The City of El Centro would like to thank our Special Events

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For more information on upcoming events visit www.cityofelcentro.org or call 337-4555.

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Summer ProgramsWhile budget problems made news statewide, the City of El Centro showed communities can thrive even during difficult times. It’s variety of summer youth programs run by the Parks and Recreation Department and the City Library offered hundreds of children the opportunity to have a fun and productive summer.

One two-week session of the summer day camp at had 175 children, notes Pat Urena, recreation supervisor. There also were 230 children in the Junior Clippers NBA basketball camp.

“The kids don’t want to be stuck at home, so it’s a nice opportunity to get them out of the house,” says summer camp instructor Adrian Obeso.

City activities also included swimming at the Central High pool and a performing arts camp at the Old Post Office Pavilion in conjunction with The Mostly Theater Company.

“We had a hip hop program that we were going to market, but the first day of registration we were filled to capacity,” Urena adds of the enthusiasm shown for the city recreation programs.

The benefits are clear, she adds: “Our objectives have always been to promote health and wellness.”

Meanwhile, at the City Library 550 children partici-pated in the summer reading programs, Library staff member Lois Faison says. Besides instilling an enthusiasm for reading, the activities included arts and crafts.

“For every book the children are reading,” Faison explains, “this will make them stronger when they go back to school.”

The City Library is a tradition with 100 years of history. The library recently celebrated their centennial and the large turnout reflected the city’s strong support of its library.

“The Library is the origi-nal community center,” says City Manager Ruben Duran. “Long before community centers and gyms, people congre-gated at the library.”

Library Board President Tom Barrington calls the library, “the temple of knowledge, of learning. It’s also proof that this community cares about its future, cares about its citizens. This building allows everybody, rich, poor, of any color or any creed, a chance to learn about their world and engage their imagination.”

With such strong community support, the library is off to a great start on its next century of being a center of learning and community spirit.

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Junior Lifeguards

The Junior Lifeguard program was held from June through August 15th. The City of El Centro was proud to host this free seasonal program that had not been offered in years. The Junior Lifeguard Program emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and aquatic safety while introducing young people to safe aquatic recreation opportunities. The program is designed to provide quality water safety educa-tion while improving young people's physical conditioning, their understanding and respect for the environment, and their respect for themselves, their parents, and their peers. Students of all abili-ties and skill levels may participate. The City of El Centro’s Junior Lifeguard Program is unique in that the instructors teach real life skills and use real life scenarios. Instructors treat the junior lifeguards as potential employees and make sure they learn all of the skills necessary to become a certified lifeguard. The junior lifeguards learn skills and training aids such as CPR, First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator, caring for head, neck or back injuries, and treating heat related injuries. The junior lifeguards are an asset to the City pool as well as the community. Cody Ray, Aquatics Facility ManagerParks and Recreation, City of El Centro,

October is the National Fire Prevention Month and as a reminder to the community, fire hazards can exist in many places. In the dry heat of the Imperial Valley, dead or decayed vegetation is a serious fire hazard and should be cleared from property immediately. City Code states:

Acts and conditions when performed or existing upon any lot or parcel of land within the city are hereby declared to be unlawful and an infraction and are hereby defined as and declared to be public nuisances which are injurious or potentially injuri-ous to the public health, safety and welfare, which have a tendency to degrade the appearance and property values of surrounding property or which cause damage to public rights-of-way:

Dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, shrubs, weeds and other vegetation constituting an unsightly appearance, a danger to public safety and welfare or a detriment to nearby property or property values, including when by their size, manner of

growth of location they may reasonably be deemed to constitute a fire hazard.

To report fire hazards call code enforcement at760-337-4266

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ID Theft

New Speed Limits per Street Segment

In these tough economic times, crooks are getting more and more innovative. From 2007 to 2008 reported cases of identity theft have risen 581% in the City of El Centro.

Take these easy steps to secure your personal information:

Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, and deposit out going mail in post office collec-tion mailboxes. Do not leave mail in unsecured mail boxes. Have the post office hold your mail if you go on vacation for more than a few days.

Set up direct deposit for paychecks, pensions, and other assistance checks.

Don’t let them get away with

your hard earned money!

Never give personal information over the telephone. Information such as your social security number, mother’s maiden name, birthday, credit card number or pin code may be used to steal your identity.

Shred, shred, shred! Pre-approved credit card applications, credit card bills and receipts, medical bills, and other financial information should be shredded before being thrown away.

Order your credit report from the three credit bureaus once a year to check for fraudulent activity.

Sign all new credit cards upon receipt.

Beware of mail, email, or telephone solicitations disguised as promotions offering instant prizes or awards designed solely to obtain your personal information.

Be Aware!

It is estimated that over half of all identity thefts are not reported because the victims feel ashamed or partially responsible. It is not your fault, but you can help us do some-thing about this insidious crime. If you have been a victim of identity theft please report it immediately to:

El Centro Police Department 150 North 11th Street,

El Centro, CA 92243(760) 352-2111

* These segments are located within existing 25 mph school zones. ** Segments identi�ed with-in the current City Ordinance. *** A segment with-in this segment is identi�ed with-in the current City Ordinance

STREET FROM TO NEW 8th Street South City Limit Wake Avenue 50 8th Street* Wake Avenue Pico Avenue 35 8th Street Pico Avenue El Dorado Avenue 45 Adams Avenue La Brucherie Avenue Imperial Avenue 45 Adams Avenue West City Limit Imperial Ave 45 Aurora Drive Imperial Avenue 4th Street 30 Bradshaw Avenue La Brucherie Avenue SR-86 40 Commercial Avenue 3rd Street Dogwood Avenue 40 Dogwood Avenue South City Limit R.R. Tracks 45 Imperial Avenue* Ocotillo Drive Adams Avenue 35La Brucherie Avenue Ocotillo Drive R.R. Tracks 40 La Brucherie Avenue R.R. Tracks North City Limit 50 Main Street* Lotus Avenue Imperial Ave. 35 Main Street Imperial Ave. 8th Street 30 Main Street* Austin Road Lotus Avenue 35 Main Street* 4th Street (SR-86) Dogwood Avenue 40 Ocotillo Drive La Brucherie Avenue Imperial Avenue 30 Ross Avenue Austin Road Dogwood Avenue 35 Ross Avenue Dogwood Avenue East City Limit 45 Wake Avenue La Brucherie Avenue Imperial Avenue 30 Wake Avenue 8th Street 2nd Street 35

Project PEACE (Promote Environmental Auto-Calming Endeavors) is a program that builds upon the previous community investment in the downtown revitalization planning efforts. It focuses on regional goals of mobility, livability, prosperity, and sustainability.

The purpose of Project PEACE is to offer alternatives to transportation choices, experience easier access to goods and services, and to showcase the potential for walkability in downtown El Centro.

For more information on how you can join the environmentally friendly/healthy PEACE movement, please contact the City’s

Redevelopment Agency at (760) 337-4543 or visit www.cityofelcentro.org/redevelopment

Project PEACE targets:Easy Transportation Access

Pedestrian Friendly Environment

Walking for a Healthier Lifestyle

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) funded this project for downtown El Centro because it recognized the value of the community investment in the downtown revitalization planning efforts by the City. The project area is the downtown center, which includes 4th to 8th Streets, Main Street, Broadway, and State Streets and will serve all El Centro residents and visitors.

Goal #1: Transportation & Mobility

Goal #3: Recreation and Lifelong Learning

Goal #4: Economic Development

Project PEACE achieves three targeted goals in the City’s Five-Year Strategic Plan

(2008 – 2013)

Bus Transfer Terminal to be completed summer, 2011.Located at 7th and State Streets.

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2009 Fall ProgramsAugust 3rd through September 5th: NFL Flag Football Sign ups begin. Sign ups will be taken at the El Centro Community Center until filled. Registration cost $50 per participant.

Saturday, August 22, 2009: NBA/WNBA Fit Dribble, Dish & Swish Basketball Contest at the Conrad Harrison Youth Center from 10 am – 1 pm.

September 12, 2009: NFL Youth football Tryout 9 a.m. – 12 noon at McGee Park.September 19, 2009 NFL Youth Football Team Announcements. League will start October 3rd through November 21, 2009.

Youth Volleyball sign ups begin September 14 – 25th.: Tryouts begin October 3rd at the Conrad Harrison Youth Center. Cost per participant $50. League is open to youth in the 4th through 6th grade. All games will be played Saturday at the Conrad Harrison Gym, beginning October 10th.

September 2009: Imperial Valley Special Olympic sign ups for Youth Soccer. Registration will be held at the El Centro Community Center from September 7th through the 18th. League will begin on October 3rd at McGee and Washington School fields from 9 am – 12 noon.

September 26, 2009: NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Local Competition at McGee Park from 4 pm – 8 pm. Winners will advance to the Regional and Finals late November.

October 30th and October 31, 2009: Halloween Haunted House at the Conrad Harrison Gym from 6 pm – 9:00 p.m.

October 3, 2009: NBN Youth Basketball Sign ups begin until November 6, 2009. Sign ups will be taken at the Community Center. Cost to enter $50 per partici-pant. Open to children 5 years to 14 years of age.

November 23, 2009: NBN Youth Basketball Tryouts begin at the Youth Center from 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

November 23-28th: Building the Christmas Float for December 5th Christmas Parade.

December 14th – 23rd: Christmas Camp for Children ages 5- 12 years of age. Camp will be held at the Conrad Harrison Gym from 9 am – 12 noon, Monday through Friday.

El Grito de IndependenciaSeptember 12, 2009

ECFD AnnualFire Prevention Fair“Don’t Get Burned”

Saturday, October 3, 2009Bucklin Park, 10am – 2pm

Taco Cook-OffOctober 10, 2009

OktoberfestOctober 17, 2009

Haunted HouseOctober 30 & 31, 2009

Seasonal Tree Lighting & Street Fair

December 5, 2009

Christmas ParadeDecember 5, 2009

Farmers MakerJanuary 16, 2010

Mardi Gras Light Parade & Street FestivalFebruary 13, 2010

Le Tour de Manure Bike Ride

February 27, 2010

Blue Angels Air ShowMarch 13, 2010

El Centro Music Festival & Fireworks Show

April 10, 2010

GRITO DEINDEPENDENCIASeptember 12, 2009

Stark Field • 6pm - 10pm

Live MusicLive Music

“El Grito” Ceremony“El Grito” Ceremony

Folkloric Dancers Folkloric Dancers

Food Food

DrinksDrinks

Children’s ActivitiesChildren’s Activities

TACO COOK-OFFlas bandas

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October 10, 2009Bucklin Park • 5pm - 9pmTaco ContestTaco Contest

LIVE MUSICLIVE MUSICChildren’s ActivitiesChildren’s Activities

DrinksDrinks

FoodFood

For more information call 760-337-4555 or log onto www.cityofelcentro.org