In this comprehensive news roundup, we delve into the dynamic landscape of El Paso, exploring the latest developments in government, politics, education, environment, and more. From encouraging civic participation to celebrating culinary excellence, this article paints a vivid picture of the city's thriving community.

Empowering the Next Generation of Voters

Fostering Civic Duty with 'Future El Paso Voter Day'

The El Paso County Elections Department is spearheading an initiative to inspire the next generation of voters by encouraging parents to bring their children to the polls on Saturday, October 26th. This "Future El Paso Voter Day" event aims to instill a sense of civic duty and participation in the youth. Children who accompany their parents or grandparents to vote will receive a "Future Voter" sticker, while those who visit designated voting sites between noon and 5 p.m. will be rewarded with an election-themed goodie bag. According to Lisa Wise, the El Paso County elections administrator, research shows that parental influence is one of the strongest factors in shaping an individual's voting habits. By engaging children in the electoral process, the county hopes to cultivate a lifelong commitment to civic engagement.

Celebrating El Paso's Culinary Prowess

Texas Monthly's taco editor, José R. Ralat, has recognized the culinary excellence of El Paso, with four local establishments making the prestigious "50 Best Tacos" list. Ralat's extensive taco tour across the state led him to discover the Conejito pibil at ELEMI, the Tripa y tembloroso at Taqueria El Tiger, the Mushroom taco at Taconeta, and the Ceviche at El Botanero Mariscos. These tacos were not only praised for their exceptional flavors but also for their representation of the "New Tejano" movement, where blended cultures are creating dishes that are both forward-looking and nostalgic. The burritaco from La Colonial Tortilla Factory and the Chico's Tacos-inspired offering from the El Paso Flautas food truck in Austin also received honorable mentions, further solidifying El Paso's status as a culinary destination.

Investing in Healthy Food Access

The El Paso County Economic Development Department and UT Health Houston, El Paso campus, have announced the recipients of the Healthy Food Financing Initiative award, totaling 6,704. This program aims to address food access in low-income and underserved communities by providing capital to projects that sell healthy food at affordable prices or strengthen the local food distribution system. The award recipients include Chuco Town Farms, which grows vegetables in San Elizario, McCombs Meat Market in Northeast El Paso, and La Mejor Carnicería & Mercado, which serves workers in West El Paso. By supporting these businesses, the county is taking a proactive approach to improving food security and promoting healthier lifestyles within the community.

Combating Pest Infestations

In response to a troubling infestation of red flour beetles affecting residences and businesses in the Lower Valley, the El Paso County Commissioners Court has approved ,000 in assistance funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. The county is working with the city of Socorro to distribute free pesticide recommended by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. The beetles have been feeding on pecan shells used as ground cover in the area, and El Paso Water will begin moving the shells to the county landfill to reduce the insects' food source. Residents can pick up the pesticide with instructions at the Ysleta Annex on October 25th and 26th, as the county takes proactive steps to address this pest problem.

Expanding Educational Opportunities

Texas Tech Health El Paso (TTHEP) has seen a significant increase in enrollment, with 75 more students this semester compared to the previous year. The Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing, Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine, and Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences have all contributed to the 8% overall increase, marking the 10th consecutive year of higher enrollment numbers. This growth reflects the community's commitment to advancing healthcare education and research in the region.Complementing this educational expansion, El Paso Community College (EPCC) is set to open its fourth First-Year Experience (FYE) Center at the Northwest Campus. These centers provide workshops, academic and registration support, as well as holistic case management to First-Time-In-College students during their initial academic year. The new Northwest FYE Center will offer a range of amenities, including study spaces, computer access, and iPad checkout, to support student success. EPCC's FYE program has already demonstrated a 12% improvement in student retention and a 6% increase in the likelihood of students ending their semester in good standing.

Ensuring Emergency Preparedness

The El Paso City-County Office of Emergency Management has received accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), validating the hard work and dedication of the team, partner agencies, and community stakeholders in ensuring the city's readiness for any disaster. This accreditation, which is valid for five years, recognizes the office's compliance with the Emergency Management Standard and its ability to coordinate the community's response in large-scale emergencies or disasters. The office has played a crucial role in leading the region's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the record migrant influx, demonstrating its commitment to protecting the well-being of the El Paso community.

Navigating Contentious School Closure Decisions

The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) Board President, Israel Irroballi, has faced calls to recuse himself from decisions regarding school closures or a potential bond election due to his role as the executive director of the El Paso Association of Contractors. EPISD Superintendent Diana Sayavedra has recommended closing 10 of the district's 48 elementary schools, citing declining enrollment and falling birth rates. The potential bond proposal would be used to upgrade infrastructure, improve safety and security, and rebuild Zavala Elementary School. Trustee Alex Cuellar has raised concerns about the potential conflict of interest, as the bond would involve "hundreds of millions of dollars" in contracts. The El Paso Teachers Association has also announced plans to file an ethics complaint regarding Irroballi's decision not to recuse himself from these discussions.