2010 Crime Report: Crime Rate In McAllen Down 8 Percent

McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez recently released the Crime in McAllen 2010 report. Over, Crime by Volume and the Crime rate is down by 8 percent.

Crime by Volume (collective sum of reported crime):

Violent Crime decreased: -14.3 %

Property Crime decreased: -7.8 %

Crime Total decreased: -8.1 %

Crime Rate (factors changes in population):

Violent Crime decreased: -14.3 %

Property Crime decreased: -7.8 %

Crime Total decreased: -8.1%

Click here to view the Crime in McAllen 2010 Report.

Mayor Cortez Announces 2011 State of the City Address

Come celebrate the City of McAllen’s 100th Anniversary at the State of the City Address.

Thursday, January 20,2011

McAllen Convention Center

11:30 to 1:00 p.m.

Tickets: $50

Sponsorship levels available and as follows:

VIP Sponsor/Reception $5000/16 tickets

Silver Sponsor $1000 /6 tickets

Platinum Sponsor $2500 /16 tickets

Bronze Sponsor $500 /4 tickets

Gold Sponsor $1500 /8 tickets

Tickets and sponsorships may be purchased at McAllen City Hall, City Manager’s Office.

For additional information, please call (956) 681-1001.

Lifeguards Needed for Summer 2011

The City of McAllen is currently hiring lifeguards for the Summer of 2011.

If you or someone you know is interested in working as a lifeguard, contact the City of McAllen's Human Resources Department at (956) 681-1049.

Ask for Ingrid Martinez.

McAllen Heritage Center Seeks Historical Donations

The McAllen Heritage Center – history museum, dedicated to preserving and exhibiting McAllen’s history is currently developing an exhibit that will be focusing on McAllen’s first 100 years since formally becoming a City.

Many will recall that in 2004, McAllen celebrated it’s “Centennial” based on the establishment of the Depot on South Depot Road (known as 23rd street) in 1904 which is believed to have led to McAllen’s founding. A giant two day celebration was enjoyed by the community in celebration of this McAllen milestone.

As McAllen has much to be thankful for and much to celebrate, during 2011 the City will observe the 100th anniversary since it’s incorporation February 20, 1911 by holding a series of events throughout the year. The history museum will participate with a special exhibit entitled “McAllen’s Charter 100th” and is seeking donations from the community that may become a part of that exhibit.

If you have any items such as photographs, documents or artifacts that are related to the City’s illustrious history or have a direct relation to the City’s incorporation, please call Geoff Alger, Curator of MHC at (956) 687-1904. MHC is open from Tuesday through Friday 12pm to 5pm and Saturday from 11am to 4pm. Visit us on the web at: www.mcallenheritagecenter.com

TxDOT Encourages Safe Holiday Travels

Santa and his entourage—reindeer and elves—encourage Texans to have fun through the holidays. But, you better look out because he won’t be the only one watching.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will partner with law enforcement across the state to communicate important travel messages to keep citizens safe through the holidays. And, law enforcement will be working overtime to find and arrest folks who drive impaired.

TxDOT says follow some simple travel tips to make sure you arrive safely, and for goodness sake, don’t drink and drive.

“Be cautious and plan ahead,” said David Casteel, TxDOT assistant executive director for field and district operations. “Have fun, but be responsible.”

Here are some tips to consider before heading out:

• Be patient, allow enough time to reach your destination, and obey all traffic laws.
• Roads will be crowded, and this could lead to some aggressive driving on the part of other motorists. Be courteous in these situations and avoid bad driving actions that may make the situation worse i.e., road rage.
• Monitor the weather. If it’s going to be bad, particularly ice or snow events, consider staying home. Or rearrange your travel plans to avoid bad weather situations.
• If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving. Designate a driver or call a taxi or a sober friend. There were 1,159 serious injuries and 64 deaths from traffic crashes that occurred through the 2009/2010 Christmas and New Year’s holiday reporting periods.
• Be a responsible driver all year round. There were 12,408 alcohol-related fatal and injury crashes in Texas in 2009 that killed 956 motorists and injured 17,703 others.

“Like Santa, TxDOT wants everyone to have fun through the holidays,” said Carol Rawson, TxDOT Traffic Operations director. “More importantly, we want citizens to be safe. So, we are making a special effort to reach motorists with don’t drink and drive reminders that will pop up online as well as at locations where alcohol is served or purchased.”

Visit http://www.txdot.gov/safety/tips/winter_driving.htm for more winter weather driving tips. For information on Texas road conditions, call the Texas Travel Information Center at 800.452.9292 or visit TxDOT’s website at www.txdot.gov.