The City Magazine November 2023

Celebrate Outstanding El Pasoans

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November 2023

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Save the Date

BEST OF 2023

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FASHION · HEALTH · lifestyle

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AT LARGE Shelley Mozelle | shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Chaz Wilson | chaz@thecitymagazineelp.com EDITORIAL Senior Editor Erin Coulehan | erin@thecitymagazineelp.com

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THE CITY

HOW TO REACH US 518 W. San Antonio, Suite A El Paso, Texas 79901 (915) 217 - 0723 | info@thecitymagazineelp.com

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November 2023

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November 2023

From the argaret Atwood writes that, “A

voice is a human gift; it should be

cherished and used, to utter fully

human speech as possible. Powerlessness

We’re also excited to introduce you to some of the community’s unsung heroes whose ambitions are to amplify the city.

and silence go together.” The people

Richie Marrufo has committed his time,

who use their voices to not only advocate

and advocate to encourage others to

featured in the pages to follow are leaders

for themselves, but also to elevate El Paso.

In short, they sing the community’s praises and shoot for the stars.

Outstanding El Pasoans are everywhere you

look, and I couldn’t be more excited to deliver this issue. It’s no secret that El Pasoans are kind, talented, and generous but the scale of it is truly remarkable.

money, and efforts as an artist, educator, express themselves while also gaining the

confidence to follow their dreams through leading by example.

On our cover is Mrs. Teresita Corral, who has

the gifts of glamor and doing good. For more

than 20 years, she’s been instrumental in fundraising for some of the community’s most

beloved causes and brings in some of the world’s most talented artists to aid her mission.

This month, we’re showcasing El Pasoans

You’ll also get to know outstanding members

leading and inspiring others to pursue their

veterinarians, cookie pros and muralists, and

who go above and beyond when it comes to goals and be their best selves.

For

example,

Crystal

Saavedra,

of the community that include veterans and

advocates who work tirelessly to help the community’s kids, adults, and seniors.

Advance

In speaking to folks like Dr. Antonio Bowens, the

fundraised and volunteered for the

Janace Griffin, and more, it’s clear they use

Associate

Director

of

for Vice President Kamala Harris,

opportunity to launch her career to where it is today – working alongside the VP of the U.S. while also paving the way for others like her.

Guardians of the Children, Rosemary Castillo, their voices to advocate for those who need it most — animals, children, and seniors – and are passionate about their efforts.

Something that struck me during the

course of interviews and putting this special issue together is the humbleness of each individual. While they might not be ones to sing their praises – I sure am!

Here’s to shining a spotlight on those who change the world behind the scenes and ahead of the curve.

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November 2023

El Paso

RHINOS

Upcoming Games Nov. 3-4 | NAHL vs Lone Star Brahmas Nov. 11-12 | NA3HL vs Texas Brahmas Nov. 17-19 | NA3HL vs Ausin Ice Bats Nov. 22-23| NA3HL vs New Mexico Ice Wolves Nov. 24-25 | NAHL vs Amarillo Wranglers Dec. 1-3 | NA3HL vs Louisiana Drillers Dec. 8-10 | NAHL vs New Mexico Ice Wolves Jan. 5-6 | NA3HL vs New Mexico Ice Wolves Jan. 12-14 | NA3HL vs Mid-Cities Jr. Stars

For more information on Rhino Hockey including game times and the full schedule, visit elpasorhinos.com and elpasorhinosna3.com or call 915-479-PUCK (7825).

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For public skating and youth hockey information, scan the QR code or visit elpasohockey.org.

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November 2023

Contributors Erin

COULEHAN

Jordan

Amber

LICON

LANAHAN

Sergio

Stephanie

Senior Editor

Nico

SILVA-SALINAS

Fernando Antonio

OLIVAS

Victoria

MONTEJANO

PHILLIPS

Chaz

Megan

WILSON

MEHL

Janace

GRIFFIN

16

AMERENA

Katherine

KOCIAN

Claudia FLORES

contents

November 2023

NOVEMBER 2023 VOLUME 116

54

54

62

Features

62

The Glamour in Giving Back

The Connecting Link

By: ERIN COULEHAN

By: STEPHANIE AMERENA

102

102

Sweet Dreams Are Made of Cookies By: AMBER LANAHAN

Here and Now

20

Guardians of the Children Ride with Purpose By: STEPHANIE AMERENA

68

80

The Rhythm of Activism

Inside Efforts to Overcome Obesity

By: FERNANDO ANTONIO MONTEJANO

By: NICO SILVA

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November 2023

Palliative Care Primary & Preventative Care Holistic Health

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November 2023

Building a Legacy Through

Care, Culture, and Community | By: FERNANDO ANTONIO MONTEJANO |

A

lmost a decade ago, Rosemary

Castillo, CEO and President of

Bienvivir, said that her success

is cumulative and has continued

to grow. She believes that like a team of

strong and passionate people, no singular achievement in life is more important than

the other. The story of Castillo and how Bienvivir Senior Health started is absolute proof of that sentiment.

Castillo has been a prominent figure in

senior care in El Paso for over 30 years but few people have had the opportunity to

interview her. I was grateful for her time and

I’m even more excited to tell you the story of a passionate woman who credits the success of her organization not just to the

hard working teams that stood by her side,

but to each moment in her life that reminded her what was important: community.

The story of Bienvivir doesn’t even start with Castillo, believe it or not.

Growing up in Mexico, her father was instilled with a sense of community and

familial responsibility at a very young

20

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November 2023 age. After his father left the household, he was

forced to help provide for his family the only way he could at the time.

“He was 5 years old and they would send

him out into the street! Con un calzoncillo no más, and he would go begging,” she says sincerely.

As her father got older, one of the vendors who would use him as an errand boy

so my dad started the Bowie Bakery from nothing,” says Castillo.

Her father started the Bowie Bakery before it was sold off in 1951 to Don Marquez.

Unfortunately, when she was 12, her father had a series of strokes and passed away, leaving the bakery to be run by her mother and her six siblings.

noticed that he was a hard worker and

“From the age of 12 until I got

bakery. He learned everything he could

at the bakery, 365 days a year, all

offered him an apprenticeship in the man’s before he and his wife left Juarez and

immigrated to El Paso. In his late thirties, he joined the army during World War II, as America was granting citizenship to any

immigrants so long as they went to fight in the war. Luckily, he was older than the military wanted and instead of being put

out on the front lines, his baking skills put him in a kitchen until he was able to come

married, I worked every single day

weekends, all holidays. And it was

the best learning experience for me,” she explains. “You’re not just a worker,

your family owns this business. You

are responsible for the employees, for the money they earn, for the conditions in which they live, and I learned that at a very young age.”

back home to his wife with his citizenship.

After her father passed, her mother stepped

“When he came out of the army he said to

community. Castillo says this is where she

my mom ‘Here is our first dollar bill, I want you to save it, I want to start a bakery.’ And

up not just for the bakery, but also for the really understood her connection to the people around her.

“My mother was so tough, she would round

up her kids and say ‘Okay, Jesus, la senora Julia necessita petrol, aqui esta el galon.

Rosita, la señora Goya necessita a alguien para lavar los trastes, vete.” She says her

mother and her family helped people with everything from reading and understanding legal documents to representing these

community members in meetings where they needed help translating.

“She engrained all of us with the concept of

community and responsibility and sharing,” she says.

In this, Castillo realized no one was going

to do anything for her; if she wanted to make things happen, she needed to do that

work for herself. If she wanted to see those changes in the community, she knew where it needed to start.

From here, we jump just a bit to 1970, about 17 years before Bienvivir was started.

Castillo is a single mother of three kids, a college student studying sociology, and www.thecitymagazineelp.com

21

Building a Legacy

November 2023

working overnight at a toll booth between Juarez and El Paso. At the same time that Castillo is helping pinch coins from the concrete

laden hands of late night construction workers, an innovative organization in elder care called On Lok Senior Services is barely starting in San Francisco, and with it comes the founding of the Program for All inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE. After just

a couple of years, Castillo would leave the toll booth and start on a path that would eventually lead her into the office of On-Loks founder, Marie-Louise Ansak.

Fine decorative Finishes

Through her work with the Council of Governments and then the Area Agency on Aging, Castillo was tasked with looking into

Call for a

organizations that were transforming what elder care looked like;

Free Estimate

the final say in care would no longer be senior homes or institutions.

Instead, it would be in home care. Castillo recognized that for the

elders in the Mexican community, passing away outside of their

home was not an option. As she researched, she found On Lok, who

was doing elder care in a way that no one else in the United States was doing at the time.

“There were old men being not just cared for, but engaged with! The employees were engaging and having fun with them! I thought ‘this is beautiful,’” Castillo says.

She stayed in San Francisco for two days studying the data that On

Lok had collected, and from that point, both she and Ansak would fight to get funding for a grassroots organization that would be built on the pillar of all inclusive care for the seniors in El Paso.

Driven not just to fill a cultural need in the community, but also by the sheer idea that people should not be discarded in old age, Castillo

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would finally get the funding to start Bienvivir in 1987. Bienvivir’s

mission is to is to provide the frail senior the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a patient-centered, comprehensive healthcare delivery system in a community setting that advocates

and promotes quality of life, optimum independence, dignity and choices in a nurturing environment

Even though the organization had to fight to survive and she spent

the first year with no income, Bienvivir Senior Health is now the

leader in senior care in El Paso, with over 5,000 jobs created since its inception and having served over 18,000 participants.

Today, Bienvivir provides an array of services that range from primary care physicians to access and social work, to meal

services and more, all from one source, to alleviate the logistical

and scheduling burden that many confront when addressing the Canvas paintings & fine decorative finishes

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November 2023 psychosocial and functional needs of

seniors. Castillo and her team have worked diligently

to

develop

comprehensive

services and programs to bridge gaps in care that lead to better outcomes.

Castillo doesn’t give herself all the credit at all though.

She fully embodies her 2014 statement, reminding me that no one person on the

journey and no one moment were more important than any other.

“It was my team of people that were really

so talented and they were believers, it was

a commitment to the community. It was a

commitment to the belief that if anyone could do it, we could do it. In El Paso. Together.”

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November 2023

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November 2023

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‘Pawing’ It Forward | By: ERIN COULEHAN Illustrations courtesy of: DR. ANTONIO BOWENS |

26

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November 2023

I

f you’ve never arrived at a veterinary

introduce you to the veterinary specialist

Bowens, (who is a licensed veterinarian,

explain that it’s you – a human woman –

neurological needs of El Paso’s animals.

expert, and attorney) and their two lovely

clinic without an animal and had to

with an appointment to see the doctor,

who cares for the brains, spines, and other

let me tell you about my experience.

Dr. Antonio Bowens is an animal health

I was sitting in the waiting room of a place

professor, as well as a veterinarian (DVM)

that no one ever wants to be, the animal

emergency room. No animals in the waiting room, just a woman on the phone and me. I

did my best not to eavesdrop, but overheard a few phrases in her conversation.

that

celebrates

the

El Paso Veterinary Medical Association’s annual banquet.

Referral Center’s (EPAERC) Airway location.

neurosurgery procedure) where they were

patients at El Paso Animal Emergency and

Veterinary Neurology & Neurosurgery is

ahead of Dr. Bowens (who was tied up in warmly embraced by El Pasoans.

focuses on the diagnosing and treating

“By the time I got to the banquet, my wife

nervous system of animals (brain, spinal

and the entire staff from the 24-hour El

are a wide range of neurological disorders

For many in the community, love is a

of the community, while in town for the

Priscilla and the girls arrived at the banquet

cord, and peripheral nervous system). There

“I’ll call you after.”

daughters, after experiencing the hospitality

neurology and neurosurgery, treating animal

diseases and conditions that affect the

“He’s in there right now with Melinda. “

word

who has advanced training in veterinary

a unique field of veterinary medicine that

“Oscar is getting care around the clock.”

four-legged

advocate, mentor, vetrepreneur, adjunct

visiting lecturer, public health subject matter

in various species, including dogs, cats, horses, and exotic animals.

had literally met everybody at the banquet;

Paso Animal Emergency & Referral Center (EPAERC) had embraced my whole family,”

says Dr. Bowens. “They made my wife and my daughters feel welcome, and when I got

to the banquet, my wife said, ‘I’m going to look forward to moving to El Paso.’”

bond between humans and our animal

“Initially, I was interested in being a human

our families, from slobbery English bulldogs

says. “So, here we are.”

Dr.

kitties, puffy poodles, and bearded dragons,

Dr. Bowens, who is a native of Akron, Ohio,

Neurosurgery residency at Universität of

species and the Borderland.

earlier this year, partly due to his positive

counterparts. Our pets become members of

and Slinky-like dachshunds, to complicated a deep love of animals can be seen across

Most will say their hearts were filled the

day they met their fur baby, and I’d like to www.thecitymagazineelp.com

doctor (MD), but God had other plans,” he

decided to permanently relocate to El Paso

Bowens

fellowship

completed

and

then

a

a

Neurology

Neurology

&

Zürich in Switzerland.

work relationship that he has with the six ER

He traveled to Bern during his residency,

with his beautiful wife, Dr. Priscilla E.M.

neurological symptoms.

doctors and the amazing staff at EPAERC,

where a lion cub at the zoo was experiencing 27

‘ Paw i n g ’ I t F o r wa r d “We took the cub off-site to perform an

In the human medical field, a neurologist

hypoplasia of the cerebellum,” he explains.

identify neurological problems in animals.

MRI, where we diagnosed the baby lion with

(Cerebellar hypoplasia is a neurological

condition in which the region the cerebellum is responsible for fine motor movement and coordination, was underdeveloped.)

terms of neurosurgery. Nothing is 100

This often involves a thorough physical

he says. “I feel like people don’t care about

examination, neurological assessment, and the use of imaging technologies such as MRI and CT scans, followed by a spinal tap.

At the clinic, as the Head of Neurology &

Paso Zoo, but continues to focus on the

and CT technology to diagnose patients with

in

El

Paso,

Dr.

Bowens

established a partnership with the El neurological needs of companion animal pets at the clinic.

“My goal is to try to alleviate pain, and then help the patient reestablish or regain neurological function in terms of the ability

to walk again,” he says. “I’m also treating

patients with neurological disorders of the brain. With those cases, we want to try to get

the patient as normal as possible so they can have a good quality of life.”

28

“We have a pretty good success rate in

uses advanced diagnostic techniques to

has

Now

November 2023

percent, and I’m always upfront with clients,” how much you know until they know how

much you care. So I try to educate clients (via Neuro-nuggets of information) and shoot straight with them.”

Neurosurgery, Dr. Bowens is able to use MRI

Dr. Bowens and his team work to provide

some of the most sophisticated equipment

and compassionate care to ensure the well-

available, eliminating the need for families

to travel out of town for neurological

accurate diagnoses, effective treatment, being of their patients.

and neurosurgical veterinary care. With

Toward the end of my tour of the clinic and

Dr. Bowens treats a variety of neurological

of-the-art Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, the

extensive training and 20 years experience,

disorders, including: ruptured disc, vertigo, meningitis,

epilepsy,

discospondylitis,

encephalitis, brain & spinal cord tumors, caudal occipital malformations syndrome (coms),

spinal

cord

injuries,

performs

hospital, Dr. Bowens showed me the state-

CT machine and the fancy MRI unit. Also, he introduced me to a few team members,

including a woman named Mel whom I’m told is the animal whisperer.

neurosurgical procedures, and much more.

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November 2023

WINNE R LD O

Next, I met Oscar, a handsome red dachshund

who

is

receiving

physical

therapy from Mel, and is about three weeks

BEST BAKE

RY

after back surgery performed by Dr. Bowens to repair a herniated/ruptured disc.

His mom, the woman I overheard earlier on the phone, entered the room beaming with delight.

Taking holiday orders

“Oscar who was initially paralyzed upon

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“I do what I can to ‘paw’ it forward,” he said.

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EL PASO, WE HAVE A CHALLENGE FOR YOU!

November 2023

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and in honor of this important occasion, the El Paso Center for Diabetes is challenging El Pasoans to help raise awareness of diabetes by taking a FREE, online risk test. The goal is to help our community spot diabetes before it sneaks up on you. Kicking off this challenge, our community leaders challenge you to take the risk test!

Whether or not you believe you are at risk, we ask you to take the test, and challenge your friends and family to do the same. Together we can raise diabetes awareness and improve the health of our region.

30

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Visit EPDiabetes.org today to take the diabetes risk test!

November 2023

Is our ty i n u m com our

on y list? ng i p p o h s the d n u f Help gainst fight a an hum g! in k c i f f a r t

Scan to give the gift of hope!

With an estimated 313,000 victims of trafficking in Texas and approximately 79,000 of these victims falling into the youth category, we need your help now more than ever. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

www.pdncoh.org

31

Women the Arts

A POWERHOUSE FOR | Words and photos by: CLAUDIA FLORES |

in

32

K

nown for her portrayal of females in black

and white with bright pops of color, the signature style of artist Christin

Apodaca can be found in murals and venues throughout El Paso.

In collaboration with UTEP’s Rubin Center,

Apodaca is currently exhibiting ‘Proving

the Hypothesis of Celestial Flirtation,’ a collection where Apodaca shares with the

audience a behind the scenes of her daily life and her creative process. The exhibit will run until December 15, 2023.

Born and raised in the sun city, Apodaca

knew at an early age that art was something she wanted to pursue in the long run.

“I’ve always drawn, ever since I was little,” Apodaca shared. “I’ve always copied movie characters and stuff like that. But when I realized that I could look at something and

put it on the page and the proportions were good just by observation, I felt good at this.

No one was around to tell me that I was good at it, but I felt that, so I just said, ‘let’s just keep doing it.’”

Although Apodaca’s talent for the arts is

clear, the artist mentioned that it wasn’t

until she was in high school that she started painting.

“I thought painting was like being messy.

I didn’t like getting dirty or messy. I liked drawing. I liked graphite drawing a lot.

But in high school I was forced to paint

for school, and I had a teacher who made

me try painting. After that, I didn’t stop painting,” she said.

Apodaca, who attended UTEP and the University of New Mexico, where she

majored in painting, shared that initially her

grandparents weren’t fully on board with her decision to pursue art as a career.

“It took them a while to really get on board with that. For a long time, my grandma would www.thecitymagazineelp.com

33

November 2023

34

A s women artists we’re here, we exist, I feel we’re just not given the right amount of space.” www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023 still be like, ‘If you want to be a teacher, I’ll

“I think I’ve been talking about this a lot, but

Apodaca said. “It’s hard if you don’t come

like ‘If our lineups are mostly people of color,

pay for your school and your certification,’” from a background of people who are

making things. Ultimately, it was my decision,

so they knew they weren’t going to sway me one way or the other.”

you have to take it one step further and be

how many are women are even in that list?’”

Apodaca shared. “I don’t think people break it down enough to try and get a balance of female to men’s work.”

Despite finding major success in the local

While Apodaca has an artistic training

starts here.

in her work is the female figure. According to

community, the work for Apodaca only

Most recently, the El Pasoan collaborated with Siete Family Foods in a special edition

project where the local artist designed the packaging for the brand’s products.

The special collection was available last month during the Hispanic Heritage month exclusively in Target stores.

“They reached out earlier in January this

year. I don’t quite remember how they say

background, one element that is prominent

the artist, this stylistic choice comes from the importance of a female perspective.

“Growing up, I never had female artists to look up to. There’s a lot of great male

artists, but as a young person, I didn’t know

a lot of females,” Apodaca said. “So, for me,

going back to that idea of the females, let me be a female that shows you females all

in one space, and now I’m trying to push that even further.”

they found me, but they reached out through

One of the upcoming projects in hand for

deadline but said ‘We’d love to work with you

children’s museum ‘La Nube,’ which is set to

my website. They mentioned they had a tight and if it’s something you can manage let’s do it,’” Apodaca said.

While the exclusivity to find the brand

at Target is simply exciting for most, for Apodaca, as a female artist, the importance

lies in showcasing her work in a space where hundreds of shoppers can stop at the store shelves to observe her work.

“This opportunity was super important. They

didn’t tell me a lot up front and I couldn’t talk

much, but later they said it was exclusive to Target, and it was like ‘People are going to

see your name in these spaces where they shop all the time,’” Apodaca said. “As women artists we’re here, we exist, I feel we’re just not given the right amount of space.”

Apodaca also shared that while most events

also make open calls for female artists, there is a need for taking diversity a step further. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Enjoy. Every. Moment.

Apodaca is a full color mural in the new open in 2024.

“That will be one of my longest and tallest

murals. It’s going to be inside the museum and it’s about 73 ft long by 15 ft high. It will be part of one of their exhibits and all in full

color, no black, and the design is inspired by the Chihuahuan Desert,” Apodaca said.

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In addition, Apodaca will be working on a new

project titled “Love Letters,” which according to the artist, seeks to collaborate with

various female talents from the community

(915) 539-7545

in a way to promote collaborations between different forms of expression.

“I applied to this small grant with the city and I’m going to be writing these letters to female artists that I know exist in the city,” Apodaca

@EpicEventsELP #enjoyeverymoment

said. “It’s going to be like an open call, I want to collaborate with, you know, writers,

filmmakers, musicians, like everybody is

included in the arts, I want to reach out to them and see how we can collaborate.”

35

November 2023

36

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023

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November 2023

38

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November 2023

At Home in the

White

House | By: ERIN COULEHAN photos courtesy of: CRYSTAL SAAVEDRA |

M

ost of us wake up each morning and

planning that go into Vice President Harris’

fraternity, where she learned about an

that includes grabbing a coffee, going to

U.S., and internationally.

through The Archer Center in 2013.

create a mental inventory of our day

work, and performing our job(s) to the

best of our abilities while also representing

our supervisor and organization with aplomb.

Crystal Saavedra’s morning routine is similar

engagements in D.C., domestically in the

opportunity to live, work, and study in D.C.

It’s a big job that involves precise attention

The Archer Center was founded in 2001

of self.

serving as the satellite D.C. campus for the

to detail, solid work ethic, and a strong sense

as the place where Texas meets the world,

University of Texas System that educates

the country’s emerging generation of talent.

to this, albeit anything but ordinary.

“I’ve always had an ambition to want to do

Saavedra, a native El Pasoan and UTEP

aim for the stars.”

Each semester, the Archer Center welcomes

here, there, and everywhere for her job

While at UTEP, Saavedra was in the College

intern at a place of their interest in D.C.

Vice President Kamala Harris. In this role,

Human Resources Management that led

alumnus, is based in D.C. but travels

as Associate Director of Advance for she coordinates all of the logistics and

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

more,” she says. “I’ve always been driven to

of Business and studied Marketing and to joining Greek life as part of a business

a cohort of students as Archer Fellows who

during the day, then attend U.T. System

classes in policy-making and more at night that cultivates both public and private sector

39

At H o m e i n t h e W h i t e H o u s e

November 2023

leaders. Fellows gain first-hand experience

Saavedra and her family sold gorditas and

While in DC, Saavedra earned a highly-

the

her from her home in El Paso to the center of

but says it did not come easily.

in their industry of choice that complements coursework

by

establishing

an

understanding of the federal policy-making process, solving relevant policy issues, and

contributing to improved civic engagement and civil society.

burritos out of her parents’ kitchen to send American democracy and government.

“We literally did it out of my house and spread the word on Facebook,” she laughs.

competitive internship at the White House,

“I wasn’t selected for the White House internship right away – I was actually waitlisted. I stayed connected and did well in my interviews, then it worked out,” she explains.

Fellows are selected from campuses across

Saavedra’s grandparents provided all of the

El Paso, and San Antonio, which creates a

while her aunts helped her mom cook,

The experience catapulted her academic

hungry fundraiser supporters.

observations about her culture and its place

the U.T. System that include Austin, Dallas, sense of solidarity as the cohort lives,works, and studies, in that nation’s capital.

materials to make the gorditas and burritos, and her cousins sold snacks and drinks to

Saavedra was the only fellow selected from

All in all, Saavedra says they sold close to

when it came to continuing to reach for stars

length fellowship and also filled her heart

UTEP for her cohort, but was not deterred – and stripes – despite the cost of travel to

DC, housing, food, commute, and other

“I didn’t realize at the time that there wasn’t

with a deeper love of the Borderland.

latina women, or people from El Paso.”

“Thank goodness that my community, my

“I fundraised for my entire fellowship,”

showed up,” she said. “That’s where a lot of

40

in high government.

1,000 plates, which funded her semester-

necessities.

she says.

and professional career while also leading to

family, my people believed in me – they

a lot of representation. There weren’t a lot of

She wanted to change that, and be an example of positive change.

my passion to come back to El Paso after the fellowship concluded came from.”

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023

Saavedra became even more active at

She volunteered for eight months and was

people will never know our names, we know

return from the Archer Fellowship and

set, work ethic, and commitment to helping

in history,” she says.

UTEP and in the community upon her

graduated with a MBA in 2021, then later worked for her family’s business in

then offered the role based on her skills others from her community succeed.

where we were standing during this moment

For Saavedra, the success, history, and legacy she’s shaping is not exclusive unto her.

accounting management.

“I’m really attuned to recognizing my

But her ambition persisted.

at this level,” she says. “Some days are

“It’s not just my history. It’s my family’s

is to represent the people from back home

history,” she says. “It’s an honor to wake-up

She connected with a former colleague she

interned with at the White House to learn more about being an advance associate,

culture. There’s still not that many of us difficult, but the honor and privilege that it keeps me motivated.”

history, my community’s history, El Paso’s every morning and know I’m representing

my ancestors but also the future, like the youth behind me.”

which later turned into her current job

Her boss is also extremely motivating.

proving herself.

“The Vice President recently said during

Editor’s note: The opinions and anecdotes

your ancestors’ wildest dreams,’ and that’s

experiences of Crystal Saavedra.

position following more than six months of

Hispanic Heritage Month ‘You are living

something I really take to heart. While a lot of

expressed in this editorial are the personal 41

Save the Date

BEST OF 2023

JANUARY TH 13 , 2024 A NIGHT IN VERSAILLES

E L PA SO COUNTY COLISEUM 4100 E PAISANO DR. EL PASO, TX 79905

FOLLOW US

for up-to-date information The City Magazine El Paso thecityelpaso

Profiles

Outstanding El Pasoans Outstanding El Pasoans can be found throughout the region, and are the lifeblood of local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and more. This month, we’re showcasing El Pasoans whose love of the community drives their mission and vision to provide top notch access across different industries from legal services and real estate needs, to interior design and cardiovascular care, and beyond.

Griffin Law Firm

1123 E Rio Grande Ave, El Paso, TX 79902 (915)-562-HELP bankruptcy4elpaso.com GriffinlawEP

GriffinlawEP

44 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Griffin Law Firm

1123 E Rio Grande Ave, El Paso, TX 79902 (915)-562-HELP bankruptcy4elpaso.com GriffinlawEP

GriffinlawEP

What do you specialize in?

I am an Attorney and specialize in Bankruptcy.

I work with my clients to give them peace of mind and a fresh start.

When and why did your business open?

I have been an Attorney for 13 years. My career has been dedicated to representing El Pasoans in bankruptcy proceedings in order to give them relief.

Why should readers turn to you for their needs?

I am always looking to improve my clients’ situation. We provide legal help with no judgment attached. I truly believe everyone deserves a fresh start.

What are the best parts of your job?

It brings me great joy to know that with a conversation I have the potential to change the outcome of someone’s day. Helping a client recognize that what may feel irreparable actually has a solution is extremely fulfilling.

I pride myself in being the kind of Attorney who is approachable and works hard to make clients comfortable when speaking with me. It’s important for me to show my clients that I care and am happy to help them in any way that I can.

Why do you serve El Paso?

I was born and raised in El Paso. I am raising my kids here. This is my home, my city, my family.

We have to take care of our own.

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 45

Maria Elena De Benedetti Zunino, MD, FACC El Paso Heart Center - Providence Medical Partners West Office: 1575 N Resler, Suite D, El Paso, 79912 East Office: 1139 Caper Rd, El Paso, 79925 Appointments: (915) 271-4652 46 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

Maria Elena De Benedetti Zunino, MD, FACC El Paso Heart Center - Providence Medical Partners

West Office: 1575 N Resler, Suite D, El Paso, 79912 East Office: 1139 Caper Rd, El Paso, 79925 Appointments: (915) 271-4652 What do you specialize in?

I am an Invasive cardiologist with a subspecialty in device implantation. Our office offers comprehensive cardiac care delivered with compassion.

When and why did your business open?

I was born in Peru, grew up in Italy and completed my medical training in New York City and Michigan. I came to El Paso six years ago and fell in love with this community.

Photographe provided by Maria Elena De Benedetti Zunino, MD, FACC

Why should readers turn to you for their needs?

We strive to provide patient-centered comprehensive cardiac care based on the latest clinical evidence where patients come first – always.

What are the best parts of your job?

I feel blessed to wake up everyday and take care of my patients.

We, as doctors, are able to touch patients’ lives in a very unique way. Patients trust us to make the best decisions on their behalf, and that is a very big responsibility.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 47

718 Myrtle Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79901 915-444-5351 gabrielsperezlaw.com Law Office of Gabriel S. Perez, PLLC

What type of law do you specialize in?

I am a trial lawyer with extensive experience in both civil and criminal matters. I have handled jury trials from the Justice of the Peace up to the federal courts.

Why do you love practicing in El Paso?

The citizens of this great city -- and helping them -- gets me out of bed each morning. My parents taught me the value of hard work and that true success is helping those who are less fortunate. I have tried to help those who need it the most.

48 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

What distinguishes you as a lawyer / law firm?

I have successfully handled cases from the trial level all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. I have submitted briefs on three separate matters before the United States Supreme Court and appeared twice. Not many attorneys in Texas can claim this same accomplishment.

Why should readers turn to you / your practice for legal services?

I am licensed in Texas and New Mexico, so I am able to handle matters that may span across the various counties here in the Southwest. I pride myself in always being available for my clients.

I speak to all of my clients and will do all I can to answer any questions that they have during the litigation process.

Photographed by: JAMIAH DANCIL

Laura Carrillo Designs For more than 30 years, Laura Carrillo has been a name synonymous with elegance and style.

Her floral designs and impeccable taste in home decor have made her a fixture in many of the border area’s most beautiful homes. She grew up in her sister city of Ciudad Juarez and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Tecnologico de Juarez shortly after giving birth to her first child.

As a newlywed to Mr. Abiel Carrillo, she discovered a real talent in playing tennis. During much of her first 15 years of marriage, Laura Carrillo dedicated herself to being one of the few 5.0 tennis players in the area and held the title of state champion in her native Chihuahua.

She mentions that she met many of her good friends in El Paso through tennis tournaments and friendly games. Now, holding her title as one of the most exclusive designers and decorators here in the state of Texas, she says that many people remember her from playing tennis matches against her.

Photographed by: ANOTHA CREATIVE

Although she has been passionate about tennis for a long time, there is only one thing now that occupies her mind: beautiful designs and her family.

Many people have witnessed the work that Laura Carrillo has done in weddings, homes, businesses, and silk florals, but few realize how passionate she is about her work. Driving for excellence is one quality that makes Laura Carrillo different from the rest, but the real quality is in the great services and exciting ideas she brings to her clients.

Laura Carrillo Designs

2137 E. Mills El Paso, Texas 79901 (915) 581-1877

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 49

Nicole Schiff, Executive Director Paso del Norte Center of Hope What do you specialize in?

Victim services for human trafficking (sex and labor) and child exploitation victims. We provide case management, emergency shelter, advocacy, rental assistance, and food and clothing.

What sets you apart as a woman in business?

I believe I have a true passion for the cause. That I have found my calling. I work every day to be mission-driven and spread awareness of Human Trafficking and how it impacts our region.

Why should readers turn to you for their needs?

Human Trafficking can impact anyone, any age, race, religion, or ethnicity. The Center of Hope trains our community on the warning signs and risk factors and how to report any potential trafficking.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job and serving the community?

Seeing our clients move from a crisis situation to a thriving survivor. Seeing them be able to overcome and thrive despite all they have been put through is the most rewarding aspect of my job.

(915) 503-8008 pdncoh.org 4409 Dyer Street El Paso, TX 79930-6734 pdncenterofhope pdncenterofhope Paso del Norte Center of Hope

50 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: SERGIO OLIVAS

12247 Rojas Dr. El Paso, TX 79936 (915) 855-1110 clearviewep.com

Blessed to be your No. 1 Choice From our family to yours, thank you, for trusting ClearView Realty as your #1 real estate company

Photographed provided by Clearview Realty

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 51

CINDY STOUT

CEO, El Paso Children’s Hospital

FIND A BETTER PRIMARY CARE EXPERIENCE

Our mission is to provide Xavier J Muñoz D.O. to get started, call 1.866.358.0722 or go to mdvip.com

life-changing, personalized, preventive

care so members can lead healthier and more vibrant lives.

November 2023

The Glamour in Giving Back | By: ERIN COULEHAN Editorial photography by: JORDAN LICON Styled by: CHAZ WILSON Assisted by: KATHERINE KOCIAN |

54

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023

T

he generosity of one woman in

El Paso is leading to the improvement, inspiration, and excitement of all those

in her orbit. Her combination of glamor,

grace, and giving to good causes is evident in the most minute of interactions.

It’s the day of our photoshoot at Rail Yard Studios and she arrives in style: a bedazzled cowgirl hat in her hand, a velvety soft pale

pink suede coat hanging delicately from

a hanger, and lots of sparkly jewelry. Frank Sinatra is crooning somewhere from a

speaker, and the room is filled with light,

positivity, and overall sense of contentment.

This is why she is so good at what she does, she’s authentic and glamorous.

Teresita G. Corral is an entrepreneur and philanthropist inspired by her love of the

arts and humanities to promote both progress and legacy. She was Miss New

Mexico 1994 and recipient of the Dona Ana Arts Council 2016 Community Arts Award

Papen Family Award. Her work specializes

Association

of

Hispanic

American

Physicians), the March of Dimes, Centro

Mujeres, the El Paso Film Festival, the Catholic Diocese and El Paso Pro Musica,” says Corral.

Corral is the founder of Losita Productions, LLC,

which

dedicates

itself

to

the

entertainment industry through regional concert promotions and productions.

A lifelong love of music and live

performances led her to form the company, bringing in renowned artists

like Argentine composer Raul Di Blasio, singer

Carlos

Cuevas,

opera

singer

Barbara Padilla, Pitbull, Gypsy Kings, Chris Botti, Little Joe, and more.

“I have the privilege of bringing people together for a good cause, providing entertainment that brings joy, and raising funds for important initiatives.

It’s a rewarding and fulfilling career that

combines creativity with a sense of purpose,” she explains.

in entertainment and concert promotion, as

The experience of live music is intimate

efforts, and she’s been instrumental to

reasons that keep music lovers coming

well as local, regional, and global fundraising

philanthropic efforts for more than 20 years.

“I initially started with fundraising in 2000 with the American Cancer Society of El

Paso, becoming Chairman for the ‘Polo With A Purpose’ event to raise funds for cancer

research,” she says. “ We were able to raise funds by bringing in artists annually, like

and deeply personal for a multitude of back for more.

The beat of percussion that matches a heartbeat.

The pluck of a harp that pulls on the heartstrings.

Tommy Lee Jones and his team, to play the

The wail of a saxophone that sounds like

It didn’t take Corral and her team long to

Live music has the power to evoke strong

anticipated (and successful) of the year.

and artists by creating a shared experience

Polo event.”

transform the event into one of the most

“The American Cancer Society committee

and I grew the event from 400 to 2000

attendees over a span of four years. This led me to help other organizations to raise funds such as the SWAHAP (Southwest www.thecitymagazineelp.com

love itself.

feelings and connect audience members of joy, excitement, nostalgia, or catharsis that appeals to a multitude of senses.

Beyond

the

musical

experience,

live music engages through visual spectacles on stage, the palpable feeling of soundwaves reverberating

55

November 2023

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023

The Glamour in Giving Back through the body, and the overall experience

Corral’s talents are now going global while

This is an arena in which Corral excels.

“I recently started a new global non-profit

“The best part of my job as an entertainment

she says. “The non-profit is dedicated to

to create memories.

and fundraising event professional is the ability to create memorable experiences

while making a positive impact on the community of El Paso,” says Corral.

also preserving history.

organization, Save Teotihuacan Enterprise,”

raising funds for the restoration of the Teotihuacan Pyramids, which are a world-

renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site,” she continues.

Losita Productions is flourishing because of

The Save Teotihuacan Enterprise, Corral

unique approach to creating memorable events.

Institute of Archeology and History Museum

Corral’s years of expertise, dedication, and

“With a proven track record through Losita Productions, and a deep understanding of

the local El Paso community, I have had

explains, is a joint venture with the National Foundation in Mexico City; and she currently

serves as the U.S. representative for the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia Foundation.

the ability to create engaging experiences

“My

she says.

that I undertake, ensuring that people can

that leave a lasting impact on El Pasoans,”

passion

for

fundraising

and

entertainment is evident with every project

My passion for fundraising and entertainment is evident with every project that I undertake, ensuring that people can trust me to deliver exceptional results, even when it comes to a literal monumental project. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

57

The Glamour in Giving Back

November 2023

I serve El Paso because it allows me to see the direct results of my efforts, knowing that I have contributed to both the enjoyment of others and the betterment of my community of El Paso.

58

trust me to deliver exceptional results,” says Corral, even when it comes to a literal monumental project.

The civilization of Teotihuacan, which thrived between the 1st

and 7th centuries A.D., was one of the largest and most influential

cultural and economic centers in ancient Mesoamerica. Its origins

Beautiful & Unique

Holiday Shop Custom Wreathes and Centerpieces

and the ethnic identity of its inhabitants remain a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists.

The Teotihuacan pyramids refer to the ancient Mesoamerican city

of Teotihuacan, located in the Basin of Mexico, about 30 miles

northeast of modern-day Mexico City. Teotihuacan is renowned for

its impressive pyramids, massive structures, and its historical and cultural significance in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.

The site continues to attract visitors and scholars from around the globe, providing a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and architectural achievements of Mesoamerica.

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For now, Corral is looking forward to continuing to create glamorous events that also give back.

“I serve El Paso because it allows me to see the direct results of my efforts,” she says, “knowing that I have contributed to both the enjoyment of others and the betterment of my community of El Paso.”

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

(915) 584-4508 AnnieMosHolidayShop.com AnnieMo@AnnieMosHolidayShop.com 59

November 2023

CALENDAR Locally Owned & The most up-to-date calendar in El Paso

POST YOUR EVENT ON OUR CALENDAR!

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learn more at:

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Contact Mari VanPelt at mari@thecitymagazineelp.com

thecitymagazineelp.com/calendar 915.217.0723

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November 2023

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KASTL LAW, P.C.

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kastllawpc 61

The

November 2023

Connecting Link | By: STEPHANIE AMERENA photography by: SERGIO OLIVAS |

62

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023

W

hen peace of mind and financial security seems like an unrealistic

luxury, there is a glimmer of hope that catches the eye in the form

of a Bird’s of Paradise. This is the symbol for

El Paso’s Operation H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Endure.)

H.O.P.E. is a 501(c) (3) Non-Profit organization

established in November 2009, but founder

Angel Gomez has been doing this line of generous work since 1995.

Using

the

funds

from

his

business

Specialized Safety Training, Gomez was able to have his first turkey giveaway that Thanksgiving.

“It wasn’t much, but to me, I was in heaven

giving away 25 turkeys,” he says. Not stopping at 25 turkeys, the donations and

contributions to El Paso grew and evolved into what Operation H.O.P.E. became.

During what seemed like the worst time in

recent memory, Operation H.O.P.E. took on the difficult task of being there to provide

Wonder Woman, she brings smiles and laughter to kids in and out of hospitals.

funds and organization for the extensive

While Operation H.O.P.E. is a family

Mart shooting and continued during the

months, Gomez was able to get into

amount of funerals needed after the WalCOVID-19 pandemic.

Even now, the organization is often contacted

by the hospitals when new parents receive the worst news they could imagine.

“Knowing how difficult the last few years have been, we are doing whatever we can for the people in our community. Lending a

helping hand wherever we can,” says Gomez.

With the organization being a family operation,

operation, over the last five to six contact with two other individuals

with the same goal of giving back to

their community: Dr. Marco Gonzalez and Cesar Ornelas.

Dr. Gonzalez is a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Cesar Ornelas is an attorney with his own personal injury and wrongful death law firm.

his wife Patsy trained to not only be a grief

Each with their own businesses

ordained pastor to help the many who couldn’t

this trio joined forces to

counselor to the families but also became an afford to pay one for the funerals.

Gomez’s daughter Ruby is a part of Operation

with

their

own

success,

contribute to the community that has given them so much.

H.O.P.E.’s Heroes League. Dressing up like www.thecitymagazineelp.com

63

The Connecting Link The trio elaborated on the ways that

need to Operation H.O.P.E, anyone can

charitable works through food giveaways,

and requests – and this is not limited to the

Operation

H.O.P.E.

is

continuing

its

backpack/school supply giveaways, and medical supply donations.

Not wanting to stop the Thanksgiving

giveaways, this year the organization

contact them directly with different stories city limits of El Paso.

Anyone can reach out; even those across the border.

will be giving away 1000 turkeys. Not

“We are not limited to El Paso. Wherever

also contributes to individual families

forward,” says Dr. Gonzalez.

stopping there, Operation H.O.P.E. directly. Onrelas explains that the

organization provides around $3,000 to families in need.

“This way they can focus on their children getting better

there is a child that needs help we move

While many requests for help come from El Paso, Operation H.O.P.E. has reached places like Deming, Silver City, Las Cruces, and Phoenix.

and use that money towards

“To see what area we can help with,” says

means,” he said.

children need. For instance, when children

utility bills or other housing

While

hospitals

and

other

organizations refer people in

64

November 2023

Dr. Gonzalez “we need to evaluate what the

who have traumatic injuries, congenital injuries, and don’t have access to a proper doctor or even insurance.”

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

One case that Operation H.O.P.E. is currently

in the process of helping is of a young boy who needs facial reconstructive surgery

On October 10th, Operation H.O.P.E. provided this equipment and treatment to that child.

after a traumatic dog attack. Dr. Gonzalez

Since Operation H.O.P.E.s is a local non-profit

evaluating his medical records to review the

directly to the events they host and to the

explains that in this case, they are retreatment that he underwent and to see how they can help.

The most recent miracle occurred as recently as last month when they were referred to a

mother in need whose six-month-old baby

and 100 percent volunteer, all donations go people they assist.

El Pasoans, who are able to help, are

invited to donate their time or funds to the organization.

has plagiocephaly and requires a special

With no set plan for the future, other than

comes with a price tag around $2500, which

solve problems as they present themselves.

cranial remodeling helmet. A helmet like that is an impossible medical purchase for many.

Once Operation H.O.P.E. heard of the family’s struggle, the trio knew they had to help.

“We are there to be a connecting link between the problem and the solution,” explains Gomez.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

extending their reach, Operation H.O.P.E. helps

“As long as God keeps blessing us with

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rack One has always been a machine powered by many families, in both the front and back of the house! Here, we feature Jamie Rodriguez, who cooks up your evening meals, alongside his brother Eric, who has a gift for creating sweets now featured at Track One. 66

Beatriz Garcia Quezada, former bartender, has returned after 20 years to manage the front of the house. Her niece, Celeste Garcia, stepped into Bea’s previous role as bartender. Baby Aleda, whose parents are Celeste and Jamie, could perhaps one day be featured as another generation of Track One team members, so long as it continues to roll on down the track!

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October 2023 November 2023

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671

The Rhythm of

November 2023

Activism | By: FERNANDO ANTONIO MONTEJANO |

68

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023

A

t the time of writing this story, I’ve lived

I mention this story because since that

Roberto Santos of Rap Seminar, Richie has

six months. My work is in writing so,

alongside the current Project Director of

entirely his own.

in my hometown of El Paso for only naturally, before moving back home, I looked online for opportunities or

spaces where I might find more writers and performers. One of the very first things that popped up when I searched ‘poetry’ and ‘El

Paso, TX’ was The Barbed Wire Open Mic

Series, and if you Google it right now, you’ll see that I’m no liar.

meeting, I’ve been lucky enough to work The Barbed Wire Open Mic Series, Richie D.

transformed the open mic into something

Marrufo. In these six months, I have smiled

When you come out to one of the shows,

me the exact same story about how they

microphone and a small speaker. The

wider and wider every time someone tells

Googled those same words and found us,

wherever we happened to be that week, just before stepping onto the Barbed Wire stage for the first time.

you’ll notice that the stage isn’t just a single stage is adorned with professional sound

equipment, carefully planned lighting setups, and high definition recording devices to capture the performers in all their glory.

I took the time to find out who ran the open

Marrufo welcomed me into the fold in May

What makes this particularly special?

I’d be coming into town permanently and

people who step out to showcase their talents.

Marrufo pays for all of the equipment

community of artists. He emailed me back

Every week, we have the opportunity to listen

artists for free.

weekend I arrived in town. From there, I got

one of the biggest reasons for that. He didn’t

Multiple nights a week, the Barbed Wire Open

according to one of the former founders,

all kinds to showcase their art free of charge.

mic and reached out, letting him know really wanted to connect with the local and let me set a meeting with him the first to join my first open mic.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

2023 and I have been wowed by the amount of

to more people tell their story and Marrufo is start the Barbed Wire Open Mic Series, but

himself and offers this as a service to local

Mic Series stage is open for performers of

69

The Rhy thm of Activism Anyone can ask Marrufo for the photos

climate change. He’s even a member of

he records, and he will give it to them

‘Los Visionarios’ that was composed of

taken at the show or the video and audio completely free of charge. The craziest

part of all this is that Richie’s work doesn’t end at the Barbed Wire Open Mic Series,

Marrufo’s life in the open mic world is just the tip of the iceberg.

Some newcomers to the Barbed Wire scene, and even some folks who may

only know Marrufo through the open mic, might not know that he isn’t just a joyous

and welcoming emcee, he’s also: a rhythm poet, a jazz saxophonist, an English professor at EPCC, an event coordinator, a light and sound tech, a filmmaker

and editor, and he’s collaborated with

some of the biggest artists, authors and performers in El Paso.

He not only collaborates for concerts

and art galleries, but also helps bring light to social issues like cartel violence and

70

November 2023

an old but well known art collective called

multiple influential artists including Diego

Robot, whose art was showcased at many

Barbed Wire Open Mic Series shows on a case for Marrufo’s sound mixer.

“I can honestly say that Richie is probably

the only person that works harder than me in the scene, I don’t say that to be

cocky.” Diego Robot continued, “I’m a full time artist, that’s all I do, right? He still manages to stay busier than me AND he

has a full time job. He’s a talented writer,

he knows how to connect with people, he’s a positive energy.”

Marrufo even has a prominent presence

in El Paso’s Jazz scene, not just as a regular host for shows held by the Jazz

Exchange, an organization working to

make Jazz more accessible to the public, but also on stage. He performs regularly

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

G

November 2023 with incredible local Jazz musicians like Billy

Gomez said that even in their time as

Candice and Abel Reyes. Although Marrufo

supporting causes however he could.

Townes and founders of the Jazz Exchange, doesn’t play his saxophone at the moment,

he performs using his words. Speaking with the band as the two play off of each other.

During the day things are a bit different.

Marrufo is an English professor at EPCC – and not a regular English professor at that.

I had the opportunity to speak with Jorge

Gomez, a fellow English professor at EPCC who not only teaches with Marrufo, but has

also been a friend of his since the two were in undergrad together.

students together, Marrufo was always

as a way to join in solidarity with causes

affecting the border community. One of the bigger events they took on, that Marrufo

again agreed to be a part of, was a rally to

speak about cartel violence in 2011. Gomez

said that Marrufo was not just instrumental in playing a part, but also in connecting more

people with renowned Mexican poet Javier

special because there is a greater number

of students who don’t speak English coming

over from Juarez. Marrufo and Gomez team

does, and the world of activists fighting for

causes is heavy. Marrufo did the work for as long as he could while he was younger, and although the intensity of his work has lessened, the passion remains.

which ultimately helps more students

after that I fully committed to the Barbed

entry to the college world.

Using both online courses as well as lab

honestly burned me out. It wasn’t too long

Wire Open Mic Series, and made my activism about supporting artists and performers to tell their stories,” he says.

work, students with fewer resources, and

In all my time getting to know him, one thing

their English skills, can try this option. Gomez

the people.

those who might need a fast track through noted that he teaches the online portion and

has been clear from the start: he works for

Marrufo leads the in-person labs, giving the

Whether it’s hosting activist events, working

with the material, as well as with Marrufo in

with fewer resources, or teaming up with

students time both on their own to connect the actual classroom.

“It’s a tough learning curve; you’re doing two years of work in one semester,” says Gomez.

Many people may not see it or know it, but Marrufo’s work is filled with activism.

Tune in and listen to

Marrufo holds activism in everything he

“The activism was so emotionally draining, it

succeed through what is typically a tough

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Gomez says that the Rio Grande Campus is

N

modeled after Doctors Without Borders,

one to bring life to a room because of his

The work that the two do together is crucial.

TIO

a group called Miners Without Borders,

“One thing about Richie is the connection

warm personality.”

B E ST R A D I O STA

In the early 2010s, Gomez put together

“Richie is one to always keep it cosmic,”

Gomez said as he chuckled, “He’s always

WINNE R LD O

to make college a little easier for students organizations like the Jazz Exchange to make art more accessible to the people, you

know Marrufo will be there; putting every last ounce of energy he has into supporting the

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city he loves.

Listen online at hitfmradio.com 71

November 2023

72

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November 2023

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73

November 2023

Helping Hands Feeding Hope | By: ERIN COULEHAN photos courtesy of: CHEREE COLEMAN |

74

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

T

he generosity of children is a heart-

“He could read the word ‘food’ and asked

Together, the mother and son team as well

nature that can be witnessed through

on his sign?” says Cheree and explained

helping to address hunger in one of the

warming and inspiring aspect of human

acts of kindness and giving that remind adults

of mankind’s shared humanity. The empathy, innocence,

and

straightforwardness

of

children often leads to the desire to help and

support others in need, and it can be found

on the streets of El Paso from the heart of a thoughtful young man.

Bookie and Mommy’s Helping Hand is a

‘Why does the man always have that written homelessness to her son.

“Then he asked ‘Can we bring him home and give him something to eat?’” she recalls.

The two compromised and decided to bring the man a homemade plate of food, which

catapulted the work they continue to do today.

nonprofit organization founded during the

Bookie

Coleman and his mom, Cheree, when the

spray, and other items to essential workers

COVID-19 pandemic by Wilbur “Bookie” former was in kindergarten.

Cheree says Bookie noticed a man who is

homeless holding a sign that asked for help, then Bookie began to ask questions.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

and

distributed

Mommy’s

hand

Helping

sanitizer,

Hand

disinfectant

during the pandemic while also providing meals to people without homes.

“He’s so caring and can pick-up on little things,” says Cheree of Bookie.

as volunteers from the community are most vulnerable populations.

Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted

issue that affects communities across

the United States. In El Paso, like in many other cities, homelessness is influenced

by a variety of factors, including economic conditions, access to affordable housing,

mental health issues, substance abuse, and more. To address this issue, local government agencies,

non-profit

organizations,

and

community groups have been working

together to provide services and support for people experiencing homelessness.

Cheree made a goal in 2021 to not throw away any food by opting to prepare and

75

Helping Hands Feeding Hope

November 2023

distribute leftovers to those in need every

Sunday, a weekly event they called “This is not your last supper.”

“At first it was about 10 plates, then grew from 25 to 30,” she says. “Now we’re up to about 200 plates on Sundays. Then we go out again on Wednesdays.”

Now

at

9-years

thoughtful,

old,

considerate,

Bookie and

remains

generous

while he and Cheree invite the community

to help in their mission. Currently, they’re raising funds for a van to streamline the meal distribution on Sundays and Wednesdays.

“I make so many trips to and from home,”

she says. “All you can see is Bookie’s head amid stacks of plates and clothes to be given out.”

This month, Bookie and Mommy’s Helping

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Thanksgiving dinner, then planning for

The helping hands are not only feeding

other necessities.

appetite for connection while also dispelling

holiday meal preparation and distribution of

“From toothpaste and soap, to socks and belts, sleeping bags, and chapsticks, my house is full of things we’re going to give out during the holidays,” she says.

physical hunger, but also helping to satiate an stigma surrounding homelessness.

“Everyone we feed is still a child of God; they’re still people,” says Cheree.

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November 2023

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November 2023

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November 2023

Inside the Efforts to Overcome Obesity | By: NICO SILVA photos courtesy of: CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPACT |

80

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023

L

eah Whigham, PhD, FTOS is the founding

so many other chronic diseases. After

(individual,

Health Impact (CCHI) and Associate

Scientist at a Human Nutrition Research

has three overlapping functional cores of

director of the Center for Community

Professor of Health Promotion and Behavioral

Sciences with The University of Texas Health

Science Center at Houston School of Public

Health in El Paso. Dr. Whigham has over 25 years of experience in obesity research.

The City Magazine

Thank you for your impact and work,

Dr. Could you tell us about your story of getting into the health sciences

and ultimately what led you to your current role?

Leah Whigham

postdoctoral training, I worked as a Lead

Center with the United States Department

of Agriculture leading basic and clinical research studies. During this time, I was

Weight Clinic, a part of UTHealth Houston.

skills as a scientist on a much larger scale, driving greater impact. I established the center about 10 years ago.

find a way to apply them to improve health.

I explored different career options which led me to complete my Ph.D. at the University of

Wisconsin-Madison in Nutritional Sciences

where I studied nutritional immunology.

Following graduate school, I shifted my focus to obesity because it is the chronic disease

that affects the most people and underlies www.thecitymagazineelp.com

management for patients in El Paso. In

current and future healthcare professionals.

We provide information and classes to both

Our Center uses a community-driven, community

to provide much needed clinical obesity

options for patients. We also offer training for

for Community Health Impact?

Our

This state-of-the-art clinic is allowing us

research trials which opens new treatment

Can you tell us more about the Center

health.

been to open the El Paso Nutrition & Healthy

addition, we have the capacity to run clinical

TCM

science-informed approach to improve

I loved the basic sciences, but I wanted to

Advocacy, and Implementation & Evaluation.

was excited by the opportunity to apply my

the opportunity to do research in a university biochemistry for my undergraduate degree.

expertise: Translational Research, Policy &

One of our most recent developments has

Paso that would address obesity regionally. I

LW

lab in my hometown. That led me to major in

organizational,

recruited to establish a research center in El

I first became interested in being a scientist when I was a high school student and had

interpersonal,

community, regional, policy). Our team

partners

are

essential to our work. We start by listening to what our community partners tell us is

needed in the five key areas where we work:

obesity management in primary care clinics,

regional food systems, healthy schools, workplace wellness, and built environment.

Then, we unite the work of partners, bringing

the best science to enhance their strategies

and solve complex problems at different

levels of the social ecological environment

patients and the general public to support

healthy lifestyles, including our Sabrosa Vida

culinary

arts

nutrition

program;

Acceptance Based Behavioral Therapy (for

adolescents and adults); and our Healthy Celebrations interactive program. This clinic

is a resource for the community, designed with the intention to serve patients with

obesity in an atmosphere where they are

respected and know that they are receiving the best care, information, and resources

possible. Our team collectively has over 60 years of experience in the fields of nutrition

and obesity. Our goal is that no person with 81

Inside the Efforts to Overcome Obesit y excess weight will be left without support

when they are ready to address their weight from a clinical perspective.

TCM

2) The In-store Programming and Outreach

practice on the US-Mexico border that

coordinate

delivery

of

including

nutrition

education,

What have you seen in your research would benefit readers to know?

TCM

November 2023

Coalition, a collection of partners who programs

and

outreach services in local grocery stores,

health

Why is obesity of interest to our region?

LW

LW

a beautiful community with a rich culture. I

3) Addressing the “SNAP gap” using surveys

our region being unhealthy because of

ensure community members who qualify

Prevalence of obesity in the United States

and in the El Paso region has increased considerably over the years. Obesity is associated with several other serious diseases

such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, hypertension, stroke, cancer, and more. The

El Paso region has a predominantly Hispanic/ Latino population, which has disproportionately

higher prevalence of obesity and associated health

conditions.

Addressing

obesity

scientifically can help reverse or delay the onset of these serious conditions.

TCM

Weight and nutrition can be

controversial or tense topics. What can you tell us about the current state of obesity science?

LW

Obesity is a chronic disease – a dysregulation

As readers from our region know, we live in

often hear people make comments about Mexican food, but two aspects of that are not true: our region is not as unhealthy

as perceived (there are many aspects of

health in which we are much stronger than similar communities) and Mexican food can be central to a very healthy lifestyle.

As an example, we have an online nutrition

program called Small Changes that helps

people design their own meal plan for weight loss. This program includes many

traditional Mexican foods popular in this

region including menudo, chilaquiles, caldo de res, milanesa, enchiladas, and burritos,

screenings, and SNAP and WIC enrollment

and other strategies to understand how to

for federal food assistance through SNAP

have the support they need to enroll in the

program. Further partnerships in this area with Texas A&M AgriLife, La Semilla Food Center,

Desert Spoon Food Hub, and other partners across Texas and New Mexico have led to

the establishment of the new Rio Grande Colonias Regional Food Business Center with a $30 million grant from the USDA. This

new resource in our community is working to strengthen food supply chains which will further improve access to nutritious food.

as well as options from locally-owned and

TCM

should – be part of a healthy diet because

failures, or things that didn’t go as

national restaurants. These foods can – and

our culture and our social networks are very important to our overall health.

On a personal note, any setbacks,

planned that you have learned from as a person and professional?

of how calories are stored in the body. Despite

TCM

LW

is not a lack of will power or laziness. In fact,

global and local health issue. Could

we all face setbacks in our professional

prevalent perspectives in our society, obesity obesity is not caused by food or sedentary

lifestyle. Obesity is caused by one or more

internal biological factors that lead to the body storing more calories than it needs. However,

Food and nutrition security is a major you speak about what you and your

collaborators have done to address or study the issue locally?

to treat this chronic disease, nutrition and

LW

and management of co-existing diseases (e.g.,

project, we convened community partners

physical activity, along with clinical treatment diabetes, hypertension, etc.) are essential. So,

having excess body weight is not the fault of the individual, but the individual does have

agency to address it through diet, lifestyle

changes (including exercise, behavioral, and psychological tools) and clinical tools (e.g.,

medications, surgery, and treatment for

Following a comprehensive assessment

interested in working to increase access to healthy, affordable food. We shared our

findings and brainstormed about solutions to address challenges related to healthy

food access. The priorities that came from the summit have led to three great initiatives:

conditions that may contribute to excess body

1) The El Paso County Healthy Food Financing

how we think and talk about obesity because

that supports projects that increase access

fat). It is essential for us as a society to change weight stigma only makes the problem worse.

82

Initiative, an economic development strategy

I have learned so much! Most importantly, and personal lives. Developing emotional

intelligence and resilience is, overall, more

important than any professional or technical skills one develops. By following my passion

and surrounding myself with good-hearted

people with similar passions, I have been able to recover from all of those setbacks

over the years. I’m so grateful to be working in such a supportive community with people who care so deeply about making this world a better place!

TCM

As transportation and other issues can

hinder accessibility, where can you refer patients who need evidence-based obesity and dietitian care?

to healthy, affordable food.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023 LW

Anyone in need of obesity care can call

our clinic and we will help find them the support that best fits their needs.

TCM

If people want to receive services from the Clinic or learn more about your center, what can they do?

LW

The El Paso Nutrition and Healthy Weight

Clinic, part of UTHealth Houston, is open

and located at: 5130 Gateway Blvd East, Suite 110, El Paso, Texas 79905

For more information, patient appointments, and provider referrals and training call

915-975-8527 or email Erica.Martinez@ uth.tmc.edu

To learn more about our center’s work and our amazing team, please visit our website at www.communityhealthimpact.org

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

83

November 2023

| By: STEPHANIE AMERENA photos courtesy of: GUARDIANS OF THE CHILDREN |

84

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November 2023

I

f someone were to ask you to describe a biker, many would jump to Mongols or

Bandidos, or maybe even describe an

more than ride motorcycles.

episode of Sons of Anarchy. However,

Every new member, whether they want to be

the marvelous deeds and support of one

must go through similar training, clear a

despite the rough-and-tumble perception,

biker group radiates through the community – especially in the eyes of the children they help.

The

Guardians

of

the

Children

organization is a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who use

motorcycles as tools to help children

who have overcome child abuse,

a support member or a potential prospect,

background check, and be active within Guardians of the Children for a year before

they can wear the patch of a Guardian. All

of this is done to ensure a safe environment for children. Every member has a life outside

the Guardians of the Children, but they still

volunteer for the mission to help children, teenagers – the voiceless.

ages 0-17, become strong, confident,

The Guardians of the Children meet on the

Children was established in 2006, but

members, potential members, and members

and courageous. Guardians of the the Sun City branch set down its roots in El

Paso in 2015. To keep the anonymity of the

members, everyone is referred to by their alias or “road name.”

One of the founding members, or “Founding Five,” called Tools, explained it took two

“We did have some massive hurdles,” he

said. “We did two years of training with another organization prior to becoming Guardians of the Children.”

When asked why he and the other Founding

Five put so much time and effort into building this group in El Paso, Tools

expressed,

“My

drive

second Friday of every month for current of the public who are interested in the group

to learn about the current status of the organization, as well as find out about the upcoming events Guardians of the Children

are a part of or hosting. Every meeting

begins with the Pledge of Allegiance and the recitation of their motto and creed, ending with the phrase, “Don’t let your silence

years to establish the organization.

to

get the Guardians of the Children established and to where it is now

was my children. I wasn’t able to do

anything for my kids, but I can damn sure do something for the rest of these kids.”

drown out their cries.”

Guardians of the Children also has a program called “Lil’ Guardians.”

This is where members of the Guardians

can “adopt” survivors of child abuse. Lil’ Guardians are assigned two Guardian members as points of contact. The Lil’

Guardian can contact the point of contact for support or if they feel unsafe. If the Lil’

Guardians who have to appear in court, they are accompanied by their points of contact

and other members of Guardians of the Children to provide support during what could be an unbearable experience.

With their working relationship with

“We go through specific training in order to

and the courts, Guardians of the

We don’t show our emotions in court, but we rely

El Paso’s Child Protective Service

Children strives to ensure they

are not mistaken for a vigilante group and that every Guardian www.thecitymagazineelp.com

understands that it is a group that does

make sure that we’re there to empower the kid.

heavily on our brothers and sisters afterwards,” said Doc, the current Vice President of the Sun City Guardians of the Children.

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Guardians of the Children Ride with Purpose

November 2023

Taking preventative actions as well, the

Sunflower, who is a Guardian and a mother

Sergeant at Arms, Rigs, who has been

and child abuse awareness presentations in

group from a coworker in 2018. Within a

Guardians are an answer to a prayer.” He also

Guardians of the Children give anti-bullying schools and other events, driving the point of, “You see something, say something.”

“Our mission itself is to help kids, to empower them, and help bring them up to

be better adults than what they’ve known.

To turn them from victims to victors,” said Ewok, the current president, who is also a

of a Lil’ Guardian, became aware of the

year after her daughter was adopted as a Lil Guardian, Sunflower also wanted to be a part

of the Guardians. She got herself a bike to

give her daughter rides to the meetings and to be a point of contact. It soon became a family pursuit when her husband and older daughter joined.

Founding Five.

“Now our family is closer. Now she is

Despite having the strength of stoicism,

opened the door to the world again for her

every member has dealt with and/or

fully understands the long-term effects

that child abuse can have; whether it’s

thriving,” said Sunflower. “This group has

because humanity, for her, failed her. It’s a second family for us.”

a Guardian since 2020 said, “To me, the elaborated that the Guardian of the Children’s

mission doesn’t end when the court case

does: the Guardians are there for their Lils until they turn 18 and even beyond that.

“We let them know they’re not alone,” said

Rigs. “It can be just five minutes where we give them some pizza and ice cream to get

their mind off what they’re going through.

That’s what we’re here for.”

If the Lils are still with the group after their 18 th birthday, the Lils are presented with a

directly or indirectly.

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November 2023

choice. They can either leave the Guardians of the Children and move on with their lives

in a different direction, or they can stay in

that meeting that she bought a bike and started training to be a point of contact.

the group and become an official patched

“This organization has just taught me so

celebrated, it is bittersweet due to the

system is,” Flex explained. “I think this

Guardian. While the patch ceremony is

unfortunate reality that the need for

Guardians exists, but many Lils who stay

become that support for any child who had fallen victim to abuse like they had.

Thid, who has been with the Guardians

know we’re here. The more people know

who we are, the more families we can reach.”

With the many successes of events, the

organization grows, but there is still more to do.

One service El Paso’s Guardians of the

define them. They’re not alone.”

future is to be able to remodel a survivor’s

whatever happened to them, it doesn’t

Thid also shared that the reach of Guardians

of the Children is not just in geographical distance, but also its impact that affects past generations.

“A lot of things that I hear is that people who

are older, say they wish we were around when

they were going through their situation,” she

Children wants to be able to offer in the

room in the situations where a child was abused there. This way the child can have a

fresh start and not have to be reminded of what happened.

“Our goal is to help them take back some of what was taken from them. Their childhood.

The feeling of being safe,” Doc explained.

said. “Sometimes that is tough to hear, but

Hopefully now, when the people of El Paso

here now to help.”

the sidewalk, and they hear the roar of a

it’s also refreshing though because we are

Guardians of the Children head of community

outreach and public relations, Flex, has been a member for five years. Starting as a

child advocate while she was with another nonprofit, she was invited to a Guardians of

the Children meeting. It was not long after

are driving down the road or walking down wide-open throttle or the robust throaty

growl of a Harley, they will look up to see the patched wings on the riders backs and know who they are and what they do.

Because, when a child calls, they ride.

and Operated Since 1948

and empower them to let them know that

Go to supremelaundrycleaners.com and find your nearest location today

Children helps the children, strengthens

organization just needs more people to

El Paso Owned

since 2015, said “The Guardians of the

much, especially how important a support

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November 2023

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November 2023

A VETERAN

ACHIEVES & INSPIRES

Artistic Vision | By: TCM STAFF + JANACE LASHELL GRIFFIN |

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023

J

anace LaShell Griffin, AKA JunkDredz,

Griffin later went on to earn her Masters in

Jacksonville, North Carolina, who

serving in various roles within the mental health

is an El Paso resident, originally from

has been creating and fulfilling her dreams

of one day becoming an artist and fashion

designer since she was 15 years old. As a teenager, when she wasn’t creating one of a

kind looks for herself, then she would do so for her friends and family, which was only the beginning of her adventure as a designer.

She planned to major in Fashion Technology & Marketing Fashion and Design after graduating highschool, but life had other plans.

In order to obtain a full ride scholarship

through the North Carolina Agriculture

community that included case management,

group and individual counseling, as well as crisis management. It was not until losing

her father to acute myeloid leukemia, directly caused by the consumption of contaminated water located at Camp Lejeune Military Base

located in Jacksonville, North Carolina and the COVID-19 pandemic that Griffin was finally able to put her skills, talent and passion

for art and fashion to use as a means of extra income to assist in helping her family, as well as taking the leap of faith into what she always dreamed of doing.

and Technology State University, Air Force

It was not long before JunkApproved

“Practical Major” (Fashion and Art not being

creating high fashion, unique, upcycled

R.O.T.C program, she was required to select a an option for the military). Griffin decided to earn her Bachelors in Psychology, graduating

Cum Laude as well as becoming a lifelong

member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, before commissioning into

the United States Air Force with a Top Secret Clearance as a Nuclear Weapons Officer serving in Minot, North Dakota. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Family and Marriage Counseling while also

Clothing Brand was born and Griffin began

and recycled garments and accessories

from everyday items such as spoons, forks, vintage clothing and other objects

with an artistic twist that has allowed her work to be showcased in the Crossland Art

Gallery located in Downtown El Paso, EPCC

TransMountain Location, L.A. Fashion Week, as well as other fashion shows. She’s also been published in MagsBlack Magazine.

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A Veteran Achieves & Inspires Artistic Vision

This show will only accept local designers, models, and businesses in an effort to support and showcase the best of what the community has to offer!

November 2023

Her most recent collection entitled “Junk’D”

Winter 2024 and also works to educate

that are hand painted and styled in honor

fashion industry professionals.

consist of upcycled formal style dresses of domestic violence and mental health

and mentor emerging generations of

awareness. Each dress was created to

Griffin volunteers with her community

and victims of abuse amongst women of all

Technology Department and assisting with

represent and pay homage to the survivors

shapes, races, nationalities, and backgrounds.

“While the dresses are beautiful, there is a dark secret to them, as there is with every

woman enduring or that has endured this pain and suffering,” she says. “Others can’t

always see it on the outside, even though to

by participating in the EPCC Fashion

workshops, ideas for upcoming fashion shows and photography. She recently

presented an excerpt on the diverse

techniques and ways to upcycle and recycle garments for a class that would utilize these skills in an upcoming midterm.

the victim it’s there in plain sight.”

In addition to her fashion endeavors, Griffin

She plans to release the full limited

installations around the region that include

edition collection of gowns next year

has canvas paintings located in several

Tippi Teas, Mac’s Downtown Restaurant, and

a mural created in honor of “El Paso Strong” at the Del Norte Motel.

El Paso has become her home, where she’s

giving back by contributing to the evolution of the community.

Since her arrival in El Paso, Griffin has been

redefining the concept of what it means to

be “El Paso Strong.” She may not originally be from El Paso, but she has chosen to call

the city home and has had a positive impact on the community for the past three years.

For example, she founded “The El Paso

Strong Fashion Show,” which is a free event that is open to the public that includes food trucks, vendors, live music and great vibes

hosted the last Saturday of February at the San Jacinto Plaza. Portions of the proceeds

will be donated and donations of gently used garments will also be collected.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023

Downtown style in a desert city.

“This show will only accept local designers, models, and businesses

in an effort to support and showcase the best of what the community has to offer!” she says.

Griffin recently founded the El Paso Black Arts Association in an effort to encourage, celebrate, showcase, and support individuals of color or ethnic background who have answered the call to create.

The organization is open to any and all genres of art, to include: film, writing, clothing design, singing, dance, photography and other forms of visual and performing arts, residing in El Paso Texas.

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She’s also a published author.

Griffin has written and published three African-American Children’s books available for purchase at Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, as well as other major bookstores. She

enjoys providing free book readings to local and long distance elementary schools via Zoom or in person in an effort to support and spread diversity awareness and self confidence.

Her most recent book, Q.U.E.E.N, enables young girls to indulge in their history as royalty and women of substance through educating youth on the lives of current living and well members of African royalty that still exist today. Griffin’s children’s books have led her to

earning the Author of the Year Award from “The Black El Paso Voice,” as well qualifying as a Coretta Scott King Candidate for 2024. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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November 2023

Being the D

riven with the mission to protect children from abuse and neglect by providing shelter, advocacy, and family

support El Paso’s Child Crisis Center has become that

Rainbow in the

Clouds | By: STEPHANIE AMERENA |

shining beacon that helps those in need to weather the

storm until the time comes where they can find solid footing.

This sanctuary was first established in 1980 by George and

Mary Russel, an El Paso couple who began the Center in

response to the physical abuse of their own grandchildren.

The Child Crisis Center of El Paso (CCCEP) is the first crisis

nursery in the state of Texas and has a long history of providing prevention and protection services to the El Paso community.

With their decades of dedication and drive, the CCCEP has

grown to where they not only provide services to El Paso but can also reach out to help take in children from all over Texas.

With ages ranging from newborn to fifteen, the CCCEP has accepted children from Midland, San Antonio, Dallas, and

Houston. Nancy Dominguez, the Director of Operations at CCCEP, explained that the Center works with agencies such as El Paso Police Department, Child Protective Services, the

area’s school districts, Ft. Bliss, and many others. Since the

CCCEP operates as a 24-hour emergency shelter, a child will find food, clean clothes, and a warm bed waiting for them at the Center no matter the time of day or night.

“This is a safe haven for the children while they go through the process,” said Dominguez.

96

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023 On an average stay at the CCCEP, a child

the resources, programs, and knowledge

but as of late many of the children have

Center’s Respite Program. This program is

should only be there for two to four weeks, been staying four to six months – some even longer.

One plan in the works is an expansion to

another location. While the current Center will remain an emergency shelter, this new

location will be used for general residential operations for those who will be under the

to help El Pasoan families, such as the

for families that are experiencing a crisis situation or in critical need of short term

relief from caring for children due to stress,

feeling overwhelmed, medical emergency, etc. Parents are able to reach out to the

CCCEP to see if there is bedding and staff available for up to a 72- hour stay.

CCCEP’s care for a longer period of time.

For those who serve our country, one of

“What’s happening is that, ever since COVID,

is the Service Members, Veterans, and

there’s a lack of foster homes,” Dominguez said. “And a lot of times, when children are being discharged, they’re being taken out

of El Paso.” The new location will have the added benefit of keeping children in their home of El Paso.

Taking every precaution possible, from the moment they pass through the pink gate and

security doors, every child is evaluated and ensured their needs will be met upon arrival.

This evaluation ensures the children in

the center remain as safe and healthy as possible, especially when it comes to

the main programs provided by the CCCEP

Families (SMVF) community program. The

SMVF is one of the programs designed to support and strengthen military and veteran families in the El Paso/Ft. Bliss Community.

Terry

Regalado,

the

Center’s

Military

Programs Supervisor, helps coordinate these programs as well as the classes resident El Paso parents can take.

Even though some are court ordered, others

Montecillo, El Paso, TX 5001 N. Mesa., Suite A-1

improve their parenting skills; even those

Daily: 11am - 2am

can attend if they want advice on how to

pregnant with their first child can attend these classes.

nutrition.

What makes the CCCEP feel so homey and

“We try to provide everything freshly made

of the Center’s employees not only fill its

and we try to stay away from processed

food,” said Nancy. “We make good use of our resources.”

While at the Center, the child’s normal life is minimally disrupted, and they are able to have safety and routine in their day to day.

With the CCCEP’s transportation service,

they are able to attend school, be taken to their medical appointments, after-school activities, and more.

“What parents at home do with their children, we do with our children,” Dominguez explained.

While the CCCEP has room to temporarily house these children, they also provide www.thecitymagazineelp.com

A DESTINATION

welcoming is the fact that the good will

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walls, but also El Paso’s generosity. From the

businesses to the citizens themselves who

have donated clean new clothes, new toys, club houses, and even bicycle racks built by the local boy scout troop.

“The El Paso community is very giving. We are very fortunate,” said Dominguez.

The road to the Center may be rocky, both figuratively and literally, but with a bright future ahead, the children and/or families

who find themselves at the Center will not only be provided with items for whatever they need on hand, they will be given something much more valuable, hope.

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99

WLD Side e h t n o Rock

| By: ERIN COULEHAN Editorial photography by: KATHERINE KOCIAN Additional photography provided by: WHOLE LOTA DENIM |

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November 2023

November 2023

L

ive performances in El Paso are being invigorated at a DIY venue in east El

Paso by three sisters on a mission

to cultivate an inclusive community

for music lovers and artists.

Whole Lota Denim (WLD) is an all ages venue

that welcomes local and out of town artists

in a transformed auto garage that is 100 percent rock and roll. The sisters, Sierra,

(although attendees may bring their own), in

Mia, and Savannah, founded WLD after

order to ensure the events are appropriate

local shows because they were underage.

are all right without alcohol.

being frustrated that they could not attend

for audiences of all ages. The kids, it seems,

“It’s a place for everyone to come and

“The most challenging thing is finding

my sisters and I were not of age when we

have fun,” says Mia.

express themselves at all ages because started this,” explains Mia. “We loved live

people who don’t mind not having drinks to

music but we couldn’t go to the shows.”

The experiences at WLD correspond to

The trio works together to book artists, promote

alcohol. Gen Zs drink less than other

the concerts, and welcome the talent.

“Our strength is hospitality,” says Savannah.

“We want artists to feel comfortable coming

to our place. It helps them grow and it helps us grow,” she adds.

The venue was originally a denim boutique

a growing preference of Gen Zs to forgo

generations, Berenberg Research reports,

consuming about 20 percent less alcohol per capita than millennials at their age for a number of reasons.

In addition to booking bands and hosting artists, WLD also works to embrace the community.

that specialized in painted denim apparel

This month, WLD is hosting Sitting on

party of the boutique, which featured live

Brothers, for an all ages event on November

hand painted by Sierra. After the launch

music in the garage, it only made sense to continue to rock.

WLD stands out from traditional music

Stacy, who recently toured with the Jonas

10th in honor of Veterans Day where all veterans and active duty military will be admitted free of charge.

venues in that no alcohol is sold at the shows www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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November 2023

Sweet Dreams Are

Made ofCookies | By: AMBER LANAHAN photos courtesy of: NAOMI GIL |

November 2023

T

he creative pastries of local baker

“I was making pies for Thanksgiving and

item on my menu right now, and whenever I

on the hearts of many El Pasoans

so I decided that I was going to make

5-10 minutes.”

Naomi Gil have made her mark

for several years, amassing an

Instagram following of almost 9,000 pastry lovers. Recently, her work captured the

critical eyes of Food Network’s Halloween cookie challenge team, spreading word of her talent one sweet treat at a time.

For Gil the passion for baking was ignited at

I ended up having a little extra pie dough, empanadas with the leftover dough. I think

have them on my menu, they’re gone within

this curiosity is what actually ended up

For those tempted (like this writer) by these

known. The crust ended up being the pie

of her empanadas over the fall season. Keep

making my empanadas a little bit more dough, while the filling was actually the one I use for my cakes. Everyone fell in love with

them,” she recalls. “They’re the most popular

delectable little treats, Gil prepares batches

an eye on her social media, and you can order for pickup.

a young age by the women in her life whose techniques have followed her to this day.

“I grew up watching my nanny, my

grandmother and my mom baking. I think I

liked the artistic aspect. I watched my nanny create wedding cakes, and my mom would always make empanadas or apple pie. It was fun. Everybody loves pastries,” she says.

This fascination would have Gil working

on her baking skills at the age of 10, and in four years, selling her creations to members of the public. One such pastry found its creation two years ago, her legendary empanadas.

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103

When Gil received a message from a member of the Food Network about interest in having her as a potential candidate for the

upcoming season of the Halloween Cookie

Challenge, she had an unexpected response.

“I actually never wanted to be on T.V., which is funny. It was actually my boyfriend who convinced me to respond to the Food Network, and my whole family was cheering

me on, telling me that I should just try to see if I get chosen,” she says. “Once I did, I was like, ‘Oh my god, am I really doing this?’”

She was, and with that one decision, found herself thrust into the seemingly endless

hours of interviews, work portfolios, and even a practice episode for Food Network

showrunners to review to see if her skills would capture the eyes of their audience.

When asked about her emotions after hearing

of her selection for the show, Gil confessed that when she received the call, she’d found herself on the end of a pleasant surprise.

a wardrobe person who looks over your outfit

While her journey in this season of Halloween

“They had called me on a Thursday, two

artist who makes it so your face looks good

with her taking home the title, the outpouring

weeks prior to being chosen, and informed me that they’d give me a call on Friday to let me know if I had made it on the show. I was

to make sure there are no wrinkles, a make-up for filming, and a security guard with you in the

waiting room to watch over you. Even being with the other contestants in the waiting room

Cookie Challenge might not have concluded

of support from her family and the El Paso community has been endless.

before being taken to set was surreal.”

“It’s been so great. I’ve gotten so many

to let me know if I’d made it onto the show or

An introvert by nature, Gil spent the time in

When the episode came out, so many people

didn’t get chosen and went about my life. It

who were discussing their feelings of pre-

so nervous. The anticipation was killing me.

I was expecting them to call me the next day not, but they never called me. So I thought I

wasn’t until the following Friday they called to inform me I was chosen,” she says.

Filled to the brim with excitement and nerves, Gil hopped a flight to L.A.

Much like Alice working her way through Wonderland,

Gil’s

experience

on

the

Halloween Cookie Challenge was a surreal one. With a Food Network-paid flight serving as the fall down the rabbit hole, she was

taken aback almost as soon as she stepped through the company doors.

“Being in that building with all those people

that are part of the set,” she recalls. “They have

the room listening to her fellow contestants, filming jitters and their expectations of what

clients and so many people supporting me. posted and tagged me on their stories, which I thought was really nice,” says Gil.

they were about to walk into. Unbeknownst

With the airing of her Halloween Cookie

shared anxieties helped ease the whirlwind of

to soar for the pastry chef. She’s just signed

to her castmates, their confessions of emotions she had been battling within herself.

With the utterance of the words, “I’m taking the chefs out now” from the security guard

to a party at the other end of his walkie-talkie,

Challenge episode, things have continued a fresh 3-year lease for her first brick-and-

mortar bakery location and is hoping to open the doors within the coming year.

the start of the competition was in full swing.

“I’m excited to see what we’ll bring to El

Halloween, surrounded by baking equipment,

trying to do is create my menu. The work I

Escorted onto a set decorated everything

the weight of what was about to unfold in mere minutes washed over her like a wave.

“You see about 20 to 30 cameras set up, and

you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh I’m about to be on tv.,” It felt like a dream,” says Gil.

Paso. At the moment, one of the things I’m typically tend to do is more customized cakes, cookies, and of course empanadas,” she says.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November 2023

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November 2023

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Inside A Adventures in

November 2023

new store is making waves and pushing the boundaries of art, sustainability, design, and fashion in El Paso.

VINTAGE | Words and photos by: VICTORIA PHILLIPS |

Vintage boutique, IM Novelties, has opened its doors on 222-2 Texas Ave. Named after

the initials of the brother-sister duo Isle

and Mariano Adame, the shop is a fun, eclectic blend of clothes, jewelry, and gifts

sourced from Mexico and Texas. Many of the pieces blend traditional Western wear with modern fashion.

Visitors will find novelties ranging from

hand crafted mango-leather vests, to fine-jewelry pendants made from recycled metals. When asked about the inspiration behind the store, owner Mariano Adame said, “IM Novelties was created to elevate the artists of the El Paso-Juarez area.”

The City Magazine sat down with Adame and

featured jeweler, Aziz Atiya, to learn more about the vision behind IM Novelties.

The City Magazine: What compelled you to create IM Novelties?

Adame: My sister and I started IM Novelties because we have always dreamt of helping our city grow to

new levels. There is so much potential for El Paso to be recognized globally for art, fashion, and design.

We want to help showcase the talent of local artists and revitalize the city.

Atiya: El Paso is really starting to grow. Just on this block we’ve got a ton of new restaurants like

Lamezze, District Coffee, which is right next door, Lapa Lapa, and now IM Novelties!

TCM: How has the El Paso-Juarez community influenced the store?

Adame: I am from El Paso but have lived in a number

of cities including: Austin, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Morgantown, West Virginia. When I decided to move back to El Paso, I crossed paths with a bunch

of artists like Carlos Carrera, a stylist here, and Aziz

Atiya, a jeweler here. I really resonated with what

they were doing creatively. For example, Aziz is a 108

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November 2023 bit of a rebel because he continually pushes

against the current wave of jewelry trends and is doing something different. He creates

pieces like pistachio pendants and clown

earrings that are really unique. Knowing that these people are born and raised in El Paso,

they represent the city and it’s a disservice

not to showcase their work. It would be a waste not to highlight them.

Atiya: My family is from Juarez so I have

been back and forth across the border a

lot. There have been times in my life where I have gone to Juarez weekly or even daily. So,

culturally, a lot of my work represents what we would call, “La Frontera” (the border). I’m

a La Frontera artist. I try to keep an eye out

for what perspectives look like on both sides

of the border. I’ve been extremely lucky that, culturally, I’ve had access to these two places. Anything that I have ever had has come from this place.

TCM: As a vintage store, you are helping

to support sustainable fashion in El Paso.

Why do you think sustainable fashion is important?

Adame: Sustainable fashion is important

because it minimizes the use of harmful

materials in clothes and cuts back on freshwater contamination in the clothes dyeing process. By sourcing local talent, we also

cut-back on CO2 emissions in the shipping

Adame: Exactly. Although I will say, I love genuine leather too.

TCM: Well, well-made leather goods can

also be sustainable because long lasting quality items reduce the need to buy an item over and over.

Adame: Exactly! There are multiple ways to be sustainable, and buying high-quality goods is definitely a part of that.

TCM: What are some final thoughts you’d like everyone to know?

process. Lastly, by buying second-hand

Atiya: IM Novelties is not just a place to shop.

for future generations. It is not fair for our

see their work and get informed about who

clothing we decrease fast fashion waste generation to consume in a way that ruins the environment. Right now, we have a brand

called Melvolente and the artist, Mel, works

with recycled materials. She creates vests

from mango leather, a material that is durable,

but also sustainable. It’s a really cool twist on traditional western wear which is often heavy

It’s a place where you can meet other artists, is doing what in our city and who needs support. It’s a shared space for artists. We

meet each other through our crafts. When I

come here, I see a lot of artists’ work before I even meet them in person! So, if you’re an artist, come meet us!

in animal leathers- a limited resource.

Adame: Yes! We have all seen the potential

TCM: That’s really cool. A Lot of people

creatives! In the future, we will be hosting

do not think of sustainability when they think of western wear.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

this city has, and we want to uplift local fashion shows so stay tuned and follow us on Instagram @imnovelties

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The Lust Frontier

Are We Too

November 2023

Picky? | By: Megan Mehl |

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November 2023

I

n our current dating culture, there

We’re surrounded with ideals of beauty,

favorite inspirational quote. Add to that the

and indecision that can cause “true

impossible to live up to. Our completely

filters integrated into our cameras, and you can

are based on the fact that we don’t see

be what you get.

seems to be a prevailing fog of apathy

love” to elude us. After all, we have access to

all the world’s singles right at our fingertips,

just a swipe away. How can we ever be content with the person we meet tonight for a

first date when there are literally thousands of other people out there who might be hotter,

more successful, and with better hair? And, what are the chances that tonight’s date will

even look like their photos or not have some completely weird thing wrong with them?

success, and wealth that are nearly

unrealistic standards for attractiveness many (if any) real, unretouched photos of

humans in media of any kind. This creates a situation where we simultaneously hold high expectations for other people while not

yes. I know this because I ask this question

work for many of us.

Dating apps and websites

you to people that you

instantaneously – have we become so spoiled as to become delusional?

because they introduce

may not have met organically.

But, they’re also incredibly flawed

in that they aren’t able to show us an

serious relationship, nearly all of them will say

to dozens of people on a weekly basis for my job as a matchmaker. It’s then surprising

to see how few of them are actually willing to give other people a chance. I think many

of us believe that the “perfect” person will magically show up on our doorstep one day.

After all, the movies have all taught us that we’re entitled to that.

accurate representation of a person.

When you think about how much our

their variations, are all primarily based

evolved, it’s no wonder that dating feels so

Think about it: these platforms, for all

on photos. It’s kind of ridiculous to assume that you will have anything in common with someone based on a few photos and their Our expectations are sky high.

everything?

It’s no wonder that the apps don’t

that is, the ability to do

connect with anyone on the planet

Do we really believe that appearances are

If you ask most singles if they’re looking for a

are amazing in theory

anything, go anywhere, and

pretty much assume that what you see will not

being able to show ourselves as we truly are.

In a world where we have

unprecedented access,

fact that we have photo editing software and

culture’s needs and expectations have complex. Not so long ago, people would marry in their late teens and early twenties.

The median marriage age for women, who

tend to get married a little younger than men, was around 20 in the 50s and 60s,

but rose to 29 in 2021.¹ Without the

interconnected world we now live in,

the options were limited to people

from school, work, or your community.

Religious ideals had tighter grip, impacting collective

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The Lust Frontier: Are We Too Picky?

attitudes on things like premarital sex and

being ostracized. Pew Research recently

had children right away because that was

casual sex between consenting adults is

divorce. Most people settled down early and just what you did. Our behaviors were more predictable and our world was smaller, but that’s changing by the day.

I’d actually argue that today, we want better because we are better, in many ways.

In most developed countries, no one has to follow heterosexual norms, get married, or have kids – and thank goodness for that!

Collectively,

we

have

unprecedented

access to education, communication,

health care, and travel, as well as the ability and understanding to work on ourselves.

This leads to higher aspirations and more opportunities than ever before. The rise of sex-positive culture allows us to indulge

our carnal desires out of wedlock without

found that 76 percent of Americans think

November 2023

Are we not settling down because it feels impossible or is it impossible because we don’t want to settle?

acceptable, at least to some degree.²

That leaves us with a pool of extraordinarily

More and more of us are in therapy and

connection because we’re wired for it, but

our partners, and we’re more likely to leave

we’re just lazy. If someone isn’t perfect, we

Essentially, we are all becoming infinitely

three swipes away. We’re addicted to the

needs, hopes, and visions for our lives. The

of the doubt.

marriage, and 2.3 children is dead, my friends.

Scientists

But where does that leave us in our pursuit

a match (which equates to an unexpected

evolved – but picky – humans who all desire

have higher expectations for ourselves and

who also have analysis paralysis. Or perhaps

a relationship that isn’t healthy or fulfilling.

move on because maybe our soulmate is

more individualized with our own unique

hunt and unwilling to give people the benefit

packaged dream of the white picket fence,

now

know

that

swiping

is

addictive because periodically receiving

of happiness?

“reward”) releases dopamine and serotonin

Maybe the American dream is shifting to

and go through the motions, but between

lucrative careers for the lifestyle, passions

of ourselves, we can barely see the person

in our brains.⁴ We continue to go on dates

the pursuit of having it all. We are seeking

our long mental checklists and high opinions

and hobbies for fulfillment, friends and

sitting across the table.

Tinder one-night-stands for hot sex!

Many have dating burnout.

family for companionship, and, of course,

So who needs a partner? According to Pew

I believe the antidote to this is

Research, in 2021, a whopping 25 percent

intentionality.

married. This is up from 20 percent in 2010

In our fast-paced world, it’s

of 40-year-old Americans had never been and a mere 6 percent in 1980.³ Fewer and

fewer millennials are getting married, and it’s curious to think about what came first, the chicken or the egg?

easy to reach for the phone

for instant gratification and the rush that comes from a “like” on the apps. It’s easy to decide

in a split second that you don’t

like that person’s shoes or height

and throw them away. It’s easy

to build superficial connections

based on looks and fueled by alcohol.

It’s easy to take it personally when

112

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November 2023 you encounter “rejection” and create an

internalized story about your worthiness.

It’s easy to diagnose someone with some

pop-psychology buzzword and use that as an excuse for avoiding emotional intimacy and connection.

What’s not easy is to open your heart and allow yourself to be honest about who you are and what you’re looking for. To soften enough to release the

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To be present and open to connecting with the people all around you in the

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And most importantly, to be kind, honest,

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It might not change the dating culture

at large, but it will definitely shift your experience of it.

¹ U.S. Census, https://www.census.gov/

newsroom/press-releases/2021/familiesand-living-arrangements.html

² Pew Research, https://www.pewresearch.

org/social-trends/2020/08/20/nearly-half-

of-u-s-adults-say-dating-has-gotten-harderfor-most-people-in-the-last-10-years/

³ Pew Research, https://www.pewresearch.

org/short-reads/2023/06/28/a-record-highshare-of-40-year-olds-in-the-us-havenever-been-married/

⁴ Scientific Kenyon, https://digital. kenyon.edu/cgi/viewcontent.

cgi?article=1045&context=skneuro

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Party goers put their best boots forward at State Line to celebrate the launch of The City Magazine’s October issue,

dedicated to the arts and creatives. Creative Kids co-founders, Andrea

Gates-Ingle and Stephen Ingle, covered the issue, which celebrates the organization’s commitment to youth arts education and opportunities.

| Photos by: KATHERINE KOCIAN |

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scene

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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scene

Ethos Financial’s latest client appreciation dinner extended gratitude to the local dental and medical community in style.

Recently, Ethos Financial took its appreciation and commitment to

bolstering education to the next level with a generous donation to the Hunt School of Dental Medicine.

116

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scene

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

scene

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scene

The City Magazine and Melting Pot hosted a brunch inspired by the music of Taylor Swift where Swifties entered for a chance to win 2 tickets to the Eras Tour in 2024. There was food, fun, and an experience that guests have yet to be able to “Shake It Off.”

| Photos by: KATHERINE KOCIAN |

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scene

Guests were given the VIP treatment at the grand opening of House of Beauty by Sandra Lozano, which offers an extensive range of luxury services to enhance the transformative power of beauty and self care.

| Photos by: KATHERINE KOCIAN |

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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November 2023

NOVEMBER Advertiser INDEX Alfredo H. Arellano, PMHCNS-BC,............................................. Pg. 29 PA-Psychiatry & TMS Clinic

120

La Cuatro............................................................................................. Pg. 24 Laura Carrillo Designs.................................................................... Pg. 49

American Heart Association........................................................ Pg. 52

Law Office of Gabriel S. Perez, PLLC........................................ Pg. 48

Ana Square Microblading & Permanent Makeup................. Pg. 15

MDVIP................................................................................................... Pg. 60

Annie Mo’s Holiday Shop.............................................................. Pg. 59

Medical Services of the Border.................................................. Pg. 18

Bazaar Models................................................................................... Pg. 99

Melting Pot.......................................................................................... Pg. 83

Ben Bridge Jeweler......................................................................... Pg. 72

Morra Mia............................................................................................ Pg. 77

Ben E Keith Beverages................................................................ Pg. 113

Myriam’s Faux Finish Studio......................................................... Pg. 22

Borderland Bail Bonds.................................................................... Pg. 14

Nicholas Reyes Hair Salon............................................................ Pg. 95

Casa Buena Vista Homes..........................................................Pgs. 6-7

Paso del Norte Center of Hope......................................... Pgs. 31; 50

ClearView Realty.............................................................................. Pg. 51

Persian Rug Gallery......................................................................... Pg. 65

Delightful Creations by Kim.......................................................... Pg. 29

Poe Toyota.......................................................................................... Pg. 11

El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank................................... Pg. 73

Raiz Federal Credit Union.............................................................. Pg. 37

El Paso Center for Diabetes......................................................... Pg. 30

Rejuvene M.D..................................................................................... Pg. 76

El Paso Children’s Hospital.................................... Inside back cover

Saratoga Homes............................................................................... Pg. 67

El Paso Heart Center..............................................................Pgs. 46-47

Southwest Plastic Surgery.......................................................Pgs. 4-5

El Paso Rhinos Hockey................................................................... Pg. 13

Sparkle Effects............................................................................... Pg. 113

El Paso Zoo Society..................................................................... Pg. 105

State Line............................................................................................ Pg. 64

Epic Events and Entertainment.................................................. Pg. 35

Stryker by Spectrum.................................................................... Pg. 107

Ethos Financial................................................................... Pgs. 118-119

Sue Woo.............................................................................................. Pg. 70

Expert HVAC and Refrigeration.................................................. Pg. 25

Sugar Skull Fashion Boutique...................................................... Pg. 88

Great American Steakhouse...........................................................Pg. 1

Supreme Laundry............................................................................ Pg. 87

Griffin Law Firm........................................................................Pgs. 44-45

Taco Tote............................................................................................. Pg. 36

Heidy Seoenz..................................................................................... Pg. 79

The City Calendar............................................................................ Pg. 60

Hotel Indigo........................................................................................ Pg. 93

The City Ticketing............................................................................ Pg. 98

Hotel Paso del Norte....................................................................... Pg. 28

The Mix Salon and Spa................................................................ Pg. 106

Hyundai of El Paso...................................................Back cover; Pg. 23

The Outlet Shoppes of El Paso................................................... Pg. 89

Inn of the Mountain Gods.............................................................. Pg. 19

Track One............................................................................................ Pg. 66

Intraceuticals..................................................................................... Pg. 94

Victoria Olivia..................................................................................... Pg. 78

Jamiah Dancil.................................................................................... Pg. 83

VIP Design.......................................................................................... Pg. 23

Kastl Law, P.C..................................................................................... Pg. 61

Walgreens.......................................................................................Pgs. 8-9

KFOX14 / CBS4.............................................................................Pgs. 2-3

West Texas Pain Institute....................................... Inside front cover

La Condesa........................................................................................ Pg. 97

104.3..................................................................................................... Pg. 71 www.thecitymagazineelp.com

DR. SHUMYLE ALAM C O N D I T I O N S T R E AT E D ANORECTAL MALFORMATION (ARM), FREQUENT/URGENT URINATION, BED-WETTING, CANCER OF THE URINARY AND GENITAL SYSTEMS, CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (RENAL FAILURE), CIRCUMCISION, DAYTIME WETTING, DISORDERS OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT (DSD), DUPLICATED KIDNEY, FREQUENCY/URGENCY URINATION, HERNIA/HYDROCELE, KIDNEY STONES, LABIAL ADHESIONS, TESTICULAR TORSION, TRAUMATIC INJURY OF THE URINARY SYSTEM OR GENITALS, UNDESCENDED TESTICLE, URETHRAL STRICTURE, URINARY REFLUX, URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI), AND MORE...

ElPasoChildrens.org/urology

(915) 242-8404