A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held during the City Council meeting on July 12. The City Council is scheduled to approve the first reading of the budget on July 19, with a second reading and final approval set for July 26. A complete copy of the proposed budget will be available on the City website, , at City Hall and at all public libraries by the end of this week. Contact: Oscar Martinez, Assistant City Manager 361-826-3897

05/27/05 City Now Offers Closed Captioned Movies In The Park The City of Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce that it is now offering captioned movies for its Bayjammin' Movie Series. As part of that new service, the movie Tora, Tora, Tora will be shown with captioning beginning at dark (approximately 8:30 p.m.) tonight, Friday, May 27, 2005 at the Amphitheater in Cole Park. According to Parks and Recreation Director Sally Gavlik, the main idea behind the closed captioned movies is to better accommodate citizens who have hearing impairments or loss. "We do our very best to serve as many citizens as we can with the various services we offer," Gavlik said. "I'm excited that we are now able to offer these captioned movies to help make sure as many people as possible can enjoy them," Gavlik added. The Bayjammin' Movie Series is offered every Friday night from April through October. For more information, please contact the Cultural Services Division at 883-0639. Contact: Gustavo Valadez Ortiz, Superintendent, Cultural Services 361-883-0639

05/25/05 The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is pleased to announce the opening of "Make it Move," a special hands-on traveling exhibit for young children on Saturday, May 28, 2005. The opening of "Make it Move" is going to be "kid-fun," with ice cream, Wienerschnitzel hot dogs, lemonade and entertainment by Lanky the Clown/Magician from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. And children through the age of 12 will be admitted free from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day when accompanied by a paying adult. The theme of "Make it Move" is exploring the world of simple machines. The exhibit will demonstrate such things as creating a super spinner with tops, designing a course with loop to loops, paddle wheels and other devices. Kids will also be able to hook, lift and scoop objects with a child-sized model crane or excavator. In addition, the exhibit features gears, pulleys and levers in problem solving activities. The exhibit, which is funded by the Prichard Family Foundation, will run through September 11, 2005. The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is located at 1900 N. Chaparral. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission to the Museum and Columbus Ships is $10 for adults, $5.50 for Children (5-12) and $8 for seniors and military with ID. For more information, please call 826-4651. Contact: Don Zuris, Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History 361-826-4669

City Offers Beach Tips For Memorial Day 2005 The City of Corpus Christi is geared up for the long Memorial Day weekend 2005 and is anticipating large numbers of people on area beaches. The Parks and Recreation Department has some important information that will help ensure a safe and fun holiday for beach goers. Traffic will be able to enter the beach areas on Padre and Mustang Islands at all access roads, except for Access Road 3A, which remains closed due to the construction at Packery Channel. Parking permits are required in designated areas. Beach goers are encouraged to buy their $6.00 permit before getting to the beach. The permits may be purchased at various locations, including City Hall, H.E.B. stores in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Aransas Pass and Ingleside, and Circle K stores in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and Aransas Pass. They are also available at the Wal-Mart in Flour Bluff, Academy Sports on S.P.I.D. and the Country Store and Texas Star out on the island. As always, there are a few simple rules beach visitors must follow to help ensure everyone has a safe and fun trip. They include:

No glass containers

Dogs must be on a leash

Dispose of litter in trash receptacles

Speed limit is 15 MPH

If you will be heading to Corpus Christi Beach:

Driving on the beach is prohibited

No glass containers

Dogs must be on a leash

No camp fires

Dispose of litter in trash receptacles

And please remember that McGee Beach on the Corpus Christi bayfront will be the event site for the Velocity Games 2005. The area will be fenced as an admission fee is being charged by the event organizers. Contact: Kristin A. Connor, Beach & Bayfront Superintendent 361-826-3461

City To Hold Meeting To Introduce Round 3 Of Neighborhood Pride Program To Residents In Neighborhood Initiative Program Area The City of Corpus Christi will be kicking off the third round of the Neighborhood Pride Program to follow up the efforts of the Neighborhood Initiative Program (NIP) in the second area designated for the program. City representatives will be meeting with residents living in the area bordered by Agnes, IH 37, Crosstown Expressway, and Port Ave. to set goals for continued improvement in their neighborhood. The neighborhood meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2005 at Ben Garza Gym, 1815 Howard. The Neighborhood Pride Program is the sustainability phase of the NIP, which provided the initial coordination, city resources and operational services for concentrated neighborhood clean up and improvements to designated city neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Pride Program is designed to encourage and empower residents to take the lead in continuing their efforts for enhanced maintenance, safety, improvements and beautification in their neighborhoods. The program is scheduled to be implemented over a 12-to-18-month period, which will allow the various participating neighborhoods to work at their own pace in developing their own new improvement projects and programs. City representatives will meet with residents to explain some of the potential efforts and activities available to help them reach their goals. The resources include such things as the Neighbors on Watch Program, home security surveys, fire safety, animal control education, the Auto Theft Task Force, the recycling program, home loans, home improvement assistance and a wide range of other activities. Contact: Diana Martinez, Project Coordinator, NIP 361-815-1126

05/16/05 City To Hold Meeting To Introduce Round 2 Of Neighborhood Pride Program To Residents In Neighborhood Initiative Program Area The City of Corpus Christi will be kicking off the second round of the Neighborhood Pride Program to follow up the efforts of the Neighborhood Initiative Program (NIP) in the sixth area designated for the program. City representatives will be meeting with residents living in the area bordered by Agnes, Port Ave., Highland and Baldwin to set goals for continued improvement in their neighborhood. The neighborhood meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at Zavala Elementary School, 3102 Highland. The Neighborhood Pride Program is the sustainability phase of the NIP, which provided the initial coordination, city resources and operational services for concentrated neighborhood clean up and improvements to designated city neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Pride Program is designed to encourage and empower residents to take the lead in continuing their efforts for enhanced maintenance, safety, improvements and beautification in their neighborhoods. City representatives will meet with residents to explain some of the potential efforts and activities available to help them reach their goals. The resources include such things as the Neighbors on Watch Program, home security surveys, fire safety, animal control education, the Auto Theft Task Force, the recycling program, home loans, home improvement assistance and a wide range of other activities. Contact: Yvonne Haag, Project Manager, NIP 361-826-3234

Wastewater Department Employees To Receive Corpus Christi City Manager George K. "Skip" Noe will help recognize two Wastewater Department employees for their outstanding service by presenting them with the "At Your Service Award." The presentation will be made at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2005 in the Council Chambers at Corpus Christi City Hall, 1201 Leopard Street.

The City Manager will be recognizing Mario De La Garza and Gerhard Winkler, who both hold the position of Wastewater Collection System Technician. They are primarily being recognized for taking the extra step in helping citizens receive the best service possible. In particular, De La Garza and Winkler were commended by a local resident who lives in the 3400 block of San Antonio Street for the outstanding job they did in helping resolve a problem he had with a backed up wastewater line in January of this year. In fact, according to the citizen, "¡­I cannot tell you how refreshing and encouraging it is to enjoy the quality of service and caliber of staff that we have in Corpus Christi." Because of their efforts and for a job well done, De La Garza and Winkler will receive the At Your Service Award.

The At Your Service Award was established as a way of recognizing City employees who go the extra mile in helping provide excellent service to the citizens of Corpus Christi.

Contact: George K. "Skip" Noe, City Manager 361-826-3220or Foster Crowell, Director, Wastewater Department 361-826-1800

City And County Leaders Join Together To Prepare Residents For 2005 Hurricane Season Mayor Henry Garrett, City Council members, City Manager Skip oe and Emergency Operations Center leaders will attend the Commissioners Court meeting at the Nueces County Courthouse at 9am Wednesday, May 18, in observance of Hurricane Awareness Week. City and county emergency managers have been meeting regularly to coordinate planning efforts in anticipation of the 2005 hurricane season, which begins on June 1. Contact: Cheryl A. Soward, Director of Public Information 361-880-3211

Firefighters Come Together To Support One Of Their Own Members of the Corpus Christi Fire Department today are in shock following an accident last night in Robstown that seriously injured a long-time Captain and killed his wife and two daughters. Fire Chief J.J. Adame says Captain Manuel Hernandez has been with the CCFD for 32 ? years. He works at Fire Station #2 in the Annaville/Calallen area. "Captain Hernandez is an outstanding, respected member of this department, and although this tragedy is having an indescribable effect on his family, each of our firefighters has also been touched by it since he's a member of our fire department family," Adame said. Assistant Chief Michael Hernandez (no relation) says Captain Hernandez helped raise the bar for professionalism in the department. "He sets high expectations for himself and for the firefighters who work for him," Hernandez said, "It's been an emotional 24 hours for all of us." Contact: J.J. Adame, Fire Chief 361-826-3935 or Mike Hernandez, Assistant Fire Chief 826-3936 or 877-0089

05/13/05 City Of Corpus Christi Vows To Fight For South Texas Military Corpus Christi Mayor Henry Garrett and City Manager George K. "Skip" Noe met this morning with a representative of the South Texas Military Facilities Task Force to offer their support in the upcoming fight to keep South Texas military bases open. "We have been faced with challenges before, and as a community we've always been able to overcome what's been put in front of us. Today's announcement by the Department of Defense is no different. This is just the beginning, and I am confident that we will prevail as we've done in the past", Garrett said. Garrett and Noe were briefed by Gary Bushell, a consultant for the Task Force, shortly after the Pentagon released its proposed Base Realignment and Closure list. The list recommends the closure of Naval Station Ingleside, as well as realignment at Naval Air Station-Corpus Christi and Corpus Christi Army Depot. Bushell says early information shows that the approximately 1,000 jobs slated for reduction in Corpus Christi are directly related to the mine warfare mission in Ingleside. City of Corpus Christi officials have always agreed that it's important to wage a vigorous, comprehensive effort to ensure that the South Texas military presence remains strong. Contact: Cheryl A. Soward, Director of Public Information 361-880-3211

05/12/05 World Of Water Celebration Focuses On Awareness Of Precious Natural Resources The City of Corpus Christi Water, Storm Water and Wastewater Departments invite everyone to the 16th Annual "World of Water Celebration" as part of Water Utilities Week. The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2005 at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, 1900 N. Chaparral Street.

The annual event is meant to generate greater public awareness of the services provided by the three water utilities, and the positive impact they have on the residents of Corpus Christi. Visitors to the World of Water celebration can enjoy free admission to the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event will feature hands-on activities and exhibits, a Xeriscape workshop, entertainment and prizes.

Contact: Yolanda Marruffo, City of Corpus Christi Water Department 361-857-1879

05/11/05 Animal Care The City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Division invites local pet owners to take advantage of low-cost vaccinations for their pets during a special "Mini Pet Fair." The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2005 at the Animal Care Facility, 2626 Holly Road.

During the fair, rabies vaccinations will be offered for just $6 each. In addition, annual booster vaccinations for dogs will be provided for $16, and $18 for annual booster vaccinations for cats.

The Corpus Christi Kennel Club will also be hosting a microchipping clinic, which will allow participating residents to provide their pets with permanent identification through the implanting of a microchip. According to Animal Care Manager Cherrie Stunz, with hurricane season beginning next month, this is the perfect time for residents to consider such identification for their pets. "During stormy weather, animals can get out of the yard and become lost, and they can lose their collars and tags," Stunz said. "But if a missing pet with the microchip identification ends up in our facility, all we have to do is scan them and we can easily find their owner," Stunz said.

The cost for the chip during the Pet Fair will be $8.25, and a lifetime registration with Companion Animal Resources, which does the microchipping, is $9. That means the total cost of the permanent identification process is just $17.25. For more information about the Mini Pet Fair, please contact Animal Care at 826-4630.

Contact: Cherrie Stunz, Animal Care Manager 361-826-4630

05/10/05 Next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Saturday, May 14, 2005 The City of Corpus Christi Solid Waste Services Department will conduct a household hazardous waste collection day event where disposal of household hazardous waste is offered FREE OF CHARGE to Corpus Christi residents. EVENT: HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION LOCATION: J.C. ELLIOTT LANDFILL, 7001 AYERS STREET TIME: 9 A.M. ¨C 3 P.M. DATE: SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2005

Items to bring from home:

Automotive: Anti-freeze, solvents, batteries, oil, brake/transmission fluids & gasoline.

Paint: Spray paints, paint thinners, paint strippers, wood preservatives & brush cleaners.

Gardening: Pesticides, sprays or dusts, weed killers, rat poison, insecticides and fertilizers.

Cleaning: Drain cleaners, cleaner concentrates (powder & liquid), de-greasers, oven cleaners, mothballs, cleaning solvents, spot removers and polishes.

Pool chemicals & household batteries

For more information, residents may call 857-1631 or visit . Household Hazardous Waste Collection events are funded by the City of Corpus Christi Storm Water Department.

Contact: Lawrence Mikolajczyk, Assistant Dir., Solid Waste Services 361-826-1965

City To Hold Meeting To Introduce Round 3 Of Neighborhood Pride Program To Residents In Neighborhood Initiative Program Area The City of Corpus Christi will be kicking off the third round of the Neighborhood Pride Program to follow up the efforts of the Neighborhood Initiative Program (NIP) in the first area designated for the program. City representatives will be meeting with residents living in the area bordered by Agnes, South Staples, Morgan and the Crosstown Expressway to develop goal strategies for continued improvement in their neighborhood. The neighborhood meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at the Boys and Girls Club of Corpus Christi, Inc., 702 South Brownlee. The Neighborhood Pride Program is the sustainability phase of the NIP, which provided the initial coordination, city resources and operational services for concentrated neighborhood clean up and improvements to designated city neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Pride Program is designed to encourage and empower residents to take the lead in continuing their efforts for enhanced maintenance, safety, improvements and beautification in their neighborhoods. City representatives will meet with residents to explain some of the potential efforts and activities available to help them reach their goals. The resources include such things as the Neighbors on Watch Program, home security surveys, fire safety, animal control education, the Auto Theft Task Force, the recycling program, home loans, home improvement assistance and a wide range of other activities. Contact: Yvonne Haag, Project Manager, NIP 361-826-3234

Transportation Security Administration To Spotlight Prohibited Items And Offer Helpful Summer Travel Tips With the busy summer travel season fast approaching, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would like to offer some helpful tips and remind airline passengers to be aware of items that are not allowed in suitcases and carry-on bags. Those topics will be highlighted during a news conference at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at the TSA Office at Corpus Christi International Airport.

Every day, prohibited items are surrendered at airport security checkpoints across the nation. During Wednesday's briefing, local TSA Director Roberto Fernandez and other officials will display prohibited items that have recently been intercepted at Corpus Christi International Airport. At the same time, the TSA will offer valuable advice that can help travelers save time in the security screening process. Officials will offer tips on such things as packing, traveling with small children and much more.

Contact:Amy Gazin, Corpus Christi International Airport 361-289-0171, ext. 1239

05/09/05 Public Input Sought On Proposed RTA Wheelchair Securement Policy The City of Corpus Christi Committee for Persons with Disabilities will be holding a special meeting to seek input from residents on a proposed policy by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) concerning the securing of wheelchairs on RTA buses. The meeting will be held from 4 p.m. ¨C 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2005 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1201 Leopard Street.

During the meeting, RTA officials will present an overview of the proposed policy for securing persons with disabilities who use wheelchairs when they ride the bus. The RTA currently has no official policy in place. Members of the Committee for Persons with Disabilities will weigh input and suggestions from the public before deciding what recommendations, if any, they will make to the RTA Board on the issue. According to RTA figures, there were 24, 696 boardings of persons in wheelchairs on fixed route service buses during 2004.

The RTA will also provide free tokens at the end of Wednesday's meeting for those in attendance who must utilize public transportation after the meeting.

Contact: Leon Bazar. Director of Human Relations 361-826-3196

05/05/05 Museum To Host The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History will host a book signing by Tom Kayser, President of the Texas League of Professional Baseball Clubs and author of History of the Texas League. The event will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the museum.

Kayser has had a long career in baseball, beginning with the Eastern League in 1976. He has been associated with both minor and major-league teams in New England, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Canada.

Tom has also been President of the Texas League since 1992. The Texas League was established in 1888, and is one of the oldest minor league circuits in existence. For more than 100 seasons, the Texas League has played America's favorite pastime in more than 40 cities in 8 states. Kayser's book includes many photographs, some going back to the earliest days of the league. As part of the book signing event, those who purchase a book and show their admission receipt will be refunded half the price of admission to the museum (adult, senior, military and students only).

The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is located at 1900 N. Chaparral. Admission to the museum is $10 adults, $8 students and military with ID and children $5.50 (aged 5-12). For more information, please call 826-4651.

Contact: Don Zuris, Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History 361-826-4669

05/03/05 Additional Flight At International Airport Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) is pleased to announce that American Eagle Airlines will be introducing an additional flight to Dallas Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW) from the Hayden W. Head Terminal beginning at 12:25 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2005.

The new flight means the Dallas-based carrier will have 10 flights or 440 seats available to the traveling public each day except on Saturday. Director of Aviation Dave Hamrick says the announcement from American Eagle comes just in time for an expected increase in summer air traffic. "Some really positive news is that CCIA has experienced an increase in passengers for the last 16 months," Hamrick said. "We feel this just helps verify that additional air service will result in more people using their hometown airport," he added.

CCIA serves 800,000 customers annually with 26 daily departures and three nonstop destinations, including DFW, Houston and Atlanta, Georgia. For the most up-to-date flight information, residents may visit the City website at .

Contact: Amy Gazin, Corpus Christi International Airport 361-289-0171, ext. 1239

05/02/05 Residents Cautioned Not To Handle Bats, After Recently Captured One Tests Positive For Rabies According to City of Corpus Christi Animal Care and Control Services officials, a bat recently found by two local students has tested positive for rabies. And residents are being reminded not to handle bats if they happen to find one.

Officials say the bat in question was found last week by two 8th Graders at Calallen Middle School. The bat was sent to a lab in Austin for testing, and the state has informed Animal Care that the results of the test are positive for rabies. Animal Care officials say as a result, the school has been contacted, and will notify parents of the situation.

Officials say this helps serve as a reminder to residents that bats are carriers of rabies, and that residents need to remember not to handle them under any circumstances. "We're not trying to panic anyone, since this is not an uncommon situation," said Animal Care Field Operations Supervisor Angel Hernandez. "But we do want to make sure residents understand that bats should not be handled since they do carry rabies. And parents need to educate their kids about the situation, too. We want to remind everyone that if they do find a bat, they should contact Animal Care or the Police Department immediately," Hernandez said.