him to, "fight public corruption", he was talking about the council. Yet when asked by the media about our indicted former Mayor, he said he is innocent until proven guilty and he is a friend of mine. Candidate Gomez is also the brother of current councilwoman Maria Reyes who replaced Luis Varela. Both Gomez and Reyes are well known for trying and failing to recall the majority of councilmembers. Yet again, they supported the previous Mayor even after he was indicted. Gomez even attended a city council meeting asking the city not to place the former Mayor on the recall ballot.

In District 4 where I represent I have great news. Mayor-Elect Lopez had his best numbers. Lopez won with a little more than 57% of the vote in District 4. This is also an area where the failed recall on council leader Socorro "Suky" Ramos (pictured below) lives and worked hard for candidate Gomez. She worked almost a majority of early voting at Socorro High School for Gomez and worked almost all day on election day at Campestre Elementary, in District 4. She also visited numerous homes in District 4 speaking bad about the council and promoting Gomez. At 57% of the vote it is clear that a majority are happy with the progress they are seeing. Mrs. Ramos who is always quoted in the El Paso Times represents the past. A person who talks about change but could never deliver. The old guard of Socorro that likes the way things were a few years ago... talk, talk, talk. Eventually, they'll learn that the majority does not buy what they're selling, negativity about the majority of council. The city elected a friend of this council who will work hard for the citizens as Mayor. I just wish the rest of the County knew the good feedback we are getting from the majority of the community, instead of what they read in the El Paso Times.

Court Trial next step in Texas' maps redistricting issue

2011-11-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

The United States District Court for the District of Columbia today (November 8, 2011) has denied the State's motion for summary judgment regarding pre-clearance for Texas' maps for the U.S. House of Representatives, Texas State Senate, and Texas House.
The Court found that "the State of Texas used an improper standard or methodology to determine which districts afford minority voters the ability to elect their preferred candidates of choice and that ther are material issues of fact in dispute that prevent this Court from entering declaratory judgment that the three redistricting plans meet the requirements of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act."
The maps presented by the state would have damaged latino growth gains. Here in the City of Socorro, with a population approximately 97% hispanic, 95th largest city in Texas) would have put us in a district also representing the City of San Antonio, more than 500 miles away!

Socorro High School Homecoming - Serna School / City of Socorro Collaborate

2011-11-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

2011 Socorro High School Homecoming was a great success! This year the Socorro I.S.D. board decided to have the Homecoming parade at Socorro High School. The energy created by moving the game back home instead of the S.A.C. was awesome! The City of Socorro also decided to get into the action by participating with a float promoting the City of Socorro. The City went a step further and collaborated with Serna Middle School in constructing the float. The collaboration was a success and added another float and pride to Socorro.

What is the biographical information of the City of Socorro Apodaca Center?

2011-11-06T10:47:00.001-07:00

Elizario Gonzales Apodaca
Born: September 27th, 1930

E.G. "Chayo" Apodaca is modern Socorro's First Mayor Pro-Tem.
He obtained Socorro's First Fire Truck, served as Chief and still serves as the Departments Chaplain.
He married Matilde Carbajal and they have 4 daughtars and 1 son.
He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1948-1952
Retired from Fort Bliss Civil Service; after 35 years.
He graduated from Ysleta High School and worked in the Socorro Independent School District, Alternative Program.

E.G. "Chayo" Apodaca also served as:

Socorro City Alderman
Socorro City Mayor Pro-Tem
Socorro Fire Department Chaplain

City of Socorro Apodaca Center Grand Opening A Success!

2011-11-05T20:51:00.001-06:00

The pictures are in for the Apodaca Center Grand Opening! The center which has been a huge success since it's grand opening has been filled with parents and children everyday. Please visit and enjoy, the current hours of operation are:

Tuesday through Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday and Monday: Closed

City Manager Search Firm picked for City of Socorro

2011-11-04T08:55:00.004-06:00

For the first time in the history of the City of Socorro, a professional search will be conducted for the top position of City Manager. The Socorro City Council last night at its regular council meeting selected an executive search firm from 3 finalists. The City of Socorro population is at 32,013 in the 2010 census and at 22.04 square miles; which by population makes it:

· the 95th biggest city in Texas, or
· 94% of all Texas Cities are smaller than the City of Socorro
(https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/popcity12010.html )
(http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/4868636.html ).

From 2000 to 2010, the Socorro city population growth percentage was 17.9% (or from 27,152 people to 32,013 people). 32.5% of the Socorro city residents were under 18 years of age.

All three search firms brought a wealth of experience in their own right. Having placed numerous city manager's and department heads throughout the State of Texas and the Nation. The three firms that were interviewed before the full city council were The Waters Consulting Group, Inc., The Mercer Group,Inc., and Strategic Government Resources.
We congratulate Waters Consulting for being selected last night. Although the list is to extensive to list where they have placed City Manager's, a few are: Abilene, Allen, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Denton, Huntsville, Kerrville, Lubbock, Odessa, Plano, San Angelo, Waco, and too many more to list.
The City Council expects a thorough and extensive process. Including but not limited to many different community input sessions. A new city manager is expected to be placed no later than February 2012.

http://www.watersconsulting.com/

3 Finalists for City Manager Search Firms picked to interview in Socorro

2011-10-30T09:15:00.002-06:00

3 Finalists for City Manager Search Firm picked

The City of Socorro has selected 3 finalists to conduct the search for city manager. For the first time in the history of the City of Socorro, a professional search will be conducted for the top position of City Manager. The City Manager is responsible for the strategic management of operating and administrative services and for executing the policies and laws of the Council. The City Manager oversees the provision of services including police, public works, human resources, accounting/purchasing, and planning and zoning.

The City of Socorro population is at 32,013 in the 2010 census and at 22.04 square miles; which by population makes it:

· the 95th biggest city in Texas or

· bigger than 94% of all Texas Cities

( https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/popcity12010.html )

( http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/4868636.html ).

From 2000 to 2010, the Socorro city population growth percentage was 17.9% (or from 27,152 people to 32,013 people). 32.5% of the Socorro city residents were under 18 years of age.

All three search firms bring a wealth of experience in their own right. Having placed numerous city manager's and department heads throughout the State of Texas and the Nation. The three firms that will interview before the full city council are The Waters Consulting Group, Inc., The Mercer Group, Inc., and Strategic Government Resources. Please see their websites below:

http://www.watersconsulting.com/
http://www.mercergroupinc.com/
http://governmentresource.com/

Help needed finding Hit and Run Driver

2011-10-28T14:59:00.004-06:00

Socorro Police search for a Hit and Run Driver
October 28, 2011

Just minutes after 8 this morning, (0805hrs) Socorro Police Officers responded to a pedestrian accident at the corner of Passmore and Alameda in East Central Socorro.
A 33 year old female had been struck while walking through the crosswalk with a bicycle. She sustained abrasions to her right eye and right cheek, as well as to her right leg.

Socorro Police were able to interview witnesses and now are on the lookout for a TAN, FORD 150 EXTENDED CAB PICK UP 2005-2010 and it’s driver.

Because the driver stopped as though they were going to assist, then took off headed west on Alameda, charges could now include Felony Failure to Stop and Render Aid, a State Jail Felony.
Please call the police if you know where the truck or driver is right now or have anything to add to the investigation of this Hit and Run.

The Socorro Police phone number is 915-858-6985

E. G. (Chayo) Apodaca Community Center is now open

2011-09-12T15:02:00.002-06:00

The E.G. Chayo Apodaca Community Center is now open.

The ribbon-cutting at our new Apodaca Community Center was a well attended success.The ceremony was something special. In all several hundred people visited the center in an event that lasted well into the evening.
Thank you to everyone, and the list is long, who in their own way helped make this a special day.

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday-Saturday 11:00a.m.-8:00p.m.
Closed: Sunday & Monday

Note: Information cannot be saved to the computers, please take a USB if needed.

To review and purchase pictures of the Apodaca Center event you can visit: http://lx.smugmug.com/Assigned-work-and-others/City-of-Socorro-Apodaca-Center/18974112_GgZ9rR#1473441025_xrSd2Jp

New Demographics out from El Paso County

2011-06-06T10:23:00.000-06:00

Here is the breakdown among the local entities in El Paso County according to the 2010 U.S. Census.

POPULATION:

SOCORRO - 32,013
HORIZON - 16,735
ANTHONY - 5,011
VINTON - 1,971
CLINT - 926

New York Quits Secure Communities Immigration Enforcement Program

2011-06-02T12:32:00.002-06:00

Below you will find an article that is rarely talked about in El Paso County. From what I understand ICE has approached most local entities courts to participate in this program. It is my understanding that other local El Paso governments already participate in this sharing of information program. The problem with this program is that the agreement is more of a handshake and faith system than a legal agreement that they will only target serious criminal offenders.
Most people see this issue as a simple immigration matter, but it really is much more complicated. For a City like Socorro that is a border community and is economically disadvantaged, we have to not only pave roads, fix potholes, provide lighting, but then even try to compete and be better than the other cities, we tend to try and not shoot ourselves in the foot. That is the economic reason why cities do not go into the federal immigration job. Currently, if an illegal alien gets a ticket, he shows up to court and pays it. The city gets revenue for the traffic violation and a potential warrant for the suspect never happens. This is the way it has always worked. Under this new agreement, ICE gets information on all motor vehicle violations, they now have their address or maybe even a court date with the judge. This would work wonderful for ICE agents for a few months, that is until the illegal population realizes that their is no benefit to giving local law enforcement their correct addresses or even paying a fine. The result is lost revenue for the city. This problem goes into whether an informant or even victim will now want to talk to law enforcement if their address or description will go into a city database the ICE can review. As a city councilman, my loyalty is to fund new streets, lighting, state of the art parks, ease congestion, quality of life issues in a community that is 97% Hispanic and is economically disadvantaged? There are more issues about this program but I wanted to touch on the most important parts. I completely understand the other point of the argument, but till a fair system is implemented for cities, immigration issues need to be handled directly by Border Patrol Agents.

New York Quits Secure Communities Immigration Enforcement Program, Andrew Cuomo Announces

First Posted: 06/ 1/11 05:20 PM ET Updated: 06/ 1/11 10:03 PM ET

WASHINGTON -- New York will no longer participate in the Secure Communities immigration enforcement program, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday, making the state the second to rescind its agreement with federal immigration authorities.
"There are concerns about the implementation of the program as well as its impact on families, immigrant communities and law enforcement in New York," Cuomo wrote in a letter to the Department of Homeland Security. "As a result, New York is suspending its participation in the program."
The state will review whether the program is meeting its stated goal of deporting convicted felons, according to a press release from the governor's office. "Based on evidence to date, it appears the program in New York is failing in this regard and is actually undermining law enforcement," the governor's office said.
Reps. Jose E. Serrano (D-N.Y.) and Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.), along with a number of immigration advocacy groups, had lobbied Cuomo to stop the state's participation in Secure Communities, arguing the enforcement program causes racial profiling and allows non-criminal undocumented immigrants to be targeted by police for deportation. A petition asking Cuomo to terminate the state's relationship with the program had garnered more than 6,300 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon.
But New York may have difficulty blocking information from going to DHS for immigration enforcement purposes, part of broader confusion over whether DHS allows states or communities to opt out of Secure Communities at all.
The fingerprint-sharing program is based on a network of agreements between state, local and federal actors. States sign a memorandum of understanding with DHS that says they will allow the agency access to fingerprints taken by local police. The FBI, which receives the fingerprints to screen for fugitives and criminal records, then shares the prints with DHS.
But DHS has evaded questions about how communities and states can block fingerprints from being shared between the FBI and DHS. Although immigration enforcement agencies initially referred to the program as voluntary and dependent on agreements with local communities, DHS officials changed course last fall, announcing that counties within states that agreed to join the program would be forced to participate.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, announced on May 4 that his state had terminated its memorandum of understanding with the Department of Homeland Security over the program. Yet after Quinn's announcement, DHS confirmed to HuffPost that it would continue to use fingerprints taken in the state for immigration enforcement.
DHS officials did not respond to requests for comment about how the agency would respond to the New York governor's decision.
Meanwhile, DHS inspector general Charles Edwards, the top oversight official for the agency, is gearing up to complete an investigation into the various misstatements over whether the program was mandatory. In May, the agency confirmed in a letter to Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), the top Democrat on the House immigration subcommittee, that it would investigate contradictory statements over Secure Communities in the fall. On May 18, Lofgren responded that she wanted the investigation to begin immediately, in order to quickly sort out confusion over the program.
Immigration advocacy groups are working to halt the spread of the program, which the Obama administration plans to implement nationwide by 2013.
Cuomo's decision could help other states reconsider their decisions to join the program, said Pablo Alvarado of National Day Laborer's Organizing Network, part of the coalition that requested a number of documents from DHS that show the contradiction between various statements it made about Secure Communities. Pro-immigrant groups are lobbying Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, a Democrat, not to join the program.
"New York joins a growing chorus of state opposition to an ill-conceived, dangerous, and dishonestly-executed program," he said in a statement. "The more local law enforcement and elected officials learn about SCOMM, the more they have have opposed it."
Immigration advocates in New York also applauded Cuomo's decision, saying it could help keep immigrants safer.
"Cuomo's initiative is on the right side of history by rejecting overly broad enforcement policies that divide and discriminate against immigrants, undermine law enforcement and impose burdensome costs on our government," Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer said in a statement. "I am grateful that Governor Cuomo has worked closely with immigrant communities and other stakeholders to bring this needed change and keep New York at the forefront as an immigrant city and state."

UPDATE 5:40 p.m.: The Department of Homeland Security confirmed to HuffPost that it will continue to use fingerprints from New York for immigration enforcement, based on its agreement with the FBI.

"When it comes to enforcing our nation's immigration laws, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is focusing its limited resources on those in our country illegally who have also broken criminal laws," a spokeswoman for ICE, part of DHS, said in a statement. "Secure Communities is a critical part of this approach and is an information sharing partnership between two federal agencies – ICE and the FBI."

For complete article please click on the following link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/01/new-york-quits-secure-communities_n_869969.html

Yesterday in Socorro

2011-03-30T15:05:00.006-06:00

Yesterday in Socorro these pictures were taken. Some questions need to be answered.

Who are these people and what were they doing in Socorro? Do Socorroans need to fear if the Sheriff's are in front of their homes? Was there any directive to these men to behave aggressively? Is this behavior common, but unreported, from these men?

Socorro will no longer allow itself to be pushed around as a community or as individuals. We are united in becoming the premiere destination in El Paso County and any archaic methods that have been used before against our citizens will no longer be tolerated by Socorroans. I am calling for a full investigation into this situation.

Please check in on this blog tomorrow as I will explain what little I can because of this ongoing investigation. Pictures were taken in chronological order beginning from top to bottom:

New Heavy Equipment purchased by City

2011-03-11T23:29:00.002-07:00

On December 9, 2010 the City Council of Socorro purchased new equipment for the maintenance of our community streets and operations.

The top picture is of a Dynapac CA250 purchased from Ahern Company. This is a utility machine, designed for long working days in tough applications. It is utilized for compaction of most types of soils. Typical applications are road building, airfields, dams, harbors, and industrial sites.

The middle picture is of a Eager Beaver Trailer Lowboy 55 GSL-3 from Sierra Company. This lowboy has an overall trailer weight of 22,600 lbs. and is currently hooked up to a City of Socorro Semi in the picture. It also features a 55 ton detachable gooseneck and triaxle air ride suspension. It has a capacity of 110,000 lbs.

The bottom picture is of a...

District 4 Driveways - Update 2 - 213 Homes Complete

2011-03-08T09:53:00.007-07:00

213 homes in District 4 of the City of Socorro have received driveways as of February 28, 2011. Work is continuing and will eventually reach the entire City of Socorro.

The El Paso Times wrote in an article 11/30/2010 that:
"...Carlos Guerrero, who lives on the 400 block of Passmore Road, was among those who received a new driveway. He said he is thankful that the city installed a driveway at his property. "It was a thousand percent necessary, especially when it rains," Guerrero said. He said it was difficult to access his home when it rained because the entrance to his property would become extremely muddy."

I want to thank the many people in our community who have supported this driveway project being implemented in our city. I agree with the community that these type of improvements were long overdue, but I will also remind people that it took a solid council who have a vision for something better for our Socorro. Without the hard work of the other councilmembers we would not see the changes that are beginning all within the first year of this new council's term. I look forward to working with the current council to make Socorro the #1 place to live in El Paso County.

Police Chiefs Wary of Immigration Role

2011-03-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

In a news article by the New York Times that was released March 4, 2011, they tackle the issue that local law enforcement is having regarding their role asking for immigration statuses. Please see below for some interesting excerpts and the link for the full article.

By JULIA PRESTON

Published: March 4, 2011

As many state legislatures consider laws to expand the role of local police departments in immigration control, police chiefs across the country say they are reluctant to take on these tasks and want clear lines drawn between local crime-fighting and federal immigration enforcement, according to a new report by a police research group.

Dozens of police department commanders who participated in the report recommended that local officers should be explicitly prohibited from arresting people solely because of their immigration status, and should have orders to protect victims and witnesses regardless of that status.

The report, issued on Thursday by the Police Executive Research Forum, cites worries among police chiefs that if they are pulled into immigration enforcement, a job that was limited until recently to federal agents, their ties to immigrant communities will be eroded, with the result that crimes would not be reported and witnesses would be afraid to cooperate in investigations.

While police chiefs have spoken out against efforts to increase their immigration role in cities like Phoenix and Los Angeles, which have been embroiled in debates on the issue, the report makes clear how widespread the concerns are among commanders. Top officers from Salt Lake City, Topeka, Kan., Elgin and Peoria, Ill., Framingham, Mass., and Miami were among the chiefs and sheriffs supporting the recommendations in the report.

The Police Executive Research Forum, based in Washington, provides policy research to the chiefs of the country’s largest law enforcement agencies. Its report started with recommendations that police chiefs initially made at a meeting in Phoenix in July 2009. The researchers then looked more closely at six cities where police chiefs became embattled because of immigration disputes in their communities.

While local police officers generally have not been authorized to enforce federal immigration law, the chiefs recommended that arrests based only on immigration status be prohibited by order. They said departments should reinforce policies that civil rights must be protected regardless of a person’s immigration status.

The chiefs called on federal immigration authorities to separate out criminal warrants from civil immigration warrants, which are not based on crimes, in law enforcement databases that police routinely use to check backgrounds of people they arrest.

“I’m trying to avoid my police officers getting into the immigration enforcement business,” J. Thomas Manger, the police chief of Montgomery County, Md., said in an interview Thursday. “It’s counter to my mission,” said Chief Manger, one of the commanders whose role in an immigration debate was highlighted in the report.

He said one of his biggest efforts was to gain the trust of immigrant communities in the county. “If folks think for one second that if I report I was assaulted, the police will deport me, there will be an increase in unreported crime and people won’t testify,” he said.

Chief Manger said he would not advocate any policy that would lessen enforcement against immigrants who committed crimes. Montgomery County “is not a sanctuary jurisdiction by any means,” he said. “If there are criminal warrants, we lock them up as quick as we find them.”

A version of this article appeared in print on March 4, 2011, on page A15 of the New York edition. For full article link, please click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/04/us/04enforcement.html

Leaders of the Recall Exposed - Part 3

2011-01-29T07:15:00.010-07:00

Recall Leader Suky Ramos has visited homes with other recall leaders spreading the apparent misinformation that they are becoming famous for. In one of many infamous YouTube videos, Mrs. Ramos joins the other recall leaders in attacking the progress the City of Socorro is having in just 7 months that they have come into office. Even crazier, she is attacking a project in the District where she resides. Is she for or against the project? You be the judge.

Please click on link below to see YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65foS3gP4cw

Holiday Schedule vs Cesar Chavez Day

2011-01-25T13:26:00.004-07:00

Recently much attention has been given about the University of Texas at El Paso canceling Cesar Chavez Day as a recognized holiday. Socorro Independent School District does not recognize Cesar Chavez Day either. However, El Paso County does recognize this holiday. The City of Socorro does recognize Cesar Chavez Day also. This seems especially important in a community that is made up of 96.4% hispanic (2000 US Census Bureau). I have posted the City of Socorro's council approved holiday schedule below, plus the El Paso Times article.

UTEP cancels César Chávez holiday

By Adriana Gómez Licón \ El Paso Times
Posted: 01/05/2011 12:00:00 AM MST

The University of Texas at El Paso has revoked César Chávez Day as a holiday for the next four years, campus officials said Tuesday.

The decision came after the eight-member Executive Council of the Faculty Senate approved canceling the holiday, which celebrates the Mexican-American labor activist who fought for better working conditions for migrant farmworkers.

In November, the senate voted to remove March 31 as a holiday. On Monday, UTEP Registrar Miguel Sifuentes sent an e-mail to deans, chairs and faculty announcing the change.

"Part of the problem is the state limits the number of holidays," said UTEP's vice president Richard Adauto. "We just cannot take every holiday."

Although César Chávez Day is a state holiday, it is considered optional. Institutions of higher education get to choose 12 holidays per year.

Faculty Senate President Carl Lieb could not be reached to comment on the reasons behind the revocation.

Previously, UTEP had observed César Chávez Day by giving a day off to students and professors and leaving a skeleton staff.

It is a strong tradition on campus where 76 percent of the students are Hispanic. UTEP is one of the country's leading sources of college education to Hispanics and has been top-ranked numerous times for offering degrees to large numbers of Hispanics.

Now, the school will not cancel classes to commemorate Chávez, but will continue to havecelebrations that span from February to April.

"It's not that we don't recognize it. We recognize it with activities and academic programs,"Adauto said.

The 1960s civil rights figure is a monumental character in Southwest cities like El Paso. A school in the Ysleta Independent School District and the Border Highway are named after Chávez. Chávez, of Yuma, Ariz., co-founded the United Farm Workers along with fellow activist Dolores Huerta. The labor union fought for better wages and more benefits through protests, strikes and boycotts. The popular message "Sí se puede" or "Yes, we can," is attributed to his farmworkers movement.

Dennis Bixler-Marquez, head of UTEP's Chicano Studies Program, said having classes on the day could be beneficial.

"Chicano studies faculty is concerned about that (the cancellation)," he said. "On the other hand, the fact that we'll have students on campus on the 31st will allow us to have events."

Bixler-Marquez said the problem is César Chávez Day is still a new holiday. California began observing it as an official state holiday in 1995. Texas established it an optional holiday in 1999. In Colorado, it has also been optional since 2003.

"This is a new kid-on-the-block holiday. It's been difficult to accommodate it ever since it was adopted," Bixler-Marquez said.

El Paso Community College will continue to observe the holiday, school officials said.

The director of the Border Agricultural Workers Union in El Paso said UTEP's decision stems from racism against those of Mexican origin.

"I consider it a lack of respect to the memory of César Chávez," said Carlos Marentes, director of the union. "UTEP is giving in to right-wing, conservative anti-immigrant groups that don't like recognizing people of immigrant origins."

Marentes said academic institutions should respect historical dates in both theory and practice.

"UTEP is erasing an important part of history at the drop of a hat," he said.

"It would seem simple to eliminate a historical date. But in the context we are living with rising discrimination against people of Mexican origin, this has strong repercussions."

City of Socorro helps fund Lower Valley School Nurses' 29th Annual Lower Valley Health Fair

2011-01-21T10:17:00.001-07:00

The 29th Annual Lower Valley Health Fair will be held at Socorro High School on April 16, 2011 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The fair is sponsored by the Lower Valley Valley School Nurse Association, in conjunction with Sierra Providence Health Network and Providence Children's Hospital. All health services will be offered free of charge to the public.
Last years estimated total attendees were 3,500.
The City of Socorro this year has donated $1,500 to help defray the costs of this years beneficial health fair for our community.

District 4 Driveways - Update - 90 Homes Complete

2011-01-20T10:06:00.002-07:00

90 homes in District 4 of the City of Socorro have received driveways as of December 31, 2010. Work is continuing and will eventually reach the entire City of Socorro.

The El Paso Times wrote in an article 11/30/2010 that:
"...Carlos Guerrero, who lives on the 400 block of Passmore Road, was among those who received a new driveway. He said he is thankful that the city installed a driveway at his property. "It was a thousand percent necessary, especially when it rains," Guerrero said. He said it was difficult to access his home when it rained because the entrance to his property would become extremely muddy."

I want to thank the many people who contact me daily (I literally receive about three contacts a day from District 4 community members excited about their driveways) for the support they have shown to this project. I agree with the community that these type of improvements were long overdue, but I will also remind people that it took a solid council who have a vision for something better for our Socorro. Without the hard work of the other councilmembers we would not see the changes that are beginning all within the first year of this new council's term. I look forward to working with the current council to make Socorro the best place to live in El Paso County.

2011 Socorro School District Bond - Will south of the freeway be its achilles heal?

2011-01-19T10:39:00.005-07:00

Last night the Socorro School District Board Members approved sending a $297 million dollar bond to the voters for approval. I attended the meeting and found hardly anybody in attendance. It was a bit sad that such an important issue would garner such little interest from the community. Maybe that's because people already knew it was a forgone conclusion that it would pass. Maybe it's too early in the game for the community to begin paying attention to this issue; it's a "let's wait until May gets closer" mentality. Either way, there are some questions the district will have to answer. First, I will state the key talking points the district is sure to have:

Enrollment is bursting at the seems (Need New Schools)
Cutbacks in personnel may be needed (Finances Are Hurting)
Everybody benefits where it's needed most (I will talk about this later)

Now that I've covered the main school district talking points, I want to qualify that I have not developed an opinion yet on this issue. It's still too early and the school district needs to have ample time to lay out their plan of what specifically is being proposed. Then we can develop an educated opinion on whether this bond needs to be supported or shot down.

So what are some of Socorro School District's potential problems?

In the last bond approved by voters in 2004, which was approximately $200 million dollars, approximately 93% of the total funds went north of I-10.

Now I understand that the growth is primarily north of the freeway. But 93% of the growth? I have heard statements like, "We cannot see the district as north and south of the freeway, we have to see it as a whole." I find these statements extremely ignorant, because this is a total disregard for the history of this community, not just in Socorro I.S.D., but in other El Paso County School systems. For SISD to just take for granted that south of the freeway will automatically accept that millions of dollars "must" be allocated to facilities north of the freeway, while their own schools remain poorly equipped to handle increasing issues, is a political gamble. One such issue is the increasing population of ELL (English Language Learner) students that are entering our schools due to the continuous violence in Juarez. It is common knowledge that these students will flood the schools south of the freeway, rather than the north. Will this community go along with the status quo, or will they say that they want their fair share in this added taxation? I guess the bigger question is, will the community south of the freeway, knowing that they are more economically disadvantaged, still subsidize the growth north of the freeway? I want to qualify that I hope I am proven wrong in the percentage of funds that went north of the freeway, but if the school district corrects the percentage and it ends up being 89%, that would still appear to be a joke in this community.

Can a bond pass in this economic environment?

Now, let's try to get past the district point of, "It's for the children." That is always the point driven during a bond. Let's get to the nuts and bolts: money. Money is tight right now and even harder to come about for the regular joe. This is a problem for S.I.S.D. no matter which side of I-10 you live on. While everybody (El Paso County excluded because they raised taxes) is holding the line on property taxes, will people support raising taxes in this tough economic time?

Is it politically smart to schedule school board elections during a bond election?

This is more of a side note. If the bond election goes well, then there is not a problem, but what if the bond election takes a negative turn? Will this affect voters who are against the bond, who then get to vote on board members that supported the bond? I think the At-Large Members who will run this May, Ayoub and Najera, have potentially opened themselves up to attack if they can be tied to an unpopular bond they are supporting. The popularity of bonds are hard to gauge because very rarely do people voice public opposition to them (this whole "you're against the children" mentality). I don't remember any major groups in opposition to the E.P.I.S.D. bond, but when election time came, it was soundly defeated. Again, it's too early to call, but it is a risk I don't think these boardmembers needed to take.

Can the School Board be trusted to follow through on the 2011 bond promises/commitments?

This is the most damaging problem for the board members that are running for re-election and the 2011 bond. On October 9, 2009 the school board un-funded the south of the freeway 9th Grade High School from the 2004 Bond. This went down on a 5-2 vote, with the only 2 reps south of the freeway voting against it. This may prove important because that was a commitment the school district made to get the 2004 bond approved. Plus, to add insult to injury, they used approximately half of that unfunded money to fund an Athletics Center north of the freeway. Not classrooms, added technology, or schoolbooks, but an athletics center. It doesn't help that the two seeking election live north of the freeway and that this new athletics center was given priority over classes (or name just about anything) south of the freeway. Now that the board has disregarded a commitment by the Socorro School District and un-funded a new school south of the freeway, will the community react at the polls?

It's still to early to tell how the school district bond will go down and who will support it. We all know the teachers' unions (more schools = more teachers) and big contractors (more schools = big money building schools) will support the bond, but E.P.I.S.D. had their support also, and it still failed. No matter how this bond goes down the next few months, it will make for another interesting vote on the ballot this May.

Leaders of the Recall Exposed - Part 2

2011-01-07T11:57:00.005-07:00

Recalling councilmembers is not an easy task, it takes lots of time and effort. Just 6 months into elected office, a small but very loud group of citizens decided they did not like the direction the City was going. Rumors began that they appeared to be the close friends, compadres, or other henchmen of Mayor Willie Gandara who was upset because the council was not taking orders from him. These citizens decided to teach the four councilmembers a lesson and recall them. They publicy and officially in the El Paso Times declared they were recalling all except Mayor Willie Gandara and District 1 Rep. Luis Varela. Shortly later the two reps mentioned (Mayor & District 1) got into huge criminal issues. The council reacted and decided to clean the city up of the true corrupted officials and recalled Mayor Gandara and Rep. Varela. Mr. Varela has since resigned which is clearly the correct action for him to take. Mayor Gandara is hanging on and declaring statements like, "If the election were held tomorrow, I would be the only one to win again". These are truly strong statements from a gentleman who won an election by barely 16 votes when he was considered a clean candidate 6 months ago. How would he fare now that his face, image, and name have been slandered across the media? Would he still win by 16 votes, or be slaughtered at the polls? I'll guess we will find out this coming May 14, 2011.

It appears one of the tactics used by Mayor Gandara's supporters is to tell the community flat out lies and use deception to get them to sign the recall forms. This process of over exageratting information and telling lies to scare the public that the council is bad for the city makes getting signatures easier. In the following video we look into recall leader Ralph Duran, who is very vocal and also appears to state that lies and truth are not important when recall leaders talk. Whether you think these recall leaders are great or liars, you get to be the judge...

To see the video please follow the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAosVZzGZJM

Child Predators BANNED where children commonly gather in Socorro

2010-12-02T10:58:00.005-07:00

On December 1, 2010 the City of Socorro officially passed a law placing residency restrictions for child predator offenders. District 4 (Jesse Gandara Jr.) Councilman introduced the ordinance which received unanimous support from the rest of council. There are many details in the ordinance but here are the main points for sex offenders within the ordinance:

It is unlawful for a person to establish a permanent or temporary residence within Two Thousand (2,000) feet of any premises where children commonly gather. These places are deemed to be public parks, private or public schools, private or public day care centers, playgrounds, public or private youth centers, public swimming facilities and video arcades.
A $2,000 fine for each offense. Every day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.

A motion was made by Jesus "Jesse" Gandara Jr., seconded by Mary Garcia to adopt the ordinance.

Motion passed with Willie Madrid, Mary Garcia, Gloria Rodriguez, and Jesse Gandara voting YES.

Motion passed unanimously.

Leaders of the Recall Exposed - Part 1

2010-11-16T17:53:00.004-07:00

Picture above is a post World War II poster. See the YouTube Video and you'll get the joke.

Mr. Bolanos has picked up forms to recall the four council members. These four councilmember fight the corruption of the Mayor of Socorro. Some leaders of this recall have hidden personal agendas, others are just looney, or maybe you believe they are right? Either way, make the decision for yourself.

To see YouTube video click on link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj788Y8fkAo

City of Socorro Builds Driveways for Community

2010-11-12T07:39:00.009-07:00

On June 28, 2010 the City of Socorro Council approved approximately 220+ homes to receive concrete driveways in District 4. Driveways being placed by the City will connect the homeowners property line to the street. This project will begin November 5, 2010 and be completed by March 31, 2011.

Some common questions I have received are:

What if my home is not on the current list? Please contact me so that your name can be added to the next round of homes.
When will the next round of homes be? As funding becomes available, sorry, no specific date yet, but we hope for it to be within a year.
How were the homes selected? As the District 4 repesentative, the city tasked me with gathering the list.
Will this project be expanded into other parts of the City? Yes. This is a pilot program to see how it is received. I have realized that some people would prefer we do all homes or none at all. This thinking is limiting and would stop progress. Instead we are taking on this project in parts so that it is financially manageable for the whole city.
When will my home be completed? Many factors play a part. One being how fast the utility service company marks any potential underground lines. Also, how much excavation is necessary. Either way, we aks for your patience, rest assured we will get to your home as soon as possible.

Homes Already Completed November 8-12, 2010:

210 Bauman
240 Bauman
250 Bauman
11600 Datsun
11559 Ellen
11771 Pretty Acres
11831 Pretty Acres
168 Passmore
334 Passmore
420 Passmore

For more information please contact me at: jgmj40@gmail.com

CLEAT: The New Vision of the Socorro Police Officers Association

2010-09-29T13:53:00.006-06:00

Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, August 2010

Life runs slow in this agricultural community that borders the bigger city of El Paso in West Texas. The City of Socorro covers approximately 24 square miles and is 65% percent agricultural. Its population is around 35,000 people and newer subdivisions mix with older neighborhoods. The problems are the same as in most communities; potholes are a never ending battle, the city council seems to always be split, and people ask for basics like more street lights, better flooding control, and sidewalks. The police are made up of 22 officers from Chief all the way down to patrolman. Pay is low for this poor community. In fact, according to the previous census, the City of Socorro was last in the State of Texas in the number of people with college educations. Yet something was brewing that would change the way police were viewed and respected in this community.

Policeman in the City of Socorro start at $12.85 an hour, which leads to heavy turnover: 30 officers lost in the past three year span. There is no pension and no step increases, most officers can only expect the customary 3% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) raise, and a 3% merit raise. Policeman average three years with the department and normally move on to better paying jobs in the surrounding area. This hurts the community because you train new policeman only to see them move on, taking their knowledge and leaving the city to start from scratch with a new crop of inexperienced policeman.

Sergeant Refugio Orta, a five year veteran with the force, took the helms of an inactive police officers association. Mr. Orta is a product of this community, marrying his high school sweetheart, serving his time in the Marines, then moving back to the community he calls home. At 36 years old, he stayed longer than the average officer in Socorro, committed to make it a better place where people would be proud of the service and quality of officers patrolling the streets. Mr. Orta was voted the first president of the newly labeled Socorro Police Officers Association in August of 2009...

To view original article, please visit: http://www.cleat.org/Content.aspx?p=CLEAT_News_SocorroVision

El Paso Times: Socorro takes measures to upgrade community

2010-09-29T01:31:00.003-06:00

Socorro takes measures to upgrade community

By Aileen B. Flores \ El Paso Times

Socorro -- The City of Socorro recently approved its final budget with new pay rates for police officers.

The new salary rate will help retain officers in the agency, said interim city manager Manny Soto.

The projected city budget for Socorro for the fiscal year 2010-2011 is about $15.8 million. This is about $4 million more compared with the 2009-2010 figures.

The Socorro Police Department budget also will increase from $1.65 million to about $2.6 million.

The new figures are a result of new grants coming into the city, Soto said.

Soto said in the past the department has hired and trained new officers only to have many leave because of the pay.

"Our pay was not as good as the sheriff's or El Paso Police Department," Soto said. "With the scheduled salary, we'll be able to recruit and retain more officers."

The starting annual salary for a first-year police officer in Socorro will be $41,000 beginning in October, compared with $26,000 in past years.

Sgt. Refugio Orta, president of the Socorro Police Association, said the agency will be able to compete with other small law enforcement agencies in the El Paso area.

"Retention was very hard. We're competing with other agencies that have benefits, but now Socorro is going to pay higher," he said.

Despite the new salary rate, Orta said there are still many other needs in his department.

Orta said the department lacks a pension plan for its officers.

"That is something that the association and the city are looking into already," he said.

Recently the Socorro Police Department added three new officers and it is now hiring two sergeants and two or three dispatchers.

The police department has a total of 40 employees, including 17 officers, three sergeants, the chief and a lieutenant.

"We will provide better coverage to the city by putting more officers in the streets," Soto said.

In the present, he said, a lot of officers have to work overtime.

He said this will also provide a safer environment for the residents of Socorro.

Soto said the salary increase was possible without increasing property taxes.

Recently the city council approved the same property tax rate as the previous fiscal year. Socorro property owners pay property taxes of 49 cents per $100 of property value.

Master Plan

The City of Socorro is also planning for a new master plan.

Residents will be able to provide their input to create a master plan for the city of Socorro during a public meeting next week.

Planners from Sites Southwest and public officials will host the meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Rio Vista Community Center, 901 Rio Vista Road.

The city reached an agreement with Sites Southwest in May to develop a comprehensive master plan that will focus on land use, transportation, public centers and future residential and commercial areas.

For original article please view:

http://www.elpasotimes.com/communities/ci_16188889

City of Socorro keeps same tax rate for 2010-2011

2010-09-20T09:37:00.006-06:00

In a move to help city taxpayers, the City of Socorro did not raise property taxes this year. At a regular council meeting on September 16, 2010, the city council voted 4-0 to maintain the same property tax rate as the previous year 2009-2010. It was also nice to hear the Socorro I.S.D. board did the same and kept their property tax rate level also. City of Socorro residents pay 0.49..., while citizens of the City of El Paso pay 0.63.... As you can see it is cheaper to live in Socorro than in El Paso :)

Candidates for Socorro SchoolBoard and City host a private parade

2010-04-25T21:07:00.004-06:00

On Saturday, April 24, 2010 a group of candidates for many spots on the ballot banded together and put on a parade that came down Horizon Blvd. and turned onto North Loop heading towards Clint in the City of Socorro. The parade was invite only for the participants. Candidates in attendance were Willie Gandara for Mayor of Socorro, Luis Varela for Socorro City Council, Gina [formerly Rodriguez] Cordero for Lower Valley Water District, and Herb DeLaRosa for Socorro School District BoardMember.
Sources show that candidate Ralph Duran for Mayor showed up at the starting location with his own truck to add to the parade, but was told he was not allowed to be in it. Mr. Duran questioned how a public parade could become private if it used city vehicles and gas that are payed for by taxpayer dollars, since their was no cost to the candidates for using the city services.
Other sources note that these candidates in the parade have up until a few weeks ago openly supported Mr. Cox and Mr. Faulkner in their re-election efforts for council, but because they are seen as a liability to everybody's campaigns (a.k.a. nobody wants to be seen with them because of their bad reputations), they were dropped from being invited and participating in the parade.

To see the YouTube video of the parade that took place in Socorro, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snvnaoIHUkc&feature=channel

2nd Open Meetings Violation reported to police

2010-04-25T15:16:00.014-06:00

In the State of Texas it is against the law for councilmembers to discuss city business without a posted meeting, even at public political forums. This law is called the Open Meetings Act. A politicial forum was held on March 30, 2010, to discuss city business and a majority of council showed up without posting a meeting. This is the second violation that has been reported to the police.

To view the YouTube video of the illegal political forum meeting, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjcT-lB-_6Y&feature=channel

To view a report from KFOX about the potential illegal forum, click here: http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/23006763/detail.html

For more information on the law, please click here: http://www.tml.org/leg_updates/legis_update012110b_incumbents.asp

Should Socorro School Nurses get a duty free, 30 minute lunch?

2010-04-23T13:01:00.011-06:00

On April 20, 2010, Jan Deragisch made a presentation during open forum to the Socorro School Board representing the Socorro Education Association. The Socorro Education Association (SEA) is to my understanding the largest teachers association in Socorro I.S.D. and wields political clout on the board. They apparently also represent nurses and are advocating for 30 minute lunches for them. According to Ms. Deragisch, "would like to see this district set forth some type of policy insuring... a lunch." Superintendent Dr. DeLaTorre goes on to convey that he supports giving them a, "30 minute duty free lunch". Everybody claps and smiles and so it appears it will be so. Although this proposal may seem warm and fuzzy on the outside, there appear to be problems with it.

There seems to be an insinuation that because the nurses are also four year degreed employees (like teachers), that this puts them in the same category as teachers. I don't believe that to be true. It would be like me making the argument that police officers and fireman are the same because they respond to emergencies. They are obviously quite different even though they often work together. The same is true for teachers and nurses. There is a difference.

The video also appears to show Ms. Deragisch complaining how nurses are often interrupted during their lunches to attend to emergencies on the playground and other scenarios. Am I alone in not seeing a problem with this? The current system is set up with the best interest of the child in mind. It's simple, the child gets hurt (fever, hit by a basketball, fell and scraped their knee, etc...) and a trained school nurse is there to make sure the situation is dealt with properly and immediately. Giving a 30 minute (do not disturb unless this is an emergency) is not putting children first. As a parent, I want my child attended to immediately by a trained professional (nurses).

Another argument I can anticipate hearing is that the nurses will still be available if there is an emergency during their lunch. Now you get in a muddier mess deciding who gets to define what an emergency is? If a child is hit by a basketball on the head, is that enough of an emergency to call the nurse away from her lunch? What about a cut? Who now makes a decision how bad the cut is to disturb the nurse during her lunch? It goes on and on...

Are there deeper motivations involved? Let's be honest here, nurses tend to be adults who may vote in elections, maybe even in bond elections. So are Socorro Schoolboard Members willing to sacrifice the non-voting children for something more concrete, like a nurses bloc? Keep them happy right? Would the parents even notice that their children were put second to the nurses wishes?

Bottom line is every employee sacrifices to keep their job, not just in this economy, but also because the job always requires more than can fit in working hours. Teachers often stay late past school hours or have to take work home, whether its to grade papers, input grades, or fill out student reports, etc... Every employee does more than whats required. Why would we put nurses before children? There are places where nurses work and have set lunches, those places are located in the medical institutions like hospitals. Here there are other nurses readily available to cover your shift so they can have comfortable duty free lunches. Institutions like schools are where the children come first. Is it really that big an issue that a nurse has to eat at their station because a child may walk in at any moment needing them. To many times the child is voiceless and parents are unaware.

To see the YouTube video of the Socorro I.S.D. schoolboard meeting, click here: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Circus1999olea#p/u/1/LCPhinymXtk

Are Councilmembers with Lorenza Fraire breaking the law?

2010-04-13T06:51:00.005-06:00

[Pictured above: Interim City Manager Lorenza Fraire with Councilman Sergio Cox]

In one instance, a video appears to show the current majority on council meeting outside of posted city council meetings to deliberate or discuss city business with Interim City Manager Lorenza Fraire. A clear violation with criminal consequences. It happens at a council meeting that is on YouTube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuSvxATB2Og&feature=channel ) on February 18, 2010, that appears to show councilmembers self admitting to pre-voting before a council meeting.

This issue is not just a local problem, but has heated up to a state issue national implications. Currently, the Texas Municipal League has assisted several cities in suing the State of Texas against the Texas Open Meetings Act ( http://www.themonitor.com/articles/texas-33901-open-lawsuit.html ). Even the City of El Paso has weighed in and chose not to help weaken the Open Meetings Act ( http://texaspress.com/index.php/publications/messenger ). The issue of quorums meeting and discussing or deliberating before a posted meeting has even reached our state political campaigns ( http://www.barbaraann2010.com/node/591 ), which I think is described eloquently.

This case is currently being investigated with the County of El Paso Sheriffs office and can carry criminal consequences. If these councilmembers are indicted and guilty, it could have significant implications in helping solidify the Texas Attorney Generals Case.

To view on YouTube, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuSvxATB2Og&feature=channel

Free H1N1 Vaccine on Saturday for City of Socorro District 4

2010-02-26T09:40:00.005-07:00

Free H1N1 Vaccine at 317 Vineyard Rd., Socorro TX
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, February 27, 2010
First Come First Serve: Will only be given to individuals 10 years or older
Thanks to Life Ambulance Inc. and Socorro Police Officers Association for their assistance in organizing this event

Video: Police Officers Pay Raises

2010-02-01T12:37:00.005-07:00

The approval of the police raises was not an easy task. Their was opposition from interim City Manager Lorenza Fraire and the majority on council (Sergio Cox, Joe Hernandez, and Tommy Faulkner). These raises were important to me because we were starting our officers at $12.45 an hour. This was the lowest in West Texas and prevented us from keeping our officers employed for an extended period. Because nobody on council wanted to be viewed as against the officers, the strategy they used against the police officers was to have Mrs. Fraire make up excuses not to give the raises. The majority on council then would back up Mrs. Fraire and her excuses. I was forced then to shoot down all excuses until there were none left and they had no choice but to vote in favor of my agenda item. See the highlights for yourself below:

See it on YouTube by clicking the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCjhHj2eYwQ&feature=channel

Local Business Licon Dairy goes online

2010-01-25T13:32:00.007-07:00

An El Paso tradition, the Lincon Dairy located in the lower valley, has now gone worldwide. Thanks to the the internet, people who have fond memories growing up and visiting the local dairy can now visit online and see what they now have to offer. You can find info online about their petting zoo, fishing pond, and of course, their delicious azadero cheese. Plus as an added bonus, for those who have moved away, or have loved ones who live out of town, you can now have the Licon Dairy ship their famous azadero cheese for you. So whether you have childhood memories or are being introduced for the first time, visit in person or go online and see why the Licon Dairy is an El Paso treasure.

Visit their website at:

http://www.licondairy.com/

For info:

Gene and Sandra Lincon

11951 Glorietta Rd.

San Elizario, TX 79849

licondairyazaderos@yahoo.com

915-851-2705

The Best Comment in a Forum yet!

2010-01-23T18:11:00.003-07:00

"The city council should be the new cast of jersey shore"

by Ya Ya Ya, United States

Okay, so I was reading some of the comments. As a city rep I realize its everybodys right to say or feel negative or positive things about their government and issues. I have a thick skin so harsh things said about me don't faze me, I get that it comes with the title of city representative. But the comment above made me chuckle, because unfortunately I somewhat agree. LOL, whoever wrote that gets mad props from me.

NewsChannel 9 reports on Sergio Cox taking the Mayors laptop case

2010-01-22T03:41:00.001-07:00

Socorro City Council Incident Caught on Tape

Monique Griego / KTSM News
January 21, 2010 - 10:04pm
A Socorro City council member contacted NewsChannel 9 about another incident that was caught on tape.It seems as though Mayor Trini Lopez's briefcase or laptop case was stolen and hidden.Council Member Jesse Gandara posted the video on his blog and youtube.This is just the latest incident involving battling council members.The bigger question is if these arguments are getting in the way of city business.

To view newscast click on link below:
http://www.ktsm.com/news/socorro-city-council-incident-caught-tape

Did Interim City Manager attempt to cover up the stealing of the Mayors laptop case?

2010-01-21T16:28:00.006-07:00

As I mentioned before, the controversy does not end after the video ends. Once the Mayor reenters the council chambers and sees his laptop case is now missing, he stops the first Socorro Police Officer he finds and asks for their assistance in finding the stolen laptop bag. A search begins, and eventually, the bag is found. There were two employees still in the chambers, our interim city manager, Lorenza Fraire, and the city clerk, whose responsibility it is to take care of the video footage. Mayor Lopez realizes that the criminal would probably still be recorded on tape who stole his bag. At this point, the police officer calls the highest ranking on- duty police officer, which is our Lieutenant. The Lt. informs the police officer that he is on his way (literally about 200 yds. away from the council chambers). Apparently, Mrs. Fraire, in a panicked sense of urgency to protect Mr. Cox, orders the city clerk to immediately leave the building and go home. The police officer directs Mrs. Fraire and the city clerk to not leave, that an investigation will be conducted and the video will be reviewed. The P.D. officer also informs her that the Lt. of Police is on his way shortly. It appears that Mrs. Fraire then begins to yell at the police officer that he is holding her against her will and she doesn't care, that they're still going to leave regardless, with the video. Mrs. Fraire then, appearing to be in a hurried state, walks the city clerk out the back door and directs her to leave with the video footage, leaving the stunned officer behind. The City Clerk then goes home with the footage. It appears this information can be verified in the police report that has been submitted to the police department.
Where do I begin? I'll state again that Mrs. Fraire is not a professional. She is what appears to be a political appointee by Mr. Cox who has no regard for the law. How can we expect our citizens to follow the laws of our police, if Mrs. Fraire doesn't feel she needs to follow their orders? She took advantage of the situation and was able to bully the officer. You can thank Mr. Cox and Mr. Faulkner for appointing Mrs. Fraire to the position of City Manager. I hope at some point we elect competent councilmembers who will appoint competent City Managers.

Is Retired Cop Sergio Cox stealing the Mayors laptop?

2010-01-20T04:17:00.009-07:00

The events after the regular city council meeting ended on December 10th, 2009, seem to suggest that retired cop councilman Sergio Cox stole the mayors laptop bag. The meeting ended heated after Mr. Cox and his majority on city council moved to delete the Mayors agenda items asking for accountability from interim City Manager Lorenza Fraire. The Mayor left the building through the back door behind where the councilmembers sit forgetting his laptop bag. Mr. Cox then goes after him outside the back door to argue with him for approximately 3 minutes. At this point inside the city chambers, Councilman Tommy Faulkner notices that the Mayor has left his laptop bag inside. Mr. Faulkner then leaves to call Mr. Cox back in and inform him that the Mayor left his bag. Mr. Cox upon reentering the building goes straight to the laptop bag and finds a portable wall where he can hide it behind. It is unclear whether Mr. Cox meant to come back at a later point to keep it or whether he meant to keep it hidden indefinitely? The police officer at the end of the video had been outside making sure the argument did not escalate between Mr. Cox and Mayor Lopez. After Mr. Cox hides the laptop case the police officer returns inside and misses the incident by seconds. Unfortunately for Mr. Cox and Mr. Faulkner they were unaware that a inexperienced employee who was operating the camera had forgotten to turn it off after the meeting ended. All this footage was captured on tape showing their childish behavior and again contributing to making the city seem like a circus. There is a second part of this story, but that will have to wait till tomorrows posting, for now you can be the judge of what happened in the video.

To view the video on YouTube go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JycnxzOMmDc

or view the video below:

Video: Master Plan is killed by Sergio Cox

2009-12-14T14:29:00.003-07:00

Video: Councilmembers - Left to Right (Sergio Cox, Joe Hernandez, Tommy Faulkner, Mayor Trini Lopez, Chuy Hernandez, Jesse Gandara)

Regular City Council Meeting: October 15th, 2009

In this video Mr. Cox, Mr. Faulkner, and Mrs. Fraire lead the charge to stop and end our contract that was already in place to develop a Master Plan for the City of Socorro. Mrs. Fraire and Mr. Cox say that our last Master Plan (made in 1988) is good enough for the city. You will see that I have talked about this in previous blog posts when the city first approved this project. Unfortunately, because of politics and lack of leadership, they went back on their word to have a Master Plan and shot it down.

What do you think?

See Video on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5bo8OC08U8&feature=channel

Motion made by Sergio Cox, Seconded by Tommy Faulkner to stop and terminate the development of a Master Plan.
Sergio Cox, Joe Hernandez, and Tommy Faulkner voted yes
Chuy Hernandez, Jesse Gandara voted no
Motion passed 3-2

Video: Lorenza Fraire's contract is approved by council

2009-12-12T15:24:00.006-07:00

Video: Councilmembers - Left to Right (Sergio Cox, Joe Hernandez, Tommy Faulkner, Mayor Trini Lopez, Chuy Hernandez, Jesse Gandara)

Regular City Council Meeting: October 15th, 2009

The video begins with Sergio Cox making the motion to approve the contract and hire Lorenza Fraire. He then tries to defend himself by calling her temporary, inferring that he does not need the four votes to appoint her that the City Charter requires. A year and a half ago the voters approved a charter amendment requiring four votes to appoint a city manager. I believe the intent was to prevent turnover in the position every election cycle and to make sure a simple majority on council could not place a friend in the city manager's position. He then goes on to state that it is his intent to keep her there at least until June. That would mean Mrs. Fraire will be there for 9 months before a vote is taken on her permanent status. That doesn't sound temporary to me.

Mrs. Fraire then makes the argument that those of us in the minority are sexist. I try to explain to her it has nothing to do with her gender, but it is about her qualifications.

Sergio ends his motion by making sure he is the one allowed to sign her contract.

What do you think?

See Video on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDPj9I3Pqew&feature=channel

Motion made by Sergio Cox, Seconded by Tommy Faulkner to approve a contract for Lorenza Fraire for $65, 000 a year.

Sergio Cox, Joe Hernandez, and Tommy Faulkner voted yes

Chuy Hernandez, Jesse Gandara voted no

Motion passed 3-2

El Diario Article - Local Section 3A

2009-11-24T00:12:00.004-07:00

Graban empujones entre alcalde y administradora

Trinidad Lopez presenta queja contra Lorenza Fraire

by Lorena Figueroa / El Diario de El Paso

DOMINGO 22 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2009

Dos altos funcionarios de Socorro protagonizaron esta semana en un video en el sitio electronico YouTube, luego de tener una disputa capturada en un video de seguridad.

Se trata del alcalde Trinidad Lopez, quien el miercoles pasado presento una queja en contra de la administradora de la cuidad Lorenza Fraire, con quien tuvo el altercado.

"Llene un reporte con la policia local para que investigue el incidente y se formulen cargos con lo que resulte de esa investigacion", confirmo ayer Lopez.

"Para mi esta situacion es algo inusual. He trabajado con cuatro distintos administradores de la ciudad y otros funcionarios y siempre ha habido respecto mutuo", dijo el alcalde, quien tiene ocho anos ocupando el mismo puesto ya que ha sido reelecto cuatro veces.

El alcalde de Socorro declino a hacer mas comentarios al respecto debido a la indagatoria en contra de Fraire quien apenas tiene un mes y medio fungiendo el cargo publico.

Ambos fueron capturados en video cuando tuvieron, al parecer, una disputa la semana pasada en la oficina administrativa de Socorro. El jueves pasado, el representante Jesse Gandara subio la grabacion al You Tube.

En el video, con duracion de 1.5 minutos y de fondo la cancion "Circus" que interpreta Britney Spears, se aprecia en dos tomas distintas como Fraire trata de impedir que salga de su oficina Lopez, quien lleva en la mano izquierda documentos. No hay contacto fisico de ninguna de las partes.

Gandara dijo a KFOX Canal 14 que no hay excusa para este tipo de comportamiento

"Siento que ese es un tipo de excusa que contribuye al sentimiento de que la ciudad de Socorro esta actuando como un circo", dijo.

Gandara se pronuncio por la renuncia de Fraire y dijo el video muestra su falta de profesionalismo.

Informes extraoficiales dicen que Fraire tiene problemas con su caracter y cuenta con varias quejas de ciudadanos en su contra, las cuales estan archivadas en el Departamento de Policia de Socorro.

Por su parte Fraire rechazo a KFOX Canal 14 que hostigara o tratara de asaltar al alcalde.

Pero denuncio a la televisora que Lopez estaba sustrayendo propiedad del gobierno.

"El fue adentro (de su oficina) y se llevo esos documentos de su oficina. El iba a salir con ellos y yo le pregunte: 'dejeme tener esos documentos'. Eso era lo que queria obtener de el", dijo Fraire

ABC - 7 Reports on City Manager Possible Assault of Mayor

2009-11-22T14:44:00.007-07:00

During the November 21, 2009, 10 p.m. newscast, kvia news reported on the youtube video posting of the City Manager possible assault on the Socorro Mayor.

To see the youtube video click below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0JGkj7vMuU

To see the newscast report click below:
http://www.kvia.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4323222&h1=Socorro%20City%20Hall%20drama%20gets%20hotter%20on%20YouTUBE&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=128234&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&rnd=20809154

By ABC-7 Reporter Marissa Monroy

EL PASO -- A heated moment between Socorro Mayor Trini Lopez and Interim City Manager Lorenza Fraire was caught on tape and is now creating a stir on YouTube.
The incident happened two weeks ago, and Saturday, Lopez took a small break from fixing his neighbor's roof to speak exclusively to ABC-7.
"She grabbed my arm on my way out," said Lopez. "She had no respect and got in my way while I was walking out of the building." Lopez said Fraire's actions showed "insubordination and lack of respect."
The video shows Lopez trying to walk out of City Hall with some documents. Fraire is then seen getting in his way in an effort to keep him from leaving the building.
Both Fraire and Lopez told ABC-7 the dispute involved documents that were in Mayor Lopez's hands as he attempted to leave the building.
Fraire denied any wrongdoing and says the Mayor should not have taken officials papers out of City Hall. Lopez told ABC-7 he was simply going to sign and mail off the documents to secure grant money for the city.
City Representative Jesse Gandara told ABC-7 he posted the video complete with the Britney Spears song "Circus" to show the community what is going on at City Hall. "It's disturbing because if she'll treat the mayor that way, she'll treat any regular constituent even worse," Gandara said. "We have a city manager that has no government experience and has been acting unprofessional ... firing employees with no cause."
Lopez said city council had to reinstate city employee Mary Medina after Fraire fired her illegally. A recent city agenda states Police Chief Jaime Avalos also filed a grievance against Fraire. She was appointed to the position less than two months ago after a majority vote by city council.
"What is happening right now is a nightmare for employees of the city of Socorro," said Lopez.

NewsChannel 9 reports on City Manager possible assault on Mayor

2009-11-21T12:27:00.005-07:00

During the November 20, 2009, 10 p.m. newscast, ktsm news reported on the youtube video posting of the City Manager possible assault on the Mayor.

To see the youtube video click below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0JGkj7vMuU

To see the newscast report click below:
http://www.ktsm.com/local/socorro-city-leaders-hit-world-wide-web

KFOX 14 TV does story on City Manager Possible Assault

2009-11-21T12:16:00.004-07:00

During the November 20, 2009, 9 p.m. newscast, KFOX 14 TV reported on the youtube video posting, featuring City Manager Lorenza Fraire. You can check out the video on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0JGkj7vMuU

You can see the KFOX newscast at:
http://www.kfoxtv.com/video/21683525/index.html

and the article KFOX TV posted on their website below:
http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/21682627/detail.html

Sergio Cox Simulated Assault on Mayor

2009-11-20T18:26:00.005-07:00

So many people have asked me, "Jesse, what happened after they left the building?" Unfortunately there are no cameras outside, but I have investigated and have asked sources about what transpired in the parking lot. Apparently, Mrs. Fraire and Sergio Cox continued the harassment of the Mayor outside. The most interesting part of what I am hearing is that Mr. Cox bull-rushed the Mayor in an aggressive gesture as if he was going to hit him. Sergio raised his hand while he was running at full speed and stopped just inches from the Mayor's head in an attempt to scare him.

Mrs. Fraire appears to be attempting to call this politics as usual or a grudge. It is not. This appears to be the most unprofessional City Manager to work for the city. There appears to be no regret for her actions. There appears to be no remorse for how she treated the mayor. In short, she seems to think it is socially acceptable to treat any individual in this manner. Another way of looking at it: can you imagine if City Manager Joyce Wilson of El Paso had done this to Mayor Cook? The fall-out would be unimaginable. Why should the city of Socorro be held to any less standards?

The citizens of Socorro deserve a City Manager and members of council to behave professionally and work hard for the community. I have always maintained a high level of professionalism and I expect nothing less from my peers.

El Paso Times Article - Front Page

2009-11-19T16:24:00.002-07:00

Socorro has fewest BA degrees in Texas

By Adriana Gómez Licón / El Paso Times
Posted: 11/17/2009 12:00:00 AM MST

This story originally appeared in the November 15 edition of the El Paso Times.

SOCORRO -- At a glance, gracious cotton fields and a championship season seem to define this town of 30,000.
Townspeople savor memories of springtime, when Socorro High School's baseball team became the first from El Paso County in 60 years to win a state championship. Stores and businesses on Alameda Avenue still display banners that read, "Congratulations Bulldogs, State Champs."
If schools are a source of pride in Socorro, they also are a cause for concern, for the city also carries a designation it is not proud of.
The latest U.S. Census Bureau data found Socorro to be the Texas city with the lowest percentage of people with bachelor's degrees. About 6 percent of those 25 and older graduated from four-year colleges. The study covered cities with at least 20,000 people.
By comparison, 21 percent of El Paso residents and 27 percent of the national population have bachelor's degrees.
"We, the old people of Socorro, did not have the opportunity to go to college," Mayor Trini Lopez said. "It was a different lifestyle back then. Socorro was an isolated small town, and transportation facilities were scarce."
Lopez moved to Socorro from Gomez Palacio, Mexico, in the late 1980s. He received a two-year associate degree in 2001. He is one of about 14,900 adults in Socorro who do not have a bachelor's degree. About 900 people with four-year degrees live in the town.
"I don't think it is a formality for a mayor to have a bachelor's degree," he said.
True, many people have excelled without much formal education. Microsoft founder Bill Gates does not have a college degree, and prize-winning movie director and screenwriter Quentin Tarantino dropped out of high school. They, of course, are exceptions. The last U.S. president who did not graduate from college was Harry Truman, whose term ended in January 1953.
Lopez said lack of education affects the lifestyles of his constituents.
When it comes to people living in poverty, Socorro's levels are drastic at 26 percent, he said. The national and state levels are 13 percent and 16 percent.
The numbers are higher for younger and older people in Socorro. Thirty-three percent of children younger than 18 and 41 percent of elderly people live in poverty.
"Family financial conditions are affecting students," Lopez said. "Young people are always looking for a way to earn some money."
About 59 percent of the people struggle to pay bills as they spend more than 30 percent of their household incomes on housing.
Lopez said immigrants from Mexico have been coming to the city in significant numbers in the last 10 years.
Hispanic residents in 2000 numbered 26,700, or more than 96 percent of the population. Also, about 10,300 people, or 37 percent, of Socorro residents were foreign-born.
The city is growing before the very eyes of its residents, who say city government is not up to the challenge.
People attend Socorro City Council meetings to complain about unsafe intersections, roads that have been left half-built and unlit areas, a nightmare for parents of young children who walk to school.
Socorro originally was a city of Mexico. it became part of Texas in 1848. By about 1910, construction of Elephant Butte Dam led to an agricultural revolution and a boom of cotton production on large farms.
To this day, Socorro residents enjoy driving by cotton fields that became the city's main industry.
Still, Socorro's population did not grow substantially until the 1960s and '70s, when developers started to build colonias, pave streets and install sewer lines. In the middle of the 1970s, the city's population was 10,000. It grew to 18,000 in the late 1980s, to 22,995 in 1990 and to 27,152 in the latest U.S. Census of 2000.
El Paso has tried to annex the city. Socorro residents, though, have voted to remain a separate municipal entity.
Jesus Gandara Jr., a 28-year-old who is pursuing an online bachelor's degree in law and society from Penn State University, is a city representative.
He sat down with his laptop during one recent city council meeting as he listened to discussions and personal attacks about changing the location of the mayor's office and policies regarding the filing of city documents. Those two topics consumed about 50 minutes.
"It disturbs me where your priorities are," Gandara told the other city representatives and administrators.
The mayor's cell phone rang in the middle of a discussion and council members whispered to each other.
"It's a zoo. It's a Mickey Mouse club," said Robert Perez, a resident of the Valley Ridge subdivision.
Even though Socorro has many problems, Gandara said, educational attainment should be a priority.
"We (must) have a lot of progress in the city to correct that (percentage of college graduates)," he said. "That is not acceptable."
Perhaps it took Gandara too long to go to school, he said. He got married and he and his wife, Michelle, had kids right after high school.
"We had a lot of responsibilities and a lot of commitments," he said.
But she recently graduated from UTEP with a bachelor's degree in education, and he is pursuing a degree.
"I knew this would greatly enhance our lives, getting a four-year degree," he said.
Gandara said he has informally shared with other city leaders two proposals that would improve education in the community. One of them is to build a satellite school.
"This community is big enough that we need these four-year schools," he said. "It's not as easy for somebody from Socorro to get a degree from UTEP as it is from somebody on the West Side."
The second proposal is for junior and senior high schools in Socorro to collaborate in programs with universities to get more people thinking about a college education.
Socorro High School, the only one in the city, has an enrollment of about 2,850. Eighteen percent of the school's students were ready to attend college, according to the latest Texas Education Agency report with data from the class of 2007.
The plus side was that the number rose from 12 percent the year before. In Texas, 37 percent of students were college-ready.
"Academically, the school has made great strides in the period of two years," said Cynthia Lopez, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Socorro Independent School District.

Adriana Gómez Licón may be reached at agomez@elpasotimes.co;m 546-6129.

Texas cities with lowest percentage of college graduates
Socorro: 6.3 percent.
Channelview census-designated place: 7.5 percent.
San Benito: 8.6 percent.
San Juan: 9.4 percent.
Balch Springs: 9.6 percent.
Big Spring: 9.6 percent.
Rosenberg: 10.1 percent.
Cloverleaf census-designated place: 10.8 percent.
Port Arthur: 11.2 percent.
Texas City: 11.3 percent.

Socorro quick facts
Last in Texas for residents with bachelor's degrees.
17th-worst in the country in the same category.
45 percent of Socorro residents do not have a high school diploma.
$30,773 is the median income.
26 percent of families live below poverty level.
33 percent of children younger than 18 live below poverty level.
41 percent of people 65 years and older live below poverty level.Source: U.S Census American Community Survey.

Is Interim City Manager Lorenza Fraire unprofessional?

2009-11-19T06:02:00.012-07:00

Check out the video of Lorenza Fraire (Interim City Manager) appearing to harass and grab Mayor Lopez. If your wondering how she got the job, it is because of Sergio Cox and Tommy Faulkner, who voted to put her as city manager.

My thanks to Chuy Hernandez, who along with myself voted against appointing Mrs. Fraire. Atleast it appears some of us realized that when you place Mrs. Fraire who has never been employed in government to run a city of 30,000 people, this is the probable outcome.

The most comical parts are when Mrs. Fraire is shuffling backwards trying to block the Mayor's escape and when she grabs his arm to keep him from leaving. Can you imagine if City Manager Joyce Wilson from El Paso had done this to Mayor Cook? Oh wait, in El Paso they probably would have had enough common sense to not appoint Mrs. Fraire.

The person in the video with the baseball cap is Sergio Cox. In case the video below is not working, you can still see it on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0JGkj7vMuU

The Beginning - Part 2 - SilverSurfer & GhostChaser

2009-11-18T20:05:00.006-07:00

It started out as a freak accident 18 months ago. The circus council had just finished their biannual tent inspection, when a semi truck carrying hazardous material on the bustling street of I-20 overturned around 7 p.m.. As news entered about the horrible outcome, it was quickly reported that two councilmembers had survived. Yet with this rejoicing, their was also sadness. That is how I came to join this council. You see it is common knowledge among supernatural beings that a vampire is well suited to join a circus. For one, we have no fear. This helps when controlling lions and other deadly snakes. We also have the ability to sense in a human voice and expressions when they are lying. This helps in the fortune teller part of the act. Yes, I know the joke about being the vampire lie detector. But most important of all, we cannot be killed. This helps when walking a tightrope across the carnival. But for me, it allows me to move around and not worry about being killed by the number one death that happens to circus members...being stabbed in the back. I was in a sense recruited by the two survivors, who realized the carnival could not survive without a complete council. The leader of this group is only known as Silver Surfer. He hardly speaks, yet when he does, it can be hard at times to understand. This is because where he is from, an advanced alien race, they do not normally talk with words, but instead use their highly powerful minds to communicate. Although SilverSurfer and I have a complex history, we have been enemies and friends, depending on the decade. He has of late been a friend, hence he came to me to see if I would join his council. He along with his good friend, GhostChaser, make up the other survivor. GhostChaser is a newer friend to me, but we have undoubtedly grown close over the past years. So when he approached me also about joining, I never knew this would be an adventure I would never forget...

The Beginning - Part 1 - Vampire

2009-11-18T14:56:00.008-07:00

Most of you might wonder how this story really begins, but I have to assume you just don't have the time for me to go back 200 years. Instead, I will start you the night the circus made it big. You must understand that this is no ordinary circus, its paid for by tax dollars. Set up with a council and ringmaster who put it to work for the benefit of the community. You may wonder who I am, I am your narrator. I am also something much more, a vampire. I was not always so bold in admitting who I am, but after living and working for the circus, I realized nobody would believe these facts anyways. Because as this story unravels, you will begin to understand this story must be fiction. No way in this day and age can such corruption and stupidity be alive and well. But trust me, even as horrifying as it is, these facts are true...

Socorro as seen through Google

2009-08-12T14:02:00.003-06:00

This is an interesting video I found on youtube featuring Socorro. It starts off as an aerial view from the northeast flying south. You'll see Serna Elementary and later on Campestre Elementary. Interesting and Wierd, check it out for yourself.

This is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv4GN6qyxIg

Jesse

Yamaha and Bovee Rds denied for street paving

2009-07-21T18:20:00.004-06:00

Yamaha Rd. (see pictures above) will not be paved any time soon due to the actions of three councilmembers. At the July 21, 2009 council meeting, the following transpired:

An agenda item was placed by Mayor Trini Lopez to approve the overlay (paving) Bovee Rd. and Yamaha Rd.
A motion was made by Jesse Gandara Jr., seconded by Jesus "Chuy" Hernandez to approve the Mayor's recommendation.
Jesse Gandara Jr. and Jesus "Chuy" Hernandez voted yes
Sergio Cox, Jose "Joe" Hernandez, and Tommy Faulkner voted no
Motion failed

I believe this was shot down because of political hatred against the Mayor. Unfortunately, the ones who will lose out will be the communities in Socorro.

On a side note, what is also weird is Joe Hernandez has Bovee Rd in his district. So he actually voted against an improvement in his own council district. That's what happens when people start playing politics and stop representing their communities.

The same goes for Sergio Cox, he represents Campestre and still voted against the improvement for Yamaha Rd.

City Purchases Big Equipment to meet demand

2009-04-18T17:01:00.002-06:00

The City of Socorro has purchased some big machinery to keep up with paving and moving of dirt (storm drainage). More info to come...

More Pics of Construction of Border Fence in Socorro

2009-04-17T19:35:00.004-06:00

These pictures were taken about 50 yards away from the pictures in the previous post. They show the fence in construction. These pictures were also taken on April 17, 2009 looking south from Valle Bajo Rd.

Border Wall being built in the City of Socorro

2009-04-17T16:53:00.006-06:00

The pictures above were taken on April 17, 2009 near the intersection of Valle Romero Dr. and Valle Bajo Rd.. These streets are located by taking Socorro Rd. to Dindinger Rd., and they are located behind Dindinger Rd.. I am looking south towards the border in the City of Socorro. The pictures show the border wall (I guess technically its a fence) being built along the City of Socorro border with Mexico. I always knew we bordered Mexico, but it was crazy to see the fence go up right behind someones house here in Socorro.

An interesting Pic of the Border Patrol

2009-04-15T23:15:00.004-06:00

On a lazy Sunday morning, Feb. 15, 2009, this border patrol vehicle became stuck on the side of a canal. This picture was taken near the intersection of Passmore and Socorro Rd, on the side of the electric station. They placed another Border Patrol vehicle on the opposite side of the canal and pulled it back onto the embankment. It took about an hour and several failed attempts. The driver of the border patrol vehicle was not hurt, but I think he was a little bit embarrassed.

Attorney General Opinion Favors City

2009-03-06T13:59:00.002-07:00

The Texas Commissioner of Education recently asked the Texas attorney general whether a home rule city may apply certain provisions of its land development regulations to an independent school district. The request is one of several recent requests that question municipal authority over school district development or operations. It stemmed from a dispute between a North Texas city and the school district in which the city is located.
The school district questioned the application of the following zoning ordinance provisions to the district:

set back and height regulations;

community design standards;

sign standards;

landscaping and screening requirements;

supplemental requirements for screening of mechanical equipment and service areas;

general provisions for fences and free standing walls; and

fines for violations of such ordinances.

The district argued that the city should not be able to apply any type of "aesthetic regulations" to the district. The city argued that aesthetic regulations are integral to the main purpose of zoning ordinances—the protection of property values.
The attorney general's office - in opinion No. GA-0697 (2009) - rejected the school district's argument. Citing several Texas Supreme Court and appeals court decisions upholding municipal authority, the opinion is a good one for Texas cities and for municipal property owners.

http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinions/opinions/50abbott/op/2009/htm/ga-0697.htm

Socorro Police Website with Warrants List

2009-02-24T13:10:00.007-07:00

This is pretty cool and informational. Our Socorro PD maintains there own website, http://socorropolice.googlepages.com/home . It is full of updated info on staff and operations. There is another great feature also, a updated warrants list for the City of Socorro, http://socorropolice.googlepages.com/wanted . These are the people who have outstanding traffic tickets that are now warrants. For those of you who might check this out, press the CTRL button + F button at the same time to find people who live on your street or your last name.

Also please take note that on August 7th, 2008, the City of Socorro entered into a contract to develop and implement software to enforce a state law called "scofflaw". The program went into use approximately January 2nd, 2009. This means that anybody with an outstanding traffic warrant will not be allowed to register their vehicle until the fine is paid.

Lt. Serna appointed Interim Police Chief

2009-01-19T17:11:00.003-07:00

On January 16th, 2009, Lt. Gabriel Serna was appointed Interim Police Chief for the City of Socorro. I want to express my thanks and appreciation for his willingness to serve in this important leadership capacity. I look forward to working with him to benefit all stakeholders in the City of Socorro.

Good Luck

Paving Projects set for upcoming fiscal year

2008-12-11T16:11:00.004-07:00

On November 25, 2008 the City of Socorro Council had a special meeting to address all pending and upcoming paving projects for the new year. You may remember on August 11, 2008 I posted on this blog that the city set it's priority list for streets to be repaved. This time the city went beyond and set the list for the upcoming year also. For District 4, the list includes:

Passmore
Vineyard
Dindinger
Nooch
Bauman/DeLucio
EPISO
Favila
Panahi
Mosher
Carlin
Chisolm Trail

The total budgeted for new roads for the new fiscal year in District 4 is, $847,250. This is a great accomplishment for the City and our community to have budgeted and set the new road list. Also, weather permitting, Passmore should be started and completed by Christmas.

I'm now certified in Public Funds Investment!

2008-12-05T10:01:00.003-07:00

Just wanted you all to know that I have received my certification by the Texas Municipal League in Public Funds Investment. Our investment portfolio is currently not as strong as it should be, but I plan on working within our Public Funds Investment Committee to diversify it and minimize risk.

Some of the topics we learned were:

Overview of the Public Funds Investment Act

The Legislative Perspective and History of the Act

Implementing an Investment Program

Risks and How to Control Them

Balancing the Basics of an Investment Policy

Developing an Investment Strategy for Your City

Economic Indicators

Depository Contracts and Collateral

Authorized Investments Including Pools

The Presenters at the workshops were:

Linda Patterson, President, Patterson and Associates, Austin
Bennett Sandlin, General Counsel, Texas Municipal League, Austin
Tito Villegas, Controller, Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool, Austin

2008-2009 Street Lights should be up by Christmas!

2008-12-03T23:59:00.005-07:00

You may remember on November 6, 2008 of this blog, I asked for requests for street lights. I want to thank all those who have submitted requests and ideas. We were able to post 40 lights within our District at a total cost of $29,495. Although I have already maxed out on my lights list for the next year, I do know that our other representatives (Sergio Cox, SCox@socorrotexas.org and Mayor Lopez, TLopez@socorrotexas.org ) still have lights available for placement. Please contact them if you would like to petition them to place a light up on your street and please hurry because they will eventually run out also. I am posting the list below and have been told by El Paso Electric that they believe all lights will likely be up by Christmas! Awesome for us! Thanks again to those of you who helped me with the placement of the lights.

Favila between 351 Mosher & 350 Panahi

11441 Salmayucca

Between 159 & 161 Passmore

Passmore at 11390 Jorge

Between 420 & 421 Datsun

Between 11601 & 11605 Datsun

Between 401 & 407 Panahi

Between 396 & 400 Carlin

Between 11461 & 11449 Haney

Between 11600 & 11610 Valle Frondoso

Between 11560 & 11570 Valle Frondoso

Between 11560 & 11562 Valle Palomar

Between 11541 & 11551 Valle Dorado

Between 707 Abejano & 11552 La Fogata

Between 706 & 712 Camichin

Between 11520 & 11520 Villa Del Mar

Between 11525 & 11529 La Poblana

Between 657 & 661 Madrigal

Between 394 & 408 Vineyard

Between 382 & 386 Vineyard

Between 374 & 376 Vineyard

Between 11435 & 11455 Jenny

Between 11450 & 11456 Doris

Between 11430 & 11434 Ernest

Between 11527 & 11535 Phillip

Telop @ Doris

Between 11573 & 11583 Chisolm Trail

Between 11626 & 11632 Chisolm Trail

Between 11554 & 11662 Chisolm Trail

Between 351 & 361 Flor Morada

Between 11700 & 11710 Flor Del Sol

Between 11621 & 11631 Flor Del Sol

Between 241 & 251 Flor Amarilla

Between 11681 & 11683 Flor Del Rio

Between 220 & 230 Flor Bonita

Between 11208 & 11428 Haney

Middle Drain @ Isabel

Middle Drain @ Reveles

Between 221 & 231 Reveles

Between 148 & 150 Sun Ray

Parks in the City of Socorro

2008-11-07T08:03:00.002-07:00

In District 4 we have 2 parks, Amistad park and Bonita Park. Both parks are in the process of being improved and a parks workshop is scheduled for the beginning of next year for city council. Mayor Lopez and I were able to establish irrigation rights for Bonita Park, which is ideal since the park is located next to a irrigation canal. More news to come soon, but for those of you who may be wondering what parks the City of Socorro has? I've listed them for you.

Amistad Park 2.66 Acres
Bonita Park 4.29 Acres
Cougar Park 4.2 Acres
Moon Park 2.59 Acres
Paradise Park 2.47 Acres
Rio Vista Park 7.12 Acres
Valle Park (Pond Combo) 4.2 Acres
Valle Hermosa (Pond Com) 3.7 Acres

Does your street need street lights??

2008-11-06T09:33:00.003-07:00

Street Lights are great! They deter crime, add light to the street and surrounding properties, and prevent accidents. Plus almost everybody wants street lights as show in the picture above. No, this picture is not in Socorro but I thought it was funny anyway. So have you ever wondered how the street lights get placed in the first place. It usually requires a city representative advocating for the city to place one on your street. There are a few rules El Paso Electric has that can limit where exactly the light can be placed on the street. But even with that, having a new light on your street is better than none at all. So if you would like a street light, email me, jgmj40@gmail.com . Preferably by November 10, 2008, if you miss this deadline, don't worry, I'll work with you to accomplish this goal.

Thank You to all the volunteers who sit on our commissions.

2008-10-29T10:44:00.001-06:00

The city has many commissions that its citizens serve on. The commissions provide a valuable service to the city by having the public participate and help shape local government. The people that serve on the City commissions do so without compensation and many give hours and days of their personal time to volunteer.

A lot of thanks to the citizens below who donate their valuable time to serve on the City of Socorro Commissions. The picture I chose shows that we have you commissioners in our prayers. Thanks Again!

The Civil Service Commissions purpose is to oversee the operation of the City's Civil Service System, of ensuring its fairness, economy, and efficiency, and of hearing grievances by or against classified employees.

District 1 Rep. - Mary Garcia - Term: 06/05/08 - 06/05/10

District 2 Rep. - Ralph Duran - Term: 03/20/08 - 03/20/10

District 3 Rep. - David Gutierrez - Term: 10/04/07 - 10/04/09

District 4 Rep. - Alex Miranda - Term: 07/03/08 - 07/03/10

District Large. - Dolores Hernandez - Term: 06/22/06 - 06/22/08

Mayor Repre. - George Fernandez - Term: 10/04/2007 - 10/04/2009

Mayor Repre. - Mario Balderrama - 02/21/08 - 02/21/10

The Board of Adjustments Commission has the power to hear and determine appeals from the refusal of building permits, appeals resulting from administrative decisions, and to permit an authorized exception to or variation from the zoning regulations.

District 1 Rep. - Irma Sanchez - Term: 07/03/08 - 07/03/10

District 2 Rep. - Charlie Dominguez - Term: 07/03/08 - 07/03/10

District 3 Rep. - Eugene Trujillo - Term: 07/17/08 - 07/17/10

District 4 Rep. - Guillermo Madrid - Term: 05/22/08 - 05/22/10

District Large. - George Carrillo - Term: 08/02/07 - 08/02/09

The Municipal Planning and Zoning Commission may review and make recommendations to the City Council on land development regulations (zoning, subdivision, building and construction, environmental, including water conservation, and other police power regulations controlling, regulating, or affecting the use or development of land).

District 1 Rep. - Oscar Gutierrez - Term: 04/05/07 - 04/05/09

District 2 Rep. - Paul Guerra - Term: 07/03/08 - 07/03/10

District 3 Rep. - Miguel Martinez - Term: 09/18/08 - 09/18/10

District 4 Rep. - Joseph Vidales - Term: 07/03/08 - 07/03/10

District Large - Joe DeTuro - Term: 07/17/08 - 07/17/10

Mayor Repre. - Javier Hernandez - Term: 03/15/07 - 03/15/09

Mayor Repre. - Arnulfo Salazar - Term: 03/15/07 - 03/15/09

Should Single Wide Trailers be allowed in Socorro?

2008-10-28T18:38:00.006-06:00

The new hot topic gripping the council and citizens is whether the city should allow single wides back into the city. Current law already bans new single and double wides from entering the city unless they are placed in zoned trailer parks. However some members on City Council believe this should be changed to allow them legally back in the city. Others on City Council believe this would be a step backward for the city. The Planning Dept. and City Council has already had public hearings on the issue. At the November 17, 2008 meeting, the council voted unanimously to allow double-wide trailers in R-1, R-E, and A-1 zoned lots, new setback requirements for residential lots (R-1, R-2, R-3), and permit required single-wide trailers in R-E zoned areas.

However the vote on allowing single-wides into Socorro's more commonly zoned residential areas (R-1, R-2, R-3) was more contentious. It was narrowly defeated in a 3-2 vote.

Motion made by Tommy Faulkner, seconded by Sergio Cox to allow permits for single wide manufactured homes in residential zoned areas.
Sergio Cox and Tommy Faulkner voted YES
Jose "Joe" Hernandez Jr., Jesus "Jesse" Gandara Jr., and Jesus S. Hernandez voted NO
Motion Failed (3-2)

City of Socorro reaches out to MYSPACE

2008-10-27T12:11:00.003-06:00

Now there is a medium geared towards the youth where they can inform this City Councilman about issues in their area. Potholes are a big concern to the 18+ crowd because most are known to drop their cars, add a lower body that can almost touch the ground, and put expensive rims. Now if they have a pothole on their street they can email me through myspace and I can make sure the city gives the problem attention. But this site is not just where they can voice concern on issues, it will also be informative like this blog. Within the 1st day of going live with this blog, over 100 people signed up. With almost all of them either living in Socorro or who have family that do. This demographic is important because they have the ideas of what direction the City needs to go in order to make it a star in El Paso County.

myspace.com/socorronews

KFOX TV features Socorro Master Plan

2008-10-25T19:12:00.003-06:00

Check it out:

http://www.kfoxtv.com/video/17799550/

Once upon a time...Wonderland visited Socorro

2008-10-17T11:32:00.014-06:00

Once upon a time, a Councilman named Joe Hernandez (Joe in Wonderland) had a wonderful thought. He believed that since the state law did not allow him to get a salary from both the City and Socorro I.S.D. where he works, the City owed him something in return. His idea was simple; he wanted more money moved over to his discretionary fund. You see, each council member receives $10,000 specifically to use as they see fit for their areas they represent. Unfortunately, he was told this could not be done, because the money had to sit there in case it was ever needed to pay his salary (ex. he got fired, death, quit, indicted). But the council thought to help him out, so they unbalanced the budget, and took from the general fund $10,000 more to give to District 3. You see, the council could only gave money to District 3 since it was the only one on the agenda. But before the money was given, some said, "We expect you to be ready to help our Districts when we bring it up at the next meeting." A nod of silence was taken as acceptance.

So, on October 17, 2008 the meeting rolled around again. The case was made that it was unfair to all the other Districts that only one gets $10,000 more while the other areas of Socorro are shortchanged. The vote was called to let every District have $10,000 more equally to improve their areas, as discussed at the previous meeting. But this time... the vote was (incredulously) defeated by Joe in Wonderland and his two Tweedle friends. So now one city District will be better funded to serve it citizens and the rest will be hurt. This vote may make sense in their Topsy-Turvy world, but in reality, it just isn't fair.

Motion made by Jesus "Jesse" Gandara Jr, seconded by Jesus S. Hernandez to approve transferring $10,000 each to the discretionary funds of District 1, District 2, District 4, At-Large Representative, and Mayor (because District 3 already approved during meeting of October 2, 2008).

Sergio Cox, Jose Hernandez Jr., and Tommy Faulkner voted no
Jesus "Jesse" Gandara Jr and Jesus S. Hernandez voted yes

Motion Failed (3-2)

Handicapped and Disabled-Parking Enforcement Volunteers Needed

2008-10-16T09:23:00.004-06:00

A large thanks goes out to Ira Smith, this motivated citizen setup a meeting with Councilman's Cox and I and pitched the idea of having regular citizens enforce disabled-parking laws. Mr. Smith based the idea off of other similarly created laws in the state and received enthusiastic support from Mr. Cox and I. At the City Council meeting on July 3, 2008, I authored the item which then also gained immediate support from the entire council. Councilman Faulkner volunteered to be the City Council's officially designated Representative to see the law developed and eventually passed. Now it's officially known as Ordinance 270 and became law on October 2, 2008. This was truly a team effort on the part of the staff, City Council, and Mr. Smith. Now we need you to sign up to be volunteers. There are more details you can get from myself (jgmj40@gmail.com) or the city. Please call the city at 858-2915 and set yourselves up to volunteer.

A motion was made by Tommy Faulkner, seconded by Jesus "Jesse" Gandara Jr to approve to seek and advertise for RFQ's for Professional Services to develop the City of Socorro's Master Plan.
Motion carried unanimously (5-0)

Better Know A Candidate

2008-10-15T08:03:00.004-06:00

George Rodriguez Stoltz (Sheriff) - http://www.georgestoltz.com/Home_Page.php

Richard Wiles (Sheriff) - http://www.wilesforsheriff.com/index.html

Carlos "Charlie" Garza (State Rep) - https://www.carloscharliegarza.com/Home_Page.php

Chente Quintanilla (State Rep) - http://www.chenteforlagente.com/HomePage.html

Early Voting runs October 20-31, 2008, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pavo Real. For more info, check out the county elections dept at (915) 546-2154 or http://www.epcounty.com/elections/ , because times are subject to change.

Outdoor Haunted Maze/House

2008-10-14T13:24:00.006-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs9ZrXMgMzA

Don't forget to visit the Outdoor Haunted Maze, running October 16, 2008 through October 31, 2008 at 1000 Berry Rd by Rene Rodela in Socorro, TX. This maze is a fundraiser to help the Red Cross. You can reach Berry Rd. by driving north on Rio Vista and it's your last left before you hit Thunder Rd. Tentative Hours are Sunday through Thursday 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 7 p.m. to midnight. For any question on hours or schedule changes, contact Mr. Rodela at 345-4211.

Finally! A step towards a Master Plan for the City of Socorro

2008-10-14T13:08:00.004-06:00

Authored by Mayor Trini Lopez on October 2, 2008, the City of Socorro approved advertising to develop a City of Socorro Master Plan. The Master Plan is an important document for the City because it articulates a broad vision for Socorro's future and directs all development activities. It also guides the City's capital improvement projects. Without it (as the city has always done) the City cannot properly plan for building of homes, businesses, and especially the planning of roads to eliminate congestion.

A motion was made by Jesus Gandara Jr, seconded by Jesus S. Hernandez to approve to seek and advertise for RFQ's for Professional Services to develop the City of Socorro's Master Plan.
Motion carried unanimously (5-0)

Rio Vista Complex Ampitheater and Veterans Memorial

2008-10-14T12:47:00.004-06:00

Rio Vista complex site came up for discussion at the September 18, 2008 City Council meeting and passed on a 3-2 vote. The area being discussed is the embankment site and shade structure that is currently not utilized. The item was authored by Jesus S. Hernandez and he promoted that it could become a good source of revenue for the city. Those against it voiced concern about contamination issues with the soil. Those for it countered that the land has already been tested and the documentation only needed to be reviewed to make sure there is no problems with the soil.

A motion was made by Jesus S. Hernandez, seconded by Jose Hernandez Jr. to approve the Rio Vista Complex to be used as a amphitheater and Veterans Memorial contingent to proof of documentation of non-contamination of land.
Jose Hernandez Jr, Jesus S. Hernandez, and Jesus Gandara Jr. voted yes
Sergio Cox and Tommy Faulkner voted no
Motion Passed

Homecoming Parade for Socorro High School

2008-10-14T12:37:00.004-06:00

The parade will be on Thursday, October 16, 2008 beginning at 5:30 PM. The parade will begin in the corner of Horizon & Alameda (by the Whataburger) and travel west to the corner of Alameda and Moon Road.

This year's Homecoming Theme is "4:00 Minutes to Save the World!" which incorporates movies with super heroes, agents, saving the earth through recycling and promoting world peace by remembering the hippie days.

After the parade we will continue with the pep rally at the PIT at 7 PM and then on to the back fields for a new tradition, "The Lighting of the S!"

For more information please contact Carmen Alvarado (Student Activities Director), at 937-2134 or calvar31@sisd.net.

Sun Stars Dance Team awarded $4,320 by the City of Socorro

2008-10-14T11:49:00.005-06:00

The Sun Stars Dance Team, consisting of 16 children (12 females, 4 males - all of whom attend Hueco Elem.) and many parents, approached the meeting of City Council on October 2, 2008 for help. Their presentation was very informative, including that all of the participants ranged in grade levels 2nd to 5th. This is their 2nd year of performing and is strictly a volunteer program. They are directed and choreographed by a mother/daughter team named Anita and Terry Medrano. Last years team received 2 third place trophies at the Americas Cup, first place and a showmanship award at the Battle of the Sun City Championships, and a 1st place at the Six Flags over Texas in Arlington Dance Championships. This upcoming season they will be attending Knott's Berry Farm US Dance Championship (California), March 25-29, 2009. With the award by the City of Socorro of $4,320, they will be now be able to fly the children to Buena Park, CA, a wonderful experience that only 2 children in the group have already experienced. However more fundraising is needed since the trip is costly. So be on the lookout at your little league games, Wal-Mart, and many more places where they will be fundraising. For more info on how you can help, please contact Mrs. Medrano at mamaterry4@yahoo.com

A motion was made by Jesus S. Hernandez, seconded by Jesus Gandara Jr. to approve $4,320 for tourism to the Sun Stars Dance Team.
Motion carried unanimously (5-0)

School Property Tax Rate Set for 2008-2009 year

2008-10-14T10:20:00.004-06:00

On August 28, 2008 the Socorro School Board in a 5-1 vote, voted to approve an almost $389 million dollar budget. This rate hike means the owner of an average-priced home in the district, approximately $108,025, will now pay $1,105.14 to Socorro Independent School District. That's $103.08 more than last year.

A motion was made by Raymundo Rodriguez, and seconded by Craig Patton to adopt the new rate.

Raymundo Rodriguez, Craig Patton, Karen Blaine, George Salas, and Tony Ayub voted yes

Guillermo Gandara voted no

Motion Passed

Post your own comments on this blog!

2008-10-02T09:53:00.003-06:00

I just added a new feature. Now you can add your comments! Express your opinions and let them be heard on any of the articles here. However, all comments are sent to me first before publishing on the website so I can make sure they are not personal in nature. Now Post Away, anonymously if need be.

Cricket Cell Tower to be constructed on North Loop and McAdoo Dr

2008-09-24T11:32:00.011-06:00

This tower was first tabled on September 4, 2008. Then on September 18, 2008 this item came up again for a vote and passed 4-1.

I voted against it on two reasons. First of all, Cricket requested the tower to be 100 ft high. All other towers in Socorro are 75 ft. high, and the main people who benefit is the cell phone company who will be able to charge other cell phone companies to piggy back off of their tower. The City of Socorro taxpayers will get no added benefit by making the tower bigger and more noticeable. I believe they are unsightly and to place this tower near a residential area and make it bigger than it has to be is not in the best interest of that community. My second reason is because the council went with a light pole cell tower structure instead of palm tree or flag pole cell tower. Because cell towers a universally respected as being ugly in appearance, the cell companies now give the cities options to disguise them. I believe a palm tree or flag pole disguised cell tower is more visually pleasing than a cell tower with a light pole attached. If light is needed on that street, then the city should put up a regular light pole there and leave the cell tower as visually pleasing as possible.

A motion was made by Sergio Cox, seconded by Jesus S. Hernandez to approve the rezoning.
Motion carried with Sergio Cox, Jose Hernandez Jr., Tommy A. Faulkner, and Jesus S. Hernandez voting yes
Jesus Gandara Jr voting no
Motion Passed

City Property Tax Rate Set for October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009

2008-09-20T15:05:00.005-06:00

On September 18, 2008 the city council voted 4-1 to perform the actual assessment and collection of property taxes for the City of Socorro. The new levy being set at a rate of $.497757 per $100.00 value on real and personal property situated within the boundaries of Socorro, TX. This tax rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year's tax rate. The tax rate will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a 100,000 home by approximately $54.40.

A motion was made by Jesus S. Hernandez, seconded by Sergio Cox to approve the tax rate
Sergio Cox, Jose Hernandez Jr., Tommy Faulkner, and Jesus S. Hernandez voting yes
Jesus Gandara Jr. voting no.
Motion Passed

M-2 Heavy Industrial Business (Scrap Yard, Junkyard)

2008-09-15T12:51:00.010-06:00

A new application has been received for a proposed rezoning from a combination of Single Family/Light Commercial properties to M-2, Heavy Industrial near the corner of Alameda and EPISO Rd. The property is located at 11291 Alameda Ave. The issue was first presented at the August 21, 2008 council meeting where no action was taken. It again was discussed at the September 4, 2008 council meeting where council decided 2 votes for and 3 votes against rezoning this property to M-1. The council then voted 3-2 to send it back to the Planning Commission for discussion. The Planning and Zoning Commission had already recommended approval for a M-2. I have informed council that I do no support any more heavy industrial zoning (M-2) in Socorro, but can support at the most a M-1, Light Commercial Zoning. Commercial development needs to happen in Socorro in the form of retail and professional businesses. Plus, we have enough Heavy Industrial businesses already in Socorro, we should instead focus on helping those already established businesses be better partners with the City of Socorro. Also, this is currently a clean piece of land, allowing it to become a junkyard only adds to the problem of to many junkyards already being in Socorro.

September 4, 2008 City Council Meeting

Motion was made by Jesus S. Hernandez, seconded by Jesus Gandara Jr to approve the rezoning as a M-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONING)
Jesus S. Hernandez and Jesus "Jesse" Gandara Jr voted yes
Sergio Cox, Jose Hernandez Jr, and Tommy A Faulkner voted no
Motion Failed 3-2

Motion was made by Jose Hernandez Jr, seconded by Tommy Faulkner to send this item back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation (even though they had already approved a M-2, Heavy Industrial)
Sergio Cox, Jose Hernandez, and Tommy Faulkner voted yes
Jesus S. Hernandez and Jesus "Jesse" Gandara Jr voted no
Motion Passed 3-2

This issue was again taken up at our council meeting on October 16, 2008. This time the Heavy Industrial rezoning was withdrawn and instead a Light Industrial rezoning was given. I am pleased with the outcome and thank all constituents who voiced concern and councilman who stepped up to protect the best interests of the community.

Motion was made by Jesus "Jesse" Gandara Jr, seconded by Jose Hernandez Jr. to approve an M-1 zoning.
Motion carried unanimously (5-0)

New Community Center Grand Opening!

2008-08-15T20:34:00.006-06:00

SCUP (Non Profit) INVITES the whole community

SCUP (Non Profit) INVITA a toda la comunidad

Next Saturday, August the 23rd. starting at 10:30 a.m.

El Proximo Sabado, 23 de Agosto desde las 10:30 a.m.

to the Grand INAUGURATION of the SCUP Cultural Center (Ex-Fire Station)

317 Vineyard, Socorro, Texas

a la Gran INAUGURACION del Centro Cultural SCUP

We will have cultural activities for all the family. You can sign on for the following courses:Te podras inscribir en los cursos de:

Multilevel English, Ingles Multinivel

Basic Computer, Computacion Basica

Artistic Drawing, Dibujo Artistico

Sculpture, Modelado

Oil Painting, Escultura y Pintura Acuarela y Oleo

Design, Diseno

Artcrafts, Artesanias

Mural Painting, Pintura Mural

Socorro History, Historia de la Fundacion de Socorro

Morning and afternoon Courses available. There will be karaoke. Music with Gerardo Barajas and Joshua Anguiano. Snacks and Refreshments. Come and enjoy a great morning, friendship, and trust.

For more information call Jose Rayas 204-9380 or Abel Gonzalez 355-2402

Former employee of the City of Socorro arrested

2008-08-15T08:33:00.005-06:00

The City of Socorro has been informed by the F.B.I. that a former city employee has been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury, arrested by the F.B.I., and is awaiting trial. The investigation was a long process that took the city at least two and a half years to see completed. The former city employee worked in the Planning Dept. and is charged with theft of government funds. An internal review of this situation is still ongoing and therefore I cannot discuss it further. Any additional information released will be by the F.B.I. media coordinator.

Passmore Rd is finally set to be fixed and Chisolm Trail

2008-08-11T20:58:00.006-06:00

Old roads have been allocated money and set for the upcoming months. On June 19, 2008, the Planning Department, along with City Council, set the new road projects to be worked on in the immediate future. The streets will be like new and are listed below in no particular order. The dates for completion are based on estimates. All time estimates include street repaving, shoulder work, clean up, and any minor additional work that may come up.

Rio Vista Rd. 3 weeks from starting date

F. E. Jackson 1 1/2 weeks from starting date

Vineyard 2 weeks from starting date

Chisolm Trail 1 week from starting date

Passmore 2 weeks from starting date

Stockyard St. 3 weeks from starting date

Bufford Lane 3 weeks from starting date

Is it time for a Veterans Memorial Park?

2008-08-10T18:58:00.011-06:00

Some people are for it, some people are against it. That is what I learned at both council meetings (July 17, 2008 & August 7, 2008) where a push was made to make this currently unused, city-owned land (approximately 6 acres located on Buford Rd.) into a Memorial for Veterans.

Arguments AGAINST a Veterans Memorial Park:

Our resources are better served fixing roads and current parks.

This land was not purchased to be used as a park.

Arguments FOR a Veterans Memorial Park:

This land has irrigation rights and is already hooked up for irrigation, so keeping the grass green will not be a heavy burden.

Citizens have already approached City Council at meetings and offered to donate trees for this specific park.

It will not compete with roads; laying down new roads costs thousands of dollars, while irrigating land costs a fraction.

Some say, "You need to take care of your current parks first." But, what if an organization like the Veterans step in and say, "We will be responsible for raising the money for our memorial."? This takes away the financial responsibility from the city to spend money.

The opposition says that current parks need upgrades. I agree. They need upgrades like playground equipment (for example, Bonita Park), which comes down to money in the end. However, this memorial park does not compete with our goal of upgrading other parks. We just have to keep it green. So there is no competition for money from our current parks.

If this land was not meant to be a park, then what will it be for? To build a new City Hall? This may be possible in about 20 years, if the city ever fixes its road issues first. Is it to be used for drainage for the expansion of Horizon Blvd? Yes, which means water will be collected here during rain storms. That sounds like good water; maybe to water the grass at a park?

If by some chance we do need this property in the future to build something, all you have to do is move the trees (a memorial will not take up all 6 acres). In fact, move the trees to some other park that may need them, roots and all. Plus, build the memorial in a spot that will not interfere if in the future we do need to build a building there.

Finally, consider the alternative; leave 6 acres to be overgrown with weeds in the years to come? Instead, act upon the least expensive thing the city can do: make it a Veterans Memorial Park.

Either way, this issue failed the same way both times:
A motion was made by Jesus S. Hernandez seconded by Jesus Gandara Jr. to approve the dedication of land on Buford Rd. as a park, green area, and to accept tree donations.

Motion carried with Jesus S. Hernandez, and Jesus Gandara Jr. voting aye, and

Jose Hernandez Jr., Sergio Cox, and Tommy Faulkner voting nay.

Motion failed.

How close is to close for a beer depot and daycare?

2008-08-09T13:03:00.008-06:00

This issue was brought up at our October 2, 2008 meeting for a vote. How close is too close for a beer depot and daycare center to be located? On the 900 block of Horizon you will see a beer depot and a daycare center on opposite ends of the property. When dealing with beer depots and day care centers, elected officials must think of what is in the best interest of the public; this situation is definitely a concern. Plus, beer depots seem to be saturated everywhere in our community. Do we really need one more? This liquor store was approved on a 3-2 vote.

A motion was made by Sergio Cox, seconded by Tommy Faulkner to approve the permit for "Licores Baca".
Sergio Cox, Jose Hernandez Jr., and Tommy Faulkner voted yes
Jesus S. Hernandez and Jesus "Jesse" Gandara Jr. voted no
Motion Passed (3-2)

Do you think beer depots belong next to daycares?

2008-08-09T10:28:00.009-06:00

If pictures are worth a thousand words, look at the ones above...

On the 11000 block of Socorro Rd., you will see two daycares with a beer depot in the middle (it's the little white sign in the 3rd picture). "How did this happen?" you may ask, since beer businesses must recieve approval through council first in the form of a conditional permit? Well, this situation occured during the council meeting of June 5th, 2008, Item #18:

"A motion was made by Jose Hernandez Jr. seconded by Jesus S. Hernandez to approve item number eighteen (18).

Motion carried with Sergio Cox, Jose Hernandez Jr., Mary Perez, and Jesus S. Hernandez voting aye, and

Jesus Gandara Jr. voting nay.

Motion passed."

I have expressed my concern that having these two businesses so close to each other is not in the best interest of the public. I will bring this topic up again at our August 21st meeting and try to see if I can get support from the other council members to address this problem. If you have an opinion on this subject, please attend our meeting at 6 p.m. or call and email your representative. In all fairness to the other council members, I have been told that no one in the city told them that this beer depot would be next to a daycare center. Hopefully at the next meeting we can fix this wrong.

Let me know what you think about this situation; email me at JGMJ40@gmail.com.

God Bless

Why a blog?

2008-08-09T08:27:00.001-06:00

Hi, for those of you who don't know me well, my name is Jesse. This blog is created for many purposes, but mainly to keep our community (District 4) informed to the many inner workings of our city. It will also be to share my ideas and thoughts with you, which will also be therapeutic, LOL. Oh, and this is also not a formal area of discussion but more of a conversation we might have over coffee in your living room. Any thoughts or opinions I would love to hear if they are constructive or even informational, please email them to me, you will hear back from me shortly. With the price of sending out mail-outs and time constraints it just doesn't seem realistic that I could visit all of our residents in a timely manner and especially keep them up to date periodically. This blog seemed like a logical route to follow for those who are interested in how their tax dollars are working for them but didn't want to be bothered on their days off. It also is money efficient for me, less paper, and I'm saving trees, LOL. Hope you find this website useful and informational.

God Bless

New Homes on Passmore Rd

2008-07-22T12:58:00.007-06:00

Many of you know of the huge development that was pushed through here in our area. I campaigned on finding another exit for this 400 home community. All of us that live here know that Passmore Rd. cannot handle this amount of added traffic. I have since learned now on council that the number of homes is approximately in the 700 range. Now our attention turns to alternate exits. This is made difficult because it becomes about money. Money to buy property for this second exit, money to build a bridge (bridges are really expensive), money to build a new road, and money to pay all the qualified people who make it happen (from feasibility studies to engineers). My first thought was, 'if we cannot keep up with the potholes and paving of older streets, where does the city expect to find this money for a new second exit street'. A few solutions have been tossed around before, but after researching them, I found them to be either long shots or just talk. I placed an item on our July 3rd, 2008 City Council Meeting for, "Discussion and Action on proposed 2nd exit for Passmore Rd.", to see where we were in the process. I was told nothing has actually happened as far as the city staff doing something to fix this problem. The problem is if the city knew these homes were approved more than a year ago, why has nothing of substance happened on the cities part to fix this problem. I can only end in telling you that this project will not be quick or easy. It will take many dedicated and qualified city staff to accomplish this task of a 2nd exit for Passmore Rd. I will constantly push to fix this problem that was made by our previous city council.
God Bless