The County of El Paso Commissioners Court met in work session on Monday, March 2 at 9:30 a.m. and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
COUNTY RECOGNIZES MARCH AS
"CESAR E. CHAVEZ AND SOCIAL JUSTICE MONTH"
The members of the Commissioners Court approved and adopted a resolution declaring the month of March as the "Cesar E. Chavez and Social Justice Month."
The resolution sponsored by County Commissioner Pct. 2 Veronica Escobar and seconded by the County Judge Anthony Cobos was approved by unanimous vote.
The adopted resolution recognizes the life-long struggle and legacy of civil rights activist Cesar E. Chavez and his continuous fight to defend the rights of farm workers.
By seeking social justice, equal rights, education, housing and fair treatment, Chavez gave hope to workers and peace activists alike throughout this nation.
A third-generation Chicano farm worker, Chavez lived his life with dignity and nowadays is an icon for his profound dedication to human rights and social justice.
By joining forces with Chicano activist and leader Dolores Huerta, he launched a people's revolution and together established the National Farm Workers Association, later to be known as the United Farm Workers.
Representatives from the Centro de Salud Famiiar La Fe were present in today's meeting to receive the signed resolution.
COUNTY APPROVES 30-DAY OUTSIDE BURNING BAN
In a five to cero vote, members of Commissioners Court approved a 30-day ban to outside burning in the unincorporated county areas.
The fire restriction prohibits all open burning by private individuals; however, farmland and agricultural land were excluded.
Farmers with a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will be allowed to burn in open land.
Emergency Management officials encouraged the Commissioner's Court to approve the prohibition due to the upcoming windy season and the region's continuing drought.
Unauthorized trash or bush burning is a class C misdemeanor offense punishable with a fine up to $500.