Finishing Touches

Our Newman Park sign just needs the lettering now. This picture was taken on Saturday, December 22, 2012. Click image to enlarge.

Time to Order Your 2012 Luminarias

Just follow the instructions below or download, print and mail. Checks should be made out to "Newman Park Neighborhood Association" or just "NPNA". 

2012 Luminarias Order Form

Byrd Seeks to Curb Predator Loans

Susie Byrd to present ordinance to curb the harmful effects of payday loans and auto title loans

on El Paso consumers

On Thursday, December 6^th at the Special City Council Meeting that starts at 9:30am, Susie Byrd will urge the Mayor and Council to begin the process of adopting an ordinance whose intent is to curb the harmful effects of payday loans and auto title loans for El Paso consumers.

“The State of Texas has failed to protect consumers from high cost loans that trap them in a cycle of debt where they continue to pay fees and interest but never pay off the loan. Many cities are stepping up to protect Texas consumers. El Paso should join them,” says Susie Byrd, City Council Representative for District 2.

          

According to the Texas Fair Lending Alliance, “The average Texas borrower pays $840 or more for a $300 loan and around $1,000 per month in fees alone for a $4,000 auto title loan. Borrowers often pay these fees month after month without reducing the loan principal.”

The proposed ordinance modeled after similar legislation passed in Dallas, Austin and San Antonio would require:

• Limiting payday loans to 20% of the borrower's gross monthly income.
• Limiting auto title loans to the lesser of 3% of the borrower's gross annual income or 70% of the vehicle value.
• Limiting loans to no more than four installments or three rollovers or renewals (a rollover or renewal is defined as an extension of consumer credit made within seven days of the previous extension of credit).
• Requiring the proceeds from each installment or renewal to reduce the loan principal by 25%.
• Requiring that every contract be written in a language the borrower can understand, or be read in its entirety to any borrower who cannot read.
• Requiring the lender to provide to the borrower a form created by the city, which references non-profit agencies that provide financial education and agencies with cash assistance programs, and contains general information regarding extensions of consumer credit.

Christmas Tree Lights Up at San Jacinto Plaza Saturday

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Parade Route

Newmanista to Be Sworn in as Federal Magistrate Judge

Soon to be U.S. Magistrate Judge, Mike Torres (far right) plays with the Big Easy at the 2011 Newman Park Neighborhood Association Annual Meeting.

U.S. District Judge Phil Martinez announced that Newmanista Mike Torres has been named a U.S. Magistrate Judge and will replace retiring Judge Richard Mesa. Mike will be sworn in in late December and begin January 1. (Read the El Paso Times story.)

Learn more about a Magistrate Judge.

Newman Park neighbors knew Mike best as a guitar player with the Big Easy, a band that has often played for Newman Park Neighborhood Association annual meetings. Mike left the band a few months ago but the band is still going.

You can read Judge Torres' resume online and learn the depth of his activities and accomplishments. This Newmanista is perfect for the job to which he has just been appointed.

Congratulations Judge Mike Torres!

Emily Davis Wows Crowd at Joe Vinny and Bronsons

Picture courtesy of Paul Tolbert

Last Friday Joe Vinny and Bronsons Bohemian Cafe had a crowded house with premier singer/songwriter, Emily Davis performing.

Emily Davis. Picture courtesy of Paul Tolbert

JVB continues its Thursday night acoustic series in December including a return of Emily on December 13.

Here's just a teaser for Christina Velia on the 20th:

This Year Purchase a Live Tree

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It's time again to order your Living Christmas Tree. Pearson Tree Farm makes it so easy to order and deliver; and then, after the holidays, to add your tree to your landscape or donate it to the City. Either way the hardy, fast-growing Mondale pine will help increase our City's canopy.

Little Free Library Dedicated at Newman Park

Video courtesy of Juan Garza

The Newman Park Neighborhood Association dedicated their Little Free Library yesterday at Newman Park. Newman Park is the first City of El Paso park to host one of these "birdhouse" libraries. Speakers at the event included City Parks and Recreation Director, Nanette Smejkal, Zavala Elementary School librarian, Lisa Lopez who has spearheaded the LFL movement in El Paso, Bob Bonner of the Woodworkers Club of El Paso and Bobby Byrd of Cinco Puntos Press. Rather than cutting a ribbon, the Little Free Library was commissioned and blessed when Hannah Hollandbyrd placed her donation of books into the little box.

After the ceremony, Tres Leches cake from Bowie Bakery and Chai Tea Latte from Joe Vinny and Bronsons was served.

The LFL belongs to everybody - neighbors, friends, and people we don't even know yet.  Anyone can use it. That's why we want to take care of it.  Everyone who uses the LFL can help by keeping the collection stocked with good reading material. 

People are encouraged to take a book. They are also asked to return the book to any Little Library or pass it on to a friend. Most of all, people are encouraged to give a book - to the LFL and to other libraries. Leave a note in the book and your name if you wish. 

The Little Free Library organization supports "reading for children, literacy for adults, and libraries around the world."

Celebration of Lights December 1

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Coyote on Scenic

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Our good friend, Hector Montes, shared this photo on Facebook. He wrote:

"On the way home after "The Show" with Hector & Abel on Talk Radio 1150,I spotted this coyote on Scenic Drive. I've seen a lof of wildlife on the mountain and on Scenic, but this is the first coyote. He crossed in front of me and jumped over the wall and went down the hill. Then he came back up, crossed Scenic again, and almost got hit by a car before going back up the mountain by the police academy. Neighbors should keep an eye on their cats and small dogs, as they can make a tasty meal for a coyote."

When I was growing up here in the hood, packs of coyotes routinely howled at night. However, I do not hear them any longer. On the other hand, friends near the Palisades or at the end of Stanton on the other side of the mountain hear and see coyotes almost daily. 

Little Free Library Dedication Monday 11-19 at 4:30 p.m.

Our Little Free Library is installed at Newman Park. Plan to make the dedication next Monday afternoon. Here are the details:

What:                    Little Free Library Dedication

Where:                 Newman Park playground area, Altura and Louisiana (Map)

When:                  Monday, November 19, 2012, 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Special Guests: Meet Lisa Lopez, the librarian who brought LFLs to El Paso, Nanette Smeykal, Director of Parks and Recreation, members of the Woodworkers Club of El Paso

Food:                    Cake, warm Chai Tea

In case you missed it, Newmanista and NPNA Board Member, Lisa Garibay, was featured in the El Paso Times Living section this past week. For a long time El Pasoans have watched a “brain drain” – people who grew up here but then left after high school or college for better opportunities. “Now, a growing number of young, professional El Pasoans are coming home and using their experience gained elsewhere to contribute to improving the border city.” Read Lisa’s story in Homecomings: Publicist found plenty going on in El Paso.  Lisa has been a big help to our Association especially with our Facebook page. She helped make the Little Free Library a reality and is helping to maintain it.

Make Acoustic Thursday Nights at Joe Vinny and Bronson’s, 824 N. Piedras a weekly routine. This Thursday, November 15, come listen to Selina Nevarez & the Soul Project at 8 p.m.  (YouTube Video) There’s some really great musical talent in El Paso and the Estradas have ‘em booked each Thursday night at 8 p.m.  I’m especially looking forward to my favorite, Emily Davis, on November 23^rd.  Kiko Rodriguez from Frontier Bugalu and Fuga will be playing Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. No cover charge!

Stars, music, hot chocolate and more. Make reservations now for “Melodies under the Milky Way” at the Tom Mays Unit of the FMSP this Saturday beginning at 4:30 p.m. See details.

Many of you asked so you need to know: Lambert found a home.  And so did the poodle thanks to Ace Detective Pat Dalbin. When asked how she found the owner, Detective Dalbin responded: “Well since he had been recently groomed I took him to the closest groomer Petvorous and he said he did the dog on the 2nd and looked up the owner.  He called and sure enough he was missing so they are now reunited!” Move over Ace Ventura! BTW, Newmanista Pat is the Public Art Program Coordinator for the City of El Paso.

Finally, congratulations to the Austin High Panther football team on winning back the coveted claw in their annual homecoming match-up against El Paso High School.

Vaya con Dios!

¡Hola Vecinos!© is an emailed newsletter for the people and businesses in the Newman Park neighborhood of El Paso, their friends and other interested persons. It is written and published by Jim Tolbert who takes sole responsibility for the content of the letter. To subscribe or unsubscribe, just reply to this letter or email jimhtolbert@elp.rr.com.

Please visit www.newmanpark.blogspot.com and www.elpasonaturally.blogspot.com.

The mission of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association is to improve the quality of life in the Newman Park neighborhood through care and attention to the park and surrounding areas, and to build a community network of care, watchfulness and concern for each other and our beautiful desert environment.

This is Volume 7 and Number 35 published on November 13, 2012

Lambert Found a Home!

Click on image to enlarge.

After 3 long years, adorable Lambert has a new home. You will recall that Park Ranger, Adrianna Weickhardt, organized an event at the State Park co-sponsored by Animal Rescue: Happy Tails n' Happy Trails. The headliner, was cute little, Lambert. Adrianna wrote: 

"11 dogs including Lambert were being shown. All but 1 dog got adopted and Lambert got a home after more than 3 years! We had about 50 participants and about the same number of dogs. It was great to see so many dog lovers and sweet pups, with barking dogs left and right, waggin' tails, belly scratches, and a great hike down the Lower Sunset Trail. This is sure to be the first of more Happy Tails n' Happy Trails hikes!"

Take a Book; Return a Book

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The Little Free Library is now a part of Newman Park. Without any instruction or notice, people have already begun leaving books and following the simple guide: "Take a Book; Return a Book".

Comments about the Little Free Library have begun popping on Facebook:

Lisa Garibay wrote: "Newman Park is a literacy pioneer! We are the first city park to sport a 'Little Free Library' with the help of the Woodworkers of El Paso, the Parks & Recreation Department, Cinco Puntos Press and many more. A variety of books are already stocking the library; feel free to stop by any time and borrow or leave a book of your own!"

The Newman Park LFL was donated by Cinco Puntos Press. Renowned El Paso artist, Luis Villegas, chose the colors. Zavala Elementary Librarian, Lisa Lopez,  has been the pioneer and promoter of LFLs in El Paso.

Click on image to enlarge.

There will be a dedication of another LFL this coming Tuesday, November 13th, at 10 a.m. by the City's Health Department at the WIC Pershing Center, 3707 Pershing Drive.  

Plans for a dedication at Newman Park are now being made.

You can get more information about this worldwide literacy movement by going to the Little Free Library site.

Fall Food Drive with the Great Music of Slackabilly!

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Music by Slackabilly! You can't beat it!!!  I've always liked their Stray Cat Strut.

Adopt a Furry, Loving Hiking Friend

You will really want to read this event announcement.

Click on image to enlarge.

Another Great Pumpkin Patch!

This year NPNA sponsored another very successful pumpkin patch. Board Treasurer and event organizer, Robert Taylor, reported that approximately 80 pumpkins were purchased with donations. 

A new addition to this year’s pumpkin patch was entertainment by a mariachi band.  The Mariachi Femenil Flores Mexicanas, an all-female band, delighted Newmanistas and their friends who also shared a dessert potluck. “I have to say that the Mariachis were some of the best I have ever heard as far as both the music and the voices,” Robert stated.

Newman Park Scarecrow Fundraiser Again This Year

The Newman Park Neighborhood Association will once again have its annual Halloween event at Newman Park on Saturday October 20th from 2 to 4 p.m. followed by Mariachi music by the Mariachi Femenil Flores Mexicanas and a dessert potluck from 5 to 6 p.m. 

A pumpkin for carving is just a $3 donation to the Association. For a donation of $20 you can take home a handsome scarecrow like one of these:

Pumpkin Carving and Mariachi Music

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New Slide Completes Work on Playground Repairs

Newman Park now has a new slide. You may remember that two of the slides had to be removed because of damage. (A third one was subsequently removed and replaced along with one other almost immediately after the damage was discovered.) Finding a replacement for the spiral slide was not easy.

This particular playground system, the spiral slide and associated parts are no longer made because of its age. The The City's General Services Department had to find an alternative. (Machining a new part was not an option because of safety standards.)

Thanks to General Services Director, Stuart Ed, an acceptable slide and associated parts were located as well as a Certified Playground Installer since the usual contractor would not have been available until November.

Mom, Cindy Montes-Bustamante, was thrilled when she heard about the installation. "Wait until my daughter sees it this afternoon!" she exclaimed. Cindy and her daughter were instrumental in requesting that the installation of a new slide be expedited.

Lion Star Blogger Tells City to Fix Parks & Rec PR Issue

Today there has been a strong reaction from the blogosphere (the digital media) to Wayne Thornton's slander of elpasonaturally:

"The Lion Star Blog by Jaime Abeytia: Dear City Officials - Fix Parks & Rec PR Issue: Whenever I feel strongly about an issue having to do with the city, I usually pick of the phone and call the offices of almost every city re..."

Thank you, Brother Jaime! I particularly liked this comment of yours: "I don't know about other bloggers in town because I haven't aske, but Iam onmost media lists in town despite the fact that I am not a journalist. They understand the interface we have with the community." [Emphasis is mine.]

I also loved this comment: "Sorry Wayne, you don't get to decide who is and who isn't media. Your title as I understand it is Public Relations Director. It's not Director of Communications with Whoever-The Hell-You-Arbitrarily-Decide-is-Media." I love to give 'em hell - but I can't give it like this.

A hat tip also to David K. over at Refuse the Juice who posted this on 9/21: http://refusethejuice.typepad.com/thinkaboutit/2012/09/a-blog-post-you-should-read-react-to.html

Mr. Thornton did deign to put me on his official "press" list for press releases. He joins others at City Hall who had never had such problems with the "interface [that I have] with the community": Neighborhood Services, Economic Development, Planning, several City Representatives. What is disgusting is that he had to be forced to do so. 

Parks and Recreation Department Disdains Freedom of the Press

I routinely get press releases from several City of El Paso Departments - both for my newman park blog and my elpasonaturally blog. Associated with both blogs are two e-letters that people subscribe to: elpasonaturally and Hola Vecinos, the Newman Park Association and friends letter. Today, Mr. Wayne Thornton, Public Relations Director for the City's Parks and Recreation Department, refused to put me on his press release distribution list because I'm "not media"/"not press". I wouldn't have thought to have asked him about it except that a reader of my neighborhood association letter asked why I had not included the Arts in the Park event this weekend sponsored by the Parks Department. I didn't because I hadn't heard about it. I certainly would have promoted this event at Memorial Park, if I had known. Apparently, I won't know about future parks and recreation events because I'm "not media"/"not press" according to Mr. Wayne Thornton, who by the way writes a delightful column for the El Paso Times and who, therefore, should have a stronger value of freedom of the press.

I not only think that the Parks and Recreation Department's refusal is wrong - it is wrong on so many levels. First, I'm a member (appointed by City Council) of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. For no other reason, you think that I would receive the courtesy. Next, other City Departments have no problem including me. Third, as a citizen (and, yes, as someone who publishes and distributes to subscribers, i.e., PRESS), my civil rights have been violated not to mention the slander involved. Finally, if this matter isn't resolved to my satisfaction, I believe that the Open Records laws of the State of Texas have been violated and that the Attorney General of this State should become involved.

To think - all I wanted to do was to promote a Parks event and help get the word out to a wider audience. Silly me.

Jim Tolbert
www.elpasonaturally.blogspot.com
www.newmanpark.blogspot.com
Publisher of elpasonaturally and Hola Vecinos

Free Movie Saturday at Mission Hills Park

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Becky Friesenhahn Is New NPNA President!

There are new members and new officers on your Newman Park Neighborhood Association Board:

Becky Friesenhahn,        President

Violet Urquidez,               Vice President

Robert Taylor,                   Treasurer

Jim Tolbert,                        Secretary

Orlando Arriola

Andrea Baca

Alma Foreman

Lisa Garibay

Ana Reyes

Sally Sauli

The El Paso Department of Transportation has announced a two week closure of Scenic Drive except for Scenic Sundays from 6 to 11 a.m. when the road is available to walkers, runners, hikers, bicyclists and even Chihuahuas (accompanied by a human):

The public is advised that Scenic Drive will be closed to the traveling public for two weeks effective September 17^th to allow for roadway improvements.  The City of El Paso Department of Transportation (EPDoT) will be making repairs to the concrete pavement, rock walls and roadway striping from September 17^th through the 29^th.  During this period, Scenic Drive will only be open to the public on Sundays for participants of Scenic Sundays.  Proper traffic control measures will be in place to direct the traveling public through this area for this period. Traffic will be detoured through nearby streets. The project schedule is a plan that may be modified due to the weather or other unforeseen events.

Our neighborhood library has turned a new page in its history.  Acting Branch Manager Laurel Indalecio invites you to the Expansion Celebration to be held at the Memorial Park Library, 3200 Copper, on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 2 p.m. Be sure to book this event.

Finally, City Council Representative Steve Ortega has published a fact sheet about Triple A Baseball in El Paso. You can read it here.

Vaya con Dios!

¡Hola Vecinos!© is an emailed newsletter for the people and businesses in the Newman Park neighborhood of El Paso, their friends and other interested persons. It is written and published by Jim Tolbert who takes sole responsibility for the content of the letter. To subscribe or unsubscribe, just reply to this letter or email jimhtolbert@elp.rr.com.

Please visit www.newmanpark.blogspot.com and www.elpasonaturally.blogspot.com.

The mission of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association is to improve the quality of life in the Newman Park neighborhood through care and attention to the park and surrounding areas, and to build a community network of care, watchfulness and concern for each other and our beautiful desert environment.

This is Volume 7 and Number 28 published on September 15 , 2012

El Paso Triple A Baseball Facts

Below is an El Paso Triple A Baseball Fact Sheet followed by a note from City Council Representative Steve Ortega. You can also read the City's Fact Sheet. 

El Paso Baseball Fact Sheet

To enlarge, click on the title or the icon in the bottom right hand corner.

"I am asking for your help on behalf of our community. 

"Over the last decade, El Paso has made huge strides in becoming a great American city.  To contrast, at the close of the last century El Paso was a national leader in out-migration ("brain drain"), a national leader in low-wages (59% of the nat'l average), and a leader in the exportation of talent and capital (eg., loss of El Paso Gas headquarters, loss of 3rd Armored Cavalry, Court of Inquiry asked why El Paso was at the bottom end of TxDOT funding).  Political leadership did not believe in El Paso, business leadership did not believe in El Paso, and it's fair to say - El Paso did not believe in El Paso. 

"Since that time, El Paso’s experienced renaissance.  Our community has decided to rebrand El Paso from a place that expects mediocrity to a community on a quest for excellence.  Ten accomplishments over the last decade are the following: 

·         *  establishment of the Texas Tech Paul Foster School of Medicine;

·         *  creation of the Medical Center of the Americas;

·        *   UTEP’s strides toward tier one status;

·         *  the opening of the largest inland desalination plant in the world;

·         *  tremendous transportation strides (i.e., completion of the loop, introduction of the Rapid  

         Transit System, reintroduction of the trolleys);

·         *  over $250 million of public and private investment in downtown;

·         *  creation of first-class signature downtown festivals (i.e., Plaza Classic Film Fest, Neon Desert, Chalk the Block);

·         *  the building of The El Paso Children's Hospital;

·         *  creation of the Texas Tech Gayle Hunt School of Nursing;

·         *  unprecedented investment at Ft. Bliss; and

·         *  the reopening of the Plaza Theatre;

"It’s fair to say that no project above – alone and on its own – is responsible for El Paso’s renewed resurgence.  But, collectively, there is no doubt that they are responsible for the optimism that exists in our community today. 

"On Tuesday, we have the chance to add to the list above and continue El Paso’s march to greatness.  To be clear, Triple A baseball is not the magic ladder to El Paso’s prosperity, but it is an additional step on that ladder that gets us closer to the community that we deserve. 

"The local naysayers have been vocal – just like they were during the debate regarding the children’s hospital, the Plaza Theatre, and downtown revitalization.  The question is: Will the El Pasoans who believe in El Paso stand up this Tuesday at city hall to have their voices heard and support the business leadership (that is giving baseball profits to local charity!!!) and political leadership that are standing up for our community?   

"Please show up this Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at city hall to show your support for baseball and - more importantly - for our community’s future."

-Steve

"P.S.  Also, this Monday at Cleveland Square Park [Map] from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. there will be a Play Ball Rally to support El Paso in its quest for triple a baseball."

Cat Trap Alert!

How can anyone do harm to a precious little creature and someone's beloved pet?

Sad to report that a man has made it known that he will once again be setting cat traps at his sister’s home in the 2700 block of Savannah. This mere visitor (not resident) plans to catch cats and take them to Animal Services where they will be euthanized in 3 days if feral and 6 days if “owned” (there is a collar and/or chip).  If you have an outdoors cat, know that cats have a wide-ranging territory that can cover many city blocks. If your cat fails to come home at her regular time, check Animal Services. This is also a good time to have your pet chipped if you haven’t already done so and to register that pet (and chip number) with Home Again online.

Do visit the City of El Paso’s Animal Services web site. It is new and vastly improved. It has great information. And, you will find contact information and directions. The site includes pictures of lost pets with chip id’s and information to recover your lost pet or adopt a pet. Know about the Find-a-Pet services. You can “like” Animal Services on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.  Animal Services is now a part of the City’s Environmental  Services led by our Newman Park friend, Ellen Smyth. Ellen does report that they “are working on a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program where we can neuter the feral and return them to the wild.  We just hired a new Vet for the shelter so things should be improving shortly.  Our shelter is so small we can't keep up with the demands.”

The El Paso Transportation Department has issued this important notification of road closures here in Central El Paso:

The public is advised that there will be three street closures in Central El Paso the week of September 10^th to allow for railroad crossing improvements.

The City of El Paso Department of Transportation (EPDoT) and Union Pacific Railroad are collaborating on this project, which is necessary for railroad crossing upgrades, such as planking improvements, intended to enhance the ride quality of the crossing. The temporary street closures are as follows:

·         The railroad crossing at Piedras Street in the Five Points area just north of the Pershing intersection will be closed for 24 hours starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 10, 2012;

·         The railroad crossing at Montana Avenue just east of Cotton Street will be closed for 24 hours starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2012;

·         The railroad crossing at Yandell Drive just west of Cotton Street will be closed for 24 hours starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2012.

Proper traffic control measures will be in place to direct the traveling public through this area for this period. Traffic will be detoured through nearby streets. The project schedule is a plan that may be modified due to the weather or other unforeseen events.

The idea of bringing a Little Free Library  to Newman Park is catching fire. Read more here.

Remember that the El Paso Police Department’s Traffic Safety unit will offer its free motorcycle safety course on Saturday, September 15, 2012.  The class runs from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  The class will be held at Edge Kawasaki located at 10310 Montana.  Sign up is going on now.  To sign up for the class, call the El Paso Police Department’s Traffic Safety Coordinator, Margaret Petrozza at 915.564.7352 or Edge Kawasaki at 915.593.1024.

Celebration of Our Mountains is about to get underway again. This fall festival of events that provide numerous opportunities to take you outdoors and to teach you more about the natural wonders which surround us will kick off on September 15 with the 8^th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta and three nights (September 13, 14, 15) of Bat Watch at a location just north of us on Alabama.

Learn more about local hiking, biking and other outdoor recreations at El Paso Ridgewalkers, elpasonaturally, the El Paso Hiking Group, Guadalupe Mountains National Park Meetup Group and the Las Cruces & El Paso Adventurists.  Sign up for Peak Fitness Challenge, the brainchild of Beth Nobles at Texas Heritage Trails and promoted by Don Baumgardt’s wonderful GeoBetty.com. And a big thank heavens for the Borderland Mountain Bike Association. Those dudes literally paved the way for not only mountain bikers but hikers as well.

Finally, remember that Scenic Drive is closed every Sunday morning from 6 to 11 a.m.  It’s a 4.1 mile hike from one side to the other. This walk takes in a dazzling panorama of El Paso and Juarez and a display of 500 million year old fossils! It’s a good recreational walk and can be done in an hour and a half tops.

Fall weather is cool and not windy as it is in the spring.

Vaya con Dios!

¡Hola Vecinos!© is an emailed newsletter for the people and businesses in the Newman Park neighborhood of El Paso, their friends and other interested persons. It is written and published by Jim Tolbert who takes sole responsibility for the content of the letter. To subscribe or unsubscribe, just reply to this letter or email jimhtolbert@elp.rr.com.

Please visit www.newmanpark.blogspot.com and www.elpasonaturally.blogspot.com.

The mission of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association is to improve the quality of life in the Newman Park neighborhood through care and attention to the park and surrounding areas, and to build a community network of care, watchfulness and concern for each other and our beautiful desert environment.

This is Volume 7 and Number 27 published on September 6 , 2012

Little Free Library at Newman Park?

Lee Byrd discusses a Little Free Library box created at Cinco Puntos Press. Click image to enlarge.

A recent neighborhood e-letter, ¡Hola Vecinos!©, discussed the hot national trend of Little Free Library boxes that are placed in parks, at schools and in neighborhoods where people can leave a book for someone else and pick-up a book to read. 

Newman Park Neighborhood Association board member, Jim Tolbert, asked that putting a box at Newman Park be considered at the next board meeting on September 13th. Since that meeting comes after the next City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting, Tolbert (also a member of PRAB) asked that the Parks Department approve such a box for Newman Park. Jim will relate board member responses which have all been positive so far. 

NPNA board member, Lisa Garibay, even said that she would be happy to stock the box initially with books from her own home as well as watch over it, the quality of its contents, and its overall maintenance. "I have been super excited about the Little Free Library concept for a while," Garibay said. "Let's do this!"

Others are saying "Ditto". 

Past board member and Treasurer, Lee Byrd, sent this message: "Cinco Puntos already has a free library painted and ready to go. It would be great at the park. Lisa Lopez [the local school librarian spearheading the Free Library here in El Paso  ] brought us one and we painted it bright colors but could not quite figure out where to put it."

Newman Park?

Learn more about the Little Free Library online.  Find them and like them on Facebook. 

Newman Park from the A

Click on image to enlarge. Photo taken from atop the "A" on August 26, 2012.

Discount Pet Adoptions Today

Last week Newman Park said goodbye to their oldest neighbor: Willie Kucera. Willie passed on just weeks after he celebrated his 107^th birthday. Read the El Paso Times story about this remarkable Newmanisto; also his obituary. Willie will be buried alongside his wife in Ennis, Texas.

The City of El Paso Environmental Services Department and the Humane Society of El Paso will be offering discounted pet adoptions today (Labor Day).  Dogs and cats, four months of age or older, will be available for adoption for $60 on Monday, September 3rd. The fee includes spay/neuter services, microchip with registration, age-appropriate vaccinations and rabies certificate. Pet adoptions on the Labor Day holiday can be made the city’s Animal Shelter, 5001 Fred Wilson, and the Humane Society of El Paso, 4991 Fred Wilson. C all the Humane Society at 532-6971 for their adoption hours.

Labor Day adoption hours for the City’s animal shelter will be from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The shelter will only be open for adoptions on Labor Day. All other services will resume on Tuesday, September 4. Animal services field crews will be available on the holiday to respond to animal-related emergencies.

This Thursday, September 6, 2012, Representative Susie Byrd will host a community meeting at 7:30am at Tierra Del Sol Restaurant (4201 Alabama). Her guest speaker will be El Paso County Judge Veronica Escobar.  The County Judge will be speaking about the county budget and the proposed 5 cent property tax increase.  As a reminder, Rep. Susie Byrd holds her community meetings the first Thursday of the month at 7:30am at the Tierra Del Sol Restaurant.  For more information, contact  Judy Gutierrez  Administrative Assistant at 915.541.4416 or gutierrezmj@elpasotexas.gov.

There’s a growing national effort to make books more available in an easy, community oriented way in order to foster reading and literacy throughout the country: Little Free Library.  Local school librarian, Lisa Lopez, has already begun a little free library at Zavala Elementary.  The program works like this: wooden boxes are placed in parks or schools or homes. People bring books that they want to share to the box. They take one, leave one.  Ms. Lopez has had great success in placing these at schools and homes but would like to try a couple in parks. The parks department is a little resistant but said they might consider if they had an active neighborhood association who was willing to watch over the Little Free Library in the park. They are concerned that people might slip dirty books in the box and they are worried about vandalism.  An active neighborhood association who was willing to monitor might put them at ease.  What say you, Newman Park Neighborhood Association?

The El Paso Police Department’s Traffic Safety unit will offer its free motorcycle safety course on Saturday, September 15, 2012.  The class runs from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  The class will be held at Edge Kawasaki located at 10310 Montana.  Sign up is going on now.  To sign up for the class, call the El Paso Police Department’s Traffic Safety Coordinator, Margaret Petrozza at 915.564.7352 or Edge Kawasaki at 915.593.1024.

Finally, if you are on Facebook and want to get your creative sparks flying, check out and like Different Solutions.

Vaya con Dios!

¡Hola Vecinos!© is an emailed newsletter for the people and businesses in the Newman Park neighborhood of El Paso, their friends and other interested persons. It is written and published by Jim Tolbert who takes sole responsibility for the content of the letter. To subscribe or unsubscribe, just reply to this letter or email jimhtolbert@elp.rr.com.

Please visit www.newmanpark.blogspot.com and www.elpasonaturally.blogspot.com.

The mission of the Newman Park Neighborhood Association is to improve the quality of life in the Newman Park neighborhood through care and attention to the park and surrounding areas, and to build a community network of care, watchfulness and concern for each other and our beautiful desert environment.

This is Volume 7 and Number 26 published on September 3 , 2012

Just after the Rain

After a recent rain in our neighborhood, Donna Stephens took another beautiful picture of a hummingbird.

Check Out EPISD SAT Scores

As Newmanistas we want the best schools for our children and grand-children and top-notch students as citizens and workers. Check out these SAT scores from EPISD: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Garcia-s-Silver-Lining.html?soid=1110593985569&aid=sApS5Re4qoM.

Edge of Texas Concert Band to Play at Mission Hills Park

Click on image to enlarge.

Mission Hills Neighborhood Association proudly presents a free family event. Local musician, Emily Hardtke, will be performing all original songs followed by Edge of Texas Concert Band, directed by Barbara Lambrecht.  The event will be at Mission Hills Park (O’Keefe and N.Stanton) on Sunday, August 19th at 6 p.m.  Bring a picnic basket, lawn chair and join us for an evening of music and family fun.

Newmanistas To Party at the Bohemian

The Los San Patricios recently gathered for a gig and party at the Bohemian.

Newmanistas, make plans now to party at Joe, Vinny & Bronson's Bohemian Café this Saturday evening, August 18th, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Bohemian, of course, is owned by Newmanistas, Robert and Christina Estrada who just recently opened this cosmopolitan coffee, wine and beer café. 

Their friends from the Newman Park Neighborhood Association will be able to enjoy $2 off Lambics and $1 off Belgian Omer, wine and IPA's. 

Food and snacks will be provided compliments of the Friesenhahns.

Joe, Vinny & Bronson's Bohemian Café is located at 824 N. Piedras just between Yandell and Tularosa.

Shapleigh Leads Town Hall Meeting for EPISD Reform

Probably all Newmanistas - parents, grandparents, or not - have been following the sickening stories of scandal, corruption and incompetence in the El Paso Independent School District. The El Paso Times has a virtual library of articles about the district.


In a letter dated May 18, 2010, then Senator Eliot Shapleigh wrote a letter to now disgraced Superintendent Lorenzo Garcia outlining corruption in the district:
Letter to Garcia



Now the former Senator is leading an effort to reform the school district through a series of town hall meetings. Here is an email that he recently sent out to a number of El Pasoans:

Dear Fellow Paseños—
Your former state senator Eliot Shapleigh here. Hope your 4^th of July was spectacular. What I want to visit with you about is our children.

When I read the Times every day, I just get upset. Can you imagine teaching a town to cheat not compete, disappearing thousands of students on TAKS week, then claiming a bonus to boot?
Forget jobs and new projects—if we can’t take care of our kids and get them a good education to guarantee a good job then we can’t expect jobs, companies, pediatric surgeons or even our own children to come here at all.

Like you, Joyce and I are proud parents of EPISD grads. Like you, we have dozens of EPISD friends—teachers, principals, parents and most of all students-- all of whom deserve thanks for the jobs they do.
But sooner, not later—we all have a job to do. We have to stop the corruption, kick out the culprits and restore great education to a great district.

Join me at EPCC, Valle Verde, Cafeteria Annex on Wednesday, July 11^th at 5.30pm. Let’s dig into the facts, roll up our sleeves and start now to build back that District. Please, send this email to ten of your friends—don’t wait. Do it now. And on July 11^th, give each a call to get them there. Better schools start today.

For all of us, for all our children and grandchildren, it’s worth the fight!
Eliot Shapleigh, Proud Paseño  

The first Town Hall Meeting (How a Superintendent "Disappeared" Students to Increase TAKS Scores and Claim a Bonus Too") will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, July 11th, at 5:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria Annex on the Valle Verde Campus of EPCC. 

Map to campus
The Cafeteria Annex is in the basement of Building C.

Bohemian Café Now Open!

Christina Estrada talks about the fine craft beers at Joe, Vinny & Bronson's

This morning Christina Estrada sent out this long awaited message from her DroidX2:

"Hello Neighbors!  It's been a long time in the making and the focus of our attention, BUT, the neighborhood coffee bar is OPEN!!! Please take some time to come see for yourself and enjoy a coffee drink, or a great beer or nice glass of wine. Come support us and put the word out. Hope to see you soon!" - Christina & Robert Estrada

The choices and price are excellent at the coffee bar.

Joe, Vinny & Bronsons Bohemian Café is now open! Newmanistas Christina and Robert Estrada's dream come true is a smart, chic, uptown coffee (Joe), wine (Vinny) and beer (Bronson) bar. Soon they will add in a menu du jour but now they have pastries, a perfect atmosphere and cosmopolitan hours that will likely change the face of the food and beverage industry in El Paso forever: Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight!); Wednesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

WiFi, local art and a cup of joe

With WiFi and local art, and cozy tables this will become the place to sit, sip and discuss more than just the mundane or the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders. 

The café is located 824 N. Piedras between Tularosa and Yandell.