Author: KVIA

Lauren Bly

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office faces a more than $4 million deficit — up more than $550,000 from last week.

During Monday’s El Paso County Commissioner’s Court meeting, Budget and Finance Director Carmen Candelaria said projected deficit is because of salaries, overtime and meals at the jails.

She also said the department has just over $9 million left in its budget.

At the end of the meeting, county commissioners unanimously approved moving $1.5 million from the county’s operations budget to help with the cost of meals at the jails. They also approved transferring $27,000 from the courthouse security fund to cover the cost of ballistic shields.

ABC-7 spoke to County Judge Ricardo Samaniego who said that issues like over time are not a simple fix.

“You can’t compare that, saving someone’s life versus paying overtime,” said Samaniego.

He did say that the county has a contingency fund to cover the deficit and that the sheriff’s budget will be higher next year.

In August, the department faced a $2.5 million shortfall.

ABC-7 reached out to the sheriff’s office for comment.

He sent ABC-7 a statement:

In response to recent reports regarding the Sheriff’s Office projected budget shortfall, I want to provide additional context to our community.

The increasing year-end projection should not be interpreted to mean that our overtime spending is increasing at the same rate. We have been actively working to control and maintain overtime while continuing to operate two detention facilities and provide law enforcement services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The projection also changes as necessary operating expenses continue to be processed, including inmate food, medical and hospital expenses, facility operations, utilities, fuel, salaries, and other essential costs of operating the Sheriff’s Office.

I take our responsibility to taxpayers seriously. We are reviewing expenditures, reducing costs wherever we safely can, and working with the Budget Team, County Administration, and Commissioners Court. At the same time, I have consistently raised concerns that our funding, particularly for overtime, does not reflect the actual operational needs of the Sheriff’s Office.

My goal is not to argue over a projection. My goal is to work together to identify the actual costs of safely operating the Sheriff’s Office and develop a realistic and sustainable budget so we do not find ourselves facing the same situation again next year.

We will continue to be transparent, accountable, and focused on providing safe and responsible public safety services to the people of El Paso County.

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Mia Tricarico

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An 88-year-old woman said she needs help making repairs to her mobile home. Rita Yorgensen lives in Casa Mobil Home Park in Northeast El Paso.

Yorgensen said she lives on a fixed income and has no credit. The mobile home she rents needs roof repairs — but she said she can’t afford it.

A local repair company, Top Dog Roofing TX, created a GoFundMe to raise money for Yorgensen’s repairs.

“Well, it’s hard to be me. You feel like you’re not needed in the world,” said Yorgensen.

She told ABC-7 she has been living in the property since 1985. She used to live their with her husband and family until her husband passed away and her children eventually moved out.

“My life is a mess, just a mess,” said Yorgensen.

Eric and Manny from Top Dog Roofing TX were initially called to the scene to do a roof inspection. They quickly learned the home was in need of many more repairs.

ABC-7 visited the mobile home. The front door doesn’t lock, so Yorgensen created a makeshift barricade to keep the door shut.

There are also multiple openings in the ceiling that allow rain and debris to fall through. Along with water damage, burnt electrical outlets and the exterior skirting of the home is deteriorating.

“Well, what am I going to do? Where am I going to be? You know, all these things. Where can I go? The children are disappointed. And, you know, it’s hard. They won’t let my son work.” said Yorgensen.

Eric said he recognized how much stress and hardship these repairs have caused Yorgensen.

“Nobody should be living like this. What’s the point of having a construction company if you’re not building the community,” said Eric.

“But at the end of it all, we’re all somebody’s daughter, somebody’s sister, somebody’s grandmother, somebody, you know, and it’s just somebody helping somebody else,” he said.

Pedraza said all the repairs could cost about $4,000.

For Yorgensen, those repairs represent much more than just fixing a structure. They represent keeping the place she has called home for decades and preserving the memories built inside it.

With the deadline approaching and limited options available, her story serves as a reminder of how impactful neighbor-to-neighbor support can be when a member of the community falls on hard times.

Those who wish to contribute to Yorgensen’s repair fund can find the donation link here.

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Carpio Griego

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Tuesday, the El Paso City Council unanimously voted to change a Central El Paso park’s name to “Lincoln Park-El Paso’s Chicano Park.”

The park is located at 4001 Duranzo Avenue in South-Central El Paso. It passes under the Spaghetti Bowl and has notable murals painted onto the overpass beams.

District 2 Representative Josh Acevedo presented the change based on a recommendation from the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

The name change applied on behalf of the Lincoln Park Conservation Committee. It canvased the neighborhood and gathered signatures in support of putting the item on the council’s agenda.

According to the application, the name change aims to honor the neighborhood’s 150-year history. The application said the new name refers to what some El Pasoans call the park.

Documents said Hector Gonzales, a member of the park’s conservation committee, would be responsible for costs associated with the name change.

Gonzales said the committee collected thousands of signatures in support of the name change despite only 59 being accepted on Tuesday’s meeting due to rules requiring

During Tuesday’s meeting, Gonzales said renaming the park to include “Chicano” in it would enhance a partnership with the Chuco Park Group in San Diego, California.

“We lose out on tourism. We lose out on people visiting,” Gonzales said during the meeting. “By adding this name, we get thrown into the Google search. There’s San Diego. There’s El Paso. Now you got a choice.”

Lincoln Park will have a new name reflecting the Chicano culture tied to the community.(Courtesy: KVIA/File)

Additionally, the new name reflects El Paso’s Chicano history. Community members often gather at the park for lowrider shows, according to the park’s conservation committee. Many of its murals also have Chicano references.

Acevedo told ABC-7 this was why the committee didn’t want to a complete name change.

“They said we want to preserve Lincoln Park because we celebrate that history but we want to extend the name and also honor the other history related to the park,” Acevedo said.

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Lauren Bly

UPDATE (Sept. 3, 2026): El Paso Police said 36-year-old Ramiro Aaron Sanchez died while performing maintenance on heavy machinery.

Police said the equipment fell on him.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also responded to the incident.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. EPPD is continuing the investigation.

UPDATE (11:57 p.m.): Wagner Equipment Co. posted a statement about Wednesday’s industrial death.

“Earlier today, a serious incident occurred involving one of our employees in El Paso, Texas.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the employee, their family, coworkers, and all those affected during this difficult time.

Out of respect for those involved and the ongoing investigation, we are not able to provide additional details at this time. We appreciate your understanding and respect for the privacy of those affected.”

Wagner Equipment is a Caterpillar equipment dealer in New Mexico and West Texas. It specializes in parts, service, sales and rental.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso Police Department is investigating an “industrial death” in Northwest El Paso Wednesday.

El Paso Police Department Detective Judy Ovidedo said heavy machinery fell onto a man in his mid-30s.

EPPD said the call came in at 10:05 a.m. The Crimes Against Persons Unit is investigating the death on the 7200 block Paseo Del Norte near Reyes Elementary School.

A man in his mid-30s died after heavy machinery fell on him, according to El Paso police. The police’s Crime Against Persons Unit is investigating it as an “industrial death.”(Courtesy: KVIA)

Detective Oviedo said the area around the scene will be closed off for several hours.

At the scene, ABC-7 saw a medical examiner truck, El Paso police and Canutillo Independent School District police.

Police didn’t identify the man.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-The El Paso Public Libraries are inviting members of the communityto take part in Library Card Sign-Up Month. They are unveiling a new limited-edition library card which includes original artwork by respected El Paso artist and illustrator Zeke Peña.

Throughout September, Library Card Sign-Up Month is celebrated to emphasize the value of libraries and connect people of all ages to seewith what’s available through a library card. Whether it’s books and digital materials or technology, educational opportunities, events, and more, a Library Card from the El Paso Public Library connects the community to a wide variety of free resources.

This year’s celebration also underlines the features that make El Paso unique; Peña’s original artwork exhibits his characteristic borderland style on the library card, so that residents can keep it in their wallets and ‘Carry a Piece of El Paso’ wherever they go.

According to Public Libraries Director Norma Martinez, although a library card is small and can be put into your wallet, the opportunities it offers are unlimited. She added that having Zeke Peña’s artwork on the library card makes it even more special because it reflects our community and gives El Pasoans something.

If you want to know more about the Public Libraries, you can go to ElPasoLibrary.org.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-The El Paso Public Safety Coalition is helping residents safely dispose of medications by giving out free Deterra Drug Deactivation System pouches at all El Paso Fire Department stations.

The coalition includes the EPFD, the Department of Public Health, and the El Paso Police Department (EPPD). Aliviane, a local organization focused on reducing substance use and building healthier communities, is supporting the effort by supplying Deterra pouches for distribution at EPFD stations.

Residents can pick up pouches at any EPFD station and use them at home to safely get rid of medications they no longer need.

El Paso Fire Department Fire Chief Jonathan Killings stated, “Providing our community with convenient access to safe medication disposal is another way we can help prevent accidental poisonings, medication misuse and other dangers associated with unused medications.” He added that “since fire stations are situated all over the city, residents have a convenient and accessible resource to help safely deactivate and dispose of medications in their homes.”

Dr. Hector Ocaranza, who leads the Local Health Authority, said, “the health and well-being of our community is our top concern and that prevention helps to save lives, enables people to live longer and safeguards our most vulnerable members of the community”.

Residents are encouraged to check their homes for expired or unused medications and pick up free Deterra pouches at their local fire station.

To learn more about the EPFD or find a fire station near you, visit www.ElPasoTexas.gov/fire-department/.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-For decades, KVIA has been a trusted source of news, information, and connection for the El Paso and Las Cruces communities.

As we celebrate 70 years on the air, Brenda De Anda-Swann, General Manager of KVIA ABC-7, who began working at KVIA in 1998, helps us look back at the stories that shaped our region and the people who made them possible.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Tuesday, the El Paso Children’s Hospital kicked off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with a twist.

Every September, the hospital partners with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and former patient families to bring positive spirit and energy to current patients.

This year, the hospital organized a gold-themed dance party to recognize children currently in their cancer treatment journey.

A new child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes, according to the hospital.

The hospital said it danced to “The Twist” for three minutes on the Southwest University Blood and Cancer Center unit floor to recognize this.

“I’m a two-time cancer survivor. It’s not an easy battle,” Hailee said. “So I’m always here now, giving my time so I could meet new kids, talk to kids and raise awareness.”

Throughout her treatment journey, Hailee’s faith and hospital staff supported her. She said even though she’s out of treatment, she knows there are still kids in that position.

“I know what it’s like to be in their position,” she told ABC-7. “I try everything I can to comfort them and bring happiness.”

Ayana Jaramillo said she was 5 years old when she was diagnosed with cancer. She hopes that events like Tuesday’s dance party encourage younger patients they’ll push through treatment.

“A lot of the memories that I get here come from a lot of the nurses,” Jaramillo said. “It’s just a really good, tight-knit family here, and that’s what I like about El Paso Children’s.”

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Gabrielle Lopez

CANUTILLO, Texas (KVIA) — Some El Paso County institutions said they’re aware of a social media trend that could be depicted as a threat.

The “Cat in the Hat” trend involves artificial intelligence (AI) pictures and videos of the Dr. Seuss character. Some videos appear to show people wearing a costume of the character.

Some videos use the character’s likeness to say it’s going to appear in certain cities in a menacing manner.

Thursday, the Horizon City Police Department said there’s no credible threat to Horizon City schools associated with the trend. However, it said the posts can “create unnecessary fear, disrupt school operations, and require significant law enforcement resources to investigate.”

HCPD said if you see a post that references a specific school, person, weapon or act of violence, don’t assume it’s part of the hoax. It also said to screenshot the information and report it to law enforcement or school officials.

The Canutillo Independent School District said the trend could lead to legal consequences. The district posted the following statement to its social media:

“We want to reassure our families and community that we are not aware of any credible or specific threat directed toward any Canutillo ISD campus or the Canutillo community.

We are working closely with state and federal law enforcement agencies, who have indicated that the trend appears to be a hoax involving AI-generated images and videos. At this time, law enforcement has found no evidence that the activity depicted in these posts is actually occurring.

We urge parents to talk with students about the serious consequences of creating or sharing threats of violence involving schools. Threats are not jokes or harmless pranks. Depending on the circumstances, making or sharing a threat can carry serious legal consequences, including substantial fines and potential jail time.

If you see a social media post specifically referencing Canutillo ISD, one of our campuses or our community, please do not share or repost it. Instead, report it to Canutillo ISD at 915-877-6650 so we can evaluate the information and take appropriate action.

Thank you for helping us keep our students, staff and community safe.”

ABC-7 spoke with El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez about the impact of the trend for local schools.

“This is something that has not escalated,” Sanchez said. “It is not something to be fearful of, but just something to be aware of.”

Sanchez warned that the trend could become a criminal liability if someone reasonably believes there is an ongoing threat.

For example, if a post following the “Cat in the Hat” trend mentions or appears to be near a school, it could prompt a law enforcement response, including a lockdown.

“Those are penal code violations, criminal violations, that carry with it some significant consequences,” she said.

Sanchez said to report any posts that present a safety concern.

“What you should be thoughtful about is sharing posts through the internet if it shows something that could necessarily elicit a fearful response from other young people,” Sanchez said.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Monday, more than 80 nursing students participated in the traditional white coat ceremony at Texas Tech Health El Paso. The Hunt School of Nursing welcomed its newest cohort expected to graduate in December 2027.

The white coat ceremony welcomes medical students. TTHEP said 87 students are entering a 16-month accelerated nursing program.

Each student received a white coat embroidered with the Hunt School of Nursing seal.

One white coat recipient told ABC-7 her family inspired her to study nursing.

“My sister actually got diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when she was little, and we’ve been in a hospital ever since,” said Naomi Serrano. “I want to be a part of that change for others.”

Serrano also said she wants to be a nurse that patients can trust and confide in.

TTHEP said the Hunt School of Nursing is helping grow a workforce to combat an ongoing nursing shortage and health challenges in the region. The vast majority of Hunt School of Nursing graduates stay in the Borderland to practice, TTHEP said.

The school said 1,800 nurses have graduated from THHEP.

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