Del Rio Police Department
Col. James Von Debrow III..M.S.,B.S.,A.A.,A.A.S
Certified Forensic Hypnosis Investigator/Educator
Texas Dept. of Public Safety-State Trooper 88th Session
F. B. I. National Academy 200th Session
 
Most drivers today are driving while talking on the cell phone or texting. This is categorized on the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Reports as: “Driver inattention.” In fact, the Texas Department of Transportation statewide crashes stats for August 14, 2010 reported that the driver inattention contributed to 337 fatality; 11,057 serious injury crashes; 20,774 other jury crashes; 53,293 non-jury crashes; and 912 unknown severity crashes which total crashes are 89,373 for that particular reporting period. Moreover, driving is the most danger thing a human being can ever do. The ultimate goal of driving is to drive defensively!!! 
 
A City of Del Rio  Media Advisory informed the community of speed limit changes on Hwy 90 effective April 1, 2014.   The affected areas on US 90 still do not have the new speed limit signs posted.  Motorists are reminded to always observe the posted speed limit, even though the ordinance was passed.  Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) made the changes after conducting a traffic survey.  TXDOT is responsible for the changes to the signage.  TxDOT reports that they have received the signage to make the changes and will be changing the signs within the next 2 weeks.  TxDOT will also do a press release to notify the public when they have made the changes.

Wrong Way Parking Explained.  Parking on the wrong side of the roadway means the driver had to drive left of center and in oncoming traffic in order to park.  It also causes visibility issues for the parked car.  The red reflectors are located on the rear of the vehicle and are not visible when parked facing on coming.  Also, if an accident occurs with an illegally parked vehicle, the insurance companies are denying the claim because the individual was improperly parked, leaving the burden of payment on the owner of the vehicle.  Motorists should always park correctly for their safety as well as to protect their vehicles from unnecessary damage.

Recruitment addressed.  The City of Del Rio is constantly recruiting in order to fill its vacancies within the Police Department.  Applications may be obtained at City of Del Rio, 109 West Broadway, City Hall, Del Rio, Texas, 78840 in the Office of the Civil Service Director, Human Resources or by downloading an application at www.cityofdelrio.com.   If you have any questions, please contact the Civil Service Director, Mary Canales, at (830)774-8792. 

The employment process will include a written examination, physical agility test, background investigation, oral interview, drug screening, physical examination, and psychological examination and may be subject to a polygraph test. Entry-Level Police Officer shall serve an 18-month probationary period.  Testing is based on civil service laws.

Electing a new mayor is probably one of the most difficult decisions the citizens will make on May 10, 2014.  Numerous issues will be faced head-on by the new Mayor and new City Council members.   The April membership meeting offered the opportunity for the entire community to meet some of the political newcomers and listen to different viewpoints about some of the most talked about issues.  

The five mayoral candidates; Al Arreola, Mario Bosquez, Robert Garza, Marcos “Paco” Guajardo, and Rick Roman, took turns responding to questions posed to them by DRHCC VChair and former City of Del Rio Mayor Dora Alcala and Rio Grande College Dr.J.Paul Sorrels, Associate Provost and Dean.  Candidates fielded questions on creation of a water district for Val Verde County,   on supporting and funding a second International Bridge, on the proposed minimum wage increase, their plans for addressing infrastructure, bus and airline transportation, and economic growth.  

Ms. Dora Alcala was also recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation for her participation in the Hispanic Chamber as a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) member.  At the conclusion of the forum, the community was invited to partake of refreshments and meet personally with the candidates.  Over 100 persons attended the forum.  

DRHCC extends their gratitude to Dr. Sorrels and Ms. Delia Ramirez of SRSU Rio Grande College for hosting the forum and to the community for attending the forum.