by media | Mar 5, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr PD and Hidalgo County DA to Launch Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit During “No More Week” at 2 pm Monday, March 8
Continuing its efforts to respond to the need for community-based, partnership-driven and compassionate policing, the Pharr Police Department has partnered with the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office and other community resource agencies to develop and launch a Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit.
A joint press conference announcing the launch of the Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit will be held at 2 pm on Monday, March 8, 2021, at the Pharr Police Department (1900 S Cage Blvd) in Pharr.
At the press conference, a donation in the amount of $2,500 each from the Pharr Police Department and the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office will take place in a check presentation to Mujeres Unidas, a non-profit community service organization whose mission is to provide shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Pharr’s Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit was created out of an overwhelming need to support victims of domestic violence – ensuring victims safety first and foremost; obtaining immediate services such as a safe temporary shelter, counseling, and more; and providing resources and support to navigate the investigation process, judicial system, and beyond. By approaching the crisis situation with a specially-trained response unit and a plan for action for the victim, the Pharr Police Department will swiftly intervene and get the victim the appropriate help they need and, where necessary, the justice they deserve.
“We want to bring awareness to the issue of the dangers of domestic violence through tangible solutions that can capably respond to and address instances of domestic violence,” said Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez. “I applaud Pharr’s commitment to developing specialty units that are well-equipped with training and resources to properly respond to and handle crisis situations regarding domestic violence,” he added. “Our office stands ready to assist and support investigations and possible prosecutions that may arise from these efforts, promote appropriate justice, and ensure victims’ safety,” Rodriguez continued.
A study by the National Domestic Violence Hotline found that 1 in 4 women was reluctant to turn to law enforcement for help; two-thirds or more were afraid the police wouldn’t believe them or do anything to intervene.
“Building strategic partnerships with other agencies is part of our policing approach to better serve our community. Victims of domestic violence need to feel safe reaching out to us during a crisis situation or when in need, meeting them where they are will help us build their trust,” said Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey. “Ultimately, we want victims to feel confident they will get the help, care, and resources they need when they reach out,” Harvey continued.
“Our police department and officers are committed to ensuring that these types of situations are handled in a safe, compassionate manner and that we engage with all available resources to help the victim,” stated Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez.
The Pharr Police Department has partnered with community agencies and organizations to support the Unit, including DHR Health Safe H.A.V.E.N. Forensic Exam Center, Hidalgo County Community Service Agency, and Women Together/Mujeres Unidas. Representatives from the partner organizations will also be in attendance at the press conference to discuss the support roles their organizations will provide to the Unit.
Media is invited to attend.
To ensure social distancing accommodations, please confirm your media outlet’s attendance by emailing [email protected] or texting Karina at 956.343.0011.
DETAILS
WHAT: Press Conference Announcing Launch of Pharr’s Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit and Check Presentation to Mujeres Unidas
WHEN: Monday, March 8, 2021, at 2 pm
WHERE: Pharr Police Department (1900 S. Cage Blvd) in Pharr.
by media | Mar 4, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr Congratulates Hometown Talent Gean Garcia for Debut on “The Voice”
City of Pharr officials were proud to learn that Pharr is home to a local resident and vocal phenomenon who represented our community in an unforgettable performance on the televised singing competition, The Voice.
Gean Garcia, 19, of Pharr, performed a heartfelt, emotional piece accompanied by acoustic guitar, and was immediately selected by two of the vocal judges, singers Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson. Ultimately, Garcia chose to be on “Team Kelly,” and will be coached by Clarkson during this year’s season of the singing competition.
Garcia and his family reside in Pharr, originally hailing from New York City. He is the son of Jon Carlo and Angie Garcia. According to his biography on The Voice’s website, Gean learned to play guitar at six years old. His father is a Spanish musician, and Gean recently began touring with his father around the United States, Colombia, and Mexico. According to social media posts by IDEA Public Schools, Gean is a 2019 alumnus of IDEA Edinburg.
On behalf of the Pharr City Commission and the entire community of Pharr, we wish Gean the best of luck and we will be following his journey as he continues on in the televised singing competition. We’re rooting for you, Gean!
by media | Mar 4, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce Appoints Marcela Beas as Interim President
The City of Pharr and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce that Marcela Beas has been appointed as the Interim Chamber President.
“I appreciate the confidence the Board of Directors has shown in appointing me to the interim president role and entrusting me to manage this period of transition,” said Beas after her appointment confirmation. “I deeply believe in the Chamber’s mission and I look forward to continuing our work to support policies that grow our business community,” she added.
The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice of the business community. The organization represents advocacy, networking, and visibility with collective resources to help businesses expand and prosper.
“Marcela Beas will be a great asset to the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce and we look forward to working closely with her,” said Chairman of the Board Mario Lizcano.
by media | Mar 3, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Commissioners Proclaim March 2021 as “Theatre in Our Schools” Month
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring March 2021 as “Theatre in Our Schools Month. March is designated as “Theatre in Our Schools” (TIOS) Month, a national movement where thousands of students and theatre educators join together in raising awareness about the impact of theatre education, drawing attention to the need for more access for all students, and supporting school theatre programs in need. The goal of TIOS Month is to not only raise awareness inside the school walls, but beyond and into the community; to share the story of the importance of school theatre with leaders, influencers, policymakers, and all community members. The proclamation was accepted by Mr. Alejandro Coronado, Fine Arts Director at Vanguard Academy in Pharr. “At Vanguard, we’ve always felt that Fine Arts, Dance, and Theatre have always been a strong foundation for the core classes and we have them available for all our students from Kindergarten all the way to Twelfth grade,” said Coronado. “These programs make for well-rounded students,” he added.
Commissioners Recognize City Attorney Patricia Rigney – Founding Vice-President of RGV Chapter of Texas City Attorneys Association
The Pharr City Commission recognized City Attorney Patricia Rigney for her appointment as the Founding Vice-President and Member of the Rio Grande Valley – City Attorneys Association (RGV-CAA). TCAA is an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League that was formed to promote, encourage, and advance the professional development of municipal attorneys throughout the State of Texas. TCAA currently has a membership of over 400 attorneys and continues to meet the needs, concerns, and problems of its members in a variety of ways. “We are excited and proud of Patricia,” said Pharr Mayor, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez. “We know how dedicated she is to her craft and we know she will represent the Rio Grande Valley well,” added Mayor Hernandez. Congratulations to Patricia and the rest of the other local attorneys appointed to RGV-CAA!
City of Pharr Recognizes Jorge Piñon, Student Athlete at PSJA Southwest Early College High School
The Pharr City Commission recognized PSJA Southwest Early College High School senior #7 Jorge Piñon who accepted a football scholarship to play football for Buena Vista University Beavers of Storm Lake, Iowa. Jorge was awarded a Presidential and football Scholarship by the university and plans to excel in his academic and athletic career. “This is my dream and I know that not many kids get the opportunity to play football in college,” said Piñon. “I am honored, thankful, and strive to achieve great things in my future,” he added. “We are all so very proud of you and know that you can accomplish every goal you set your mind to,” said Mayor Hernandez. “Best of luck, Echale Ganas, and remember, you can be anything you want to be,” added Mayor Hernandez.
Commissioners Approve Ordinance amending Ordinance No. O-2006-47 Standards Manual Construction and Development Guide
Commissioners Approve Ordinance amending Ordinance No. O-2006-47 Standards Manual Construction and Development Guide. The City of Pharr has determined that the supplemental drainage policy is necessary to provide for the safety and welfare of the general public, mitigate flood and erosion-related damages to private and public property. The supplemental drainage policy requires on-site detention for any new residential and commercial development. The difference between the 50-year storm post-development runoff and the 10-Year PreDevelopment runoff shall be detained on-site and shall be situated in dedicated areas. In addition, the City recognizes that public roadways require a certain degree of continuity, capacity, and accessibility to adjacent land uses, and to address the transportation and mobility needs. As per the amended Ordinance, Local Right-of-Way (ROW) widths are now required to be a total of 50’ROW, 40′ B-B, as opposed to the current requirement of 34’B-B.
City of Pharr COVID-19 Interest Form Now Available
The City of Pharr is asking residents who are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit: www.pharrvaccines.info and fill out the Vaccine Interest Form. This form WILL NOT register you to receive a dose. This will allow us to gather data on those who are interested in receiving the vaccine.
Featured Event: Movies at the Park Featuring “HOP” – Saturday, March 6, 2021, starting at 6 pm
Join us for our “Movies at the Park” event this Saturday! We will be showing “HOP” on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at the Pharr/Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center. The movie will start at 6:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
Featured Event: 15th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5k Run/Walk – Saturday, March 13, 2021
The City of Pharr is ready to host the 15th annual St. Patrick’s Day 5k Run/Walk on March 13, 2021! The city will be following COVID-19 guidelines to ensure everyone’s health and safety. We appreciate the commitment and overwhelming response to this year’s event!
If you already registered, you can pick up your packets from March 11-12, 2021, at the Pharr Parks and Recreation office located at 1011 W. Kelly Ave from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
by media | Mar 2, 2021 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr EDC Foundation Launches, Founding Board Members Inaugurated
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in partnership with the City of Pharr, is proud to announce that they have launched the newly created Pharr EDC Foundation and recently held an induction ceremony welcoming the Founding Board of Directors.
As the City of Pharr’s economic development arm, the Pharr EDC has always focused its efforts on creating direct pipelines for students, post-secondary education workforce development, entrepreneurship, and business development. These efforts will further be expanded through the Pharr EDC Foundation, with a special focus on education.
“This is an exciting moment for the Pharr EDC and something we have been working towards,” said Victor Perez, Executive Director of the Pharr EDC during the ceremony. “The Pharr EDC Foundation, through the dedication and assistance of its board members, plans to focus its efforts on providing scholarships, internship opportunities, and financial literacy education to students within the City of Pharr,” added Perez.
The foundation advisory board includes President, Victor Perez who is the Executive Director of the Pharr EDC; Vice-President Reynaldo Perez who is an Adjunct Professor at Vanguard Academy and South Texas College; and Treasurer, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., Mayor of Pharr.
During the ceremony, the Founding Board of Directors were administered the oath of office by Pharr City Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero.
Founding Board Members of the Pharr EDC Foundation take the oath of office administered by City Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero during the Inauguration Ceremony.
The Pharr EDC Foundation Founding Board of Directors are Felix Chavez, Jr., President/Owner of Junior’s Supermarket, Edna De Saro, Executive VP & Marketing Director of Lone Star National Bank, Veronica Gonzales, VP of Governmental & Community Relations for UTRGV, Hans Humphrey, New Projects Director for CIL, Sara Lozano, Dean of Business, Public Safety, and Technology for South Texas College, Jerry Maddox, Owner of Fazoli’s Pharr, Dorian Madrigal, General Sales Manager for CAPA, Tony Martinez, Managing Member of Primo Trading Services, Alex Meade, Vice President of Economic Development & Public Finance for Texas Regional Bank, Dr. Annabelle Palomo, CEO/School Director of RGV College, Johnny Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations for Bert Ogden Auto, and Robert Tudor, Owner of Rapid Transport, United Truck Parts, and Dura Trucks. Stuart I.R. Haniff, MHA who is the Chief Executive Officer for The Food Bank RGV will serve as an Advisor to the Board.
As distinguished business owners, entrepreneurs, and career professionals, the Pharr EDC Foundation Founding Board Director’s expertise and business acumen will play a critical role in shaping the educational and economic future of students in Pharr.
“Through the Pharr EDC Foundation, we hope to foster relationships within our community to expand educational and workforce opportunities for students and individuals within Pharr, while supporting our economic growth,” said Mayor and Pharr EDC Foundation Treasurer, Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Education is a critical key to workforce development and we are committed to advancing and supporting our future workforce by providing them with scholarships, internships, and resources, to set them on the path to success,” continued Hernandez.
The Pharr EDC Foundation is committed to supporting Pharr students’ achieve their educational and career dreams by helping them pay for college at all levels, whether it is for a trade or technical degree or a four-year university.
Pharr City Commissioners present the Pharr EDC Foundation with a $500,000 check for student scholarships (L to R): Commissioners Bobby Carrillo, Daniel Chavez, Ricardo Medina, Eleazar Guajardo, Itza Flores, Dr. Ramiro Caballero, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and Victor Perez, Pharr EDC Executive Director.
As part of this commitment, the Pharr City Commission presented the Pharr EDC Foundation with a $500,000 check during the ceremony. Mayor Hernandez announced during his remarks that funding for the foundation will come from revenues generated by the Pharr International Bridge and through fundraising efforts by the board.
The Pharr EDC Foundation plans to launch its website in the coming months, and scholarship applications will be made available shortly thereafter.
by media | Feb 25, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr EDC to Hold Inauguration Ceremony Celebrating New Foundation and Board TOMORROW, Thurs., 2/25 @ 6 pm
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in partnership with the City of Pharr, is proud to announce that they will be hosting an Inauguration Ceremony to celebrate the new Pharr EDC Foundation and the induction of the Founding Board of Directors. The event will take place at 6 pm TOMORROW, Thursday, February 25 at the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (1215 S. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr.
“This is an exciting moment for the Pharr EDC and something we have been working towards,” said Victor Perez, Executive Director of the Pharr EDC. “The Pharr EDC Foundation, through the dedication and assistance of its board members, plans to focus its efforts on providing scholarships, internship opportunities, and financial literacy education to students within the City of Pharr,” added Perez.
As the City of Pharr’s economic development arm, the Pharr EDC has always focused its efforts on creating direct pipelines for students, post-secondary education workforce development, entrepreneurship, and business development. These efforts will further be expanded through the Pharr EDC Foundation, with a special focus on education.
“Through the Pharr EDC Foundation, we hope to foster relationships within our community to expand educational and workforce opportunities for students and individuals within Pharr, while supporting our economic growth,” said Mayor and Pharr EDC Board President, Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Education is a critical key to workforce development and we are committed to advancing and supporting our future workforce by providing them with scholarships, internships, and resources, to set them on the path to success,” continued Hernandez.
All media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr EDC to Hold Inauguration Ceremony Celebrating New Foundation and Board
WHEN: Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 6 pm
WHERE: Pharr Economic Development Corporation (1215 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
