The Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) will help welcome some American heroes when they visit the Corpus Christi area. About 25 soldiers will be arriving on Southwest Airlines at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, September 9, 2010 at the CCIA Terminal.

These men and women were wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. They will be visiting the Coastal Bend for a weekend of fishing and fun. The visitors will be greeted at the airport with a patriotic ceremony presented by veterans from several organizations, including the Patriot Guard motorcycle riders. Representatives of local law enforcement agencies will escort the wounded warriors as they depart on a bus for their destination in Kleberg County.

The soldiers will spend the weekend at Baffin Bay, where they will take part in a tournament that is being organized and sponsored by a group called "Warrior’s Weekend." The visiting anglers will fish with professional guides and will compete for prizes provided by local donors.

Contact:   Kim Bridger, CCIA Marketing and PR Coordinator 361-289-0171.

The Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) reports that it is operating normally, despite the high winds and heavy rain associated with Tropical Storm Hermine. However, the airlines have experienced some delays and cancelations as a result of the unsettled weather.

According to CCIA, American Airlines canceled its first flight of the day but is on track for the rest of the day. At the same time, Continental Airlines has delayed two morning flights and canceled several others. Southwest Airlines so far is not reporting any changes to flight times.

There could be more changes in flight schedules today, depending on the weather in the Houston and Dallas areas. Anyone who is flying today should check with the airline before heading out to the airport. Travelers can also get updates by visiting the CCIA website at http://www.cctexas.com/airport/. 

Contact:  Kim Bridger, Corpus Christi International Airport 361-289-0171.

Members of the Mayor’s Veterans Memorial Task Force invite everyone to a public meeting for an update on the group’s efforts so far, and to provide input for the process. The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2010 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1201 Leopard Street.

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Marc Cisneros serves as Chairperson of the 12-member committee, which was appointed by Mayor Joe Adame back in June of this year. The goal of the task force is to begin the planning process for the Sherrill Park area on the city’s bayfront to establish, update and create suitable memorials honoring our local veterans.

Next Wednesday’s meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to share their ideas on fitting ways to memorialize the community’s veterans and to find out what has been done so far in the planning process. The task force is seeking as much public input as possible. The group is expected to present its recommendations to the City Council by the end of 2010.

Contact:  Rudy Garza, Director, Intergovernmental Relations 361-826-3082.

According to the City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office, from Tuesday, September 7 through Friday, September 17, 2010, Alvites Plumbing will be doing utility work near the intersection of McArdle Road and Daly Drive.

The work is scheduled to be carried out between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. While the project is underway, work crews will shift the eastbound traffic on McArdle Road to the westbound lane and reduce traffic to one lane through the work site.

Traffic control devices will guide traffic through the construction site. While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible. Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of construction crews. Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Contact:  Charlie Cardenas,  Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises residents that from Tuesday, September 7 through Thursday, September 9, 2010, Video Plumbing will be doing utility work along Williams Drive between Nile Drive and Rodd Field Road.

While the project is underway, Williams Drive will be reduced to one shared lane through the work site. Flaggers will be available to assist motorists through the area. The work is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. each day and will continue until late in the afternoon. However, work crews will open Williams Drive each afternoon while parents pick up their children from school.

Traffic control devices will guide traffic through the construction site. While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible. Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of construction crews. Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Contact:  Charlie Cardenas, Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises residents that from Wednesday, September 8 through Wednesday, September 15, 2010, weather permitting, Bridges Specialties will be doing road construction along the 11300 block of Leopard Street, between Hart road and Margie Drive.

While the project is underway, westbound traffic on Leopard Street will be reduced to one lane in that area.

Traffic control devices will guide traffic through the construction site. While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible. Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of construction crews. Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Contact:  Charlie Cardena, Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises residents that from Wednesday, September 1 through Tuesday, September 14, 2010, weather permitting, the city’s contractor, Relmco, Inc., will be working on the Hopkins Road Drainage Improvement Phase I Project.

While the project is underway, Hopkins Road will be closed between State Highway 44 to approximately 500 west of the Haas-Anderson Construction facility entrance. Motorists will still continue to use Hopkins Road onto southbound North Lexington Boulevard to State Highway 44. Or, if needing access to Leopard Street, motorists will be able to use northbound Corn Products Road.

Traffic control devices will guide traffic through the construction site. While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible. Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of construction crews. Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Contact:  Charlie Cardenas, Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.

City Manager Ángel R. Escobar today announced his intention to retire from his position with the City of Corpus Christi. The City Manager made the announcement at the end of the regular City Council meeting today, Tuesday, August 31, 2010.

Mr. Escobar said he was proud of the accomplishments in the city during the past two years he has served as City Manager, and that the decision to retire has come only after much thought and discussions with his family. He also said he did not want to make a final decision until the budget process was completed, which involved the adoption today of the tax rate for the coming year.

The City Manager’s retirement date will be January 4, 2011, which he says will allow the City Council ample time to find a new manager. The Council is expected to formally approve Mr. Escobar’s retirement during the next Council meeting Tuesday, September 14, 2010.

Contact:  Angel R. Escobar, City Manager 361-826-3220.

Most City of Corpus Christi offices, including the libraries, Municipal Court and the Museum of Science and History, will be closed Monday, September 6, 2010 in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

The following Labor Day holiday schedule will be observed for Solid Waste Services:

Garbage Collection:   Mon./Thurs. routes will NOT be collected on Monday, Sept. 6 and will resume with regular collection on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010.

Tues./Fri. routes will have no change in collection.

Wed./Sat. routes will have no change in collection.

Recycling Collection: Recyclables will NOT be collected on Monday, Sept. 6. However, the City Recycling Drop-off Centers located at H.E.B. parking lots will be OPEN on Labor Day.

Brush Collection: Heavy brush will NOT be collected on Monday, Sept. 6, 2010.

Landfill: The J.C. Elliott Transfer Station and Citizens Collection Center will be CLOSED Monday, Sept. 6 and will resume normal hours of operation on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The following schedule will apply to City Parks and Recreation facilities for Labor Day:

Tennis Centers: H.E.B. Tennis Center - OPEN Labor Day.

Al Kruse Tennis Center - OPEN Labor Day.

Golf Courses: Lozano Golf Center - OPEN regular hours.

Oso Golf Course - OPEN regular hours.

Public Pools: Collier Pool will be OPEN Labor Day from 5 a.m. - 7 a.m. (Lap Swim), from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Lap Swim) and from 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (General Swim & Lap Swim).

Natatorium will be OPEN Labor Day from 5 a.m. - 7 a.m. (Lap Swim), from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. (General Swim & Lap Swim) and from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. (Lap Swim & Swim Teams).

Parker Pool will be OPEN Labor Day from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. (General Swim).

Senior Centers: Will be CLOSED.

Recreation Centers: Will be CLOSED.

Marina: Will be OPEN.

Cultural Services: The Galvan House will be CLOSED.

Latchkey: Will be CLOSED.

Contact:  Ted Nelson, Media and Production Coordinator 361-826-3213.

Mayor Joe Adame reminds everyone that he will join local members of the clergy for a news conference to announce plans for the Fifth Annual Memorial Prayer Gathering in remembrance of those whose lives were lost during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The news conference will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 2, 2010, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1201 Leopard Street.

The memorial event itself will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church, 900 S. Shoreline Boulevard. The Mayor will be joined by religious leaders from around the community that night, and all citizens are cordially invited to take part in the memorial prayer gathering.

Contact:  Kelly Denson, Assistant to Mayor Joe Adame 361-826-3100. 

The City of Corpus Christi Municipal Information Systems (MIS) Department is pleased to announce that the City is now offering two new applications free of charge on its web site that will help improve communications with citizens, make the site easier to use and reduce costs.

The first application is Browsealoud, which is software that converts web text to speech and reads web pages out loud. It’s designed to help anyone who has difficulty reading online, such as citizens with special needs or learning disabilities, or those using English as a second language. After a visitor downloads and installs Browsealoud client software, they just need to hover the cursor over the selected text. Browsealoud will highlight the words and read them out loud.

The other tool is CCmobile, a smart phone application that allows residents to report such things as potholes, illegal dumping or graffiti, as well as make other service requests using mobile phones. Users can take and send photos of a problem, add comments if desired, and more. CCmobile is integrated with the City’s existing online and Call Center systems and will automatically send a reply along with a tracking number for the service request. CCmobile is available for iPhone, Blackberry and Android users.

According to Michael Armstrong, City MIS Director, these applications are part of the ongoing effort to make the City’s web site even more useful to citizens. "These apps, along with others that we plan to release in the future, give residents and visitors new communication tools to help address their concerns," Armstrong said. "We need to take advantage of the opportunities that emerge to provide more effective and convenient ways for citizens to interact with us," Armstrong added.

Other Texas cities using Browsealoud include Arlington, Killeen and Wellington. Cities utilizing the mobile phone platform include Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Indianapolis, Dallas and Austin.

Instructions for downloading the Browsealoud and CCmobile software can be found through front page links on the City’s web site at http://www.cctexas.com.  Again, there is no cost to users for either application. 

Contact:  Michael Armstrong Director, Municipal Information Systems 361-826-3740. 

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises residents that from Monday, August 30 through Friday, September 3, 2010, Alvites Plumbing will be doing major utility work near the intersection of McArdle Road and Daly Drive.

While the project is underway, eastbound McArdle Road traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work site. Work is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. each day, and continue until late afternoon.

Traffic control devices will guide traffic through the construction site. While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible. Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of construction crews. Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Contact:  Charlie Cardenas, Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises residents that beginning Tuesday, August 31, 2010 and for approximately seven weeks, weather permitting, city crews will be doing road work on Cedar Pass Drive between Everhart Road and Gold Ridge Drive.

The work is scheduled to be completed in two phases - eastbound and then westbound. While the project is underway, the following temporary traffic controls will be implemented:

Cedar Pass Drive: Cedar Pass Drive will be reduced to one-way traffic, with flaggers assisting motorists through the work site.

Everhart Road: Southbound traffic on Everhart Road will be reduced to one lane through the intersection.

In addition, Gold Ridge, Candy Ridge, Pepper Ridge, Sugar Ridge and Diamond Ridge Drives will be closed at the Cedar Pass intersection during the day. Rugged Ridge Drive will remain open for homeowners in the area.

Condo owners around the work area are advised that they should use the Taos Drive entrance and that while the project is underway, no parking will be permitted on Cedar Pass.

Traffic control devices will guide traffic through the construction site. While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible. Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of construction crews. Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Contact:  Charlie Cardenas, Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.

The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is excited to announce that the Friends of the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History will present the exhibit, Images of Valor: U.S. Latinos and Latinas in World War II, from September 1, 2010 until September 30, 2010 at the Museum, which is located at 1900 North Chaparral Street.

Images of Valor: U.S. Latinos and Latinas in World War II was created by the School of Journalism and Center for Mexican American Studies at The University of Texas at Austin and was produced by Humanities Texas, which is the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Through images and stories, the 12-panel exhibition provides a historical overview of U.S. Latino participation in World War II. Along with photographs from the project’s archives, Images of Valor incorporates contemporary photographs by photojournalist Valentino Mauricio of men and women of the war generation. The exhibit also focuses on individual stories that reveal larger themes, such as citizenship and civil rights, and features excerpts from the more than 500 oral history interviews that were part of the project.

The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Contact:  Jesenia Guerra, Museum Librarian 361-826-4667. 

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises residents that on Friday, August 27, 2010, Video Plumbing will be doing utility work at the intersection of Staples Street and Everhart Road. The work is scheduled to begin that evening and be completed the following morning, before rush hour traffic begins.

While the project is underway, westbound Everhart Road will be closed at the Staples Street intersection. Traffic will be detoured onto southbound Jacquelyn Drive, onto westbound Caddo Street, then onto northbound Gollihar Road to Staples Street. Motorists can turn right onto Staples Street to Everhart Road. At the same time, northbound Staples Street will continue to be reduced to one lane through the work site.

Traffic control devices will guide traffic through the construction site. While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible. Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of construction crews. Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Contact:  Charlie Cardenas, Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.

City Manager Ángel R. Escobar today responded to rumors that he intends to step down from his position with the City of Corpus Christi. In doing so, the City Manager issued this statement:

"I have become aware of a flurry of rumors involving my departure from the City. These are the facts: I have not been asked to resign by anyone.  I have been discussing retirement intermittently with my family and close friends for a few months and unfortunately, this may have prompted those rumors. A final decision has not been made, and my main objective at this point is the completion of the budget process, which involves the adoption of the tax rate for the coming year. This will hopefully be addressed at the next Council meeting. After the completion of that work, I plan to concentrate on my future plans and may have additional information.

At this point, it is premature to engage in any conjecture because I have not discussed any future plans with the City Council. Until the tax rate and remaining issues related to the budget are addressed, I do not intend to respond to any questions or speculation about anything other than the job at hand."

Contact:  Angel R. Escobar, City Manager 361-826-3220.

The City of Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department advises residents that crews will be working on a project that will require the temporary closure of the fountain in the new Bayfront Park located between IH-37 and the American Bank Center on Shoreline Boulevard. The water feature will be closed for the work on Tuesday, August 24 and, if necessary, on Wednesday, August 25, 2010.

Specifically, workers will be readjusting and welding in place the fountain’s firefly spray heads, which allow the fountain to produce one of several water patterns. The fountain will also be undergoing regular maintenance at the same time.

The project is expected to take no more than two days to complete, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Contact:  Stacie Talbert, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation 361-826-3464.

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office would like to remind residents that with school back in session and because of the ongoing construction of the bridge located between Lola Johnson Road and Graham Road, motorists driving eastbound on Hustlin Hornet Drive will continue to be detoured southbound onto Laguna Shores. The construction also means some additional traffic along Waldron Road.

Traffic Engineering would also like to remind motorists of some other changes around the Flour Bluff Schools. They include the combining of two school zones on Waldron Road, which has resulted in a new single school zone that extends from Pearson Street to just south of Glenoak Drive. In addition, new school zone signs have been installed, including signs prohibiting the use of cell phones in all city school zones.

Motorists should expect delays along Waldron Road, especially during the morning student drop off and afternoon pick up times around the schools. Motorists are also advised to observe all advance warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of pedestrians in the area.

Contact:  Charlie Cardenas, Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.

The City of Corpus Christi Office of Public Information is pleased to announce that it has received two 2010 Programming Awards from the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA).

The City received second place honors in the category of "Public Affairs" for the weekly broadcasts of the City Council meetings on CCTV-Channel 20, which is the local Government Access Channel. The winning entry spotlights the meetings themselves, as well as the graphics, public service announcements and other productions that are aired as part of the proceedings.

The City was also honored with a third place TATOA award in the "Magazine Format" category, for its City Snapshots television program, which is a series of two-minute-long productions highlighting various City events, services and programs. This particular entry featured Corpus Christi’s new Southside Fire Station.

More than 140 entries were submitted for the TATOA awards this year. Among those competing were Houston, Dallas, Austin, Irving, Richardson, Denton, and a number of others. The 2010 TATOA Programming Awards were presented during the organization’s annual summer conference which was held in Dallas July 29 - 30, 2010.

The Public Information Office has won a total of seven statewide awards for outstanding achievement this year. It was also honored with five other awards from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) back in June. TATOA is the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, which was organized in 1979. TATOA represents more than 55 cities around Texas.

Contact:  Kim Womack, Director of Public Information 361-826-3211.

Mayor Joe Adame will join local members of the clergy for a news conference to announce plans for the Fifth Annual Memorial Prayer Gathering in remembrance of those whose lives were lost during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The news conference will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 2, 2010 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1201 Leopard Street.

The memorial event itself will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church, 900 S. Shoreline Boulevard. The Mayor will be joined by religious leaders from around the community that night, and all citizens are cordially invited to take part in the memorial prayer gathering.

Contact:  Kelly Denson, Office of the Mayor 361-826-3100. 

The Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) is pleased to serve as host for the Corpus Christi Civil Air Patrol Squadron’s first Change of Command Ceremony since being located at CCIA last year. Colonel John Barfoot will assume command from Commander Joe Ely Carrales in the ceremony, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 19, 2010 in the rotunda area at the Airport’s main entrance. Cmdr. Carrales’ new assignment will be with the Kingsville Brahma Squadron.

The Corpus Christi Civil Air Patrol Squadron, Unit V, encompasses the Corpus Christi, Victoria, Brownsville, McAllen and San Antonio areas and is made up of 28 cadets and 26 senior members. The squadron has been instrumental in rescue efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and has assisted in fire watches in North Texas, as well as in the response efforts to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The squadron’s efforts were featured on the CBS Evening News on July 28, 2010.

In 2009, five of the squadron’s officers received the Civil Air Patrol Disaster Relief Ribbon with "V" Device for their participation in the disaster relief operations for Hurricane Ike. In fact, two of the officers who received that recognition were Cmdr. Carrales and Col. Barfoot.

The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and has a three-fold mission: the cadet program; aerospace education; and search and rescue. The organization seeks to instill physical fitness, professional development and aerospace education in its members. The Texas Civil Air Patrol Wing is comprised of 1,585 cadets and 1,742 senior members.

Contact:  Fred Segundo, Director of Aviation, Corpus Christi International Airport 361-289-0171. 

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises residents that from Monday, August 16 through Friday, September 3, 2010, weather permitting, Video Plumbing will be doing utility work along Staples Street between Brawner Parkway and Gollihar Road.

While the project is underway, northbound traffic on Staples will be temporarily reduced to one lane through the work site. The work is scheduled to be carried out at night and all traffic lanes will be reopened during the day.

Motorists should expect detours when major corridors and residential streets are closed at Staples Street.

Traffic control devices will guide traffic through the construction site. While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible. Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of construction crews. Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Contact Charlie Cardenas, Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises residents that from Friday, August 13 through Wednesday, August 17, 2010, as weather allows, city contractors will be doing emergency utility work on Carancahua Street between Blucher Street and Lipan Street.

While the project is underway, Carancahua Street will be closed between Blucher Street and Lipan Street. Motorists traveling northbound on Carancahua Street will be detoured onto westbound Comanche Street, onto northbound Carrizo Street, then onto eastbound Lipan Street to Carancahua Street. At the same time, motorists traveling eastbound on Comanche Street will be detoured onto southbound Tancahua Street to eastbound Blucher Street to Carancahua Street.

Traffic control devices will guide traffic through the construction site. While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible. Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of construction crews. Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Contact:  Charlie Cardenas, Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.

As part of its 10th Anniversary celebration, the Janet F. Harte Public Library invites everyone to a number of exceptional space related programs, free of charge. They include:

September 1 - 24, 2010: The Harte Library will feature a 9’ x 6’ x 5’ scale model of the space shuttle Orbiter, on loan from the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

September 1 - 30, 2010: Fascinating photographs of star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae taken by the Hubble space Telescope as well as photographs of shuttles, rockets and astronauts on exhibit in the Harte Library’s Noel McArdle Gallery.

Friday, September 17, 2010, 7:30 p.m.: Star Gazing Party. Corpus Christi Astronomical Society members will share telescopes and knowledge of the moon, stars and planets with the general public. This program is scheduled after normal library hours.

Saturday, September 18, 2010: Award-winning children’s author, Elaine Scott, author of When is a Planet Not a Planet? The Story of Pluto; Mars and the Search for Life; Adventure in Space: The Flight to Fix the Hubble; Close Encounters: Exploring the Universe with the Hubble Telescope; and many other titles, will present three free programs for various age groups:

1. At 1 p.m., Ms. Scott will discuss her book, When is a Planet Not a Planet? The Story of Pluto. Guests will learn what happened to Pluto, and what makes a celestial object a planet. Could any other planets in our solar system be facing a similar fate? These questions and other interesting facts about our solar system are part of this program on astronomy, which is geared to elementary school aged children.

2. At 2 p.m., Ms. Scott will present an engaging science program detailing the astronauts’ work repairing the Hubble Telescope, and will discuss the wealth of scientific information the Hubble has provided us (grades 3 to adult).

3. At 4 p.m., Ms. Scott will present a program entitled, The Bare Bones of Writing, for high school aged students and adults who are interested in writing their own books. Ms. Scott will detail the basics on the craft of writing, and will answer questions from the audience.

Additional news releases detailing other upcoming exhibits and events will follow. All of the events are sponsored by the Friends of Corpus Christi Public Libraries and are free and open to the public. The Janet F. Harte Library is located at 2629 Waldron Road.

Contact:  Herb Canales, Director of Libraries 361-826-7070.

If you’re looking for a great pet to become part of your family, then the City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services has just what you’re looking for. To help match the perfect owner with the perfect pet, Animal Care will hold a special "Adopt-a-Thon" event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 14, 2010 at the Animal Care Center, located at 2626 Holly Road.

A wide variety of animals is available for adoption, including Siamese cats, long hair white cats, tabby cats, Dachshunds, Chihuahua mix puppies, Chocolate Labs, Rat Terriers, Cattles Dogs and much more! All of the animals are fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, are heartworm negative and have been microchipped for easier identification should they ever become lost. And best yet, adoption fees are being reduced for the event:

Male Dogs - $50               Male Cats - $40

Female Dogs - $66         Female Cats - $56

In addition, the Adopt-a-Thon will feature a pet Vaccination Clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day, with vaccinations being offered at $8 each for Rabies, Parvo/Distemper, Bordatella and Feline Distemper. Microchipping will also be available for $25 for each pet. Animal Care encourages everyone to "Adopt A Pet - Save A Life" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 14, 2010 at the Animal Care Center.

Contact:  Kelli Copeland, Animal Care Services 361-826-4630.

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises residents that from Wednesday, August 11 through Saturday, September 11, 2010, weather permitting, city contractors, Bridges Specialties, will be doing road work along the 11300 block of Leopard Street between Margie Drive and Hart Road.

While the project is underway, the right westbound traffic lane on Leopard will be closed through the work site.

Traffic control devices will guide traffic through the construction site. While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible. Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of construction crews. Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Contact:  Charlie Cardenas, Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises residents that from Wednesday, August 11 through Wednesday, August 18, 2010, weather permitting, the Beecroft Company, Inc., will be installing a sign at the First United Methodist Church at 900 South Shoreline Boulevard.

While the project is underway, the right southbound traffic lane on Shoreline will be closed through the work site. Southbound Shoreline will be open for the afternoon rush hour traffic each day.

Traffic control devices will guide traffic through the construction site. While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible. Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of construction crews. Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Contact:  Charalie Cardenas, Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.

If you’ve ever wanted to do more in helping map your community’s course for the future, then you may want to consider volunteering to serve on one of the City of Corpus Christi’s Boards, Commissions or Committees.

The City Secretary’s Office is seeking biographical information forms and applications from those who would be interested in serving on one of four such advisory committees that have vacancies. They include: Cable Communications Commission - 1 vacancy; Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Advisory Committee - 2 vacancies (RSVP Volunteer and At Large); Senior Companion Program Advisory Committee - 1 vacancy (At Large); Water Resources Advisory Committee - 1 vacancy (Representative of Apartment Owners Association).

In order to be considered for appointment to a committee, an applicant must be a resident of Corpus Christi at the time they apply and throughout their time of service. Appointments are approved by the Corpus Christi City Council. In all, more than 400 residents serve on about 50 different City Boards, Commissions and Committees.

For more information, please contact the City Secretary’s Office at 826-3105 or visit the City’s website at www.cctexas.com 

Contact:  Armando Chapa, City Secretary 361-826-3105.

The Janet F. Harte Public Library first opened its doors back on August 19, 2000. As part of its 10th Anniversary celebration, the library reminds everyone that they are invited to a free exhibition of works by local commercial and fine art photographer Bryan Tumlinson. The exhibit is being held from August 1 through August 31, 2010 at the Noel McArdle Gallery in the library, which is located at 2629 Waldron Road. There will also be a free Meet the Artist Reception at the Harte Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 10, 2010.

Entitled, Panorama of the Costal Bend, Mr. Tumlinson’s inspiring photographic exhibit is a collection of sweeping landscapes of the Texas Gulf Coast. Mr. Tumlinson specializes in location photography and shoots 35 mm, 2¼, 4x5, panoramic and digital formats.

Following Panorama of the Coastal Bend, the Harte Library will offer three other exhibits in September and October. They will include a large scale model of the space shuttle Orbiter, which will be on loan from the Johnson Space Center in Houston. In addition, there will be a display of photographs of star clusters, galaxies and nebulae taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. The third exhibit will focus on the life of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, and will be on loan from the Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In all, the Janet F. Harte Public Library will offer seven programs from August through October, 2010 in commemoration of its 10th anniversary. All of the events are privately underwritten by member of the Friends of Corpus Christi Public Libraries and are free and open to the public.

Contact:  Cynthia Tunches, Janet F. Harte Library 361-937-6569.

The City of Corpus Christi is pleased to announce that it has joined the "TexasIsHot" Coalition, to help provide local residents with important information that can help them decrease energy use and lower their electric bills in the process.

The main goal of the TexasIsHot partnership is to better educate Corpus Christi area residents about the benefits of energy efficiency, and to promote conservation initiatives. "We are excited about the new partnership that the City of Corpus Christi has entered into with the TexasIsHot Coalition," said Mayor Joe Adame. "With the existing budget issues affecting our city and our state, every little bit counts and we are putting a lot of time and effort into energy efficiency initiatives. We look forward to utilizing this partnership with TexasIsHot as a resource to achieve our energy efficiency goals," Mayor Adame added.

Corpus Christi area residents can find helpful news and information about energy conservation by visiting http://www.texasishot.org/corpus.aspx.  The coalition also offers a comprehensive web site at www.TexasIsHot.org which has a wide variety of valuable information and tips dealing with energy efficiency.  

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises residents that on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, weather permitting, Rock Engineering & Testing Laboratory, Inc., will be performing field investigations and roadway testing on Horne Road between Greenwood Drive and South Port Avenue.

While the project is underway, eastbound traffic on Horne Road will periodically be reduced to one lane through the work site.

Traffic control devices will guide traffic through the construction site. While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible. Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricading for their safety and that of construction crews. Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Contact:  Charlie Cardenas, Traffic Engineering 361-826-3547.