The number of Hispanic residents and businesses is growing in West Palm Beach, and the City is expanding outreach efforts to help address their needs.

The City’s government access TV channel, WPB-TV (West Palm TV) recently added “Enfoque Communitario” to its’ programming schedule.  The show focuses on issues facing Hispanics, offers information about many services available to the public and features interviews with interesting local personalities and government officials.  The program will also include segments highlighting resources offered by the City of West Palm Beach to the Hispanic community.

“The Hispanic community is a vital part of the City of West Palm Beach’s diversity,” said Mayor Lois J. Frankel.  “This new show will be a great way to feature some of the programs, activities and services of interest to Hispanic residents.”

“Enfoque Communitario” is produced weekly by WWHB-TV.  WPB-TV airs replays of the program Saturdays and Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

The show is produced and hosted by Carlos Mahecha, who says airing the show on WPB-TV will be an important tool in reaching Hispanics.  “As a new Hispanic station, we feel that our relationship and partnership with WPB-TV will be successful and we will continue working to embrace the diverse Hispanic population in our community,” said Mahecha.

City of West Palm Beach residents can watch WPB-TV on Comcast cable channel 18.  The station can also be watched on-line by visiting wpbtv.org.  For information about WPB-TV programming, contact Jim Clark at (561) 822-1867.

We all remember the severe water shortage that we dealt with in early 2007, as we all became acquainted with once-a-week yard watering restrictions and other conservation efforts. With this year’s dry season upon us and Lake Okeechobee still at a historically low level, experts say the 2008 dry season may be even worse.

Here are some easy things you can do to save water year-round and help protect our water supply:

• Limit your yard watering. Most lawns need only an inch of water a week. Over-watering of lawns is the single biggest waste of water.
• Makes sure the pipes and faucets in your home are free of leaks. Water that leaks out of faucets or taps is 100% waste.
• Make sure that you only run your washing machine and dishwasher with full loads.
• Don’t let the water run when performing basic tasks. Turning it off while you wash your hands, brush your teeth or shave can save dozens of gallons per week.
• Taking shorter showers saves dozens of gallons per week.
• Try not to let any water go down the drain. Find another way to use it or prevent it from being wasted.

Each of us saving a bit here and there adds up to millions of gallons per day of water conservation. Saving our resources is a year-round effort, and everyone’s job!

For the third consecutive year, the City of West Palm Beach has been honored as one of the top ten digital cities in the nation by the Center for Digital Government and Education. The City ranked seventh in the country for cities with a population between 75,000 and 124,999. The award recognizes the City for using technology to create a seamless environment between local government and constituents.

“From broadcasting the State of the City address live on-line to building a City-wide wireless internet system, West Palm Beach continues to be at the forefront of using technology to make our City a better place,” said Mayor Lois J. Frankel.

“This year’s winners have really raised the bar for cities,” said Cathilea Robinett, executive director for the Center for Digital Government. “Digital technology connects citizens with their government on a level never before achieved.” Criteria examined for the study included the ability to pay utility bills, park fees and traffic citations online; the online availability of meeting minutes from city governing bodies; and the adoption or pursuit of wireless infrastructure in public spaces. City of West Palm Beach efforts to use technology to improve service delivery to residents include: “E-Gov Plus,” a one-stop-shop for construction, code and property information; the live streaming of the City government access station, West Palm TV, on wpb.org; and, the launching of CityConnect, an electronic newsletter to keep residents informed of City programs, events and issues via email.

One of the oldest tennis tournaments in the state is getting ready to serve up some competition– and plenty of fun.

Join us February 6-10 at the South Olive Community Center for the 70th annual South Florida Tennis Championship.  The tournament features plenty of great action, and offers nearly $10,000 in prize money.  A West Palm Beach native, Adrian Bohan, has won the Men’s open division for the past two years, and will be going for three in a row!  Come cheer on the players and help support this great local sporting event.

The tournament is presented by the City of West Palm Beach Department of Parks and Recreation.  For more information on it, please call (561) 804-4909.  The South Olive Community Center is located at 345 Summa Street.

Need to report a pothole on your street?  Want to know who’s playing at our next Clematis by Night concert?  Want to know what programs are being offered at your local community center?  You can now get the answers to these questions and much, much more by calling the City of West Palm Beach’s new 24-hour hotline, (561) 822-2222.

“This easy-to-remember number gives residents and visitors quick access to information about their City government,” said Mayor Lois J. Frankel.  “At the same time, we’re making sure that as a City, we’re available around the clock to answer questions and hear concerns.”

The (561) 822-2222 hotline is intended for non-emergency use only.  People in need of emergency services should call 911.  City of West Palm Beach information is also available 24-hours a day on the City’s website, wpb.org and on West Palm TV (Comcast Cable channel 18).

The number of Hispanic residents and businesses is growing in West Palm Beach, and the City is expanding outreach efforts to help address their needs.

The City’s government access TV channel, WPB-TV (West Palm TV) recently added “Enfoque Communitario” to its’ programming schedule. The show focuses on issues facing Hispanics today, offers information about many services available to the public and features interviews with interesting local personalities and government officials. The program will also include segments highlighting resources offered by the City of West Palm Beach to the Hispanic community. “The Hispanic community is a vital part of the City of West Palm Beach’s diversity,” said Mayor Lois J. Frankel. “This new program will be a great way to feature some of the programs, activities and services of interest to Hispanic residents.” “Enfoque Communitario” is produced weekly by WWHB-TV. WPB-TV airs replays of the progam Saturdays and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. The show is produced and hosted by Carlos Mahecha, who says airing the show on WPB-TV will be an important tool in reaching Hispanics. “As a new Hispanic station, we feel that our relationship and partnership with WPB-TV will be successful and we will continue working to embrace the diverse Hispanic population in our community,” said Mahecha. City of West Palm Beach residents can watch WPB-TV on Comcast cable channel 18. The station can also be watched on-line by visiting the City’s website, wpb.org.

(01/23/08)  The community is encouraged to be a part of Pleasant City’s history at a workshop on Saturday, January 26th, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Pleasant City Multi-Cultural Center, located at 501 21st Street in West Palm Beach.

Residents are invited to come map historic sites, hear some of the area’s history and bring their favorite photos and documents about Pleasant City for possible inclusion in the mural to be created on the eastern façade of the Pleasant City Multi-Cultural Center.  Residents will also have the opportunity to meet the mural’s artist.

What:  Portion of Banyan Boulevard Closed.
When:  Sunday, January 20, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Affected Area:  Banyan between Tamarind Ave. and Australian Ave.
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Due to resurfacing work, Banyan Boulevard will be closed to through traffic between Tamarind Avenue and Australian Avenue on Sunday, January 20, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The road work is being done on a Sunday in order to minimize the effect on traffic.  Motorists may detour via Okeechobee Boulevard.  Trains on the CSX tracks crossing Banyan Boulevard just west of Tamarind avenue will not be affected.

Take a trip around the world and learn what you can do to save it!

Get ready to take a trip around the world for FREE at Kaleidoscope 2008, an interactive multicultural festival that showcases the cultural diversity in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County.  Kaleidoscope 2008 will “Go Green,” a new event theme that is teaching students about the hottest topic impacting the world and their future – how to protect the environment.  The “Go Green” theme will bring awareness and education of efforts both at home and abroad to become more eco-friendly.

Kaleidoscope 2008– Go Green!
Featuring the Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra
Sunday, January 27, 2008
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Centennial Square and the East Library Grounds in Downtown West Palm Beach
FREE!
Produced by the City of West Palm Beach in partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County
For more information:  561-822-1515 or www.wpb.org/kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope 2008 is a family-friendly celebration of many cultures produced by the City of West Palm Beach in partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County.   Students in Palm Beach County schools work for months with local cultural organizations to learn about a specific country and then create an authentic representation of that country in the form of a “village” which the public is invited to tour at the event.  Kaleidoscope has been judged the “Best Educational Event” and “Best Community Outreach Event” by the International Festivals & Events Association.  This year’s event will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Centennial Square and on the East Library Grounds in Downtown West Palm Beach.  Features include continuous live authentic cultural entertainment on two stages, 18 different villages from around the world, interactive activities for children, ethnic food and refreshments, and an international bazaar.  Participating sponsors include National City, Palm Beach County, The Palm Beach Post, La Palma, 97.9 fm WRMF, Comcast, the West Palm Beach Marriott, SouthWest Airlines, the Children’s Services Council, Coca-Cola, and Columbia Restaurant. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (561) 822-1515 or visit www.wpb.org/kaleidoscope

Why work through your income tax forms when help is available for free?  Both City of West Palm Beach Vickers House locations are offering free tax help to people who earn less than $40,000 a year.  The tax help service begins January 28th, and runs until April 15th.  You need an appointment, so be sure to call 561-804-4975 to sign up.