DEC/JAN 2015 PRICE $2.95
December/January, 2015
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FASHION · HEALTH · TRAVEL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF December/January, 2015
Shelley Mozelle shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com
EDITOR Kim North kim@thecitymagazineelp.com
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/STAFF WRITER Meagan Kinley
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Natalie Rosales natalie@thecitymagazineelp.com COVER: A year of The City Magazine Covers 2014 DESIGN BY: Ernie Sanchez Creative
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER/ EVENT COORDINATOR Chaz Wilson
EDITORIAL DESIGN Ernie Sanchez Creative
SALES MANAGER Joseph D. Dias joe@thecitymagazineelp.com
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Jacqueline Ramsey - Senior Advertising Executive jackie@thecitymagazineelp.com Chaz Wilson chaz@thecitymagazineelp.com Sharon Passantino sharon@thecitymagazineelp.com Jessy Castañeda jessy@thecitymagazineelp.com Sarah A. Lopez sarahl@thecitymagazineelp.com Veronica Nevarez veronica@thecitymagazineelp.com
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
In our September article titled “Fashion With Passion - Ninth Annual Friends of FEMAP Gala” we would like to note that Blow Dry Bar styled our beautiful model’s hair. Thank you! “The City ” El Paso Magazine welcomes your comments. Please send letters to “Letters to the Editors” 5925 Silver Springs Dr., Suite A El Paso, Texas 79912, or email the editors. Phone number: (915) 500-5730. Fax: (915) 500-5732. Letters addressed to The City El Paso Magazine become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Letters may be edited for space.
All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by the magazine and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Editors in Chief. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of the magazine. All rights reserved.
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Felipa Solis, Jannet Bustillos, Grace Neuhaus, Michelle Cromer, Meagan Kinley, Michael Graham, Vic Poulos, Joann Wardy, Natalie Rosales, Candace Vasquez, Matthew Abraham, Adair Margo, Ector Acosta, Pablo Delgadillo, Sergio Carrasco Jr., Lizzie Martinez, Matthew Wilkson, Javier Caballero, Natalie Eckberg, Austin Savage, Erika Lopez, Jose Soto, Elaine Gordon, Kirsten Applebaum
PHOTOGRAPHY Dav Anmed, Robert Corral, Tommie Morelos, Luis Miranda Jr., Jorge Ballesteros
INTERN Denisse Limas, Sergio Carrasco Jr., Pablo Delgadillo, Thomas Diaz, Alicia Palomares
GUEST STYLIST Tanya Ortega
CREATIVE SUPPORT Theresa Guerra, Ibrahim Sánchez
The Heart Of El Paso
December/January, 2015
1122 Airway Blvd. | El Paso, Texas 79925 | (915) 771-5083 | hoyfoxvw.com www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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December/January, 2015 What an amazing year 2014 was for The City Magazine. The community as a whole has shown their commitment and given a voice to El Paso‘s lifestyle magazine, each of you in different ways. First, the reader continues to buy and read our magazine, sharing with neighbors, coworkers and family, information they’ve learned from the pages. You’ve advertised each on the level that your budget and customer growth would allow; from yearly marketing campaigns, to event announcements, and let’s not forget the many profiles
Editor’s
Letter “Do something today that your future self with thank you for.” Author Unknown
that tell each of your personal stories. We are a community that takes pride in what we’ve accomplished, thus you should be proud to tell your stories sharing your accomplishments with those up-and-coming business professionals who aspire to follow in your footsteps. You’ve watched our TV shows produced by our media partners KTSM, and because of your viewership and support our “Best of The City Wedding Show” was nominated for a broadcasting Emmy. If that weren’t enough, that same Wedding Magazine was a finalist of five, for an Ozzie, standing next to categories that included Glamour Magazine, Oprah Magazine and People Magazine amongst others. To have El Paso’s name recognized in New York City was an honor and only shows the world what photography, editorial, and graphic design talent we have in El Paso, Texas. Recently, we’ve proudly launched our own weekly TV show simply called “The City Show” that airs every Saturday at 6:30 p.m. following the KTSM NewsChannel 9 news. The show allows our readers and viewers to meet up close and personal with the local business owners who make this great city rock. Mark it on your calendars and make sure you don’t miss personal interviews intermingled with editorial content. How else will you keep up with the lifestyle of the city? Thanks to the thousands of you who went to our website and voted for your favorites in each of our categories. Some of the categories were amazingly close requiring a second count, some won by thousands, but don’t let it go unmentioned that these awards were fought for. I saw hundreds of social media posts, dozens of your YouTube voting requests, and I cease to be amazed at the creativity that each of the winners had letting their “following” know that they were in the running and wanted to win. The “Best of The City” award has become coveted and we believe it is because our audience knows the importance of being voted on by their peers. Make sure and join us January 31st at Cutter Aviation for the “Best of The City” event where you’ll see our own Jonny Gray, finalist on “The Voice,” perform his first home concert since appearing on the show. Remember that the door money goes to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of El Paso. With that said I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for your support in the labor of love that each of us behind the scenes calls The City Magazine. As Harvey Mackay once said, “Find something that you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” That is our commitment to you as we continue the journey … where the magic happens. Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year!
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December/January, 2015
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December/January, 2015
BOOKS on the BORDER | By: MEAGAN KINLEY |
Bully in the Mirror by Shanaya Fastje
story also tells the tale of love, loyalty and country. For this piece,
Shanaya Fastje is a young author, actress and singer who has published
Teran was awarded as a ForeWord Review Finalist for Historical
four children’s books, including her 2012 piece, “Bully in the Mirror.”
Fiction, the John Creasy Award and the International IMPAC Award.
Shanaya published the book when she was 13 after several incidents
Order “The Country I Lived In” today on Amazon.com.
where she herself was bullied. Using her own unique perspective, readers, urging all to extinguish the threat of bullying on the younger
Images of America: African Americans in El Paso
population. The book has received much acclaim, including honors at
by Maceo Creshaw Dailey Jr., Kathryn Smith-McGlynn,
the this year’s 16th Annual International Latino Book Awards on June
and Cecilia Gutierrez Venable
28, 2014, as well as President Barack Obama’s Volunteer Service
Released in September, “Images of America: African Americans in
Award and in our own city of El Paso, March 15 is even dedicated to
El Paso” is a critical review of the history of African Americans on
her as “Miss Shanaya Fastje Day.” Purchase Shanaya’s “Bully in the
the border. Following a linear history, authors Dailey, Smith-McGlynn
Mirror” locally at Barnes and Noble on Sunland Park Drive.
and Cecilia Gutierrez Venable explore the development of African
Shanaya offers facts, tips, advice and encouragement to her
American culture through the ages, from the 16th century on to the
Patriots of the Barrio by Dave Gutierrez
establishment of the modern African American community in the
“Patriots of the Barrio” is a true-to-life non-fiction account by author
1880s, and finally to the 1966 Texas Western College basketball team
Dave Gutierrez about the stories of the men who served in the U.S.
that won the NCAA championship. Altogether the book provides an
Army’s Mexican American unit from South Texas during World War II.
interesting historical look at another piece of El Paso’s intricate border
Gutierrez began his research four years ago when he started looking
culture. Pick up your copy of “Images of America: African Americans
into the history of a relative. It was then that he stumbled on Company
in El Paso” today at Barnes and Noble on Sunland Park Drive.
E, 2nd Battalion, 141st Combat Regiment, 36th Divison’s involvement in numerous battles in Italy. This unique look at a few brave soldiers
South Sun Rises by Valentin Sandoval
will inspire and bring true stories from one of the world’s largest and
El Paso native, Valentin Sandoval’s poetic narrative, “South Sun
most dangerous conflicts a little closer to home. Order “Patriots of
Rises” tells the journey of a mother and her struggle to provide for
the Barrio” today on Amazon.com.
herself and her children. As a Ciudad-Juárez Mexican, she must cross the Rio Grande and enter El Paso, defying countless odds and even
The Country I Lived In by Boston Teran
more challenges once she does. Overall this artful depiction of the
Published this past January, “The Country I Lived In” is a political
borderland captures a unique perspective of El Paso and Juárez and
thriller set in El Paso and other regions of West Texas and Mexico. Set
the clash of cultures that exist between them. “South Sun Rises” is
in the 1950s, the book’s protagonist, John Rawborne Lourdes, war
available on Amazon.com
hero and grandson to an infamous outlaw, sets out to set the record straight on one of the largest conspiracies of the time. This personal 6
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December/January, 2015
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December/January, 2015
The City
contents
profiles
95
BOOKS COVER 26 HOLIDAY The City
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The City
STARS WHAT DO YOU LOVE
n the
ide Gift Gu
BORDER MOST ABOUT EL PASO? By: MEAGAN KINLEY
By: PABLO DELGADILLO
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O T S BE F
The City
By: ERIKA LOPEZ
66 Best of the City By: SERGIO CARRASCO
84 Etiquette
Dinner Party Tips for the Gentleman By: JOANN WARDY
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the
co
m
A Heart So Big, A Passion So Deep Tina-Marie Hew Len
city m
e a gazine
lp.
Best Of The City Winners
The City
AN EVENING
WITH THE
STARS By: NATALIE ECKBERG
The LOOK
EL PASO’S
By: JAVIER CABALLERO
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Artist Spotlight
Ricky Armendariz In the Belly of the Beast By: NATALIE ECKBERG
74
s l e d o M TOP
70
32 63
The City
Laura Bush Eat, Pray, Explore
and her Recent Visit to the Sun City By: ADAIR MARGO
90
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December/January, 2015
M O RT G AG E www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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December/January, 2015
El Paso Live Brings
110
Financial Experts
Fitness
151
The City
profiles
to the Borderland By: MEAGAN KINLEY
The Top, Cutting-Edge
CELEBRITY Beauty Treatments in 2014
114 116
ions t u l o s Re re for Mo l 140 fu Power 2015 ing in AUM t n e r a B P AP P LE R S T EN
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Makes a Comeback
162
Investment
166
Top Year-End Investment Tips
Old Favorites, Wacky Delights
By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY
By: HENRY GALLARDO
By: FELIPA SOLIS
Q&A Jessica A Little
with
170
Meraz
By: MEAGAN KINLEY
182 Food
FOOD176 CHASERS The City
10
Wine
By: JOSE SOTO
186 Hidden Gem
Wyler Tramway
By: ECTOR ACOSTA
180
Deciding Which Wines are “Good” Shouldn’t be Hard
The App for the Local Foodie
A Healthy Non-Traditional Holiday Dinner By: ELAINE GORDON
By: MICHELLE CROMER
Movies
2015 New Year’s Astrological Forecast Where Are They Now?
142
Spirituality
By : K I
By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM, J.D.
Astrology
118
ting Paren
ThE
148
By: MATTHEW WILKSON
By: LIZZIE MARTINEZ
By: MATTHEW ABRAHAM
The City
His Prerogative
Jump Start to a Healthy New Year!
By: VIC POULOS
188 Sports
El Paso’s Coach of the Year Marc Herrera By: AUSTIN SAVAGE
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O T F S E B
BE S
ER RG S M E TI C S U E TIC SU R GERY PRAC
Y
December/January, 2015
T CO
C BEST COSMETI E TIC SU R GERY PRAC
December/January, 2015
The Contributors
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1) Michael C. Graham 2) GRACE The Psychic Lady 3) Felipa Solis 4) Meagan Kinley
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5) MICHELLE CROMER 6) DAV ANMED 7) Victor Poulos 8) JANNET BUSTILLOS
9) matthew wilkson 10) ADAIR MARGO 11) Robert Corral 12) Candace Vasquez
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December/January, 2015
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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December/January, 2015
For full contributor bios go to www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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13) Austin savage 14) Natalie Eckberg 15) Erika Lopez 16) jose Soto 17) kirsten applebaum 14
18) Lizzie Martinez 19) matthew Abraham 20) Ector Acosta 21) PAblo delgadillo 22) Tommie Morelos
23) joann Wardy 24) Natalie Rosales 25) Sergio Carrasco Jr. 26) Javier caballero 27) Elaine gordon www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2015
December/January, 2015
December/January, 2015
December/January, 2015
El Paso Cosmetic Surgery Offers World-Class Procedures With Local, Compassionate Care
BEST
O F
BEST D O CT O R
“My vision is to always offer the latest, most successful cosmetic procedures in our private state-of-the-art facility to achieve natural, desired results.”
– DOCTOR OZAN SOZER
Cosmetic surgery is a field that allows a skilled surgeon to combine
Our practice has a ‘patient-centered’ approach through enhanced
science with art, technology with technical ability and passion
communication before, during and after any procedure. We support
with creativity.
the emotional aspect of surgery as well as the physical, treating the whole patient. A large part of any patient consultation is patient
With Dr. Sozer as your surgeon, you can rest assured you are
education, so we can decide together on the appropriate course of
being treated by one of the most recognized doctors of his craft;
action for your desired outcome.
internationally, nationally and locally. Dr. Sozer has invented and perfected procedures to improve cosmetic surgery, making him
• Breast Surgery
recognized around the world for his contributions. An author, educator
• Body Contouring
and requested speaker, Dr. Sozer is also proud of local accolades he
• Face Lift
has garnered including local nominations for What’s Up’s Best Doctor
• El Paso Cosmetic Surgery – Surgical Center
and now The City Magazine’s Best Doctor.
• The NeoGraft Hair Restoration Center • The MedSpa
At El Paso Cosmetic Surgery we know we can have the latest procedures and techniques and the best facility, but it’s our team of professionals that make the difference. Every Anesthesiologist, Registered Nurse, Surgical Technician and Medical Assistant are not only experts in their field, but are trained to offer personal care to make the patient more comfortable, whether you want to rejuvenate your facial features or to accentuate the curves of your body.
• The Acne Treatment Center
December/January, 2015
Ozan Sozer, M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon/Founder
Dr. Ozan Sozer chosen “Best Doctor” Proud to receive the accolade, Dr. Ozan Sozer thanks those who voted him “Best Doctor” in the city, reinforcing his commitment to provide state-of-the-art excellence with comforting care at El Paso Cosmetic Surgery. Here, Dr. Sozer has developed a complete center for cosmetic improvements with services ranging from breast surgeries and full body lifts to hair restoration. Meanwhile, the Med Spa offers a full range of the latest services designed to improve skin and beauty with the latest technology such as Ultherapy. With over 15 years as a Board Certified Surgeon, Dr. Sozer has had many successes in perfecting and inventing surgical procedures. He is grateful that patients have recognized him with this honor. He thanks them and his team of registered nurses, anesthesiologists and medical assistants that make up El Paso Cosmetic Surgery.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
(915) 351-1116 | www.elpasoplasticsurgery.com
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Casa Buenavista December/January, 2015
Mismaloya Bay at Puerto Vallarta www.mypvvilla.com
Incredible Lifestyle at Affordable Rates • Satellite TV, Internet, Wireless, PC, Phone, Outdoor speakers • Solar heated pool, children’s pool • Every bedroom has a spectacular view • Secluded Las Animas and Yelapa nearby by boat taxi • Fully equipped kitchen, patio BBQ
Now you can enjoy all the amenties of a private villa in Puerto Vallarta at affordable rates. This beautiful ocean view villa is owned by a fellow El Pasoan and offered at reasonable hotel type rates but with luxury that far exceeds. Upon arrival, you can send staff to shop the local Costco and fresh fish markets or enjoy the many fine dining establishments. Maybe both. Staff couple Fide and Rogelio prepare delicious meals, you simply provide the menu.
Visit our website for a full photo gallery at www.mypvvilla.com Casa Buenavista 20
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Relax, Renew, Rejuvenate December/January, 2015
Winter is on the way. The perfect time to head south to Puerto Vallarta. Just a few miles on the south side of PV lies the beautiful Mismaloya Bay, overlooking is Casa Buenavista. A 4 bedroom, 5 bath villa with a spectacular ocean view including the historic set of Night of the Iguanas.
Affordable Luxury
• Perched above beach at Lomas de Mismaloya • Up to 4 couples or family of 8-10 • Fide and Rogelio (staff) shop, prepare meals, drive you around town in a Suburban • Beautifully maintained private villa
Contact Us Today! www.thecitymagazineelp.com
915-313-4038
reservations@mypvvilla.com www.mypvvilla.com
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December/January, 2015
New Model Homes East & West
Photos by: Jony Wein Photography
High Quality High Standards Affordable Prices 22
The Winton Group 915.584.8629 www.wintonhomes.com
6300 Escondido Dr. El Paso, TX 79912
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2015
KEITH R. JOHNSON, MD, PA Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
“THE BONE DOC”
SPECIALIZING IN: JOINT REPLACEMENT (HIP, KNEE, SHOULDER) MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY MAKOPLASTY
Adult/Pedriatic Orthopedics Sports Medicine
www.thecitymagazineelp.com 1300 Murchison,
Suite 310 | El Paso, TX 79902 | Phone: (915)838-3888 | Fax: (915)838-3889
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December/January, 2015
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www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2015
O BEST F BE S T J E W E L E R
B E S T J E W ELE R
S
S
7134 N. MESA COLONY COVE II www.thecitymagazineelp.com JEWELGALLERYEP.COM
• •
EL PASO, TEXAS 79912
•
915-845-7740
FACEBOOK.COM/JEWELGALLERYEP
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December/January, 2015
COVER STARS WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT EL PASO? | By: PABLO DELGADILLO |
LADONNA APODACA “What I love most about El Paso is the people. We have a notable reputation for being a very warm and friendly town. I also love our border culture. The rich history and
Local Jewelry Designer
aesthetic of Mexico has been a major influence in what’s formed the character and charm of our city. Our weather
Makes the Emmys
is unquestionably very agreeable ... our painted sunsets
Sparkle
are breathtaking and our Mexican food is the best in the Southwest ... Maybe even the best in the world! “
KIM STULL
“I’ve lived in a lot of cities around the country and I love El Paso, it has that small town feel of the big city and I think the sunshine and the weather is a mood lifter and makes
Stories of Hope Linda Medrano, Kim Stull and Ladonna Apodaca
people friendlier. I love UTEP; I think it’s one of the jewels
32
of this city with amazing sport and cultural events going on all year long. I like that El Paso is expanding, all the way from the baseball park to the new restaurants. We live in one of the safest cities in America and I love that.”
LINDA MEDRANO
“My favorite thing about El Paso is knowing and feeling that I am home when I see the beautiful mountains. El Paso has amazing weather that you won’t find anywhere else and a sunset that is truly breathtaking.”
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october 2014 PRICE $2.95
C o v e r S ta r s
AARON MEANS TAKEout of BITE
“What I love most about El Paso is its flair. It is a city that
EL PASO’S
embraces its beautifully ornate and diverse history and
FOOD SCENE
heritage. It has taken the influences of all the peoples who came from different languages, customs, cultures
Aaron Means ON
and style to develop into a city with its unique and exciting
MESA STREET GRILL
brand of innovation and progress. People from all around
& THE RESTAURANT BIZ
their home. It’s a big city, yet we still have the friendly
the world and the country come to El Paso and make this small town charm. Also, the Mexican food. Anyone who has lived anywhere else knows there is nothing like it.“
24 FEbruary 2014 PRICE $2.95
JONNY GRAY
Get
“El Paso is this unique gem at the edge of Texas that inspires the artistic mind. There’s real roots in music and art here. From Don Tosti to Manuel Gregorio Acosta.
Branded
BORDENRD
with the Season’s Hottest Threads
LEGE
ROD
CROSBY
You have to take the history into consideration because
THE MUSIC ISSUE
that is the foundation of why most people are here.“
Powered by Music
El Pasoan Jonny Gray The Voice & Beyond 33 november 2014 PRICE $2.95
Meet El Paso’s
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
KEELI JERNIGAN “I love the people! El Paso ranks as one of the safest
KID’S WORLD
cities in the US but I also think it is the friendliest.”
It’s a
Summer’s Approaching
Keeli Jernigan On Leading a
50
Women-Owned Company In North America
Fastest-Growing
www.thecitymagazineelp.com MAY 2014 PRICE $2.95
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27
C o v e r S ta r s
the
Men’s issue
December/January, 2015
BOBBY BOWLING “The people, the food, the weather of course, but really most of all, the quality services you can get here for reasonable prices! Our housing, restaurants, entertainment, and even things like our country clubs are
A Heartfelt PITCH
incredible values in relation to other parts of the country.
ESTEBAN LOAIZA’S
I bring friends, lenders and investors to El Paso all the
Baseball camps for Kids
THE MEN OF
TROPICANA HOMES TEXAS BUILDER OF THE YEAR 2013
time; they can’t believe the cost of living here. They all see that they could live like royalty compared to the high cost areas they come from.”
28 JUNe 2014 PRICE $2.95
NORA HERRERA “El Paso gives us the flexibility to the parents first, which is what we love. Spending time with our four children is our first priority. In El Paso we are blessed to have that much needed balance where we can work
Changing Lives
to live and enjoy life and not live to work. Having this balance allows us to thoroughly enjoy the work we do while striving to positively impact others’ lives.”
Nora and Ernie Herrera & SUCCESS
A WEALTH OF LOVE 25 march 2014 PRICE $2.95
DR. KEITH JOHNSON THE
MEDICAL ISSUE highlighting El Paso’s Doctors
“El Paso is a hidden treasure. It has all the advantages of a large city that is rapidly growing; good food, fashion, fun/entertainment, arts, excellent schools & university. Yet it still preserves the small town family values and sense of community, with low crime and ease of living. There is beauty everywhere you look, from the majestic mountains, to the natural desert landscape, to the gorgeous weather with spectacular sunsets. There is more cultural diversity
GIFTS THAT SAVE LIVES Be a Donor
and international flavor here than one may appreciate at first glance; we don’t
DR. KEITH JOHNSON &
NATIVE EL PASOAN
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
26 april 2014 PRICE $2.95
divide ourselves into ethnic neighborhoods, but blend together like a melting pot. My favorite part is simply the people of El Paso, they are hardworking, generous, friendly, genuine, “salt of the earth” type of people and that’s priceless. El Paso is truly one of the Southwest’s best kept secrets.”
C o v e r S ta r s
December/January, 2015
SHERIFF WILES
Summer
14 20 t Swim &
Pet Pampering
Ho Resort Styles
A Booming Biz
“El Paso is a beautiful desert city with a rich history and culture. But what I love most are the people of El Paso -- diverse, friendly, and family oriented.”
Heroes of the City
Sheriff Richard Wiles The Man Behind the Badge 29 JUly 2014 PRICE $2.95
Alex Chacón’s
Epic
Ar t
The City’s Thriving
Selfie
VICTORIA SINCLAIR “El Paso, is a great city where warm cultures cross, and people harness their talents to make sure our economic development grows stronger every day. I love it for the fact that no matter what, everywhere you go, people greet you with a smile. It’s no wonder why we are the safest city
Miss El Victoria Paso 2014 Sinclair
per capita in the United States. I am a proud El Pasoan.”
30 august 2014 PRICE $2.95
selor A Coun tleman n e G a and
JOSEPH “SIB” ABRAHAM JR.
’’ ‘‘Sib
“What Sib and I always loved and appreciated about El Paso was being close to our family and our amazing groups of friends ... and of course, the great weather!” - Margaret Abraham
Joseph Abraham Jr .
29 september 2014 PRICE $2.95
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Feel Well Meningitis shots are now available at all Walgreens, and your insurance may be eligible! Ask your pharmacist for details.
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alamogordo 955 white sands blvd (575) 434.4116
SOCORRO
9428 DYER ST (915) 751.4415
10850 N LOOP DR (915) 860.1315
el paso
10600 MONTANA AVE (915) 591.4655
2112 trawood (915) 595-2788
8889 gateway west (915) 599.8571
2800 n mesa st (915) 533.6883
1831 N LEE TREVINO DR (915) 594.1129
1432 ANTONIO ST (915) 886.2413
2879 MONTANA AVE (915) 566.4464
10090 RUSHING RD (915) 755.9510
HORIZON CITY
5401 MONTANA AVE (915) 779.8825
800 N ZARAGOZA RD (915) 860.1670
1100 GERONIMO DR (915) 778.9301
2950 GEORGE DIETER DR (915) 856.7040
5900 N MESA ST (915) 584.1153
1329 GEORGE DIETER DR (915) 594.3838
302 s oregon st (915) 532.4344
10780 KENWORTHY ST (915) 821.2698
1210 WEDGEWOOD DR (915) 591.9496
1607 N ZARAGOZA RD (915) 856.0071
8050 N MESA ST (915) 585.0491
11685 MONTWOOD DR (915) 855.7704
890 N RESLER DR (915) 584.1359
12201 MONTWOOD DR (915) 856.0278
8045 N LOOP DR (915) 592.5849
12390 EDGEMERE BLVD (915) 849.6849
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November, 2013
33
December/January, 2015
A HEART SO BIG,
34
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
h o s p i c e o f e l pa s o
December/January, 2015
A PASSION SO DEEP | By: ERIKA LOPEZ photography by: TOMMIE MORELOS |
“If today was your last day on earth, what would you like to be remembered by?” To most of us, this question is not one that we discuss often. Instead, we focus on mantras that begin with “life is short,” in hopes that one day we can live our lives like today was our last. To those like Hospice El Paso’s chief operating officer Tina-Marie Hew Len – who dedicate their lives and careers to assuring that terminally ill patients live their remaining days in a pain-free, loving atmosphere – “life is short” is not a phrase taken for granted, but a lesson to live by.
Hospice El Paso
In 2011 Hospice El Paso opened up its first-
The Evolution of an Innovator
Hospice El Paso is the first, oldest and only
ever stand-alone in-patient facility: Center
not-for-profit hospice in El Paso County.
for Compassionate Care West. This facility
The organization has provided hospice care
provides 24-hour specialized care for patients
up in a military household that eventually
for patients and families for over 37 years.
with needs beyond what can be provided
led her to El Paso during her teenage years.
Hospice El Paso had a noble beginning in
in a home setting. The staff is made up of
When asked where she’s from, she simply
1978 when a group of concerned citizens
a physician, pharmacist, registered nurses,
says, “I was dropped all over the map, but
took it upon themselves to see that terminally
chaplains, nursery assistants and volunteers.
El Paso is my home.” Her father served 21
ill patients could live the remaining days of
The center is designed to provide appropriate
years in the Army and the family moved
their lives in a pain-free, loving atmosphere.
care so the patient may return home as soon
every couple of years. Their last stop from
They believed hospice to be a concept and
as possible. The staff is trained to manage
Germany was the Sun City. When she was
program that focused on helping patients and
pain and other symptoms related to the
told she would be attending Austin High
their families live to their full potential. The
patient’s terminal illness, while enhancing
School, she said, “I thought my parents were
founding years saw a development of care
the quality of time remaining for their patient
enrolling me in a church!” Graduating from
that included not only trained professionals,
and their family.
Austin High School, Hew Len pursued her
Known as “Tee” to many, Hew Len grew
but also the inclusion of social work, volunteer
career aspirations at the University of Texas
and bereavement services for the family.
El Paso where she received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and soon after earned
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
35
h o s p i c e o f e l pa s o
December/January, 2015
O T F S E B E
R
BES
T PER
S O N AL T
RA
IN
a Masters in business administration. While
eight months after settling into the position,
attending college, she worked as an office
Jim Paul, chief executive officer of Hospice
manager at an environmental consulting firm
El Paso, asked her to “come home.” “My
and quickly moved up as an environmental
decision to return to Hospice El Paso was
technician in the field. “I was the one (and
extremely difficult. It was hard to walk
only woman) with the baby blue hard hat
away from the new family of mentors and
and steel-toed hikers with red shoe laces!
employees who were supportive and who
Looking back, I think my boss would have
gave me the resources to continue to grow in
done anything to keep me from bouncing off
my career. For that, I’ll always be thankful,”
the walls. I loved the experience! I was able
said Hew Len.
to travel all over Mexico and learned how to distant neighbors. I also realized that learning
Personal Board of Directors
Spanish should be moved to the top of the
Although Hew Len has built an impressive
list (my father is Hawaiian and mother is
career path, she credits much of her success
White),” explained Hew Len.
to her parents and her personal board of
work with and appreciate the culture of our
directors who offer both personal and Even though Hew Len discovered El Paso
professional advice. The idea of a personal
during her father’s station, she continues to
board of directors stemmed from a piece of
call the Sun City her home. Hew Len joined
advice from close friend and former colleague
Hospice in 2001 and worked her way up
Eric Evans, Sierra and Providence Medical
from marketing to the director of admissions
Centers’ CEO, who suggested to Hew Len
and marketing. In 2012, she accepted a
the initiation of a personal board of directors
position as vice president of the Visiting
to help guide her through both personal and
Nurse Association and due to unfortunate
professional ventures.
circumstances, assisted in the dissolution
36
of the 45-year-old organization. She then
Among her personal board of directors is
took a position with Sierra Providence Health
Jim Paul, who is famously known as former
Network overseeing the operations of six
owner of the El Paso Diablos. “When people
Total Care Imaging Centers in El Paso. Only
think of Jim Paul, they think of the former www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2015
h o s p i c e o f e l pa s o will make the time to give you his undivided attention. He is truly a wonderful mentor,” said Hew Len. Adding, “Bob always gives the best advice, he’ll say, “Tee, be real, be honest and be yourself.”
An Experience of a Lifetime Most people believe that working in a hospice environment is a difficult task, but to those like Tina-Marie Hew Len and her team, working in a hospice environment is an experience of a lifetime. “It was a very personal choice and an opportunity to work together with Jim Paul to continue the vision of providing the hospice benefit to patients and families in our community. All of our employees are personally invested in what they do. Every day they come to work and make a positive impact in someone’s life – through a visit, El Paso Diablos owner who revolutionized
a kind word, a phone call, simply sitting
minor league baseball, but he’s so much
and listening, holding someone’s hand and
more than that. His sincerity runs much
sharing a moment. I could go on. There are
deeper than most people even know,” said
no words that describe the effect our staff
Hew Len. Adding, “I’m very lucky to have
has on so many people in need of hospice
the right ingredients to succeed: faith, my
care,” said Hew Len enthusiastically.
parents and my siblings. Unfortunately, not everyone has that. My strength and structure
Looking to the Future
come from my strict and loving father and
What’s in store for the Tina-Marie Hew Len?
my compassion and patience come from my
A goal not too far from being accomplished
mom. I credit them for teaching me integrity,
– making Hospice El Paso one of the top
a good work ethic and simply believing in
10 places to work in the city. On a personal
every choice I’ve made throughout the years.
level, anyone who has ever met Tina-Marie
If it weren’t for my father, I couldn’t do this. If
Hew Len will automatically describe her as a
it weren’t for my mother, I couldn’t do it well,”
vibrant, nurturing soul, with a heart so big it
expressed Hew Len enthusiastically. Naming
hardly fits in her being. But it is not without
her mother as a member of her personal
saying that her role with Hospice El Paso has
board of directors, Hew Len reminisces about
helped shape the incredible woman behind
the advice she has received from her mother
the scenes. “I don’t hesitate. I apologize,
since she was a child and that she continues
even if I feel I’m not at fault. Working at
to live by today, “Baby, everyone loves you
Hospice El Paso and learning from the
and those who don’t, don’t know you.”
mistakes I’ve made in my lifetime has taught
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me patience, humility, and how to be strong On Hew Len’s striking personal board
but not tough. Life is short, I know we all say
of directors is also Robert (Bob) Wingo,
that, but I don’t think we always comprehend
president and chief executive officer of
the meaning of it until it’s experienced
Sanders/Wingo Advertising. “He is the most
personally,” said Hew Len.
caring gentleman who will stop everything to be there for you when you need him, and if he doesn’t have the time at that moment, he www.thecitymagazineelp.com
37
November, 2013
38
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November, 2013
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, YOU VOTEDthe now here are... winners in
BEST
O F
OUR CITY o
m
the
BEST IN
city m
a gazine
.c p l e
The City Magazine El Paso would like to present you with the
WINNERS
OF “BEST OF THE CITY” 2014.
BEST IN
FOOD BEST IN
DRINKS BEST IN
We bring you our own Editor’s Picks along with the winners of our online survey.
FUN
y l e t a m i x o r p p A
BEST IN
111er,e0su0bm0itted!
votes w
G N I P P O H S
O T F S E B
E D IT O R ’S PI C K
S
Best Graphic Designer Ernie Sanchez
Best Luxury Vehicle Mercedes-Benz
S K C I P S ’ R O T I ED Best Tacos Tacoholics Best Web Designer Cheddar
Best Arial Dancers D’ansa Jazz
41
BEST IN
Y T I C OUR
O T F S E B
B E S T I O U R C IT N
Y
Best Meteorologist “Doppler” Dave Speelman
Best Vet Crossroads Animal Hospital
Best Sports Reporter Fred Albers KTSM
Best Interior Designer Designs by L.L. Power Lynda Power
Best Reporter Noreen Jaramillo
Best News Anchor Estela Casas
Best Hospital Sierra Providence Health Network
Best TV Station KTSM
Best Model Agency Wilhelmina Bazaar
Best Realtor Pedro Navarro
Best Male Model Jonathan Johnsen
Best H.S. Cheer Coronado H. S.
Best Female Model Miranda Leos Best Flower Shop Debbie’s Bloomers
Best Doctor Dr. Ozan Sozer, MD 42
Best Cosmetic Surgery Southwest Plastic Surgery
Best Gym Crossfit 915
Best Dentist Dr. Jim Bowden, DDS
Best Salon and Spa N’Dulge Day Spa & Salon
Best Tanning Salon Aruba Tan
Best Cigar SHOP Tobacco Tin
Best Builder Tropicana Homes
Best Hair Salon Dry, A Blow-Dry Bar
Best Attorney Sergio A. Saldivar
Best Chiropractor Dr. David Wardy, DC
Best Personal Trainer Shizzie Martinez 43
Best Credit Union/Banks GECU
BEST IN
FOOD
O T F S E B Best Steakhouse Cattleman’s Steakhouse
Best Yogurt Menchie’s
Best Sushi Koze Teppan Grill
Best Wings Track One
Best Burgers Panda Burgers
Best Romantic Restaurant Café Central
Best Seafood Pelican’s Steak and Seafood West
Best Enchiladas L&J Café
Best Chips & Salsa Avila’s Mexican Food
Best Pizza Red, White, & Chew
Best Breakfast Crave
Best Burritos Burrito Crisostomo
Best Mediterranean Salma Farah’s Mediterranean
Best Brunch Ripe Eatery
Best Lunch Spot Papa Pita
Best Italian food The Italian Kitchen West
Best Bakery Belle Sucre
BEST IN F O O D
44
BEST IN
S K N I DR
O T F S E B
B E S T I N D RI N K
S
Best Happy Hour Hope & Anchor
Best Local Wine Tasting Zin Valle Vineyards
Best Cocktails The Black Orchid Lounge
Best Beer Selection Hoppy Monk Best Margaritas Riviera Restaurant
Best in wine Mesa Street Grill
BEST IN BEST
FUN
O F
BEST I
Best Nightclub Touch Bar & Nightclub
N FUN
Best Band Dirty River Boys
Best Radio Dj Johnny Kage 104.3
Best Radio Station KLAQ
Best Nightclub DJ DJ Ivan
Best Event DJ DJ Ferris 45
Photo by: Todd White
Best Dance School Champion Dance Studio
BEST IN
G N I P SHOP Best Women’s Boutique V&X Boutique
Best Gift Shop Vanities
O T F S E B
BEST
IN SH O PP
IN G
Best Watches Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches
Best Jeweler Jewel Gallery
Best Menswear Union Fashion
S N O I T A L U T A CONGR
S R E N N I W 4 1 0 2 ” Y T I C E H T F EST O
TO THE
.
OF “B
46
v
O T F S E B B ES
BE S
T COSMETIC SURG
E ON
T COSMETIC SURG
EON
S
THANK YOU El Paso for voting us one more time as “The Best Cosmetic Surgeons in The City”
S
We are honored and grateful for your support. Southwest Plastic Surgery was born with the goal to bring to El Paso a first class plastic surgery practice. We are committed to provide the highest level of care tailoring our treatments to each patient’s needs. Each and every one of our staff members strives to offer our patients a personalized experience to help them reach their desired goal.
Once again, THANK YOU very much El Paso for trusting in Southwest Plastic Surgery.
This distinction helps us guide the practice in the right direction encouraging us to continue to offer the latest technologies and techniques within the field. The MedSpa at Southwest Plastic Surgery complements our full spectrum of services ensuring each of our patients can renew, restore and revive at the convenience of one location.
10175 Gateway Blvd West, Suite 210 |
El Paso, TX 79925 | (915) 590-7900 | www.swplasticsurgery.com
O T F S E B
Top left to right: Sam Mendoza, David Rempel, Victor Garcia, Sam Trejo, Dyana Esparza, Claudia Casas. Middle row: Clara Esparza, Aileen Guerrero, Lindsay Landauer, Doris Vargas Ortiz, Alex Cora, Elia Chavez Dulce Santana, Janet Salazar, Victoria Oehmke Sitting: from left to right: Dr. Margie Zavala, Dr. Carla Hibbs, Dr. Sharon Joslin Ortiz, Dr. Misty Callaham-Solis, Dr. Ron Weich, Dianna McCleary, Dr. Mark Lenox, Dr. Amanda Sherck Not Pictured: Dr. James Koschmann, Albert Cazares, Luis Martinez Uribe, Miguel Hernandez, Miguel Hernandez Jr., Ricardo Ganem, Patsy Hailey.
B ES T V ET
4910 Crossroads Dr.
El Paso, Texas 79922
(915) 584-3459
xroadsvets.com
O T F S E B
BEST ATTORNEY
Sergio Saldivar I would like to dedicate this tremendous honor to my little brother Steve Saldivar, who was laid to rest on October 26, 2014. Steve was my biggest fan, from the time he jumped into the U-Haul with me as I headed to Houston to attend my first day of law school, to the day he passed. He believed in me and he cheered for me but it is I who became a fan of Steve and of the way he lived his life. I sit here looking up at you Steve, admiring you as you now guard God’s kingdom. Rest in peace little brother. I am honored to receive this award. I would like to thank my God, my family, my friends, my staff, my clients and all those who took the time to vote for me! I have been blessed with the privilege of a trade that allows me to help others in need with that “ever needed” fight. I recognize that undergoing most legal battles is not a pleasant experience for most. At the Law Offices of Sergio A. Saldivar, our goal continues to be putting the client in a better position than when they first hired us and making sure they walk away with their dignity.
Thank you El Paso and thank you The City Magazine for this tremendous honor.
Law Offices of Sergio A. Saldivar 2301 Montana Ave. 1221 Studewood El Paso, TX 79903 Houston, TX 77008 (915) 541-6006 (713) 226-8800
O T F S E B BEST GIFT SHOP
BEST GIFT SHOP
Thank You for voting us BEST GIFT BOUTIQUE in El Paso!
7933 N. Mesa • Suite N • El Paso, TX 79932 • Across from Sam’s Club (915) 584-1183 • www.vanitiesjewelryandgifts.com Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PM
O T S BE F BE S T J E W E L E R
B E S T J E W ELE R
W
e would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the amazing honor of being named the Best Jeweler in El Paso for the second year in a row.
We would not be where we are today without the incredible support and loyalty we have received from the city of El Paso and our surrounding cities. We would like to especially thank our amazing VIPs and clients that have stood by our side and have made this such a wonderful business to be a part of. Thank you to KVIA, KTSM, KFOX, KDBC, the Downtown Lions Club, Jeff Goldberg at Ballyhoo Studios, and of course, The City Magazine. Thank you to Verragio Engagement Rings, Parade Designs, Vivaan, Leo Feeney, Dian Malouf, and all of our generous vendors for giving us such a beautiful selection of jewelry to offer our special clients. Also, a special thank you to our wonderful staff whose hard work and dedication we truly appreciate. Without our clients, we would not be the jewel of the westside. Thank you for choosing Jewel Gallery, the jewel of the westside, to be the best in the city.
7134 N. MESA COLONY COVE II JEWELGALLERYEP.COM
• •
EL PASO, TEXAS 79912
•
915-845-7740
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December/January, 2015
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December/January, 2015
a n e v e n i n g w i t h t h e s ta r s
AN EVENING
WITH THE
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
STARS | By: NATALIE ECKBERG photography by: TOMMIE MORELOS |
63
December/January, 2015 On September 24, Desert View Homes sponsored “An Evening with the Stars” to benefit the Make-A-Wish® North Texas El Paso Regional Office at its Cimarron Sage community, 7356 Meadow Sage in El Paso. The event highlights included appetizers, wine and a silent auction featuring Wish Kid artwork and other items donated by area businesses. More than $2,300 was raised to grant the wishes of children in the El Paso area, including a $1,000 donation from Desert View Homes. The mission of Make-A-Wish North Texas is to grant the wishes of children with lifethreatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. During Fiscal Year 2014, the Chapter granted the wishes of 99 El Paso County children. Wish expenses can include travel costs (airline tickets, hotel fees, car rentals, etc.), meals, entrance fees to venues and goods or materials needed. “Community partners like Desert View
“HELPING OWNERS REDUCE PROPERTY TAXES”
Homes are essential in our effort to make lasting memories for Wish Kids and their entire
family,”
said
Natalie
Eckberg,
Development Officer for the El Paso Regional Office of Make-A-Wish. “For our Wish kids and their families, the wish experience is a game changer that allows them to feel there
Specializing in: • Commercial • Residential • Personal Property
are brighter days ahead.” During “An Evening with the Stars,” 16-yearold Rogelio, who is fighting Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, thanked everyone for attending and Desert View Homes for its support, stating that his wish to go to Walt Disney
PL HOWARD & COMPANY, LLC
World® was a turning point for him. “It brought my family back together,” he said during the reception. “It was exactly what we needed. It made us feel like there was
Lee Howard
6044 Gateway East Ste 905 El Paso, TX 79905 915-867-4640 Leehow71@yahoo.com
hope for tomorrow.”
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December/January, 2015
Rogelio’s artwork featuring a proud Native American silhouette attracted multiple bids. Other artwork, like that of Jocelyn, was a nod to her Make-A-Wish experience or expressed optimism and hope. Luisa, 13, offered jewelry and crafts like her handmade Ewing’s sarcoma awareness earrings. “We love showing off the work of our talented Wish children,” said Eckberg. “They fight their conditions with so much dignity and courage – and their artwork certainly reflects their amazing spirits. That’s why we were so excited when Desert View came to us with the idea for this fundraiser – not only will it allow us to generate much-needed funds, but it provided our Wish Kids with an incredible opportunity to express themselves and showcase their work.”
Conquer Your Financial Future.
“Community outreach is an integral part of our philosophy and belief at Desert View Homes,” said Director of Sales Crystal Dominick. “We are incredibly fortunate to be in a country of such freedom and opportunity. It is most important to give back and do our part in promoting awareness and improving the quality of lives. We look to touch as many families as possible, not only in providing homes, jobs and a wonderful product but also in helping our El Pasoans become familiar with wonderful organizations such as Make-AWish. It is our pleasure and honor to extend our continued support to such a fine organization.” www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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December/January, 2015
Best of the City
| By: SERGIO CARRASCO |
66
Best of the City 2025
December/January, 2015
“Let me say this, when I got married 44 years ago Yarbrough was the last street on the east side.” – Ray Adauto,
El Paso Association of Builders
gazing propel Dorothy through her trials in “The Wizard of Oz?” Each year we look back on what our city has accomplished; we celebrate hard work and achievement.
This
year
the
magazine has been brave enough to look forward: the year 2025. After consulting some respected
W
est side resident Grace
sources, some metaphysical and
Neuhaus makes a living
others corporeal I’ve come away
to leading experts. This makes urbanization
looking into the future
with a few key predictions for 2025.
that much more important if El Paso is to
and
helping
reverse or stem the brain drain and attract
clients
make important choices. Working under
BEST PLACE TO LIVE –
the moniker Grace the Psychic Lady, she
URBAN EL PASO
more talent and industries. Representative Cortney Niland thinks a
observes, consults metaphysical sources and then makes informed predictions. Fortune
For much too long we’ve been losing our
vibrant downtown can accomplish this.
telling has its risks, the least of which is
mijos and mijas to cities like Austin, San
“I think we’re experiencing a renaissance
being wrong, and most people today will
Antonio and Los Angeles. This generation
period, so my hope is in the next 10 years
turn up their noses at tarot, numerology and
will continue to see small-town America lose
what you see downtown is a vibrant, alive,
horoscope, but can’t it, at some level, also
youth to urban areas like Arlington, Virginia
electric place to be,” she says, as we drive
be useful? Didn’t Professor Marvel’s crystal
(the top destination for millennials) according
past the stadium. “I think we’re taking a step
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
67
the
ITALIAN kitchen west
Serving El Paso Authentic Italian Cuisine since 1948
December/January, 2015 towards that. I hope the arena is completed; I hope the children’s museum is completed; and that private sector investment starts to pop up because of the investment we’re making in El Paso.” Ray Adauto, executive vice president of the El Paso Association of Builders credits the arrival of I-10 with the decline of urbanism in El Paso, but he says if we could convince drug stores, grocery stores and other 24hour businesses to invest, you could start to see some growth there. “We can’t have
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a community that shuts down at five in the
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regardless of the downtown experiment we’ll
afternoon; we’re starting to see a little bit of transition there.” Armando Landin, who runs the website El Paso Development News, says that start to see more smart-code developments like Montecillo pop up on all sides of town in the next 10 years. “There’s so much more new urbanist mentality today, even in suburban areas. You see that in other cities as well. You have downtown but you also
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have clusters of more (population) dense development on the outskirts. I think El Pasoans will desire that as well.” So there it is, expect to get a little closer to your neighbors by 2025. BEST FLASH ART EXHIBIT – I-10 Vicki Suri’s art installation on Airway and I-10 has caused quite a stir in the past few months. Chances are you’ve passed it by
SALVADOR PERCHES 2013 American Funeral Director of the Year
now; you might even think it looks a bit out of place. City representative Cortney Niland stresses that there’s more to come. “It wasn’t just supposed to be that one overpass at Airway; it’s supposed to be every single (interchange). And they’re all different. The one at Airway will look different from the one at Copia, which will look different from the one downtown, or the one at Executive. I would love to see all of those intersections
68
(915) 532-2101 | perchesfuneralhomes.com
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December/January, 2015 incorporated – it’d be amazing!” While the entire project will take somewhere between 15 and 30 years to complete, it will eventually give El Paso motorists and out of towners something pleasant to look at as they breeze through the city. As Seattlebased artist Vicki Scuri, who’s behind the installation puts it, it’s designed to “set us apart from the sameness of other cities.” BEST EL PASO HIGH SCHOOL – South Side High School The Bowie–Jeff rivalry goes back decades. I get it. My parents attended La Bowie in the early80s and (wouldn’t you know it?) our next-door neighbors graduated from La Jeff. It’s a rivalry that I’d love to see continue. But, what might have been good for previous generations might now need some rethinking. “I’m a big proponent of what happened at Socorro when they built the SAC. There’s no need to have complexes at every campus. I think you can provide the same experience and opportunity with a centralized arena like (the SAC). I think schools need to be consolidated for the tax base. “The stories we’ve all been led to believe that you have to have enough schools in the neighborhood to accommodate 2.5 children per family – well that’s only good while the children are there. It’s not the same when parents turn into grandparents . . . unless you’ve got kids in there, those buildings are not any good to anybody.” Ray suggests that schools in EPISD take inventory of their properties and put underused ones on the market, to be transformed into properties that help the tax base. Though my crystal ball is cloudy, expect chatter about a centralized south side high school in the coming years. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
69
December/January, 2015
| By: JAVIER CABALLERO |
Independent releases by local bands are what drive cultures to create benchmarks for future musicians and listeners to become more involved in the music community. Every year bands play hundreds of shows at any number of venues, or the same venues, night after night raising the capital to put their songs out in a listenable and more repetitive format. Whether it be CDs, 12� Vinyl Records, 7� Singles, digital EPs, a band will find a way to get its music out to the public for repeat enjoyment. The following records are a few that 70
stand out for their listenability, artistry and integrity. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2015
B E AT S O F T H E C I T Y 2 0 1 4 – Deep.
industrialized rock. It is easy to draw comparisons to
Heavy. Engrossing. “El Consumidor” is Mattox’s
the likes of Massive Attack, How To Destroy Angels
third disc and most artistically realized. “Occult,”
or Radiohead, but Mattox stands on an island of its
is a droning, ritualistic track driven by the heavy
own, and this album fits to prove that point. Synth-
juxtaposition of texture and beat. Its use of voice,
and sample-heavy songs backed by a very alive,
with the addition of vocalist Moji Abiola, as a layer
very resonant rhythm section keep the sound of
of instrument is beautiful and harrowing. Haunting
this record the warmest of any previously put out
melodies and the use of more natural percussive
by Mattox. “El Consumidor” is an experience like no
sounds leave space for the mind to wander in
other, and everyone should take notice immediately.
“Wake.” With so much going on, the song has room
Available on:
to breathe for an intro then quickly veers into pure
Spotify, iTunes and www.mattoxlive.com
The Dirty River Boys “S/T”
– The
we are led on a journey into the heart of Texas. With
Dirty River Boys’ self-titled, latest effort is a step
beautiful, warm acoustics, walking beats, and vocals
upwards and onwards. With roots in the Texas folk
that harmonize as well as the Beach Boys and evoke
scene, the tunes here imply a growth in approach to
the passing-of-the-mic set in place by hip hoppers
songwriting. Upping the production, the DRB make
like the Beastie Boys, the album sets itself apart
good use of the studio to polish off the tracks in a
from more commercial music set in the genre. This is
very natural way. “Down by the River” is a catchy,
a must-listen for anyone who calls El Paso “home.”
hard-hitting roots anthem that opens up the album.
Available on: Spotify and iTunes.
Mattox “El Consumidor”
Here, everything the DRB is about is displayed and
Bumpstreet Fonanza “Fragments”
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with brighter guitar tones, tracks such as “White
How do you make El Paso’s leading heavy pop/indie
Elephant,” and the title track lift spirits continuously
band better and catchier? Well naturally, you add
while keeping a mystique that recalls early Cure
vocals! The previous incarnation of the band was fun
or Siouxsie and the Banshees albums. Be wary of
and on the cusp of greatness as just an instrumental
writing Bumpstreet off as a cute, hipster band. Their
outlet, and the addition of vocalist Ivan Mendoza just
brand relies on beautiful orchestration and strong
adds to the listenability. Synth-driven anthems are
song structure. And those bass lines – just brilliant.
all consuming on “Fragments.” Taking cues from
Available for stream on:
Ariel Pink by way of The Killers and Future Islands
www.soundcloud.com/bumpstreet-fonanza
Ribo Flavin’ “Full Circle”
– Equal
musical foundation. Taking essence from classic hip-
parts funk, soul, jazz and pop-rock, “Full Circle” is a
hop techniques of live band use and vinyl scratching,
behemoth of a debut for conscious hip-hoppers Ribo
“Full Circle” is a hip-hop purist’s dream. The group is
Flavin’. With release dates pushed back, and much
consistently experimenting with non-traditional chord
time passed between the recording of this album and
sequences in a genre that all too often has become
its release, we are finally listening, learning and loving
a product of conveyor belt-like, cookie cutter artists
from these guys. One by one the tracks grab hold
with simplistic songs. Listen, enjoy and repeat.
and simmer in the mind, building upon an eclectic,
Available on: iTunes and Spotify
Dubois “Lines On A Map” –
Truly haunting
the eardrums. As the tracks play on I am transported
and honest, this short EP by Dubois quickly became
to my 16-year-old body – attending punk shows at a
a personal favorite. The unified growl on “Lines”
vacant Mexican restaurant packed with aggressive,
serves as a symbol of the EP itself by humanizing
sweaty and unconfident youths grabbing for the
aggressiveness and boldness. With power and drive
bands. Romantic I know, but it set me on a course to
backing each of these punk rock treasures, the music
completely entrench myself in this punk rock culture. I
gives credence to a genre that has been consumed
fell in love, and that is what this record means to me.
and buried by stereotypes that frequent the rounds
With warm, strong guitar tones and amazingly intricate
of Warped Tour and soundtrack ill-fated docudramas.
drumming, “Lines On A Map” is quick, but leaves a
The opening riff of “Jeffrey” is a direct hook. The
lasting impression. I can’t get enough and want more.
simple, yet genius guitar tag is followed by a punch to
Available on: www.dubois.bandcamp.com
November, 2013
the FUTURE OF SLEEP IS HERE
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November, 2013
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December/January, 2015
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Etiquette
December/January, 2015
Dinner Party Tips for the Gentleman | By: JOANN WARDY | • A gentleman always arrives on time. • When invited to a dinner party a gentleman always brings a gift for his host/ hostess, he never arrives empty handed. A bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine or champagne, a box of delectable chocolates, or a great book he knows his hosts will find of interest make a great choice. This is his way of saying thank you for the invitation. • A gentleman dresses appropriately for the occasion. • A gentleman keeps himself informed on current events and expresses himself intelligently without imposing his views in an adverse manner. • The next day he sends a thank you note and in appreciation for a great time. Joann Wardy owns and directs “The School of Etiquette and Enrichment” and was certified at “The Protocol School of Washington.”
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THE WOODLANDS
December/January, 2015
Artist Spotlight
Ricky Armendariz In the Belly of the Beast | By: NATALIE ECKBERG Images Courtesy of: RUIZ-HEALY ART |
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December/January, 2015
L
ike much of life along the U.S.-Mexico border,
a recent phone interview from his home in
dynamics,” said Armendariz. “I just set out
art is often defined by the unique blending
San Antonio. “It’s also been informed by
to make work. As an educator, I have to
of two cultures – the Spanglish that peppers
storytelling and understanding mythology,
deny my impulse to justify everything I do.
everyday conversation, the customs that
personal nature and those stories that belong
But I made a conscientious effort to just cut
have survived generations, the imagery that
to other cultures. This most recent show has
loose the way they flow. On personal level,
been, to an extent, an attempt to synthesize
I’ve been exploring power dynamics in my
what that’s all about.”
own family but I’m also interested in the
evokes powerful emotions.
dynamics in Greek and Roman mythology
In his new exhibit “In the Belly of the Beast” at the Ruiz-Healy Art Gallery in San Antonio,
Armendariz’s unique and striking carved
and indigenous mythologies. I am exploring
El Paso-born and-bred artist Richard “Ricky”
paintings and woodblock prints are rich with
art history. And so what I think I’m trying to
Armendariz pays homage to this blending –
metaphors, dream-like depictions of power
do is see this diversity through the lens of
as well as references to Greek mythologies
struggles – struggles against nature, against
someone who is from the border region.”
and Native American legends.
others and against self. In the work “Saturn
“My work has always been informed by the
Dreams of Himself,” the artist showcases a
That unique vision is what makes Armendariz’s
dramatic scene of two bulls butting heads.
work so appealing, said Patricia Ruiz-Healy, director and owner of Ruiz-Healy Art.
influences of the border, by growing up in El Paso and Juárez,” said Armendariz during www.thecitymagazineelp.com
“I didn’t set out to make work about power 87
December/January, 2015 “His work is very much rooted in the Southwest and the borderlands,” she said. “And yet, it expresses universal themes. It is rooted and yet universal simultaneously. I believe that’s why his work speaks to so many.” “I was really influenced by the love letters of my grandparents,” Armendariz continued. “They had an acidic relationship. They fought all the time, and my grandmother was always leaving my grandfather. It got so bad that my grandfather would disable the truck so she wouldn’t leave. She would get paid on Friday, split for El Paso from Juárez with the kids and come back when she ran out of money. I’m sure it must have been incredibly hard but they loved each other. They also passionately hated each other. It was a perfect storm – they were a perfect storm. But there was real love there. That kind of duality, that struggle – interests me.” The body of work also includes text – both personal messages and well-known dichos – that often put on display Armendariz’s dry humor. Pieces like “Lo Siento Pretty Darling” depict a pensive wolf looking into the distance, with the statement “Lo siento pretty darling . . . nah, just kidding” beneath it. “I came from my family,” he said. “One is very dry, very cold – calculating and analytical. My mother’s side is more sarcastic and fun-loving – jovial and emotional. I tend to favor my mother’s side. We tend to deal with tough subjects with humor. And that’s really the only way that I can talk about difficult issues in an honest way. As is often said, a lot of truth is said in jest. It really is true. You can say all sorts of things that are difficult or challenging. But if you say it with miel or honey, you can say what you mean in a way that doesn’t cause as much damage.” Armendariz’s unique style and choice of media also are a nod to the theme of struggle and discourse. “I’ve never been a traditionalist,” he said. “What I’m doing – the carving, the burning – it’s a bit naughty. These marks deface the painting. It’s a violation, a little wrong. I like that. I like the dangerous element. If you make a bad mark or misspell something, the piece can’t be recovered. You can’t fill it in or paint over it. There’s definite risk involved.” The exhibition will be on display through December 6, 2014. 88
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December/January, 2015
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89
Laura December/January, 2015
Eat, Pray, Explore
and her Recent
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Bush December/January, 2015
L au r a b u s h v i s i t s E l pa s o
Visit to the Sun City
L
| By: ADAIR MARGO photography by: MARK PAULDA |
aura Bush brought friends from Dallas to visit the mission valley and downtown October 23-24. She, Nancy Dedman and Caren Prothro had anticipated their trip since last spring, when the
four of us visited the San Antonio missions. “Shouldn’t El Paso be next?” Laura asked. Her memories of El Paso go back to childhood. At 6 years old, her mother put her on the train from Midland to El Paso, where she visited her grandparents. Since she was too young to fill out the meal card in the dining car, her mother packed a lunch and told the porter that Jessie and Hal Hawkins would be waiting on the other end. In her autobiography “From the Heart,” Laura shares memories of her grandparents’ home in Canutillo with the Rio Grande on one side and the Franklin Mountains bumping up against them on the other. Though Laura’s recent trip wasn’t public, the word got out. A red, white and blue sign in hand-painted letters announced LAURA BUSH WELCOME TO SAN ELIZARIO at Alarcón Elementary School. Gaspar Enriquez
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91
L au r a b u s h v i s i t s E l pa s o
December/January, 2015
and Phyllis Price met us at the front door of
Elcear, the French patron saint of the military.
painted circles and crossed lines made by
their historic, adobe home where Gaspar’s
Though sometimes called a mission, it was
the indigenous people. It is connected to
studio is filled with paintings of El Paso’s
started as a chapel for soldiers at the presidio.
San Elizario and Ysleta by the Old Socorro
baseball history, commissioned for the ballpark
Its shape is rectangular, unlike the mission
Road, the word socorro meaning help. Early
downtown. Laura took pictures, texting them
churches that are shaped like crosses. A
travelers along the Camino Real could find
to George because she knew how much he’d
rectangle is easier to defend than a cross.
assistance along that stretch of road should they face trouble, with a guarded fort and
enjoy them. He’s a painter now. After we left the Los Portales Museum,
two missions there.
Before lunch, Mayor Maya Sanchez presented
with its handsome displays of San Elizario
craft boxes tied in brown ribbon with a cotton ball
heritage and history, Laura wanted to visit
The beautiful Ysleta mission with its beehive
at the bow’s center. “When is the last time you
the children at Alarcón Elementary who were
silver dome was our last stop before dinner.
saw real cotton?” Nancy Dedman asked. Inside
exercising on the blacktop. When the coach
Considered the oldest mission in Texas,
the boxes were crosses carved from the old
saw her peering through the chain link fence,
it is listed on the U.S. National Register of
wood removed during the San Elizario Chapel’s
he asked the children, “Do you know who
Historic Places.
restoration. After lunch was announced, we
this is?” Everybody sure did, yelling “Laura
ate enchiladas, salad, beans, rice and a flan so
Bush! Laura Bush!” Laura hugged the
After spending the night at Dee’s and my
delicious everybody wanted the recipe.
children and teachers who gathered around
home off Sunset in the upper valley, where
her and happily posed for pictures.
a handful of friends gathered for chiles en nogadas, we headed to H&H Carwash for a
Gaspar restores old adobes and we toured his projects in town. Ramon Holguin took
We sensed the spirit of the Socorro Mission,
plate of huevos rancheros the next morning.
us on a tour of the chapel, named for Saint
whose painted vigas communicate through
Maynard Haddad, his picture with President
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December/January, 2015
L au r a b u s h v i s i t s E l pa s o
and Mrs. Bush hanging high overhead,
the field was spotted right away: Welcome
of his delicious offerings. Laura looked out
thanked Laura for letting him sit at the
to
Former
the windows towards San Jacinto Plaza,
President’s table when they honored the
First Lady Laura Bush, Nancy Dedman,
asking when the fiberglass alligators might
1966 Texas Western Basketball Team at the
Caren Prothro. Delighted to be included
be back. She came to town when they were
White House.
in the limelight, Nancy and Caren – whose
first installed, visiting with Luis Jimenez. She
Southwest
University
Park,
philanthropy at SMU and UT is legendary –
and George later invited Luis and his wife
At the Magoffin Home, Bernie and Malissa
laughed that they’d never had their names
to the first White House State Dinner with
Sargent met us at the door in period clothing,
on a scoreboard before, and they might just
Mexico.
and Leslie Bergloff walked us through each
request the same treatment back home!
Laura also asked about the unrestored historic buildings and what would become of
room, sharing the Magoffin family history in vivid detail.
Across the street at the El Paso Museum
them. Her dream would be to buy one and
of Art, Michael Tomor showed everyone
give it new life one day.
At the historic Federal Courthouse, Carolina
the Alexsander Titovets exhibition – the
Franco and Elisa Garrido, two UTEP art
artist who painted Laura’s portrait for the
As Laura, Nancy and Caren got up to go
history students, shared Tom Lea’s “Pass of
National Portrait Gallery in D.C. Seeing
catch their plane, Nancy paused to tell Paul
the North” mural, and all they had learned
the two beautiful exhibitions upstairs
and Alejandra, “You won’t find food this
from their research on the giants he painted.
– Cézanne to Picasso and Renoir to
good in Dallas!”
The ballpark was next, as Josh and Tita Hunt
Remington – pleased everyone.
pointed out the El Paso history represented on the Durango Street tower made by Bobby
Lunch at Anson11 followed, where Paul and
Davidoff. The huge scoreboard at the end of
Alejandra Foster let the chef bring selections
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93
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management is a $60 billion market annually.
Leslie K. Guest
increase willpower over food and reduce
The Centers for Disease Control estimates
Independent Ambassador
binge eating; and the bottom line, help them
that almost 70 percent of adults in the U.S.
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lose weight. With its proprietary blend of
are overweight or obese. Sadly, our children
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ingredients such as chromium, chlorogenic
are following our example.
pressure
and
cholesterol
Hilda K. Clark
acid extract from green coffee, Garcinia cambogia fruit extract, and alpha lipoic acid,
Those grim statistics represent opportunity
Independent Ambassador
Plexus Slim sets the body on a course to
for Plexus Worldwide Ambassadors to make
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drop excess weight. Using it is simple.
a difference. As they improve their own health
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100 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
Photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
O T F S E B
Champion Dance Studio “We are not the best because we are the oldest … we are the oldest because we are the best.” Champion Dance Studio, located in Far East
activity within their four private studios.
BES
T D A N CE S C H
gone on to become professional dancers – from touring productions to Broadway. Thank
El Paso on Montwood Dr., holds true to their motto, “We are not the best because we are
The tradition started 35 years ago at the
you, El Paso, for voting Champion Studio as
the oldest … we are the oldest because we
original Montwood/Lomaland location. With
“El Paso’s 2014 Best Dance Studio,” as the
are the best.” Champion Studio has been
the safety of each child and the capability of
Studio strives to continue teaching for many
locally owned and been promoting the art
expansion in mind, Lopez decided to build a
generations to come!
of ballet and other forms of dance for over
new studio to better serve the El Paso dance
40 years. Denise Lopez, owner, says, “The
community. Lopez says, “The facility allows
success of Champion Studio is due to our
us to offer camps, workshops, host special
highly talented and dedicated teachers and
events, as well as be the studio of choice
staff.” The studio offers a variety of classes
for auditions and rehearsals for the Moscow
such as Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Break-Dancing,
Ballet’s, Great Russian Nutcracker, for the
Musical
past three years.”
Theatre,
Contemporary
Dance,
Champion Dance Studio 12410 Montwood Dr.
Folklorico, Gymnastics, Cheerleading, KungFu, Fitness classes, and Guitar lessons. The
The Studio has had generations of families
El Paso, Texas 79928
atmosphere of Champion Studio is that of a
come through its doors in the last 40 years
(915) 593-2729
“family” as they strive to offer a nurturing,
with alumni parents now enrolling their kids
fun, and enriching environment for which
to experience the tradition and excellence the
to learn. With state-of-the-art facilities that
Studio provides. In addition, Champion Studio
opened five years ago, includes top of the line
and its teachers have contributed positively
dance floors built specifically for each style of
to the success of many students who have
Photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 101
OO
L
Pictured above are Mando Rogriguez, Owner/Dancer and Mary Beth McCallum, Student and Amateur Partner.
SHUNDO BALLROOM DANCE STUDIO “After teaching for over 35 years I’ve learned that no two students are the same.” For nearly three decades, El Pasoans have
teaching dance is individualized and focused
to socialize and a second floor available for
been shuffling, prancing and two-steppin’
for each student’s needs and desires. “Dance
dancers to rent in order to teach dance or
into Shundo Ballroom Dance Studio, often
goals, physical condition, time commitments
exercise classes. The studio is also available to
with two left feet and rarely little confidence
and age are all factored into our curriculum
be rented out for personal or corporate events.
or excitement. Dancing is often intimidating
as we tailor each program to the individual
for non-dancers and with the popularity of
student’s needs,” says Rodriguez. “After
So don’t put off those dance dreams any
ballroom on the rise, many want to start but
teaching for over 35 years I’ve learned that no
longer, no partner is needed – come by today
are hesitant to take the first step. At Shundo
two students are the same and discovering
and talk to their friendly staff about the right
Ballroom, students are thrilled to find out
their learning style is an important aspect of
dance program for you.
that learning dance is fun and quite possible
being a successful teacher.”
after all. While offering competitive ballroom dance training and plenty of opportunities for
Exciting changes have been happening for
students to show off in showcases or stage
Shundo this year as they have relocated
productions, the majority of students are there
from Kern Place (where they had been for
for exercise, building confidence, learning a
28 years!) to a location on Paragon – in the
new skill or just meeting new friends.
Monticello area. The studio is beautiful and spacious featuring the only competitive-sized
Shundo Ballroom Dance Studio
Mando Rodriguez is a well-recognized social
wooden dance floor that is both suspended
120 Paragon Ln.
dance instructor in El Paso and graciously
and floating to assure a healthy and safe
El Paso, Texas 79912
shares his knowledge in order to continue the
dance experience for those all-important
(915) 532-2043
ballroom tradition. The Shundo approach to
joints. There’s plenty of parking, lots of space
shundodancestudio.com
102 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
Photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
Sunland Park Fitness “An Elite Training Experience.” Sunland Park Fitness, owned and operated
they also sell top-of-the-line supplements and
by Danny Samaniego, is the first open gym
make personalized protein shakes. “All of our
in El Paso’s upper valley. Danny himself has
programs are made according to the client’s
been training for 30 years, the first 18 in his
goal whether it’s their meal plans, nutritional
hometown of Indio, California and the last 12
plans or meal prep, we work with them to
here in the Sun City. “I started in El Paso as
meet their individualized needs,” Danny said.
an independent contractor at different gyms – but the more I worked, the more I saw it
Today the gym boasts a quality atmosphere
Sunland Park Fitness
was about time that El Paso raise the bar on
filled with Cybex Precore, Hammer Strength
Danny Samaniego, Owner
its open gym experience,” Danny explained.
and HOIST Fitness equipment. With the
1989 Victory Lane
From
location,
quality of these machines and the guidance
Sunland Park, New Mexico 88063
handpicked all of the equipment and broke
of the gym’s certified trainers, Sunland
Office: (575) 589-1483
ground on creating his unique, elite training
Park Fitness is sure to get you on your feet
Cell: (915) 474-3634
experience he thought our city deserved.
and undertaking your fitness goals. “We
there
Danny
found
a
make body transformation possible for our Today Sunland Park Fitness offers standard
clients. It’s truly inspiring to see them push
open gym memberships, certified personal
themselves to the limit and see true change
trainers, personalized exercise programs,
in their self-esteem that changes their lives
nutritional counseling, fat loss programs, body
for the better.”
sculpting and toning, rehabilitation, and even kids boot camps. On top of these services By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 103
Fit Food Each week they prepare personalized meals focused on improving your health and wellness. A healthier alternative to pre-packaged,
avoid the increase of 18 million new cases of
week’s worth of meals and snacks, to three
microwave-ready frozen and fast foods is
diabetes projected by the American Diabetes
days, via their online menu.
here. Fit Food provides the convenience of
Association by 2050. Place your order by 10 p.m. on Wednesday,
prepared foods without the adverse effects caused by preservatives, fillers, gluten, wheat,
The surge of success stories inspired Noemi
and your week’s spread will be available
unhealthy fats and sugars in today’s grab-and-
and Chris to expand the operation and share
Sunday for pickup at Fit Food located at
go foods. Fit Food believes in the power of
their nutritious and savory foods with as
12295 Pellicano #6, or delivery (currently only
real food, food unboxed; food that can restore
many as possible, crafting a menu that has
available to Westside addresses). Shopping,
and reinvigorate – lean animal proteins;
helped those in the diabetic, autoimmune
cooking and dishes are irrelevant – just heat
complex, fibrous carbohydrates; and healthy
and
and eat your way to better health, a better you.
monounsaturated fats. Their meal prep service
Most people recognize that they need to eat
began in 2011 after Noemi Dimuzio and Chris
healthier, but understanding how to do it and
Melhoff decided to eliminate the two factors
actually doing it are the biggest challenges.
that spark hesitancy when it comes to shifting
Fit Food takes care of it all; grocery shopping,
diet: choice and preparation of foods. Initially,
cooking, and everyone’s favorite, cleaning up.
performance/athletic
communities.
it was a home operation. They now own and operate a commercial kitchen thanks to
Each week Fit Food prepares personalized
Fit Food
the organic growth initiated by clients who
meals focused on improving your health
12295 Pellicano, Ste. 6
saw great health improvements, through
and wellness. The quantity, serving size and
El Paso, Texas
their subscription to Fit Food, exercise and a
variety of meals are up to you; they take care
(915) 613-6556
healthier choice of life. Fit Food wants to help
of the quality. Order anywhere from an entire
www.fitfoodep.com
104 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: ANGELA PORRAS photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
The Tea Spout “Excited about being one of the homegrown and locally owned food and beverage businesses in El Paso.” For centuries, herbalists, homeopaths, various
shared April. “And, ultimately, I was inspired
green tea! Matcha contains the amino acid,
members of the medical community and those
to open my own store after I attended a
L-Theanine which offers energy combined with
who are in a perpetual search for all things that
Tea Expo and Seminar in California.” With
a calm focus that lasts for hours unlike coffee.”
will help them achieve health and wellness
the goal of bringing an awareness to the
have turned to tea for its cleansing, healing
numerous health benefits that tea provides,
Offering introductory discounts to new
and soothing qualities. Tea, as research has
along with an increased energy level and
customers, April wants El Pasoans to know
proven, has been used to aid in the treatment
a more sharpened sense of focus and
that “they can get high quality loose leaf tea
of various ailments such as cancer, digestive
concentration, April is “excited about being
right here in El Paso” and looks forward to
inefficiencies, stress, to balance blood sugar
one of the homegrown and locally owned
helping educate the members of the El Paso
and it increases metabolism, to name just a
food and beverage businesses in El Paso.”
community about the benefits of tea.
few. For reasons such as these, April Benson ventured to create a tea-inspired food and
Taking her level of knowledge to the next level,
beverage experience in El Paso.
April has created a Matcha Power Shake, a Matcha Power Shot and has become the only
April introduced The Tea Spout on the west
teashop in town with “locally-infused Matcha
side and has worked toward building a more
pastries.” When asked what Matcha is exactly,
educated population of tea drinkers and is
April described it by saying: “Matcha is a
The Tea Spout
currently working on her certification as a
high quality Japanese green tea leaf that has
(915) 351-0009
Tea Sommelier. “I chose to open a tea shop
been ground into a fine powder. Because you
3233 N. Mesa, Ste. 102
while researching teas and herbs for some
are ingesting the whole leaf you are reaping
El Paso, Texas 79912
health issues that I was experiencing,”
the benefits of 10 cups of typically prepared
www.facebook.com/TheTeaSpout
By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 105
Stilo Hair Design “‘Stilo’ is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” “STILO is a way of saying who you are without
they’re stocked in Moroccan Oil, Pureology,
family are happier than ever with the salon
having to speak!” says Carmen Battaglia,
and great Italian Designer haircolor.
and Cosimo’s wonderful Italian restaurant Mi Piaci. “My children are my all; they support
owner and stylist at Stilo Hair Design which is located on El Paso’s Westside. She opened
Along with their lengthy stints in hair school,
me, and they see me in such unique eyes.
her one-of-a-kind salon 10 years ago to offer
Carmen pushes for ongoing education in the
It makes all the difference in the world,”
our city truly personalized haircare and styling.
way of mentors, specialized classes, and hair
Carmen explains. “They are our inspiration
“Here at Stilo Hair Design, we specialize in
shows for herself and her accomplices. She
to do what we do at Stilo, and the reason
haircutting, highlighting, and hair coloring,”
has studied all across the world, from Santa
behind Mi Piaci.”
Carmen explained. “We also offer our
Monica to Paris, with extensive training in
creativity for styling special occasion up-do’s
Italy with private lessons. They attended a
Stilo Hair Design
and personalizing your make-up for a photo
hair show in New Orleans in September and
Carmen Battaglia, Owner/Stylist
finish.” They pride themselves in knowing
Albuquerque in October. The pride in their
(915) 587-5616
the ins and outs of the industry, with Carmen
work shows significantly. This is a direct
465 N Resler Dr.
having more than twenty years of experience.
effect of their ongoing loyalty with their
El Paso, Texas 79912
Carmen and her two right hand women are
beautiful guests. The love for their customer’s
stilohairdesign.com
known for their impeccable color matching,
personal well-being is definitely displayed in
their
the loving labor they spend on each personal
gorgeous
ombres,
and
attention
to details. “We are always striving for
friend who walks through their door.
perfection.” Carmen adds. Stilo is innovative, uplifting, and the only location in El Paso that
Today with her two children and loving
carries Halo Couture Extensions. They ensure
husband, Cosimo Battaglia, Carmen and her
106 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
Jorge Portillo “Real estate is not my job; real estate is what I do.” Confucius’s quote: “Love what you do and
explained Portillo. “I wanted to provide my
first home, the experience can be daunting,
you will never work a day in your life,” fully
clients with all of the tools and options they
confusing and even frustrating at first, that is
and succinctly captures Jorge Portillo’s
needed to make the largest investment of
my job; to answer any questions and make
mindset in terms of his career in real estate.
their life.”
everything easier and transparent. They have a Realtor that will be ethical, diligent and
“I was lucky to have been able to choose what I do,” explained Portillo. “Real estate is
Portillo continues to be motivated by the
not my job; real estate is what I do.”
constant changes that take place from day
honest with them.”
to day. “There are new subdivisions, home
Jorge O. Portillo, Realtor
Born in Juárez and subsequently raised in El
designs and features to see and learn about,
Camacho Real Estate
Paso, Jorge Portillo studied at the University
new homes on the market to go visit to
7500 Viscount Blvd., Ste. 216
of Texas at El Paso where he earned his
see if they may be a fit for a client, new
El Paso, Texas 79925
MBA. “I ultimately decided on a career in real
programs available to help buyers qualify,
Cell. (915) 309-1634
estate because I was intrigued by the idea of
and new regulations and laws to learn and
portillo.homes@yahoo.com
being an essential part of a family realizing
implement.”
facebook.com/pages/El-Paso-DreamHomes/1387048681537232
their dreams,” shared Portillo. “Ultimately, I would like prospective clients “When I entered this profession, my goals
to know that when it comes to selling their
weren’t to have the most closings or volume
treasured home, looking to buy a new home
in the city … I wanted to strive to provide the
or contemplating an investment property,
same knowledge and dedication, whether
they have a professional that wants to help
showing starter homes or large estates,”
them every step of the way. If this is their
By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 107
Nosh: A Protein Bar “Taking catering to the next level in El Paso.” The inside scoop on the up and coming
specialized meal prep for health-conscious
healthy eating is all about. I love the food and
Catering Company.
individuals looking to optimize their nutrition
I love the results I’ve seen.”
goals. While Nosh does not have a licensed Nosh, is a unique, full-service catering
nutritionist on staff, their creations are made
At the protein bar you can find a menu of
company that specializes in providing a one-
from only the best ingredients.
smoothies as well as gluten free protein waffles, snacks and clean cheats for those New
of-a-kind catering experience, combining all the great flavors the Sun City has to offer.
Working on an individual basis, Nosh can
Year diets! Although the Protein bar is located
“Our mission is to provide El Paso with a
brainstorm any meal – breakfast, lunch or
inside of New You, it is open to the public.
top-of-the-line catering service that brings
dinner – with your specifications in mind.
together all the best flavors of El Paso’s
The other great part of Nosh’s business is
Look for other new and exciting things
history,” explained Tara Livingston, Nosh’s
that on top of receiving a low-sodium, high-
coming to Nosh in 2015!
Owner. Livingston prides herself on the
protein, low-carb, high-fiber meal, they’ll also
customer experience and delights in creating
deliver it directly to you – whether you are
a relationship with all of her clients. Nosh
downtown, work in one of El Paso’s hospitals
recently acquired the Protein bar inside of
or anywhere in between.
New You Gym (West), just off the highway with quick and easy access for a quick stop.
Without a doubt, Nosh’s clients are seeing
The acquisition since has added a “healthy
results.
friendly” sector to the company. On top of
Chief, Shelley Mozelle has been ordering
Nosh: A Protein Bar
this, Nosh: A Protein Bar; also carries Mom’s
exclusively from Nosh and has already lost
5020 N. Desert Blvd. Ste. C-2
Fresh Cold Pressed Juice – but what they
three inches off her hip area. “This is the first
El Paso, Texas 79912
are receiving a lot of acclaim for is their
time in my entire life that I understand what
(915) 206-0414
108 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
The
City
Magazine’s
Editor-in-
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
America’s Best Karate “The best way to build self-esteem in children is to provide them with goals that will challenge them.” For close to 30 years America’s Best
location in Horizon. Together the three partners
To achieve their mission the trio has traveled
Karate has been helping the youth of El
are dedicated to helping children develop a
the country learning the latest teaching
Paso develop their belief in themselves by
“Yes I Can” attitude. “The best way to build
techniques and motivational strategies to
teaching them to have a “Yes I Can” attitude.
self-esteem in children is to provide them with
help their young students reach their full
“Our philosophy is it is not so much the
goals that will challenge them,” Hernandez
potential. In 1996 America’s Best Karate was
achievement of a black belt that is important,
explained. “With each goal they achieve their
recognized as one of the top five martial arts
but it is the type of person a child will become
confidence and self-esteem will grow.”
academies in North America by “Martial Arts Professional” magazine.
earning his or her black belt,” said Hilary Sandoval founder of America’s Best Karate.
Candia
explained
the
importance
of
“The qualities and character traits that are
the America’s Best Karate “Yes I Can”
This group of martial arts entrepreneur’s
required to earn a black belt are the very
philosophy. “Yes, children will learn how to
strongly believes that martial arts is the best
same qualities it takes to succeed in life. To
defend themselves and get in great physical
thing you can ever do for your child. To find
succeed in any endeavor it takes dedication,
condition, however to us the most important
out more about how your child can develop
desire, discipline, persistence and belief in
benefit of studying the martial arts is the
a “Yes I Can” attitude call any of the three
yourself. Earning a black belt will build and
confidence it builds in children. Success
convenient locations:
develop those character traits in children.”
requires hard work, discipline, perseverance, imagination, and creativity. However, the
America’s Best Karate
With business partners, Delfino Candia and
most important key to achievement is
Rojas (915) 598-8795
Martin Hernandez, there are three locations in
believing in yourself. Our mission here at
Horizon (915) 996-2467
the El Paso area. One on Rojas and Lee Trevino,
America’s Best Karate is to help children
Zaragoza (915) 857-3181
a second one on Zaragoza and the newest
believe in themselves.”
Photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 109
December/January, 2015
110
Cast of Jersey Boys
El Paso Live Brings
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2015
b r o a d way t o t h e b o r d e r l a n d
to the Borderland
| By: MEAGAN KINLEY |
ou may have noticed that little, old El Paso has come alive. With the advent of the new Chihuahuas stadium this year, the continued beautification of the city and the exciting talent El Paso Live is bringing to us from all across the U.S. – something always seems to be going on in the Sun City. What you may not know is that El Paso Live is employed by the city of El Paso and it’s their job to make sure that the seats of our city’s prominent convention center, theatres, amphitheaters, and more are filled and serving the community. They are also responsible for bringing in different productions, artists, and talent for us to see, giving the community the opportunity to enjoy something truly unique.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
111
December/January, 2015 But what we are really excited about is the noise El Paso Live has made with the list of hit Broadway Productions they have brought to the Plaza Theatre and are continuing to bring in through the 2014-2015 season! This past March, “Bring It On: The Musical” blew through El Paso with acclaim from younger audiences. This hit, based on the popular teen movie, which chronicles the struggles
of
competitive
cheerleaders,
brought laughs and high-flying stunts that wowed audiences with inspiring music and a witty plot. In April, El Paso Live also brought in “Rock of Ages,” a younger show, also for the younger viewers, this ballad-filled Broadway production is filled with some of the best music from the ’80s. But the show that really took El Paso by storm this past season was none other than “Jersey Boys.” A story of struggle, personal clashes, and the ultimate triumph of friendship – this story delighted El Pasoans of all ages. “Jersey Boys was our biggest show last season and it was our most unexpected show. We had families who came and saw the musical and continued coming back night after night – but it wasn’t the ladies who were pushing for it, it was the men. This show really attracted men and it was fun to see them so eager to be a part of El Paso’s Broadway scene,” said Carol McNeal, Director of Facilities Sales and Marketing for El Paso Live. Looking ahead to the new season, El Paso Live has its most exciting line up yet! “This Broadway season is a reflection of the feedback we received from our Broadway patrons. We are always trying to get feedback from different demographics, because we want to bring a little bit of everything for everyone,” Carol said. This fall The Plaza Theatre has already had the opportunity of hosting “The Blue Man Group,” and “Flashdance.” “Of course everyone had a blast at ‘The Blue Man Group.’ We weren’t sure how ‘Flashdance’ would do, but El Paso responded well – everyone seemed to really have a great 112
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2015 time,” Carol said. But what people are really getting excited about is December’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Just in time for Christmas, El Paso will relive the magic of one of Disney’s most memorable classics put on stage. “Everyone always loves ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Ticket sales for the show were really exciting, we completely sold out within the first few days of sales,” Carol said. What’s truly exciting about it is that “Beauty and the Beast” isn’t even the biggest show coming through this season! After the holidays, the season picks back up in January with “Chicago The Musical” – the risqué burlesque favorite that has made the show the longest running American musical on Broadway. Then a month after that, “Guys and Dolls” will sing it’s way through El Paso. This adorable romantic comedy set in New York City deals with the throes of love in a city that never sleeps. This classic is sure to delight you and yours. . . . But the real show stopper this season is Broadway’s hottest show, “Wicked,” flying into the Sun City in May for 11 nights of
FA M I LY- O W N E D & O P E R AT E D
gravity-defying fun! Based on the beloved world Frank L. Baum created in his series of books centered on the wacky, whimsical, and wonderful world of Oz, this production offers an interesting backstory that flips the original tale we know upside down. If there is one show you see this season, you do not want to miss “Wicked!” So if you live in El Paso and have never seen a Broadway production, now is your chance! With these exciting shows just around the corner, and even more to come next fall, get out, go downtown and enjoy some amazing Broadway hits!
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
NORTHEAST
AMERICAS
4631Hondo Pass (915) 594-4424
9521 N. Loop Dr. (915) 858-4408
WEST
EAST
480 N. Resler (915) 587-4408
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113
December/January, 2015
The Top, Cutting-Edge
CELEBRITY Beauty Treatments in 2014
| By: MATTHEW ABRAHAM |
114
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
beaut y
December/January, 2015
Cutting-Edge Filler – Volumna
should be avoided for several days after the
celebrities have sworn by oxygen-facials
Juvederm Voluma is the latest FDA-approved
treatment, which is why such treatments are
as the go-to secret weapon in their skin
hyaluronic-acid-gel dermal filler specifically
not recommended during summer months.
beauty arsenal. Their effectiveness lies
designed to restore volume in areas of
Many celebs also opt to use platelet-rich
in utilizing a stream of oxygen to deliver
volume loss, such as the cheeks, cheekbones
plasma as a treatment booster to make their
active moisturizers, nutrients and other key
and chin. Volume loss in this area of the
fractional laser treatment even more effective.
ingredients to the skin, such as hyaluronic
face is due to a combination of fat and bone
A patient’s own blood is drawn and the portion
acid, antioxidants and age-reversing peptides.
absorption, resulting in sagging skin and a
containing platelets and plasma is re-injected
Intraceuticals is an Australian company that
hollowing that slowly increases with age. Due
into the skin at the end of the laser treatment.
pioneered the treatment in 2002 and is still
to its adaptability, Volumna is also suitable for
This stimulates improved collagen deposition,
the most popular in the market. It’s also the
adding definition to the jaw line, the loss of
blood circulation and improves results.
skin care system Madonna has sworn by for years, and is used by her makeup artist and
which is caused by sagging skin and hollowing that increases slowly over time. While
Cutting-Edge Body Contouring –
most fillers are applied to fill in the nasio-
Cool Sculpting
labial folds around the mouth, Voluma gel
Cool Sculpting utilizes cryolipolysis, the
The skin is first evaluated and a specific
contains lidocaine to numb pain and is meant
process of controlled cooling close to sub-zero
serum treatment option is chosen, either
to be injected at a deep level, on top of the
temperatures in order to diminish localized fat
focusing on hydration, evening of skin tone,
cheekbones. This provides an instant, subtle
deposits. Cool Sculpting works by targeting an
clarity/acne-fighting, or atoxelene, which is
lift, helping to restore contour and a more
area of fatty tissue that is cooled below body
a needle-free Botox alternative that helps
youthful profile. The most exciting advantage
temperature but above freezing. The targeted
to soften and firm expression lines, define
of Volumna is that it can last up to two years,
fat cells undergo localized cell death followed
the eye contour and plump the lips. The
while most other fillers on the market currently
by a local inflammatory response that slowly,
aesthetician then uses a device similar to
only last from six to 12 months.
over the course of several weeks, results in
an airbrush gun to provide a continuous
Intraceuticals spokesperson Gina Brooke.
a reduction of the fatty-tissue layer. As this
flow of 90 to 95 percent pure oxygen under
Cutting-Edge Laser Treatment –
procedure is still new, known side effects
hyperbaric pressure (compared to the 18 to 21
Fractional Non-ablative Lasers
have been mostly redness, bruising and
percent found naturally in our environment)
among
numbness of the skin. One local patient who
that is said to enhance the absorption of the
celebrities in search of treatments that can
recently had the procedure done said that she
serums, increasing their efficacy, while the
quickly rejuvenate skin beyond that of your
experienced sensory deficit and discomfort
oxygen is also naturally antibacterial and has
topical skin creams or serums. Kim Kardashian
for up to a month after the procedure in the
a cooling, calming effect. The results are
admitted to Oprah Winfrey that the secret to
area that was frozen. She did state that this
seen right away. Immediately following this
her flawless, HDTV-ready complexion was
discomfort did eventually subside, and she
30-60 minute facial treatment skin appears
not her team of makeup artists but rather
was quick to note that her resulting several
more plump, hydrated, smoother and tighter
the Fraxel laser – a non-ablative laser used to
inches of fat loss in the treated area was well
making this a favorite pre-event or red carpet
improve aging, wrinkles, sun damage, acne
worth the temporary numbness.
treatment for several A-list celebs. El Pasoans
Lasers
have
gained
popularity
can also experience celeb-worthy glowing
scarring and other skin texture problems. With only a couple days of pink skin to endure after
Cutting-Edge Facial – Oxygen facials
skin by visiting local Intraceuticals specialist
a Fraxel treatment, a patient can immediately
Outside of going to a dermatologist or plastic
Elaine Gordon, whose oxygen-facials are
return to work, however sun exposure
surgeons for the latest laser or injectable,
quickly gaining a cult-like following.
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December/January, 2015
Jump Start to a Healthy New Year! | By: LIZZIE MARTINEZ photo by: DREW D. BECKLEY |
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www.thecitymagazineelp.com
FITNESS
December/January, 2015
Get your resolutions on track with these healthy tips! • Purchase a pedometer or an activity tracker bracelet: Studies
• Drink water: No matter what, water should always be the first
suggest that routinely wearing a tracker encourages people to walk
thing you reach for when you are thirsty.
about an extra mile every day, lose weight and help lower their
• Sleep eight hours a night. Benefits of adequate sleep include:
blood pressure.
feeling better, decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease, boosts
• Start strength training: Involving both lower- and upper-body weight
memory and reduces the likelihood of being in a car accident.
training is beneficial to every body type. It’s crucial for preventing
• Focus on eating to live healthy, not being on a diet: Consume good
muscle and bone loss with age. Try implementing it to your routine
choices every four hours or so to avoid starving and then overeating.
two to three times a week.
It will keep your energy up, speed up your metabolism and make
• Eat at least two fish meals per week: There’s evidence that oils in
you less hungry in the evening.
darker types of fish such as tuna, salmon, herring and mackerel are
• Don’t drink your calories: An eggnog latte at Starbucks has nearly as
beneficial for the brain and heart and can lower risk of cancer.
many calories as a big mac. Reach for your water instead.
Have a Healthy Holiday! Fight the holiday weight gain with these easy eating tips!
• Bring your own food: Contribute a healthy dish to a party to ensure
• Manage portion sizing: Split your plate into portions. Your biggest
that you’ll have a healthy option to munch on.
portion should be protein, add as many vegetable options as you
• Keep track of what you eat: Start a food diary to help you stay
can and just a small-portioned dessert.
committed and accountable to your goals during this risky
• Control your environment: Eat with a small group when you can.
eating period.
Studies show large groups of six or more people eating can cause
• Weigh yourself daily: Normally I don’t recommend doing this, but
you to eat 76 percent more. Try to find a fellow healthy eater to sit
during this time of year when it’s hard to maintain a diet, it’s good to
next to, so you don’t feel pressured by the bad eaters around you.
do it so the pounds don’t sneak up on you. Use your weight
Also keep visual evidence of what you ate around you so you don’t
number to guide your actions. Studies show that women who
forget how much you’ve eaten.
weigh themselves daily are 82 percent less likely to regain weight
• Keep up the exercise: Since this season most people are busy
lost than those who don’t weigh themselves as often.
running around town, use the small time slots you have to break up
• Zip yourself into your favorite pants once a week: If they’re getting
your workouts. If you don’t have time for your daily three mile run,
too tight, adjust your eating . . . if they’re still perfect, keep up the
do a few 10 - or 15-minute spurts of exercise throughout the day.
good work!
Make it a point to do at least two workouts a week no matter what!
• Snack before a party (on something healthy of course)! This will help
• Choose your indulgences: Plan in advance when you’re going to
curb your appetite at the party.
have your “cheat meals” at certain parties, so that you don’t indulge
• Pop a sugar-free mint: Once you’re starting to feel full, pop a mint!
on days you have nothing going on. Pick items that are truly special
Having a fresh palate will curb additional noshing.
and unique to the season, don’t waste calories on foods you can
• Stock up on healthy snacks in the office: members of the office will
have any time of the year.
be bringing in way too many bad treats this season, so snack on your own healthy treats to avoid joining the crowd.
For more health and fitness info follow The City Magazine trainer Lizzie Martinez, log on to www.newyougym.com or www.livefitep.com.
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HIS PREROGATIV
| By: MATTHEW WILKSON |
December/January, 2015
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
h i s p r e r o g at i v e
December/January, 2015
Men can do anything! Got a problem? YO! We’ll solve it! If we’re in a jam we will pound, push, and scratch until we find a way out. We are builders, innovators, and leaders who will stop at nothing to achieve what is necessary. Although we try to think of all possible solutions when faced with an obstacle, we are at times a bit forgetful in the world of personal grooming and hygiene. So, here are a few easy solutions that are certainly helpful to maintaining an individual look of His Prerogative. 1
Yes to Carrots Face Wipes
Your face collects a really disgusting amount of grime, salt and dirt from anything you may have touched with your hands throughout the day. So, if you want to head out for the night looking fresh you’d better take some time to wash that mug before braving the nightlife. Ain’t nobody got time for that! We are men on the move! Dudes with duties! That is the whole reason why you are reading this anyway! You need a quicker way to look slicker. Yes to Carrots has created a very affordable line of natural products made from fruits and veggies to keep you looking dapper. The face wipes, though, are out of this world! There is a face wipe made to cleanse and moisturize every skin type made from blueberries, carrots, cucumber and coconut, just to name a few. Keep a pouch of these in your gym bag, car or briefcase and you can have cleaner skin at any time!
the embarrassment of explaining that you have not just smuggled two small armadillos between the bottom ends of the sheets. Available at Walgreens.com, $69.95
Groom Mate Platinum XL Nose Hair Trimmer 3
to a conversation is a guy with furry nostrils. Having to talk to someone while their nose hair gets sucked in and out of a nostril is just about enough to make you gag. DON’T BE THAT GUY! Instead, pick out one of these stainless steel nose rope choppers from Groom Mate. It is a perfect pocket size (only 2.6”) so that you can take it anywhere and not Available at Groommate.com, $19.88
Redken For Men Maneuver Working Wax 4
Emjoi Micro-Pedi Pro Foot Buffer
doesn’t look like a greasy mess of yarn on
pavement on the reg this one is for you! In fact, any guy who plans on cuddling up with a holiday honey this season will benefit from this little bunion busting buffer. This one of a kind roller spins rapidly, pulverizing particles of dead skin quicker than any other micropedi on the market with a greater efficacy. This little guy is amazingly gentle and will get rid of your dry, rough, and calloused heels. Otherwise, you may have to bear www.thecitymagazineelp.com
3
have to worry about those booger bungies.
This is one of my personal favorites! If
If you are the type of guy who pounds the
2
A most distracting and disgusting addition
Available at Walgreens, $5.79 2
1
you dig a do that is easily manageable and your scalp, Maneuver Working Wax is for you. It provides medium control that has the
4
texture somewhere in between a wax and a cream with an invigorating, masculine scent. It will never crunch up and you only need a small amount to take control of those locks. Maneuver is a water-based formula that is easily shampooed out of hair and won’t build up. Although it is small enough to throw in a dop kit, you can certainly get a couple months of use out of just one tub. Available at Ulta, $15 119
December/January, 2015
ThE
Makes a Comeback
W
| By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM, J.D. |
arren St. John, the author and former New York Times reporter who coined the phrase “metrosexual” while writing for the style section of the Times, once remarked in a column that “perhaps no single male fashion accessory provokes as much emotion as the bow tie.” It is an often anachronistic and polarizing bit of fashion, and more often than not, that is just the way the wearer likes it. As proof of the
age-old fashion adage that everything comes back in vogue eventually, the bow tie is making a comeback, having been on the brink of extinction only a few years ago. Take a gander at virtually any social media site and you will find a growing number of young men (predominantly) rocking the bow tie in a wide variety of settings and occasions. From a personal point of view, I have watched two of my three sons choose bow ties for their most recent opportunities to don adult attire. Regardless of the reasons behind the wave, the truth is out there: bow ties are back. The history of the bow tie is a bit convoluted, as there is not as neat of a lineage as seen with the neck tie. It is most likely that the bow tie evolved from the cravat as well, but there is not a neat break delineating when the schism between the long and the short occurred. However, by the 19th century at a minimum, the bow tie had been virtually relegated to formal wear, depending on whether an occasion called for “black tie” or “white tie.” Indeed, the only time a bow tie saw the light of day was the ubiquitous formal daywear of the morning suit. Not so anymore . . . Today, bow ties are happily popping up all day long, in a growing variety of shapes and patterns. So, to assist in this wonderfully eclectic and slightly esoteric sartorial trend, we offer a quick course in the tying of the bow tie. At the outset, realize that you are simply tying a bow, but from the underside of the bow, not the top, as with a shoelace. The first step is then to cross the ends of the tie and tighten the crossed section snug to the neck, while ensuring that one end is slightly longer (one and one-half inches or so) than the other.
120
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December/January, 2015
the bow tie makes a comeback
Next, take the shorter end and double it
You will then drape the longer end over the front of
At this point, the only really tricky part
up, forming half of the bow and holding
the bow and switch hands, so that you are holding
begins. Using your thumb, pass the
it in place.
three layers of the tie (two of the loop, and the
longer end from the front through the
draped in front section) in one hand.
hole in the knot’s beginning in the back and through to the other side.
You will not pull it all the way through,
Once the beginning of the second loop is formed, it
A few words of encouragement and
but will form the other half of the loop
is simply a matter of slowly tightening each side and
advice, from a 20-year plus wearer of
once enough material comes through to
shaping the bow to your liking.
bow ties: perfection is your enemy.
work with.
Make the tie your own, and don’t be afraid to add a little flair to the shape of your bow. I personally like to make them
purposefully
asymmetrical,
and will often add a little shape to the ends. However, there is no substitute for practice, so make sure that you are working on your knot-tying skills as often as possible. And, lest you become too concerned with how well you have your tie before sporting it, remember that the bow tie is the fashion world’s method of declaring your individuality; rock it and own your look proudly. As Mr. St. John also later remarked: “Bow ties are worn by magicians, country doctors, lawyers and professors . . . But perhaps most of all, wearing a bow tie is a way of broadcasting an aggressive lack of www.thecitymagazineelp.com
concern for what other people think.”
Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches is a business that uniquely
creating a piece they will love and cherish,” Eisen said. The diamonds
The Susan Eisen shopping experience is all encompassing and impressive. Eisen is a jeweler, master gemologist appraiser, goldsmith and author, so her store is different from most other retail stores. “Knowing the back end of how things are made, what is necessary to keep them in their best condition, while maintaining the highest quality control standards and appraisal credentials, sets us apart,” Eisen said. Eisen began her business 34 years ago with an art metal background from UTEP. As a native El Pasoan, Eisen is proud
are hand picked for quality by Susan herself and the sales mantra is “the
to give back to the Sun City by sponsoring events for the Junior
service after the sale is even more important than the sale itself.”
League & the El Paso Museum of Art & designing jewelry for celebrities.
identifying diamonds and gems; and the emotional, when certain pieces represent milestones and important events in one’s life. Customers will find quality, expertise and commitment at Susan Eisen. “The most rewarding aspect is the earned trust from our customers coupled with
Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches | 5857 North Mesa #19 | El Paso, Texas 79912 | (915) 584-0022 | www.susaneisen.com
O T F S E B
BEST PIZZA
“Thank you El Paso for voting us Best Pizza!” Lisa Noe & Robyn Renner owners
NEW FOOD TRUCK IN BUSINESS FOR ONLY 6 MONTHS, TAKES EL PASO BY STORM!
15% off if you mention you read it in the City Magazine For daily schedule go to: www.redwhiteandchew.net or give us a call at 915-701-4558 YOU CAN FIND US ON:
CORONADO CHEER O T S BE F BES T H I G H S C H O O
C H E E R L E A D E RS
BES T HIG H SC H O O
L
L
THANK YOU to all our fans and The City Magazine!
C H E E R L EA D E R S
LEWIS WOODYARD PHOTOGRAPHY
O T S BE F B ES T
BES T
IN T ER I OR D ES
IG N
IN T E R I O R D E S
IG N
ER
ER
Thank you, El Paso
It is a wonderful feeling to be recognized in our great community, but it is even more special to be appreciated for working in a career you are passionate about. I love my profession and I have gotten as much back from the community as I have contributed. For the past 26 years I have had the pleasure of working with so many great customers, talented artists, skilled tradespeople, and quality vendors. All of these combined have made me truly appreciate the opportunities afforded to those of us fortunate enough to work with people in the communities of El Paso, Las Cruces, Santa Teresa, and Juรกrez. Thank you very much.
Visit our new location at Placita Santa Fe where you will find new accessories and design ideas to rejuvenate your home.
In Placita Santa Fe
915-590-7373 5024 Doniphan Dr., Ste. 11 www.designsbyllpower.com
...everything to meet your decorating needs
O T F S E B
BEST REALTOR
“I humbly thank all of my family members, friends, past clients and future clients for taking the time to vote for me.” -Pedro Navarro
Pedro Navarro was born and raised in El Paso. Real Estate is his chosen profession and he has been a multimillion-dollar producing agent for almost 10 years. If your house didn’t sell or you need to sell, call Pedro.
“Trust the Beard”
Pedro Navarro (915) 999-2329 call or text SellWithPedro.com TopElPasoHomes.com facebook.com/PedroNavarroRealtor
O T F S E B
B E S T D E N TIS T
What an honor it is to be voted “Best Dentist in
continue to serve the dental and orthodontic
El Paso.� I am so very grateful but feel that this
needs of those who walk through our doors
honor must be shared with my amazing team.
with excellence every day. Thank you to all
This award could not have been achieved
the wonderful families I have been blessed to
without the loyalty and support of my staff.
serve in my hometown of El Paso for 25 years.
They are not only highly skilled professionals, but also love and enjoy serving others, and
Sincerely,
take pride in everything that they do. We will
Dr. Jim Bowden and Team
O T F S E B
BEST SPA
Thank you El Paso for voting us best spa in the city.
Gift certificates available! Like us on Facebook.
311 McClintock
|
El Paso, Texas 79932
|
(915) 833-0464
|
www.ndulgedayspa.com
O T S BE F
At Menchie’s,
BES T YOG U R T
we aim to make YOU smile... so a HUGE Thank you to El Paso for making US smile and voting us The City’s Best 3 years in a row!
BES T YOG UR T
3 years, 3 wins and 3 locations... Sunland Town Center 655 Sunland Park Drive Suite L-6
Rojas Commons 1355 George Dieter Suite C-101
Fountains at Farah 8889 Gateway Blvd West Suite #1420
Hours: Sun - Thurs 11am - 10pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 11pm
O T F S E B
BES T FL O W ER S H O
P
El Paso’s Leader in Floral Designs Since 1985
Thank you, El Paso!
1580 George Dieter | El Paso, TX 79936 | 915-857-8600 | www.debbiesbloomers.com
0
7 9-21 (915) 77
O T S BE F
PA SO TX 79
925
•
BE S T W I N G S
We are thankful for this special honor, once again. We love you El Paso!
•
EL
BEST WIN GS
1330 ROBERT
E.
E LE
. RD
“It is an honor to be voted best women’s boutique on our first year of business. A big thank you for all your support! We look forward to continue bringing our unique and trendy styles!”
BES
UE
O T S BE F
TW
O M E N’S B O
UT
IQ
Be sure to visit us this holiday season.
3800 N. Mesa B2 | (915) 351-8692 | vnxboutique@gmail.com | www.vnxboutique.com | Instagram: vandxboutique | Facebook V&X Boutique
The
Lounge
O T F S E B
BE S T C H IP S & S AL S
A
Thank you El Paso for voting us Best Chips & Salsa!
O T S BE F
BEST
E N C H IL A
DA
S
Don’t forget we serve breakfast every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Thank You El Paso for voting us best enchiladas.
Hope to see you there! 6232 N Mesa, El Paso,TX 79912 (915) 584-3621 Call in your order. www.avilasmexicanfoodep.com
An El Paso tradition since 1927. 3622 E MISSOURI AVE. • EL PASO, TEXAS 79903 • (915) 566-8418
O T F S E B
Great Food on El Paso’s East & West Coasts
O T F S E B B E S T S E AF O O D
B E S T B U RG E R S
B E S T S EA F O O D
Thank you The City Magazine! Le doy gracias a Dios por la oportunidad que nos brindo al poder abrir un restaurante y hacer nuestros sueños realidad. Le doy gracias a mi Familia que me apoyan díia con diía y son la fuerza que me empuja a salir adelante. Y mas que nada, le doy gracias a mis clientes, ya que sin ustedes nada de esto seria realidad. Este gran logro va dedicado a todos ustedes por su apoyo y preferencia.
I would like to thank God for giving us the opportunity to open a restaurant and make our dreams come true. I want to thank my family for their daily support because it’s their strength that keeps me moving forward. More than anything, I would like to thank you all, my clients, since without you none of this would’ve been possible. This great achievement is dedicated to all of you due to your support.
10780 Pebble Hills, Suite B | El Paso, Texas 79936 | 915-594-2820
Voted best seafood 2 years in a row!
WEST 130 Shadow Mountain Drive Shadow Mountain @ Mesa • (915) 581-1392 EAST 1780 North Lee Treviño Drive Lee Treviño @ Trawood • (915) 598-5662
PelicansElPaso.com
Like us on facebook!
I
would like to thank God for blessing me with this talent and allowing me to pursue all my endeavors and dreams here in El Paso.
Thank you to my family, friends, my team members and DJ’s at DJ Ivan Events and all of you in El Paso for your vote and support you have shown us since 1987.
O T F S E B
B E S T N IG H T CL U B
for voting us Best Nightclub in the city & for all your support and well wishes!
Thank you to The City Magazine for this acknowledgement that represents a lot of hard work and dedication.
This is your Nightclub!
djivanevents.com
O T F S E B
800 E. San antonio st. i El Paso, tx 79901 www.facebook.com/touchbarelpaso
O T F S E B BE S T L O C A L
WINE TASTING
B E S T F E ALE M O DE M
L
BE ST LOC AL WINE TASTING
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others. Thank you God, family, friends and ELP SABS, for voting me,
Miranda Leos BEST FEMALE MODEL
, 2014.
I am forever grateful”
“Zin Valle Vineyards wishes to thank all of its customers and particularly its wine club members for this honor two years in a row. Salud! Thanks again.” VIC POULOS
s n o i t u l o s Re e r o M for l u f r Powe g n i t n e Par 5 1 0 2 in EN AP y : KI RS T
| B
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December/January, 2015
M | PLEBAU
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
pa r e n t i n g
December/January, 2015
January – NEW Year, My Dear! With a no phones policy – try
life skill (like cleaning the bathroom or doing laundry) and encourage
something new in El Paso for a family outing. Ride the tram, hike
kids and teens to assume responsibility for their actions . . . don’t try
Dripping Springs in Las Cruces, take a bike ride on the levy, ride a Brio
to save them from (safe) consequences.
bus to downtown or try a new cuisine/restaurant. August – Empty Nest! As kids go back to the rat race of school, it is February – Valentine’s Love! Plan a monthly (if not a weekly) date
more important than ever to engage with them when you can. Although
night with your spouse – just the two of you! The best gift we can give
carpool can seem like a hassle, someday you will miss it as quality time
our children is a happy marriage, and yet we get so busy nurturing our
with your kids. Limit entertainment systems and phone use during
kids, we forget to nurture our marriage.
carpool and spend this time talking and singing instead. September – Fall - What a Beautiful Mess!
March – March MADness! Children and teens
Remember that even nature allows for a
have “big” ears for our criticisms, but seem
mess every now and then with leaves
to have memory loss when it comes
falling everywhere. In your home,
to the positive things we say about them. balancing
Psychologists every
strive for an environment where
suggest
a broken vase or a spill is not
negative
comment or interaction with at
a disaster, and kids know that
least five positive ones. Catch
you care more about them than your possessions.
them being good and throw an extra hug, smile or play
October – Halloween!
session their way.
Instead of putting masks on April – Be A Fool!
this Halloween, try taking
Children love when parents
some off. Sometimes our
occasionally step out of their
kids feel like they have to
serious roles and act like kids.
change who they are (i.e. assume a mask) to please
Put on a silly costume or hat,
us. Nothing is more powerful
dance with the kids, join them in
than unconditional love. Make
getting their face painted, or engage
sure they know they don’t have to
in a fun prank or wrestling match.
perform a certain way to earn your love May – Spring Has Sprung! Digging in the
. . . it is there no matter what.
dirt is healing for all ages. Now that the weather is warmer, let each child choose his/her own flowers,
November – Thank Goodness! Amidst the chaos
vegetables or herbs to plant. Beyond the fundamentals of gardening,
and stress, we sometimes lose focus on how lucky we are to have
try not to direct too much.
kids. Each day, practice gratitude for the good things your children bring to your life.
June – School’s Out for Summer! In today’s highly competitive world, we often find that our kids’ summers are just as busy and
December – Holiday Traditions! Create your own holiday traditions.
scheduled as the school year. Sports leagues and lessons and
Every Christmas since my children were born, they go to Target or
academic camps and tutoring leave little time for much-needed
Hobby Lobby with me and choose two ornaments. We use permanent
regeneration and relaxation. Free, unstructured and active play is
marker and mark the bottom of the ornament with the child’s initials
essential to healthy child and teen development. Balance is key!
and the year it was selected, and each kid has his/her own ornament box that we keep them in. As they hang their own ornaments each
July – Independence Day! One major goal of parenting is to create
year, they love walking through the stages of their lives represented
young adults who can be financially and emotionally independent
in ornaments. Someday when they move away and have their own
when they graduate from college. This summer, focus on teaching a
Christmas tree, I will send this “starter set” as a house-warming gift.
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December/January, 2015
El Camino de Santiago | By: MICHELLE CROMER |
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spiritualit y
December/January, 2015
W
hile preparing for the journey,
de Compostela in Galicia, northern Spain.
Way also provided numerous opportunities
you own the journey; once you
Tradition has it that the remains of the saint
for me to rely on the generosity of strangers
step onto the path, the journey
are buried there. If you are fortunate, the end
and the help of friends. I learned that we are
owns you. My friend Olga Mas and her friend
also signals a new beginning in your life. At
all pilgrims and strangers on the Way of Life,
Humberto Rodriguez, both attorneys from
least it did for me.
regardless of our degree of faith or lack of it.
de Santiago, and I jumped at the chance to
As I walked the first day, I talked to others
One day as in a vision, I saw before me a
go on this medieval hike, a spiritual quest that
and I asked them why they were doing this
grand panorama of people in movement,
others have taken for over a thousand years.
ancient spiritual journey. Most said that they
spanning the centuries, traveling across the
were at a crossroads in their lives, asking if
outer landscape of Europe, traveling through
El Camino de Santiago, also known as The
they should get married, or divorced, or have
the inner landscape of the soul.
Way of St. James or the Road to Santiago
children. Others said they came for health
is any of the pilgrimage routes ending at
reasons, needing a healing miracle. Some
Life slowed to a walking pace. Lessons
the shrine of St. James the Apostle in the
said they walk for people in their lives who
and messages began appearing around
can’t, either for physical reasons or that they
every corner and reflection became an
are no longer alive. So, I began to ask myself
everyday activity.
Miami invited me to join them on El Camino
Cathedral
of
Santiago
the same questions: Why am I doing this? Why was I in northern Spain walking for over
I met other pilgrims and heard their stories.
17 miles each day? Up until that day I had felt
There was a sense of camaraderie among
as if I had been running away from something
us. We were pilgrims sharing a journey, not
or maybe someone or maybe my life. My
excursionists or holiday-walkers. We were
hope was that at the end of this very long
pilgrims participating in an ancient rite during
expedition that I would feel like I was running
which we were invested with sacredness.
towards something or someone or my life.
Townspeople offered us something to eat or drink or asked us to light a candle for
Each road and path was marked with yellow
them or to embrace the statue of the St.
arrows that supposedly mark the Camino. But
James when we reached the cathedral in
they often failed at crucial points, because I
Santiago. People thought our prayers meant
didn’t always see them. I began to understand
more because we were pilgrims. We had
that our wanderings are metaphors for life,
embarked on a spiritual adventure, one filled
filled with wrong turns, dead ends, detours, being lost – and found. The poorly marked
michellecromer.com @emichellecromer michellecromer
December/January, 2015 with significance and gifts of grace. I was in good shape, but I pushed my body to the edge of what I thought it could do and to my surprise the edge kept moving. This was the most difficult physical thing I had ever done. If it was easy more would do it, and it would not be a sacrifice or a pilgrimage. After almost 100 miles with bruised, blistered and bleeding feet we reached Santiago. The town was overflowing with ebullient pilgrims and as we pushed our way through the crowds to the steps of the cathedral I was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude. What had I expected? I wasn’t even Catholic – so why would I have thought that arriving in Santiago would mean anything to me? I realized that it was the Camino that mattered. The pilgrimage had transformed my life. I had a new sense of myself, of my capacity to persevere, to push my physical and emotional limits. I had done things I never would have imagined possible. I slept in adult hostels where the walls were so thin I could hear someone sneeze a floor above me. At any other time in my life I would have bolted. But I stayed. I walked in the footsteps of my ancestors and in the beauty of Spain like so many have done over the centuries. And in the silence of my days I began to hear the clear voice inside of me. I would never be the same. The Camino will continue to reveal new aspects of itself as I delve below its surface, exploring its hidden meanings, its esoteric symbols, its inner teachings. I understand that I am running full throttle towards my wacky, often messy, always magnificent life – not away from it. I offered up prayers for all my friends at the pilgrim’s mass the last night underneath the gigantic swinging incense in the stunning cathedral. And I prayed for myself. And I thanked God for miracles. Because of El Camino, I now know, life is not about the destination. Life is about the people that walk with you, beside you, and the guidance you receive along The Way. Buen Camino! Muy agradecida, muy agradecida. 144
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December/January, 2015
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Top of the Chase Building 201 E. Main St., 18th Floor 915.544.1135 The ElPasoClub.com Marcelo Guerrero for Event Information Bobby Lyons for Membership Information
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145
NIGHT November, 2013
Weekdays at 5, 6, 6:30, & 10pm
WEEKEND Saturdays at 6 & 10pm Sundays at 5:30 & 10pm
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Charity Register October, 2014
December/January Opportunities to Give & Support Holiday Member Exhibit, Open House and Fundraiser Event: Members of the El Paso Art Association can enter up to three pieces for the upcoming Holiday Member Exhibit, Open House and Fundraiser. Artwork with a holiday theme is encouraged but not required. There will be a $2 donation at the door and guests are encouraged to come and see the artwork and get all of their holiday shopping done.
Details: The exhibit will be on display from December 6-20. The event will take place at Crossland Gallery located at 500 W. Paisano. Submission cost is $20 for members. For info, call Karla Zanelli at (915) 534-7377
_________________________________________________________ Wine and Canine at Sunland Winery Event: Join the Sunland Winery’s Wine and Canine event on December 21 at Sunland Winery for music and food with your canine companion from 2-7 p.m. Well-behaved and
FREE SET OF WRAPS AND GLOVES when you mention this ad in The City Magazine
leashed dogs welcome.
Details: December 21, 2-7 p.m. Benefitting the Humane Society of El Paso: $1 will be donated to the Humane Society for each drink or food item purchased.
_________________________________________________________ Polar Bear Plunge Event: Get freezin’ for a reason at the 2015 Polar Bear Plunge! Get a group, pick out some costumes and prepare to jump into some cold water.
Details: January 10, 8 a.m. Proceeds will go to support Special Olympics Athletes in the Greater El Paso area. $60 donation required to participate.
_________________________________________________________ 3rd Annual Best of the City Awards Event: Hosted by The City Magazine at Cutter Aviation, this event serves as the primary fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of El Paso. Buy a ticket and enjoy a night of fun, food and all the best El Paso has to offer.
Call for your FREE cardio class! Classes for Men, Women, and Children.
Details: January 31 at Cutter Aviation. All proceeds and ticket sales go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of El Paso.
_________________________________________________________ El Paso Crohns & Autoimmune Disease Support Group Details: El Paso Crohns & Autoimmune Disease Support Group will meet Tuesday, January 20th @ 6pm on the campus of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Contact Carrie Wilkie, ( 214) 708-2989
915-590-2269
M - Thurs: 6am - 9pm Fri: 6am- 8pm Sat: 10am - 2pm 147 Add Pound 4 Pound Boxing Gym on Fb
December/January, 2015
201 5
N e w
Year’s
ASTROLOGICAL
FORECAST | By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY |
T
he old saying goes “Out with the
habits that may affect your health. A new
weight or quit smoking, and avoid mental
old, in with the new” as we bid
vehicle is likely this year.
stress. Be careful about illusions in romance and partnerships.
farewell to another year. With hope
and optimism, we always anticipate what
CANCER
the new year may bring us. New Year’s
making new friendships and strengthening
SAGITTARIUS - Studying about different
Day is an ideal day to set our intentions and
bonds with your partner and children.
religions and cultures are key this year
start with a clean slate; many people make
Professionally you will be working harder, but
and possible travels afar. Expect a mentor
resolutions to lose weight or stop smoking.
expect sudden changes to be very beneficial
or teacher to give you guidance to help
There is also the superstition that what you
and surprising opportunities open up for you.
expand your horizons and learning. You may
- A very social year. Time for
do on New Year’s Day will set the tone for
have to work longer hours to get all your
the entire year; so try your best to be happy
LEO
and optimistic on this day. Here’s your yearly
Now is the time to expand yourself and your
forecast for each astrological sign. May 2015
horizons professionally. Higher education and
CAPRICORN - Good time to get finances
be your best year yet!
online learning are highlighted. Long distance
under control. Consolidate debt and loans,
travels are possible. Your home may need
the terms will be favorable. Your popularity
some minor repairs.
and sex appeal are at a high too. Be careful
ARIES - This year you will be quite lucky in
- Great year of luck and abundance.
responsibilities done.
whom you trust, and find out who your true
love and relationships. Your inner voice will be stronger, as will your connection with your
VIRGO
spirituality. There will be favorable changes in
year for reflection while spending time alone.
your career and social status. Travel overseas
Spiritual period for prayer and meditation. Listen
AQUARIUS
is very likely.
to your inner voice. Outlook is more joyful,
marriage. There could be separations but restored
upbeat and positive. Avoid dietary excesses.
peace is favorable. Time to collaborate with others
TAURUS
- There will be plenty of time this
friends are. - Caution with partnership and
and prove yourself professionally. Pay close
- Big year regarding home and
family. You could purchase a new home,
LIBRA
renovate or move. There could be a new
dreams. The contacts you make will be very
addition to the family as well. Research of your
lucky for you. Closed doors are now open. Be
PISCES - Improved conditions at work and
roots, ancestry and history are highlighted.
cautious with money scams, get-rich-quick
with coworkers. Improved vitality and energy
Rely on your own resources and get more
schemes, and make sure you’re being paid
health-wise. Save your money for a rainy day.
involved with humanitarian projects.
your worth.
Time to be very creative and finally write that
- Year of going for your goals and
attention to your dreams.
book or song.
GEMINI
- This is a year for mental
SCORPIO
- Security and stability are
and intellectual expansion, learning and
heightened in your work sector. A promotion
studies. Your bonds will strengthen, but
or better job is in store. Show off your
partnerships will be tested. Eliminate bad
talents. Good year to change lifestyle, lose
www.GraceThePsychicLady.com
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
November, 2013
149
Financial Experts profiles
By: ???? photographed by: ????
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 151
Graham Capital Strategies, LLC Helping El Pasoans Achieve Their Financial Dreams Since 1987 On Saint Patrick’s Day 1987, G. Patrick
Jonathan Lopez has embodied those traits
selected to be part of Principal Financial
Graham, CLU, CFP, opened the doors to
since he began his work with us several
Group’s Emerging Leaders Program, as
what was then Graham and Associates and
years ago. Born and raised here in El Paso,
well as being featured in their new, national
began serving the El Paso community with
Jonathan obtained a Bachelor’s degree in
recruiting campaign.
a very singular focus: to provide the most
Business Administration, with a focus in
consistent and productive advice and service
Finance, at the University of Texas at El Paso.
While Jonathan is just beginning what we
in the industry. Having already been in the
After successfully completing his training and
are sure will be a lifetime of service to the
industry for several years, and having served
development process, he has quickly risen
community, Cynthia Rivas is right in the
as the President of two regional offices for
to the position of head of our internal plan
middle of what has proven to be a wonderfully
major corporate partners, Mr. Graham felt
design department, where he is primarily
productive and fulfilling career. She has been
that there was a gap in how the industry was
responsible for ensuring that each client that
one of our most trusted advisors for over
delivering advice and service to the individual
trusts our firm with their financial well-being
10 years, after completing a successful
and business clients. From then until today,
receives a thorough and effective analysis
career in El Paso Electric Company’s Human
we have strived to fill that gap and provide
and individually tailored recommendations.
Resources Department. She has maintained
the most comprehensive platform for our
He is also responsible for developing the
an incredibly consistent and high level of
clients available. Together with our partner
investment portfolios across all of our in-
service throughout her career, remaining
Principal Financial Group, we have and will
house managed accounts. He is a member of
committed to educating and advising her
continue to be trusted partners to our clients,
the El Paso chapter of National Insurance and
clients to the best of her ability. In keeping
the community and the industry.
Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and was recently
with her dedication to the community and
152 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
the industry, she was recently named the
Whether you are an individual, or a
Graham Capital Strategies, LLC.
President of the El Paso Chapter of NAIFA,
company of any size, we would be honored
416 N. Stanton, Ste. 420
where she will lead the board and the
to have the opportunity to demonstrate to
El Paso, Texas 79901
members of the most productive NAIFA
you how we can help you achieve your
office: (915) 598-8885
Chapter in Texas; and has served for over 20
financial goals and dreams. Our success
cell: (915) 820-3407
years on the Board of Directors of Mountain
is measured by your success, and we look
Star Federal Credit Union.
forward to 27 more years (and more) of
G. Patrick Graham, CEO
helping El Pasoans succeed.
Michael C. Graham, President
Cindy and Jonathan are just two examples
Jonathan Lopez, Plan Design Director
of Graham Capital Strategies’ team of dedicated and committed advisors. We are proud to call El Paso home and are looking forward to many more years of service to our community. We have committed to our clients and to our national partners to focus on continued growth, to further improve our ability to serve our most important constituents: you.
Photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
Cynthia Rivas, Senior Advisor Insurance products from the Principal Financial Group® are issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in New York), Principal Life Insurance Company and the companies available through the Preferred Product Network, Inc. Securities and advisory products offered through Princor Financial Services Corporation, 800/247-1737, member SIPC. Principal National, Principal Life, the Preferred Product Network, and Princor® are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. Michael C. Graham, Principal National and Principal Life Financial Representative, Princor Registered Representative and Financial Advisor. Graham Capital Strategies is not an affiliate of any company of the Principal Financial Group. #t13112101ga
Claudia De La Rosa Inaam AbdelJaber Cameron Stern Naomi Montez Dafne Elizondo
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 153
Cardenas & Elizondo, LLC Cardenas & Elizondo, LLC is a consulting and tax firm with a very distinctive niche of helping businesses on both sides of the Mexican – US border. Ruth Elizondo, CPA, and Reymundo Cardenas
An example of these laws is the so-called
FBAR was filed by mail with the Financial
were born in Mexico and arrived to the United
FBAR regulations. US citizens have always
Crimes Enforcement Network within the
States seeking a better life and education.
had foreign bank accounts, and no one
Department of the Treasury (FinCEN) and was
Together, they started a consulting and tax
thought much of it until early 2009 when the
due for each applicable calendar year no later
firm with a very distinctive niche of helping
IRS and the US Treasury suddenly began to
than June 30th of the following year. After
businesses on both sides of the Mexican –
pursue aggressive enforcement of a series of
July 1st, 2013, all FBARs must now be filed
US border. Through the years that Cardenas
reporting laws and disclosure requirements.
electronically and since 2013, the Treasury
& Elizondo, LLC has been operating, Ruth
These disclosures were required to be
gave the IRS full authority to enforce and audit
and Reymundo realized that there are a high
presented to a branch of the US Treasury
FBARs; issue summonses, assess and collect
percentage of people doing business on
(not the IRS) on a strangely numbered form
penalties, issue administrative rulings and
both sides of the border; US citizens with
TD F 90.22-1, the Report of Foreign Bank and
take “any other action reasonably necessary”
businesses in Mexico and Mexican citizens
Financial Accounts referred to as the FBAR.
for the enforcement of the FBAR provisions.
start studying international tax laws and their
The FBAR filing requirements have been in
According
implications seeing the advantage of their
existence since 1970 and specify that any US
financial accounts include: bank accounts,
Spanish language and the knowledge of the
taxpayer with foreign accounts worth over
securities,
Mexican culture.
$10,000 at any time in the course of the prior
financial instruments, savings, demand and
year is required to disclose such accounts
deposit accounts, time deposit accounts,
on the FBAR. Prior to July 1st, 2013, the
mutual funds and any other accounts
doing business in the US. They decided to
154 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
to
the
securities
FBAR
instructions,
derivatives,
other
maintained with either a financial institution
And they let the accountants and CPAs deal
Cardenas & Elizondo, LLC
or a person engaged in the business
with taxpayers and inform them of this law.
5970 Silver Springs Dr.
of a financial institution that are under
This penalty is imposed to taxpayers who
El Paso, Texas 79912
a taxpayer’s name or have a signature
negligently, inadvertently and unintentionally
(915) 581-9580
authority under another’s name.
do not comply. For those who are found of
info@cardenaselizondo.com
willful non-compliance, the penalty is the There is no procedure for filing late FBARs
greater of $100,000 or 50% of the amount
or applying for an extension of time to file
of the transaction.
them. Non-compliance can result in both criminal and civil penalties. Although criminal
Evidently, more than 80% of the people that
penalties scare everyone, it has been the
Ruth and Reymundo have talked to during
exorbitant civil penalties that seem to
the year are not aware of this regulation and
dominate the FBAR compliance analysis.
they want to make sure that everyone who might be affected look for a tax consultant
In 2004, when Congress realized that
that can help them. This requirement doesn’t
taxpayers had not been filing FBARs, instead
increase your tax liability but can impose a
of implementing an informational program,
large penalty just for not knowing.
they decided to impose penalties for failure to file FBARs, $10,000 per account per year. Photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 155
Crown Wealth Strategies “The most rewarding part of this business is being able to see our clients satisfaction; seeing how we are truly fulfilling our mission, making a positive difference in people’s lives.” In today’s world it is rare to find a company
investments, insurance and annuities. In
(business succession, key person, group
that’s mission is to serve its clients with
addition to being president of Crown Wealth,
plans), estate planning, wealth management,
complete integrity and honesty. Crown
Lizzie is a member of the Nautilus Group®,
and tax diversification. “We offer a range
Wealth Strategies, which is run by President
an agent with New York Life, and a financial
of services, resources and access to top
Elizabeth
this
adviser with Eagle Strategies LLC. “This year
tier money managers that truly sets us
commitment directly in its mission statement:
we have really grown. We have sought to
apart from other financial professionals in
expand our offerings with access to Eagle
El Paso. As a registered investment adviser,
“Our goal is to make a positive difference in
Strategies for top tier money management,
I am a fiduciary, thus it is essential that my
our clients’ lives. We work with independent
the Nautilus Group for estate and business
clients best interests are always served,”
professionals
to
planning, and New York Life for their leading
Lizzie said. “Since we work with a small
achieve their personal and business financial
insurance products,” Lizzie explained. “Eagle
number of clients, we are able to offer
goals. We believe in building long term
Strategies is especially beneficial because
highly personalized and dedicated customer
relationships and conducting every client
the company enables me to give my clients
support. We always go above and beyond
interaction with honesty, integrity, and the
access to an outstanding group of money
the norm to help our clients.”
clients’ best interest at heart.”
managers.”
Crown Wealth is a holistic estate and business
Crown Wealth offers services in personal
understatement. Along with these new
planning company whose focus is to offer
planning (investment, retirement, education,
exciting services, Crown Wealth has also
access to a wide array of products that include
or insurance strategies), business planning
branched out to a new west side location to
Dipp
and
Metzger
business
reflects
owners
To say that the company has grown is an
156 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
Elizabeth Dipp Metzger supplement the existing office downtown.
of the top 60 producing agents among the
The staff has grown as well. “We have four
company’s elite sales force of more than
people working for us now and two who are
12,000 licensed agents.
licensed service assistants,” Lizzie said. But no matter how much Crown Wealth has Crown Wealth has also received some
grown or been recognized, the company is
exciting national acclaim to add to their
as focused as ever on providing personalized,
existing awards and accomplishments. This
quality customer service. “I don’t know
Crown Wealth Strategies
year alone, the company was featured in a
that many other advisors have the type of
303 North Oregon, Ste. 1100
CNBC article and was the cover story in an
customer service we offer. We have a team
El Paso, Texas 79901
issue of National Underwriter Life & Health
committed to ensuring the highest quality
(915) 541-3338
magazine. In addition, Lizzie was honored as
client care possible.
a four under 40 outstanding advisor by the
4907 Crossroads St., Ste. A
National Association of Insurance Financial
El Paso, Texas 79922
Advisors and made New York Life Chairman’s
(915) 613-4300
Cabinet in 2014 which recognizes her as one
crownwealthstrategies.com
Crown Wealth Strategies is not or operated by New York Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Elizabeth Dipp Metzger Member Agent, The Nautilus Group®, a service of New Your Life Insurance Company – www.TheNautilusGroup.com. Financial Adviser offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Licensed Insurance Agency, 303 N. Oregon Suite 1100 El Paso TX 79901 915-535-3200. Crown Wealth Strategies as well as NYLIFE Securities LLC and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice.
By: MEAGAN KINLEY Photographed by: KATIE RAMEY
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 157
PAUL Meza, CPA, MBA “We immerse ourselves with our clients by getting to know the intricate nature of our clients’ individual industries. We strive to advise our clients in a manner that facilitates their company’s growth and success.” The overall financial organization of a
decided to enter the public accounting arena
went on to say, “We work to learn all of the
business plays an integral factor in its launch
because I enjoyed learning and working with
intricacies of their particular industry and give
and its subsequent financial successes once
clients from different industries,” shared
helpful references and ideas to our clients.
it begins to take flight. A slight reorganization
Meza. Since establishing his firm in 2008,
It’s the value added approach we take which
or, at times, even a tune-up of a business’s
Paul Meza has worked to provide a well-
sets us apart.”
financials is often needed in order to ensure
rounded company, which provides a wealth
that optimal performance is being achieved.
of accounting and consulting services for
“El Paso is a dynamic business environment,”
Regardless of which category you or your
businesses and their owners.
Meza went on to say. “We have host of industries that are thriving. Our city is
business falls into, Paul Meza, CPA is able to offer a trusted relationship that has your best
Along with offering their expertise to clients
positioned to expand and grow if we utilize all
financial interests at heart.
in El Paso, Paul Meza and his staff work
of our resources. One of the best things about
alongside their clients who conduct business
working in El Paso is its people. You have a
The current President Elect of the El Paso
on both sides of the border. “We currently
fusion of two business cultures working hand-
Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs,
have two CPAs from Mexico on staff who
in-hand simultaneously.”
Meza was raised in the El Paso and Juárez
understand both sets of books and tax laws,”
area. As a graduate of Hanks High School,
added Meza. Offering a hands-on approach,
Providing support for a wealth of situations,
Meza subsequently earned a Bachelor’s
Meza and his firm seek to become experts
Paul Meza, CPA and his team are committed
and Master’s in Finance from UTEP. “I
in the industries they service. Meza also
to offer their experience in matters of small
158 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
business consulting, accounting services,
When asked what he loves most about what
audit services, tax services and property
he does, Meza responded by saying, “the
tax valuation scenarios, as well as providing
sense of accomplishment and satisfaction
services for home health agencies and
that comes from seeing a project develop
law firm accounting. “Our Certified Public
from inception to completion. I love to
Accounting services are designed to make
share those accomplishments with our
your job easier and provide you with more
clients. Overall, we want everyone to know
time to focus on building your business,”
that we are a friendly, proactive, bicultural
1325 Montana
shared Meza. “We keep abreast of tax law
firm that delivers that special service
El Paso, Texas 79902
changes throughout the year to ensure that
that enables our clients to prosper. We
(915) 544-1040
you are taking advantage of all tax incentives.”
expanded to the east side to better suit the
Meza & Associates
needs of our clients throughout the city and
11890 Vista Del Sol
“We immerse ourselves with our clients by
maintain an office in Cd. Juárez for clients
El Paso, Texas 79936
getting to know the intricate nature of our
doing business across the border.”
(915) 855-1040
clients’ individual industries. We strive to
paulmezacpa.com
advise our clients in a manner that facilitates their company’s growth and success.”
By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 159
Raymond James “The market had a bad day. Quick, don’t do something and remain focused on the long term.” Medically speaking, checking reflexes is
with ups and downs. Our investing approach
an important test of the nervous system.
is that it is better to keep you out of bottom
However, in our opinion, the doctor’s office
of the valley of downs than go all the way to
is the best place for knee-jerk reactions.
the top of mountain of ups.
Especially when it comes to investing. We realize that it’s natural to want to react
We have over 50 years combined experience
impulsively to a down day or two, but we
in the financial services industry. This
believe remaining steadfast is the more
experience has taught us how to navigate
prudent course. And when it comes time to
through the noise surrounding the markets
take action, it should be done thoughtfully
and to build a custom portfolio for each part
and strategically, regardless of the ups and
of your financial life by utilizing a forward-
downs. Which is why we approach financial
looking, risk and return correlation.
planning with you and your long term future in mind. Find out what we can do for you. LIFE WELL PLANNED.
1210 N. Mesa, Ste. H, 2nd Floor El Paso, Texas 79902
When it comes to investing we take a simple
(915) 493-6306
approach to make the complicated more
mark.fischer@raymondjames.com
Securities offered through Raymond James
understandable. The markets will be filled
www.raymondjames.com/markfischer
Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC
160 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
Photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
MEMBERS Trust Company “Members Trust Company is a Trust services and investments company working to serve the people of El Paso.” In 2003, GECU, El Paso’s largest locally
Payment and tax assistance. MEMBERS Trust
been exciting and rewarding for us and
owned financial institution, recognized a need
also has Investment Management Services,
our members,” said Judy Monteleone.
for Trust services in the El Paso community.
which offer options to invest in a variety of
“We provide high-quality Trust services for
MEMBERS Trust had just received a national
Stock and Bond funds, and exchange traded
members that may not have qualified in a
charter to provide Trust services to credit
funds that have lower expense ratios. “Estate
traditional banking Trust department. Our
union members nationwide. The timing and
Planning is another important asset to many
low minimum balances and fees have made
the similar quality of member services was
of our members,” said Judy Monteleone,
Trust and investment services affordable
a right fit for GECU and MEMBERS Trust.
Vice President and Trust Officer.
“We’re
for our members. Today we seek to serve
In January of 2004, the GECU Office of
able to discuss methods to offer families the
members of the local community, probate
MEMBERS Trust officially opened its doors.
opportunity to transfer wealth to the next
courts, attorneys and GECU members.”
It was then that GECU officially became the
generation, as well as retirement planning
first credit union to sign with MEMBERS
through a Trusteed IRA that expands our
Trust and their relationship has prospered
members’ planning options. The greatest part
into a successful collaboration.
of their service, however, is the fact that it is done face-to-face and with a personal touch.”
MEMBERS Trust Company GECU Viscount Branch
Altogether, MEMBERS Trust offers a wide range of services to its members. Some of
Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary,
7227 Viscount Blvd.
these include Trust services that provide full
MEMBERS Trust now works with 57 credit
El Paso, Texas 79925
management of Real Estate Property, Bill
unions nationwide. “The past decade has
(915) 774-1730
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 161
investment
December/January, 2015
Top Year-End Investment Tips Just what you need, right? One more time-
insure against a possible loss, of course, but
those gains. Any losses over and above the
consuming task to be taken care of between
they’re worth reviewing at least once a year.
amount of your gains can be used to offset
now and the end of the year. But taking
up to $3,000 of ordinary income ($1,500 for
a little time out from the holiday chores to
Know when to hold ‘em
make some strategic saving and investing
When contemplating a change in your
forward to reduce your taxes in future years.
decisions before December 31 can affect
portfolio, don’t forget to consider how long
Selling losing positions for the tax benefit
not only your long-term ability to meet your
you’ve owned each investment. Assets held
they will provide next April is a common
financial goals but also the amount of taxes
for a year or less generate short-term capital
financial practice known as “harvesting your
you’ll owe next April.
gains, which are taxed as ordinary income.
losses.”
Look at the forest, not just the trees The first step in your year-end investment
Depending on your tax bracket, your ordinary
a married person filing separately) or carried
income tax rate could be much higher than
Time any trades appropriately
the long-term capital gains rate, which applies
If you’re selling to harvest losses in a stock
to the sale of assets held for more than a year.
or mutual fund and intend to repurchase the same security, make sure you wait at least 31
planning process should be a review of your overall portfolio. That review can tell
Your holding period can also affect the
days before buying it again. Otherwise, the
you whether you need to rebalance. If one
treatment of qualified stock dividends, which
trade is considered a “wash sale,” and the
type of investment has done well, it might
are taxed at the more favorable long-term
tax loss will be disallowed. The wash sale rule
now represent a greater percentage of your
capital gains rates.
also applies if you buy an option on the stock, sell it short, or buy it through your spouse
portfolio than you originally intended. To rebalance, you would sell some of that asset
You must have held the stock at least 61 days
class and use that money to buy other types
within the 121-day period that starts 60 days
of investments to bring your overall allocation
before the stock’s ex-dividend date; preferred
If you have unrealized losses that you want
back to an appropriate balance. Your overall
stock must be held for 91 days within a 181-
to capture but still believe in a specific
review should also help you decide whether
day window. The lower rate also depends on
investment, there are a couple of strategies
that rebalancing should be done before or
when and whether your shares were hedged
you might think about. If you want to sell but
after December 31 for tax reasons.
or optioned.
don’t want to be out of the market for even a
Also, make sure your asset allocation is
Make lemonade from lemons
still appropriate for your time horizon and
Now is the time to consider the tax
(ETF) that invests in the same asset class or
goals. You might consider being a bit more
consequences of any capital gains or losses
industry. Or you could double your holdings,
aggressive if you’re not meeting your financial
you’ve experienced this year. Though tax
then sell your original shares at a loss after 31
targets, or more conservative if you’re getting
considerations shouldn’t be the primary driver
days. You’d end up with the same position,
closer to retirement. If you want greater
of your investing decisions, there are steps you
but would have captured the tax loss.
diversification, you might consider adding
can take before the end of the year to minimize
an asset class that tends to react to market
any tax impact of your investing decisions.
within 30 days before or after the sale.
short period, you could sell your position at a loss, then buy a similar exchange-traded fund
If you’re buying a mutual fund or an ETF in a taxable account, find out when it will
conditions differently than your existing investments do. Or you might look into an
If you have realized capital gains from selling
distribute any dividends or capital gains.
investment that you have avoided in the past
securities at a profit (congratulations!) and
Consider delaying your purchase until after
because of its high valuation if it’s now selling
you have no tax losses carried forward from
that date, which often is near year-end. If you
at a more attractive price. Diversification and
previous years, you can sell losing positions
buy just before the distribution, you’ll owe
asset allocation don’t guarantee a profit or
to avoid being taxed on some or all of
taxes this year on that money, even if your
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December/January, 2015
investment
Be selective about selling shares If you own a stock, fund, or ETF and decide to unload some shares, you may be able to maximize your tax advantage. For a mutual fund, the most common way to calculate cost basis is to use the average cost per share. However, you can also request that specific shares be sold -- for example, those bought at a certain price. Which shares you choose depends on whether you want to book capital losses to offset gains, or keep gains to a own shares haven’t appreciated. And if you plan to sell a fund anyway, you may minimize taxes by selling before the distribution date. Note: Before buying a mutual fund or ETF, don’t forget to consider carefully its investment objectives, risks, fees, and expenses, which can be found in the prospectus available from the fund. Read the
minimum to reduce the tax bite (This only applies to shares held in a taxable account). Be aware that you must use the same method when you sell the rest of those shares. Depending on when you bought a specific security, your broker may calculate your cost basis for you, and will typically designate a
prospectus carefully before investing.
default method to be used. For stocks, the
Know where to hold ‘em
in, first out”); the first shares purchased are
Think about which investments make sense to hold in a tax-advantaged account and which might be better for taxable accounts. Doing so provides no additional tax advantage to compensate you for tax-free investments’ typically lower returns. And doing so generally turns that tax-free income into income that’s taxable at ordinary income tax rates when you withdraw it from the retirement account. Similarly, if you have mutual funds that trade actively and therefore generate a lot of shortterm capital gains, it may make sense to hold them in a tax-advantaged account to defer taxes on those gains, which can occur even if the fund itself has a loss. Finally, when deciding where to hold specific investments, keep in mind that distributions from a taxdeferred retirement plan don’t qualify for the lower tax rate on capital gains and dividends.
default method is likely to be FIFO (“first considered the first shares sold. As noted above, most mutual fund companies use the average cost per share as your default cost basis. With bonds, the default method amortizes any bond premium over the time you own the bond. You must notify your broker if you want to use a method other than the default.
Three tips on year-end giving 1. You may be able to sidestep capital gains taxes and get a deduction by making a charitable donation of securities that have risen in value but no longer fit your strategy. 2. If you make a charitable donation of an investment that’s worth less than you paid, you can only deduct its market value, not what you paid for it. Ask your tax professional if you might be better off selling and deducting the loss. 3. If you give appreciated securities to a child, keep in mind that the kiddie tax rules may apply, in which case annual investment income over $2,000 will be taxed at your rate.
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2013 Broker/Dealer of the Year
Henry Gallardo CWS®
Partner & Director of Investment Management Certified Wealth Strategist®
Strategic Wealth Advisors Terrace Gardens Office Park 600 Sunland Park, Building One, Ste. 100 El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 532-8885 Office (915) 842-9532 fax (915) 422-8885 cell hgallardo@sw-advisors.com www.sw-advisors.com Views and opinions expressed are those of Henry Gallardo and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. It is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as specific investment advice. Consult a financial advisor regarding your specific situation. This alert is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a solicitation of any kind, and neither the information nor any opinion included in it should be considered financial advice. Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation, Member FINRA, SIPC Advisory Services offered through Investors Capital Advisory 6 Kimball Lane, Lynnfield MA 01940
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November, 2013
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December/January, 2015
Your Holiday Movie Guide
Old Favorites, | By: FELIPA SOLIS |
There are certain films that I must watch every year, just to remind myself of the beauty of the season, to think about such things as the concept of snow, children, BB guns and tinsel. Great tap dancing and musical numbers do not exactly hurt either.
A Christmas Story
– This film was actually
a movie for television when it debuted and is one of the greatest lessons of love, family and the entire spirit of Christmas. Peter Billingsley stars as Ralphie, a boy who dreams that Santa will bring him a Red Ryder BB Gun. His tough dad, 1940s stay at home mom and little brother will keep you in stitches. Every year I dream of Christmas duck, the bunny suit and that lamp with the legs. It is hard to believe that this film is over 30 years old. A true classic.
It’s A Wonderful Life
– Again, count
on NBC to air this classic each year, as George Bailey, a discouraged man played to perfection by Jimmy Stewart,
This year’s list will include those notables, and a few films that we forget surround the season and are unforgettable.
learns what it’s like to truly be alive, and all thanks to a wonderful angel named “Clarence.” You cannot forget Uncle Billy, the incredible chemistry between Stewart and Oscar-winner Donna Reed, and the diabolical Mr. Potter played by the incomparable Lionel Barrymore. You will leave the film making wishes, you will want to “lasso the moon” the first chance
Let us begin with some old favorites first.
you get, and “Zuzu’s petals” are what families are all about. A “mustsee” this time of year.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) – This is animation at its best without frills or fuss, just beautiful expressions that tell the story of the monster whose heart is three times too small, and envisions robbing the Whos of Whoville of Christmas. Who could possibly take the roast beast and pudding away from Cindy Lou Who, who is no more than two? Even the Grinch and his wonderful, wiry dog decide that Christmas is for everyone. A very funny feature, and perfect for children of all ages.
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y o u r h o l i d ay m o v i e g u i d e
December/January, 2015
y k c a W Delights Here now is where my list goes in a different direction. Gremlins
– Simply a case of “be careful what you
wish for.” This is also a case of when your parents warn
religion. Count Paul Newman, Goldie Hawn and Harrison Ford in the mix. It’s a wonderfully creative animated look at the holiday season and is all-inclusive!
Back to the Basics.
you about what to open and what not to open. Gremlins can mess up your day, your microwave, and p.s., they multiply!
Miracle on 34th Street
There were other films, but the original is truly a holiday
young Natalie Wood questions the concept of St.
classic . . . gone awry!
Nick, yet, being the daughter of a single woman,
– A
played exquisitely by Maureen O’Hara, who works at Macy’s in the heart of Manhattan, she winds
The Ref – This was a film that fell through the Hollywood
up “believing.” The child is beautiful, as is Kris
radar, starring Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis as a bickering couple who are held up and kidnapped by none other than Denis Leary. Lo and behold, it is the holiday season, and Leary winds up as more of a counselor than a kidnapper with these crazy people. The
Kringle who, in the form of Edmond Gwenn, could not be any more believable. It takes you from the Macy’s Parade on Thanksgiving Day to Christmas Day, so it’s the perfect journey this holiday season.
holidays have never been more dysfunctional and this movie is very funny, giving a whole new perspective to the Hollywood
White Christmas
holiday genre.
Danny Kaye are hoofers and crooners who found
– Bing Crosby and
each other in WWII and managed to create an
Mixed Nuts
entertainment sensation. Enter two sisters, both
– Steve Martin stars as he heads up
of whom sing and dance (in the form of Vera
a crisis hotline to provide advice to people having “a not
Ellen, and the very wonderful Rosemary Clooney,
so great time” during the holiday season. Steve Martin is absolutely hilarious, with a staff that includes the late, great Madeline Kahn, Rita Wilson and even Adam Sandler in one of his first films, who is allowed to improvise one of his incredible, off-beat songs. This time, he expounds, “I love grape jelly!” A triumph and the movie is truly all heart and very funny.
Eight Crazy Nights – Adam Sandler is back
yes, aunt to George), and the mix becomes outstanding. One sister is ambitious, the other looks at love as the prize, and presto! You have the perfect musical. Enter a world without snow, but not without singing and dancing. The film makes you yearn for all of it. There it is . . . my holiday wish list of films. Check them out and let them help you have the perfect holiday season.
in the animated version re-creating his song that he actually improvised to pay tribute to Chanukah while on “Saturday Night Live.” “Eight Crazy Nights” pays tribute to those actors and actresses who are indeed members of the Jewish faith or who represent either one-half or one-quarter of the 167
Count Down. Dig In. Celebrate the New Year with Fresh Fruit
Coming Soon to Las Cruces!
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7040 North Mesa, Suite E 1491 N. Lee Trevino, Suite E
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November, 2013
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Where Are They NOW?
Q&A Jessica A Little
with
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Meraz
| By: MEAGAN KINLEY photos courtesy of: ABC FAMILY/ERIC MCCANDLESS |
December/January, 2015
I
where are they now?
t takes a lot to make a big break on TV
Q: What can you tell us about
but one of our own, native El Pasoan
your experiences on the set of
Jessica Meraz, has done it and is
“Chasing Life”?
currently playing the role of Natalie
A: The show is about a 25-year-old girl
Ortiz on ABC Family’s hit show
named April who is a journalist for the
“Chasing Life.” The City Magazine was
Boston Globe. She finds out in the pilot
able to snag a few minutes with Jessica to
episode that she has terminal cancer.
catch up on life on set and what she enjoys
I play her half sister, Natalie, who she
most when returning home to the Sun City.
also finds out about in the first couple of episodes. I can’t tell too much because
Q: How did you get your start
a lot of my storyline will unveil itself
in the acting business?
this coming January and it’s going to be
A: I started acting when I was 7 years old
a lot of fun. Natalie’s going to cause a
and I was heavily involved in community
lot of controversy.”
theater in El Paso. My first play ever was
Q: Have there been any other actors
the musical “Annie” at the Music Theatre
on set that you have enjoyed working
El Paso, which isn’t around anymore but
with?
it was a company when I was 7 and 8. I
A: On the show, my mother is played by
continued playing at the El Paso Playhouse
Laura Martinez Herring who is also from
and Kids & Company; I did a lot at Kids &
El Paso. She will be coming on the show
Company, it was pretty much where I grew
in January and will be playing my mother.
up. As soon as I graduated from Coronado
She is one of the nicest ladies I’ve met.
High School, I came out to Las Angeles,
When she came, I think that was the most
went to USC and majored in theater. After
star struck I’ve been working on “Chasing
graduating, I got an agent and started
Life.” We had such a good time with each
auditioning. At first I had a couple of guest
other, we got to speak Spanish, it was so
spots here and there on different shows.
nice to experience a piece of home.
Then about two years ago, I booked the part on ABC Family’s “Chasing Life.”
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w h e r e a r e t h e y n o w ? December/January, 2015
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Q: How do you get into
Q: What do you enjoy most about
character for Natalie?
working on the set of “Chasing Life”?
A: She is a little bit more risqué than I am,
A: Just the actual work of it. Getting to show
but I can definitely relate to her so it’s not
up and do exactly what I loved to do when
too hard to jump into character. She’s a pretty
I was 7. You show up and play with these
cool chick in my opinion. My character was
other actors who are just as passionate about
the illegitimate child and so she has had to
acting as you are and it’s a blast.
battle a lot of things internally throughout
Q: You’ve encountered a lot of success as
much of her life. She and April have also
an actress who persevered and has now
had to come together and sort out their
made it big. What is some advice you
problems. My character is feisty and fun,
would offer to other aspiring actors?
and a little bit rebellious – but she has a
A: You know, they say it’s going to be hard
good heart underneath it all. She was dealt
and they’re not lying. It is hard. The work is
a certain hand of cards so a lot of it is her
really just a bonus. When you book a job and
self-preservation as far as her feelings are
you get to show up on set that’s the gift, not
concerned and it’s really easy to challenge
the work. The work is the struggle and that’s
her, she’s a smart girl. Her decisions are
the auditions and the constant rejection.
understandable and I really enjoy getting into
I always say I have a Master’s in rejection.
her character.
It’s a constant fight and if it’s really what you want to do, you just have to be prepared to
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5411 N. MESA SUITE C13 EL PASO, TEXAS 79912
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2015 work hard. I still work hard everyday to get my next job. Q: Are you still able to come back to El Paso and visit? A: Absolutely! My parents, my grandfather, my aunt and uncle and one of my sisters are all in El Paso so I go back a lot – I’ll probably be in town for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Currently, my family is between Portland, Oregon and El Paso. I get to see all of them pretty regularly so I’m usually in between those two places. Q: When you come into town where are some local spots you love to visit? A: I don’t go out that much, but when I do I always have to go to my same restaurants which are Ardovino’s Desert Crossing and The Greenery. I also love going downtown and exploring all the new places – last time I was in town I went to a Chihuahuas game and it was the best time, from now on whenever I come in town I will always go to a Chihuahuas game. Q: What has it been like to come home to all of the large changes El Paso has undergone? A: I love the changes in El Paso! I just can’t believe how much it’s growing. The city seems really alive right now; from Downtown to Cincinnati Street and Kern Place – it’s all happening now. I look forward to seeing what’s going to happen next. Q: Are there any other projects you are currently working on? A: I’m actually about to start shooting an episode of “Drunk History.” I’m so excited about it! I’ve been prepping for weeks. I’m going to be one of the drunk narrators and it will air next season on Comedy Central. I’m also working on a couple of independent movies that will be starting at the beginning of the year but that’s about it for right now. Q: What are other interesting facts about you? A: An interesting thing about me and my family is that we are very emblematic of El Paso in that my father is white and my mother’s family are generational Ciudad Juárez Mexicans. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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December/January, 2015
FOOD CHASERS The app for the local foodie | By: JOSE SOTO photography by: TOMMIE MORELOS |
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December/January, 2015
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
the app for the local foodie
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food app
December/January, 2015
I
t is not a secret: El Pasoans definitely love to eat good food. There is a plethora of distinctive, exquisite and delectable selections from which to choose when it comes to the dining experience of this eccentric city. From the obvious, bountiful Mexican dishes to exotic takes on Thai and Greek favorites, El Paso is one city that spoils its citizens with amazing food.
Just like other big cities, El Paso is home to food trucks that offer patrons gourmet and authentic choices for their meals. One local mobile app developer has teamed up with UTEP students to launch a mobile application that will make it easier for El Pasoans to locate food trucks in the area. Spectrum Solutions, with the help of college students, has released Food Chasers – a mobile app available in the iOS and Android Market – that is now available to all food enthusiasts in the city. Food Chasers is an app that allows users to locate roughly 60 food truckers around town. It allows the trucks to dispatch their location in order for users to know exactly where they are and exactly how long they will conduct business there. “There wasn’t much help available for food trucks to inform the public of where they were going to be,” says Andreas Jantos, president of Spectrum Solutions. “There are apps that let people know of certain restaurants in the area, but not about food trucks. This allows local small business to connect with customers, especially now that the food truck business is a growing scene.”
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December/January, 2015
food app
The app comes at a time where small businesses like food trucks are finding it difficult to promote themselves while on a restricted budget. Small businesses tend to rely on social media to advertise their products, but recent Facebook changes have made it difficult for companies to do so. “Recent changes on social media now call for businesses to pay a hefty price for a post on their walls to reach all of their followers,” said Jantos. “Food Chasers is completely free for both customers and the businesses that serve them. It enables businesses to be in direct contact with the customer.” Food Chasers has a variety of perks. Besides showing the location and schedule of all the featured food trucks, it also allows customers to rank up food coins, which are what Jantos refers to as “a virtual punch card.” It acts like a frequent rewards program that collects points – or coins in this case – every time a customer scans the barcode that each food truck provides. As food coins rank up, the customer has the opportunity for a free meal. Food Chasers will also display any coupons or deals that vendors offer. Eventually, Food Chasers wants to develop a system where the food coins can be interchangeable between food trucks, meaning no matter where the coins were obtained, they can be used at any truck. “El Paso is our test market because the food truck scene here is definitely growing,” said Jantos. “We ultimately want the community to buy local and help local businesses. The bigger picture here is to get El Pasoans to support the local scene and, in turn, each other.” Spectrum Solutions is developing the same app for the Austin market and want to follow up with an app for Washington, D.C. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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December/January, 2015
Deciding Which Wines are “Good”
Shouldn’t Be Hard | By: VIC POULOS |
I
’m constantly asked by novice wine drinkers about how they can get into wine, as if there’s some secret way to learn
about and enjoy wine. Ask folks if they enjoy a glass of wine from time to time and you’ll get a lot of yeses. Ask those same people if they consider themselves knowledgeable about wine, and very few will think they are. It’s this intimidation factor and false notion that you have to be some kind of expert, or even knowledgeable about wine in order to enjoy it, that I think keeps so many potential wine enthusiasts away. When I get in this conversation with somebody, I’ll often compare wine with music. Like wine, music can have all sorts of fancy sounding words – there are clef notes, fermatas, falsettos and scales. And all the great composers and musicians around the world understand the importance of these musical elements and use them to their advantage to create a great piece of work. But here’s the big question I pose to you – do you have to understand these things, or even know what they are, in order to enjoy music? Have you even had to hear of clef notes and scales in order to be able to tell what kind of music you like? Well, think of wine the same way. There are all those same fancy terms – nose, bouquets and cuvées. Do you have to understand what those words are in order to know what you think tastes good? Why don’t we just leave all those fancy wine terms to the winemakers, just like we leave all those fancy music terms
180
“Where Casual Meets Elegance”
to the composers? The point – you don’t
at some point you listened to a rock song and
need to be an expert in something in order
liked it. Awesome! Okay, so at that point you
to enjoy it.
learned you like rock music, but you heard some of that heavy metal stuff and didn’t like
So you’re not going to worry about all of the
it. After listening to a few more rock songs
fancy language, but now you’re faced with
you start to realize you really like that indie/
the daunting task of figuring out what kind of
folksie stuff, but only certain bands. That’s it
wine you really like. You’re at the store and
– you can probably pretty easily describe to
there are hundreds of bottles in front of you.
people what kind of music you like!
How do you even begin to decide what to buy?
So why can’t people do the same thing when it comes to wine? Don’t like that Cabernet?
Your inclination might be to ask the “wine
Try a Pinot Noir. Okay, so you know you like
expert” at the grocery store “what’s good.”
Pinot Noir, but your favorites are the ones
They’ll tell you something good, right? They
from Oregon. But then you try more and,
might give you a good recommendation,
ah yes, not just any Pinot Noir from Oregon
but more often than not they’re going to be
– your favorite is a 2009 Rochioli – a fine
pushing to sell the wines they want to move
choice!
from their shelves. These are just a couple ways you can change So you’re going to pick your own wine,
your mindset if you’re intimidated by wine.
but there are so many different labels and
Just remember you’ll never know every
varietals that you just don’t know where to
musical artist in the world – in fact, you might
begin. So here’s my secret, complex answer:
be lucky to name 200 bands. That doesn’t
just pick a bottle and try it! You might not
mean you don’t know what you enjoy
want to take this bottle to a party or show
listening to. Same thing with wine – you’ll
it off to your friends, but you need to start
probably never know everything there is to
somewhere.
know about wine, because well . . . you can try different things, hone in one that you like
After that first bottle, think about the music
and go from there – remember, it’s supposed
analogy again. How do you know what kind
to be fun, and what’s more fun than trying a
of music you like? How did you discover your
lot of different wine!
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favorite bands?
it or not. At some point, you listened to a
Salud!
country song and hated it. Okay, you didn’t
VIC POULOS
Here’s what you did – whether you realize
really ever listen to country music again. Then www.thecitymagazineelp.com
800 E. San antonio st. i El Paso,181 tx 79901 www.facebook.com/touchbarelpaso
December/January, 2015
A Healthy, Non-Traditional
Holiday Dinner | By: ELAINE GORDON |
182
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December/January, 2015
FOOD
Want to integrate something new and exciting for your holiday meal? Why not grace your table with international flair by creating several cuisines that will keep the buzz going around the family holiday table? Create a new holiday tradition that is healthy and incredibly tasty by starting the meal with a Caribbean lentil soup, followed by a delicious entre, seared walnut-crusted salmon on a bed of wild rice. Accompanying this mouth-watering meal is a cool nopal (spicy Mexican cactus) salad that will not be forgotten. Who says tradition has to be ordinary and familiar? This non-traditional holiday dinner will create a memory for all who dine at your holiday table. Caribbean lentil soup This flavorful soup is very filling and nutritious. Lentils are a great source of protein, about 12 grams per ¼ cup! Ingredients 1 cup of lentils 2 cups water 4 large tomatoes ½ cup cilantro 2 whole bananas 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon sea kelp 1 white onion 4 garlic cloves 1 cup green onion 1. Cook lentils for 25 minutes over medium heat (add 1 cup of brown lentils and 2 cups of water). Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for the remaining time. 2. In a large stock pot, over medium heat, coat the bottom of the pot with some olive oil. Saute the chopped white onion, garlic, green onions, tomatoes, cilantro and sea kelp. Stir continually until the onions start to brown and become translucent, about 10 minutes. 3. Add water till desired consistency is reached. 4. Remove the cooked lentils from the heat and add to the soup mixture. Stir continually. 5. Slice the bananas and stir into the soup, along with the remaining salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro.
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December/January, 2015
Seared walnut-crusted salmon and savory wild rice medley
Nopal (Spicy Mexican Cactus) Salad
Serves 4 - 6
Nopal salad has some natural health properties that can help fight high cholesterol and diabetes. This refreshing salad pairs well with
Walnuts are one of Mother Nature’s simplest foods but are great for
fish dishes and makes a great non-traditional holiday side.
your health. Walnuts are a nearly perfect package of protein, healthy
fats, plant sterols, antioxidants and many vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
1½ pound nopal cactus
3 cloves garlic, pressed
½ tablespoon Celtic salt
2
/3 cups fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup walnuts
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
½ cup white onion, diced
1 serrano chile pepper, seeded and
3 tablespoons water
Sea salt to taste
2 large tomatoes, diced
diced crumbled fresh Mexican
1 tablespoon agave
1 cup wild rice medley
2 tablespoons oregano
cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon turmeric
2 cups water
2 tablespoons lime juice
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 pounds wild caught salmon
1 teaspoon pepper
2
1 teaspoon coffee
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sea kelp
Sea salt to taste
/3 cups cool water
Note: Peel the nopal leaves carefully with a pairing knife. 1. Cut nopal leaves into ¼-inch slices. Place in a large sauce pan with
Wild Rice Medley: In a heavy saucepan, combine rice, water, olive
2
oil, salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, stir to blend, reduce heat.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
Cover with tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15 – 20 minutes. Remove
3. Cover the pan and lower the heat to medium. Steam the cactus for 15 –
from heat and let rest for five minutes. Do not remove lid while
20 minutes. Cook until the texture is similiar to crisp, cooked green beans.
cooking. Fluff with a fork and serve as the bed for the salmon.
4. Remove the pan from heat. Run cool water over the cactus in a
/3 cups of cool water and ½ teaspoon of salt.
colander to stop the cooking process. Drain and place the cooked The Crust: Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet and set aside to cool.
nopal in your refrigerator to chill for about three hours.
Chop the walnuts with a knife and then place the walnuts in a medium
5. In a medium bowl combine the chilled nopal and 2 tablespoons of
bowl with the agave, water and tumeric and mix very well.
grapeseed oil, diced onions, diced tomatoes and the pressed garlic cloves, along with the 2/3 cup of chopped cilantro and one sliced,
Salmon: Cut the salmon into small portions, about 8 oz. each piece.
seeded serrano pepper. Add to the mix 2 tablespoons of fresh lime
Marinade: In a large bowl add the olive oil, coffee, sea kelp, sea salt
juice. Finish the salad off with ½ tablespoons of Celtic salt, black
and nutritional yeast; mix well. Marinade the salmon for approximately
pepper and oregano.
45 minutes in the refrigerator.
6. Cover and place in the refrigerator for about one hour. Garnish with fresh Mexican cheese, if desired.
In a sauce pan, sear the salmon on all surfaces and cook to the desired degree of taste. Place the walnut-crust ingredients on top and serve
Elaine is a board certified nutritional consultant and owner of Elaine
warm over wild rice medley.
Gordon Oxygen Facial Spa Intraceuticals and Gordon & Burns Celebrity/ Professional Health Coaching Agency. Visit www.elainegordonconsulting.com or www.gordonandburns.com
184
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December/January, 2015
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7315 Canutillo La Union Rd. Canutillo, TX 915-877-4544 zinvalle.com www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Â
185
Hidden
G
ms
December/January, 2015
WYLER TRAMWAY | By: ECTOR ACOSTA |
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2015
T
he best way to truly capture the magic of the Sun City is in an eight-foot high, 18-foot in diameter cabin on the Wyler Aerial Tramway at Franklin Mountains
State Park. Whether you are a local or a tourist, a simple tram ride may just be the enjoyable experience that you need to fully grasp the supreme degree of beauty in the borderland. The fiery desert sunrise, the lustrous ocean of lights, the canyons and towering mountains,
the natural dwelling as well. The Franklin
Grande Rift. The product is a cool collection
these elements can be seen from a bird’s-eye
Mountain State Park is the largest in the
of blocks along the mountainside.
view on the breathtaking ride. The tramway all
United States so it goes without saying that
began as one man’s brave vision and gift to
the spacious area draws in a vast array of
When the fire of twilight arrives the sky
El Pasoans. Karl O. Wyler’s last request was
bird species. Visitors can explore the land
produces a marvelous array of color. This
signed in ink to the Texas Parks and Wildlife
with high-powered telescopes that can be
is a sight for sore eyes that all will rejoice
Department in 1997. They granted his wish
wielded from a sky-high observation deck
over. Wherever you may venture after this
after an extensive renovation in 2001 and
with a 360-degree view. Besides a lens it will
experience you can never forget what was
made it a public attraction. The tramway spans
feel as if nothing stands between you and
seen, captured and felt. The desert is a realm
a distance of nearly 200 acres of intangible
the wild. At the edge of Texas if you reach
that the human mind cannot author. Overall
golden lure, an omnipresent natural wonder
out to touch the blue distance the horizon is
the panoramic view from the Wyler Aerial
found in the desert. Before even arriving at
still infinite. Further up the canyon, you can
Tramway is a hidden gem that exhibits a
the main attraction one may be treated with a
see a formation of granitoid igneous rock
unique splendor of grandeur, color and soul-
bit of adrenaline.
that has merged with the plates in the Fort
piercing utopia.
Bliss Sandstone. This is all a result of the Rio The road that winds up through Fred Wilson Boulevard and onto McKinley Avenue will
CUTTING EDGE IN A DRONE AT A VERY AFFORDABLE PRICE
entertain drivers who enjoy a few sharp twists and turns. Four minutes, three states and two nations – this is the journey you can expect from the 2,600-foot long, 13/8 -inch
Anyone can fly it!
diameter steel cable that the tram takes its routes on. The car glides through a 240foot deep canyon and offers a central view of 7,000 square miles of Southwest terrain.
Largest selection and best support team in El Paso
Suspended in time and space, this is the
FPV available
dream getaway from reality. To be at one with yourself, with your family, with the borderland and one with the world, the Wyler Tramway is the source of peace that you need. The delightful creations all intertwine in the midst of the overpowering beauty of the mountain formations. This flourishing region is home to plant life including moss-like greens on the ground
Comes with or without camera!
and large, sunflower-style plants that hover high, wild grasses and flowers that bloom in radiant colors with the seasons. Wildlife of different species and classes inhabit www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Refined G.P.S. • Camera Functionality • Stability Mode Agility Mode Safe Technology Return Home • Altitude Hold Like us on facebook Hal’s Hobby Warehouse 1440 Bessemer, El Paso TX 79936 | Tel: (915) 591-2213 | www.halshobbywarehouse.com
December/January, 2015
Born on the Diamond: El Paso’s Coach of the Year
MARC HERRERA | By: AUSTIN SAVAGE |
188
December/January, 2015
T
E l pa s o ’ s c oac h o f t h e y e a r
he pinnacle of any profession
statements that we begin to fully understand
is not just to experience
exactly how greatness comes about. All too
brief moments of success
often the end result is all that is seen and
but to sustain excellence. The
people of great achievement are simply viewed
trappings of failure are frequent
as finished products. The truth is usually much
and often arrive unexpectedly. The struggle
grittier. Those that reach the greatest heights
to continually grow, after a certain amount
are usually in a state of constant process. “I
of excellence has already been attained, is a
always like to pick as many great minds as
frequent test of character. And in the pursuit
I can, you have to be a student of the game
of athletic achievement, perseverance is often
not just as a player but as a coach. Some of
the one quality that trumps talent. On the
the great minds I’ve picked have been Coach
rare occasion where talent and perseverance
Melendez and Coach Aragon (both Hall of
are found in the same soul, these beacons
Famers), Coach Beard at El Dorado, Coach
of achievement are honored with induction
Romeo at Montwood, and last but not least,
into elite fraternities. Such is the case with
Edwin Cartagena, who gave me my first
Marc Herrera, the most recent recipient of El
baseball job at Chapin. He was my mentor.”
Paso’s “Coach of the Year” Award. Of course being the big dog often means that The head baseball coach at Eastlake High
you will receive the toughest challenges with
School is a lifer who has felt the feel of wood
everyone seeking to attain what you have.
and leather in his hands from nearly the womb.
“Our district is very competitive,” he says.
“I’ve always been into baseball my whole
“I wouldn’t say we have particular rivals, but
life; the majority of my family members were
whenever you have success you become the
baseball players – it’s in the blood.” Of course
target and everyone comes ready to play you.”
not all of baseball can be taken in from bloodlines alone and Herrera openly acknowledges this,
For a man who has found success by being
particularly when it comes to how he arrived at
consumed with process, receiving an award
being a coach himself, “I had coaches who left
celebrating the results came as a bit of a
a positive impact on me and I saw it as a way
surprise to him. “Receiving the ‘Coach of
to give back to student athletes and hopefully
the Year’ induction was very humbling, but
leave a positive impact that will help guide
it was an award shared by all who made the
them somewhere in their lives.
Eastlake Baseball Program successful, from players, assistant coaches, teachers and
Though his successes are great, Herrera is
administration, and my family, it allowed me
humble enough to give back to those who
to brag about them.”
have been fortunate enough to pass through his life between the chalk lines. “We attribute
Having earned the most prestigious single-
our successes to a group of young, positive
season award in a career already littered with
men who worked and continue to work
success, Coach Herrera is trying to not get too
extremely hard. My coaching success has to
far ahead of himself. “Well I can’t predict the
be contributed to my three assistant coaches
future, but as any high school coach wishes,
Coach Rodriguez, Coach Herrera and Coach
a state championship is the goal, and that all
Chavez; it’s true what they say, ‘Surround
our players who come through here will be
yourself with positive people.’ We, here at
positive members of society, role models and
Eastlake, define a successful season as our
loving fathers and husbands.”
players giving their very best throughout the process of trying to become better baseball
In other words, Coach Herrera hopes that the
players. When that happens, you get a lot
future brings him the chance to mold men as
of positive results.” It is in these simple
good as himself.
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189
THE CITY MAGAZINE
October Launch Party in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz El Paso Fashion Week at MESA STREET GRILL OCTOBER 9, 2014 | Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.
Crown Wealth Strategies
Grand Opening at CROWN WEALTH STRATEGIES NOVEMBER 11, 2014 | Photographed by TOMMIE MORELOS
The Archer House fundraiser at ACEITUNAS BEER GARDEN NOVEMBER 9TH, 2014 | Photographed by TOMMIE MORELOS
Susan Eisen with Celebrity
Guest Michael O’Connor at SUSAN EISEN FINE JEWELRY AND WATCHES NOVEMBER 12, 2014 | Photographed by JORGE BALLESTEROS
Ben Bridges Ring Dash at 501 BAR & BISTRO OCTOBER 18, 2014 | Photographed by TOMMIE MORELOS
December/January, 2015
THE CITY AGENDA DECEMBER/january 2015 6 DECEMBER 6-7
Pecan Harvest Festival 1 DECEMBER 1-25
Eastridge Christmas Lights Beginning the first week of December and running throughout the holidays, drive through the Eastridge area with your family and see the beautifully decorated homes. Directions: On McRae, turn west onto Eastridge.
The Ramirez Pecan Farm invites you to join them for their annual Pecan Harvest Festival. Admission is free, but you can collect pecans for $2 a pound! There will also be crafts, pizza, gift baskets, pony rides and more! Info: (915) 851-2003 or (915) 887-0079
UTEP Basketball Get excited Miner fans, this season the UTEP Miners are tipping off to a great season of Men’s and Women’s Basketball at the Don Haskins Center! Info: www.utepathletics.com Dec. 8 vs. Incarnate Word @ 7 p.m. Dec. 16 vs. Southeastern Louisiana @ 7 p.m.
december 1-january 31
The Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Gallery at the El Paso Museum of Art is hosting its exciting exhibit titled “Renoir to Remington: Impressionism to the American West.” The El Paso Museum of Art is also housing “Paul Cezanne and Pablo Picasso: Birth of Cubism” in the Peter and Margaret de Wetter Gallery. Don’t miss these exciting pieces as they grace our city! Info: www.elpasoartmuseum.org/ exhibitions.asp
DECEMBER 6-JANUARY 31
Men
1
Renoir to Remington: Impressionism to the American West & Paul Cezanne and Pablo Picasso: Birth of Cubism
6
Dec. 19 vs. Arizona @ 9 p.m. Dec. 21 vs. Alcorn State @ 7 p.m. Dec. 22 vs. Kent State/North Dakota State @ TBA
6 DECEMBER 6-22
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The El Paso Playhouse presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” directed by Rachel Mullins. Running on weekends from Dec. 6–22, Friday and Saturday night showings are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinee showings are at 2 p.m. General Admission is $10. Info: www.elpasoplayhouse.com/thebest-christmas-pageant-ever.html
Dec. 30 vs. Sul Ross State @ 7 p.m. Jan. 8 vs. Louisiana Tech @ 7 p.m. Jan. 10 vs. Southern Miss @ 7 p.m. Jan 29 vs. UAB @ 7 p.m. Jan. 31 vs. Middle Tennessee @ 7 p.m. Women Dec. 6 vs. Houston Baptist @ 2 p.m. Dec. 20 vs. Prairie View A&M @ 2 p.m. Dec. 28 vs. Alcorn State @ 2 p.m. Jan. 2 vs. North Texas @ 7 p.m. Jan. 4 vs. Rice @ 2 p.m. Jan. 17 vs. UTSA @ 2 p.m. Jan. 22 vs. Western Kentucky @ 7 p.m. Jan. 24 vs. Marshall @ 2 p.m.
12 6 6 DECEMBER 6
8K Holiday Run – Hot Chocolate Edition Run in this exciting, holiday Fort Bliss event. The race will begin at 20751 Constitution Ave. on Dec. 6 at 8:30 a.m. Hot chocolate will be served after the race! Info: www.raceroster.com/ events/2014/3755/8k-holiday-run
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November 6-9
Celebration of Light Parade The Evolve Federal Credit Union will host this year’s Celebration of Light Parade at Cleveland Square Park in El Paso Dec. 6 from 4:15–8:15 p.m. Info: (915) 541-4331 or www. elpasotexas.gov/parks
DECEMBER 12-JANUARY 25
El Paso Rhinos Hockey Home games are held at the Sierra Providence Center, weeknight and weekend games begin at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday afternoon games begin at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12 vs. Springfield Express Dec. 13 vs. Springfield Express Dec. 14 vs. Springfield Express Jan. 23 vs. Springfield Express Jan. 24 vs. Springfield Express Jan. 25 vs. Springfield Express
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December/January, 2015
7 december 7
Mesilla Valley Half Marathon & 5K Challenge yourself this holiday season and compete in the Mesilla Valley Half Marathon at Albert Johnson Park Dec. 7. Registration is $60 for the half and $25 for the 5K. Info: www.raceadventuresunlimited. com/mesilla-valley-halfmarathon/1134/details
27 DECEMBER 27
17 DECEMBER 17
Grau Jazz Ripe Eatery Restaurant will host the guys that are Grau – have some dinner and enjoy this exciting evening of live music. The music begins at 7:30 p.m. and will last until 9:30 p.m. Info: (915) 584-7473 or www. epjazzexchange.com
Hyundai Sun Bowl Don’t miss one of El Paso’s staple events of the year, the 80th annual Sun Bowl! Get your tickets today and cheer on this year’s lucky teams!
13 JANUARY 13-14
Chicago the Musical
9 december 9
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” Come relive the magic of one of the most beloved tales. December 9 at 7:30 p.m. the Plaza Theatre will host the Broadway performance of “Beauty and the Beast.” Info: www.beautyandthebeaston tour.com/
20 DECEMBER 20
Up and Running Jingle Bell Run Work off that holiday weight early by running in the Up and Running Jingle Bell Run 5K Dec. 20. Early registration is $25, $30 the day of the race. Info: www.raceadventuresunlimited. com/Up-And-Running-Jingle-BellRun/937/details
13
The Plaza Theatre will host Broadway’s hit musical “Chicago” Jan. 13–14 at 7:30 p.m. each night. Info: www.chicagothemusical.com/
18 JANUARY 18
Puzzler Endurance Mountain Bike Race Challenge yourself to one of three epic races, a 50-mile, 35-mile or a 13-mile race, that will push you to the limit in the beauty of El Paso’s beautiful landscape. The Race will start at Bowen Ranch Round House. Info: www.puzzlerendurance. wordpress.com/
DECEMBER 13
Behind the Scenes Adventures The El Paso Zoo will host “Behind the Scenes Adventures” Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. Prepare yourself for a wild day of discovery as you go behind the scenes of the El Paso Zoo. Admission is $15 in addition to entrance fees. Ages 7 and up only. Info: (915) 521-1894 or www.elpasozoo.org/ zoo-adventure-schedule.php
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31 22 DECEMBER 22
The Moscow Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” The Moscow Ballet is coming to El Paso’s Plaza Theatre for an exciting night of magic, just in time for Christmas. Performances are at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Info: www.nutcracker.com
JANUARY 31
Best of the City Awards Benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of El Paso this fun event, brought to you by The City Magazine, will offer an exciting night of entertainment – showcasing only the best El Paso has to offer! Info: www.thecitymagazineelp.com
199
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