Author: KVIA

Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– Aghaaˈ Hat Co. is an Indigenous-owned and led hat and beadwork brand based in El Paso, Texas, that centers ancestral traditions in its work.

The owner, Cynthia Guiterrez-Krapp, crafts repurposed rabbit and beaver fur felts into handmade hats.

Her work comes with a story. Cynthia was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer, an aggressive form that grows by about 1% every day.

She closed down her last shop on Alameda Avenue last year while undergoing radiation.

Cynthia has been cancer free since October 6th and is at last reopening Aghaa’ Hat Company in a more manageable location, a shipping container.

Aghaa’ Hat Company’s offerings extend beyond headwear to bead-woven bands and custom hat accessories that celebrate desert-inspired motifs.

Leather Beaded Cuff and Peyote Stitch workshops invite customers to learn traditional techniques, blending heritage with modern design, held at local venues such as Wine Down and Steady Pace Coffee.

Aghaa’ Hat Company aims to preserve and honor Indigenous histories through tangible, wearable art.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Dozens of farmers from different parts of Chihuahua blocked all commercial ports of entry in Juárez again on Wednesday to protest the proposed national water law in Mexico.

The Bridge of the Americas, Santa Teresa, Ysleta-Zaragoza, and Marcelino Serna in Tornillo Ports of Entry were completely blocked by farmers for a second time since last week.

Mexico’s House of Representatives (Cámara de Diputados), or Chamber of Deputies, passed the proposed Water Law, which is set to prohibit all private transfers of water concessions in the country. Mexican politicians from other political parties protested after it was passed; now it will go to the Senate.

Farmers across the country say this law will take water away from the courtside and re-allocate it for discretionary use, adding that it threatens their livelihoods and the work they do every day.

“We apologize and send a message of support to all the truckers who are stuck at all bridges,” said a Chihuahua farmer. “We’ve even talked to them and they’ve given us their vote of confidence, saying they understand the situation in the countryside, because many of them are children of rural people.”

Tensions have increased south of the border between some farmers and some commercial truck drivers, since drivers have to cross their cargo for them to get paid.

“Well, it’s difficult, a situation where everyone looks out for their own interests; they bring their protest, but I also have to get home,” said a local commercial trucker. “So, those of us who are here, those of us who come from elsewhere, if you don’t work and don’t make trips, you don’t earn anything.” “These guys here in Ciudad Juárez who work crossing the border, well, if you don’t make trips, you don’t earn anything.”

According to CANACAR in Juárez, there has been an average of 20,400 stranded cargoes, each with an approximate value of $65,000, resulting in $1.326 billion stranded per day if these protests continue.

“We feel frustrated and angry at the insensitivity of our representatives, our leaders, and all those who support this law that threatens our heritage—the heritage that our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents worked so hard to build,” said another Chihuahua farmer protesting at the Marcelino Serna Port of Entry in Tornillo, Texas.

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KVIA-Newsroom

Editor’s note: this story has been updated to reflect new court paperwork obtained by ABC-7 that shows Max Grossman’s case was dismissed by an El Paso judge today, December 3.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A misdemeanor case involving well-known watchdog and University of Texas at El Paso associate professor Max Grossman was dismissed by an El Paso judge after Grossman completed the conditions of a pretrial diversion program, according to records obtained by ABC-7.

Grossman, 58, was arrested September 4 on a family violence charge in connection to an August 27 incident involving his former girlfriend, court records show.  

The El Paso District Attorney’s Office filed a motion on December 3 to dismiss the case on the grounds that Grossman had completed the program, and El Paso County Court Judge Carlos Carrasco signed an order granting the dismissal.

In a written response to ABC-7’s request for information, Stephanie Valle, Special Projects Administrator with the El Paso District Attorney’s Office, said in part: “The decision to refer the Defendant to pre-trial diversion was made after a comprehensive review of the facts and circumstances of the case, the strength of the evidence, and the Defendant’s lack of criminal history.” 

Court records show that Grossman was required to pay a $60 fee and complete a Victim Impact Panel, which the Texas Department of Criminal Justice describes as an educational program.  

Court documents explain that Grossman’s case would be dismissed once he completed the program’s conditions, but any violation of those conditions would jeopardize the dismissal. 

Records show the case will be partially expunged—meaning, it will be visible only to the District Attorney’s Office and not the public.  

Grossman’s criminal defense attorney Brian Kennedy told ABC-7 Grossman has completed all his pre-trial diversion requirements. He also referred us back to his earlier comment, saying, ‘As I initially said, we look forward to clearing Mr. Grossman’s name and with this dismissal his name has been cleared.”  

Grossman has two civil suits against his former partner, and one against her former attorney.  

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Gabrielle Lopez

CANUTILLO, Texas (KVIA) — Canutillo Independent School District’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted Dr. Josue D. Borrego as its superintendent finalist.

The district said Borrego is an experienced school administrator in elementary, secondary campuses and central office departments. He previously worked in principal, assistant principal and executive administrator positions. Borrego helped raise campus ratings to A.

“Borrego brings with him impressive record of helping schools and school systems improve student outcomes,” CISD Board President Sergio Martinez said. “The board is confident he can produce similar, if not greater, results here in Canutillo.”

Trustees will vote on Borrego’s contract in January. Borrego will succeed Superintendent Emeritus Dr. Pedro Galaviz.

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Joseph Montero

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A water main break has closed some of the westbound lanes of Montana Ave. at Desert Meadows Road.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office issued a traffic alert and reported crews are working to fix it.

According to TxDOT, the break was reported just after 11 p-m last night..

TxDOT’s map says the right two lanes are closed right now with no clearing time.

ABC-7 reached out to the Sheriff’s Office and El Paso water, but have not heard back.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — The City of Juárez will host its 86th edition of the ‘Santa Bombero‘ or Firefighter Santa campaign this December 24th at the DIF park, next to the ‘Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez’ (FC Juárez soccer stadium), near BOTA.

The campaign aims to collect toys to give to families in need.

ABC-7 spoke with Juárez Fire Captain and coordinator of the ‘Santa Bombero’ campaign, Josué Martínez Guerrero, who said this event is already part of their job as firefighters and a city tradition.

Captain Martínez said their mission is to gather residents, business owners, politicians, leaders, and officials of the borderland to help this good cause.

Last year, the Juárez Fire Department (Heroico Cuerpo de Bomberos de Ciudad Juárez) distributed around 3,000 toys and about 1,000 bicycles to local kids. This year, they’re unsure how many to expect, as each year differs.

“That’s why our mission is always to have a gift prepared for every child who comes to us that day, so they can take a gift and be happy at Christmas,” said Captain Martínez.

So far, they have collected less than half of what they raised last year, with around 800 toys for boys, about 500 for girls and approximately 200 bicycles. They ask for community donations as firefighters usually repair bicycles that need fixing.

“While it’s true that our reward is seeing the child’s joy when we give them their gift, they also carry the memory of receiving it from a firefighter,” Captain Martínez added. “It’s always our goal to reach vulnerable children, and that’s why we invite everyone to join us. Many children only get a gift from ‘Santa Bombero’; they’ve told us so.”

“That’s where understanding comes in for us, and it gives us the strength and encouragement to do this noble work year after year.”

Captain Martínez mentioned that all firefighters sacrifice something for this campaign; some give up vacations, postpone family plans, and even birthdays.

“Personally, one of my daughters has a birthday on December 15th, and I haven’t been with her these past years because I’ve been fully involved in the campaign. But when we deliver the toys and see the children’s joy and gratitude, it makes all the sacrifice worth it,” said Captain Martínez.

“For us, it’s a duty to reach the vulnerable children in our city,” he added. “And when we see that smile when a child receives a gift, it’s a satisfaction that beats everything we’ve sacrificed.”

During the event’s opening, Juárez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar highlighted that Santa Bombero is a story of solidarity built across generations.

“The smiles of the children are priceless, so we invite the community on both sides of the border to help keep this tradition alive—one that brings joy to those with the least,” Mayor Pérez Cuéllar said.

He also expressed gratitude to officials, council members, business owners, merchants, motorcycle clubs, and the community for their continued support.

Rubí Enríquez, President of the Municipal DIF (Family Services), emphasized that this activity is meaningful because firefighters not only respond to emergencies but also inspire hope in Juarez’s children.

She called on families to donate a toy and teach children values like empathy and solidarity.

Sergio Rodríguez, Director of Civil Protection, also thanked the community for its ongoing support, which makes this campaign possible. “The children’s joy and excitement are clear when they receive bicycles and toys,” he said.

“This beautiful tradition originated in 1939, when Chief Leonardo Solís Barraza responded to the requests of children seeking gifts,” said Fire Chief Jorge Ignacio Puentes. “He didn’t have toys then but promised to return later and was able to give presents, starting the campaign that is now a vital part of the city’s social spirit.”

Gifts and donations can be dropped off at:

Juárez fire stations

S-Mart supermarkets

Superette convenience stores

Arco gas stations

Other participating businesses

The Municipal DIF (Family Services) offices.

“It is a border tradition that, through the decades, has kept its main goal of bringing joy to vulnerable children,” said the City of Juárez.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — The Chihuahua State Police Department (SSPE) continues to rescue migrants held at stash houses by alleged human smugglers in Ciudad Juárez.

According to a spokesperson from SSPE Chihuahua, this year they have found 261 migrants so far, compared to 265 last year. Across the entire state, they have found 268 migrants this year so far, and 310 last year.

“Some years ago, it was a topic with a lot of social mobility, where thousands of people arrived in caravans, by train, walking, and there were even cases of people getting lost in the desert,” said SSPE Assistant Police Chief Luis Ángel Aguirre. “There were situations where even people walking on the road got involved in traffic accidents because a car hit them or something.”

According to Assistant Police Chief Aguirre, binational security meetings are held to prevent migrants from being kidnapped or crossing illegally into the U.S.

In Mexico, SSPE Chihuahua collaborates with the Mexico Attorney’s Office (FGR), the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office (FGE), the Mexican Army, the National Guard, and the Mexican Immigration National Institute (INAMI), among others.

Aguirre also said that collaborations with U.S. agencies are a key factor in their success in locating stash houses, with HSI assisting them the last time to find one.

In that stash house, SSPE officers and detectives found 17 migrants, three alleged smugglers, firearms, and over $16,000 in cash.

Along with Border Patrol and other binational agencies, SSPE Chihuahua continues their “mirror operation,” patrolling both sides of the border wall simultaneously to prevent illegal crossings.

Over the past 51 months, SSPE has conducted more than 206 operations with Border Patrol, rescuing approximately 1,576 migrants.

Migrants are often told by smugglers that they will be taken across the border to the U.S. before being held at stash houses, where criminal organizations ask for money for their release.

“So what they (smugglers) did was practically receive these migrants, coordinate them, carry out all these irregular activities of prostitution, drug sales, collection, use of space, all these situations to which this irregular ecosystem of these migrants lends itself and that this has led us to identify networks, to identify which local gangs they are linking with, that is also a reality,” said SSPE Assistant Chief Aguirre.

“The unique aspect of the Aragua train is that they form alliances with all the local gangs to have stronger logistics and communication, because what they want is to take advantage of the flow of people to traffic drugs, to traffic people, to traffic any type of contraband,” added SSPE Assistant Chief Aguirre.

Since the current Chihuahua state administration began, SSPE has arrested 144 suspected human traffickers, seized 65 firearms, over 5,500 rounds of ammunition, more than 17 kilos of various drugs, as well as over 128,000 Mexican pesos and $52,000.

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Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– November 29th marks Small Business Saturday, a tradition started in 2010 by American Express and officially sponsored by the Small Business Administration in 2011.

The day sits between Black Friday and Cyber Monday to encourage shoppers to support local businesses during the holiday season.

Erik Eaton, a market vendor at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing Farmers’ Market, began crafting candles after retiring from the military and working as a nurse. Eaton now hopes to run the business full time in a year and a half.

“You’re not paying the high profits of big stores. And a lot of us are very creative. We can make personalized items for anybody that wants it as well. If someone comes with a particular scent they want and I don’t have it, I can make it for them and deliver it in town,” Eaton said during an interview.

Community support is crucial for small vendors like Eaton and his business, Desert Illuminations Handcrafted Candles, emphasizing personalized products and local delivery. Many vendors at the Farmers’ Market sell items they already enjoy creating, turning passion into commerce.

The market scene today highlights the broader message of Small Business Saturday: buying local strengthens local businesses and preserves unique crafts. 

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Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)— Dozens of local stores are preparing for a rush of customers this Christmas season, including DOC’s Unique Collectibles.

Business advocates encourage holiday shoppers to shop local and support locally owned businesses.

DOC’s Unique Collectibles is described as a collector’s dream shop, with thousands of items available. It specializes in high-end products, statues, posters and figures—making it a perfect destination for local shoppers.

Nayeli Cordero, a five-year employee, told ABC-7 they saw a decrease in sales last Christmas season.

“We definitely saw a decrease last year. It wasn’t as busy as we thought it was going to be.”

Because of the recent government shutdown, Cordero said they had also seen a drastic decline in customers. Many of their regulars are military personnel or government employees.

“Well, we definitely saw less customers coming in. I mean, we had good foot traffic. But as far as people actually spending or wanting to buy something, they would hold back a little bit,” she said.

Cordero said while they are a little worried, they remain optimistic.

“Well, because, like, with the economy and everything, we understand, you know? Priorities. Families come first. You know? We always tell our customers, ‘You know, make sure you take care of the important things and then come shop here at DOC’s.’ So we completely understand that,” Cordero added.

She said they don’t know what to expect this year, but the store offers flexible options like rewards programs, Afterpay and even layaway.

“We do see a lot of our regular customers taking advantage of any sales that, that we do have. So it’s always nice to see them.

She said supporting local businesses also means helping out your community.

“One of the things that makes us different from the big chain companies is that we carry those higher-end products so that you can see it in person, because, yeah, you can see it online, but when you come here to the shop and you see what the product looks like, you’re even more amazed.”

Remember to shop local this holiday season. DOC’s Unique Collectibles is located at 2077 N Zaragoza Rd Suite A-103.

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Rosemary Garcia

CHAPARRAL, New Mexico (KVIA)— Three Chaparral High School cheerleaders are feeling extra grateful this Thanksgiving week. Following a competitive process this summer, the trio was selected to perform in the Orlando Thanksgiving Tour at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

They have been preparing and perfecting their cheer routine for months.

ABC-7 spoke with Chaparral High Cheer coach Ella Davis, who remembers the moment the team members found out they would be participating in this event.

“When they made the team at camp, I mean, they, they cheered. You know, they, they’re they’re excited. They’re always excited for that. So they’re very, very excited.”

Students Jorge Romo, Faith Figueroa and Marisela Gutierrez took off for Orlando earlier this week. They said they were looking forward to the big week.

“Somewhat nervous just because of, like, the fact that it’s at Disney World, like it’s not just in the city. So I feel like that’s more nerve-racking because there’s a lot of people from all over the country at Disney World,” said Figueroa.

Guitierrez added, “Honestly, I felt very like I was very happy, you know, like it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s not every day where you go try out, and you get to be in a parade in Disney World.”

“It made me feel, like, very proud and very like, like I accomplished what I, what I can do. And I know my abilities are good,” said Romo.

They said they are thrilled to be representing Chaparral on a large stage.

“Especially because we’re kind of in the middle of nowhere, nowhere. No one really comes over here. Like, you’ll be asking someone, or like, ‘Oh, yeah, I live in Chaparral,’ and they’re like, ‘What’s Chaparral?’ So it’s kind of like, oh, like, you know. So I mean, I think this kind of puts our name out there,” Gutierrez said.

“We’re very located, like very narrow in the map. So like, nobody really knows us. So I’m excited to go out, and, like, see what we could do and see who we get to know and like, who we get to introduce ourselves to.

This is the second year members of the cheer squad have been able to participate in this tour. All three members are looking forward to making memories and getting keepsakes.

“Yeah, I have never been on a plane, so I’m pretty nervous,” Figueroa added.

“I hope to get, obviously, my Disney ears because I’m so happy about that. Like I’ve never been to Disney. Also, like the experience of going to Disney World, like, I feel very like I’m very excited, honestly,” Gutierrez added.

We hope they make the best memories at Disney. If you have a Good Vibes Only story idea, please e-mail rosemary.garcia@kvia.com.

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