Author: KVIA

Max Zepeda

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Team USA soccer group is back on the pitch Friday afternoon after a thrilling 4-1 victory over Paraguay in last week’s World Cup match.

El Pasoans will gather to witness what the team has in store for the match against Australia.

During the match, ABC-7 spoke with FC Dallas El Paso Director Mike Lopez.

He helped organize a youth soccer camp in East El Paso once attended by Ricardo Pepi and Alex Zendejas, who are both playing for Team USA in the World Cup!

“I was super proud of Pepe. He’s always been a hard worker since he was a little kid,” Lopez told ABC-7. “So he deserves every chance he’s gotten, every opportunity he deserved it. He’s a hard worker.”

For Lopez, the purpose of his initiative isn’t solely driven on every young player trying to become the next Pepe and Zendejas.

“Try to teach the kids what it is about soccer,” he said. “Like I tell everybody — you have to practice every day. Every skill we do at the campus for them to train, practice at home, and hopefully they become a national team player like Ricardo and Alejandro Zendejas.”

Lopez said he plans on seeing both Pepe and Zendejas in person in Los Angeles. That’s where they’ll have their final World Cup group match on Thursday against Turkey. 

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Hospitals of Providence on Friday named Victoria Gonzalez as its new chief executive officer for the Memorial Campus and Children’s Hospital.

Gonzalez has worked for THOP since 1995, the hospital said. She served in several leadership roles, including group chief financial officer over the El Paso market.

She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a business and accounting degree and from Trinity University with a master’s degree in healthcare administration, according to THOP.

“As a native El Pasoan, Victoria brings a deep understanding of our community and a personal commitment to improving access to high-quality care. We are very excited for the next chapter at the Memorial Campus and Providence Children’s Hospital under her leadership,” said Nicholas Tejeda, Western Group President for Tenet Healthcare.

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Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — A fire damaged a Las Cruces mobile home, according to the Las Cruces Fire Department Friday.

Thursday afternoon, firefighters went to the mobile home at 1300 block of Calle Sosa near Encino Avenue at 3:30 p.m., LCFD said.

Crews found a double-wide trailer with fire coming from the attic, according to the fire department. Firefighters went into the home and controlled it within 13 minutes, eventually putting it out.

LCFD said nobody was injured and the fire’s cause is under investigation.

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Lauren Bly

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso family lost its Lower Valley home and pets after a house fire that led to an explosion. Now, they’re asking for the community’s help.

Valerie Holguin, her mother and brother lived in a trailer. The siblings were at a graduation party when their mother called.

“I thought that my mom was just joking around. But then when I tried to check the camera that we had outside, there was no connection. And that’s really weird, because we always have connection here,” Holguin said.

When she got home, firefighters told Holguin that wiring in her room caused the fire.

“Because the windows were all closed, that’s why the back of the trailer exploded,” Holguin said.

No people were hurt, but the only thing Holguin could think about was her pets’ wellbeing.

“We were just worried about our babies — our four cats and two dogs,” she said.

The El Paso Fire Department said they could only find the remains of two cats and one dog. However, Holguin’s family told ABC-7 they haven’t found their other three pets.

The family does have a GoFundMe page, if you would like to help.

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Gabrielle Lopez

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Ciudad Juárez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar requested an indefinite leave of absence Wednesday afternoon, according to the city’s municipal government. The request concludes nearly five years of him leading the municipal administration.

During a special city council session, Pérez Cuéllar said the next step in his career is a challenge in promoting the transformation of the state of Chihuahua, but also seeking justice for Juárez, according to a news release.

He said the city faced shortcomings and insufficient budgets for years, and will continue working to make sure the city gets the treatment and resources it needs.

“When years have passed and I look back on this stage of my life, I will be able to say with peace of mind that I put all my effort, all my energy, and all my heart into moving Ciudad Juárez forward,” Pérez Cuéllar said.

During the special session, he thanked municipal government leaders, first responders, public service workers and other departments for facing challenges to serve Juárez.

“They are the ones who truly sustain and move this city forward every day,” he said.

Additionally, he said he’s certain City Secretary Héctor Rafael Ortiz Orpinel will lead the administration with responsibility.

“I leave with peace of mind because I know there is an extraordinary team working under extraordinary leadership,” Pérez Cuéllar said.

Pérez Cuéllar was elected as mayor in 2021 and 2024.

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Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)— This Summer, some Borderland students took a break from their phones and tablets and perfected their chess skills! The second week of June marked the 8th annual Chess Camp at Reyes Elementary School.

The week-long event was organized by El Pasoan Mark Fooladi. This year, over 50 students signed up. Fooladi said the camp challenges them to think critically, persevere and make lasting friendships!

He said he started organizing this event to help young players understand and enjoy the game of chess.

“I wish we had this when I grew up. It wasn’t as, as promoted in that sense back in that time,” he explained.

The camp initially started with just six students, but it has grown! Fooladi said many players return year after year. His goal is to fill up the entire cafeteria at Reyes Elementary.

ABC-7 spoke to players who were eager to reunite with their friends and to be back playing the game they’ve come to love.

“Chess is a game a really important and fun game,” said one student.

“I just, like, I just like chess,” added another.

One player said this chess camp has taught him valuable strategies he has already started using. Each year, these players look forward to taking a break from technology and fully immersing themselves in this camp.

“I think it’s an absolute win when you can get your kids off of those devices, be around other children, and chess is truly that tool. It’s a tool to start teaching other things throughout, throughout the game. Values, morals, making a decision,” Fooladi said.

Other players said they enjoy stepping away from social media to compete with others their age!

“You feel like you’re actually fighting against someone. It is very fun because, like, when social media is not in your mind, and you’re not just watching and scrolling all day and you’re like putting your mindset in the chessboard,” said one camp attendee.

“They’re creating relationships. They’re creating friendships and bonds with one another,” Fooladi said.

If you have a Good Vibes Only story idea, please e-mail rosemary.garcia@kvia.com.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens welcomed a new resident, the City of El Paso announced Thursday. Dan, a 19-month-old giraffe, moved to the Sun City from a Nebraska zoo in May.

Dan stands at 12 feet. He’ll soon live with Gigi, the zoo’s female giraffe, and they will possibly be breeding partners, the city said.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dan to our El Paso Zoo animal family,” said El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens Director Gary Lunsford in a statement.

The city said the zoo chose Dan through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. The program works to support and keep healthy giraffe herds through conservation breeding and population management.

Dan has been bonding with his caretakers and Gigi, the city said. The zoo discovered his favorite foods are sweet potatoes and cucumbers.

Zoo caretakers have been helping Dan and Gigi get used to each other. They still need time acclimating before they share the African Savanna habitat, the city said. Gigi has reportedly shown a strong liking to Dan, and the zoo expects them to share a space together soon.

“With the departure of Obi and Tesoro, it’s exciting to re-expand the giraffe herd so the community of El Paso can connect with these amazing animals.”

Obi and Tesoro, Gigi’s sons, parted ways May 4 as part of a conservation plan after living at the El Paso Zoo since birth.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Thursday, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced one of its lieutenants graduated from the FBI National Academy in Virginia.

Lieutenant Oscar Torres graduated shook hands with FBI Director Kash Patel as he walked the stage and took his diploma.

“Lieutenant Torres’ graduation from the FBI National Academy is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are proud of the dedication he has shown throughout his career,” said Sheriff Oscar Ugarte “Investing in our personnel is investing in public safety.”

Lt. Torres has 27 years of experience serving the sheriff’s office, EPCSO said. He earned his current rank in January 2025 and oversees operations at the East Montana Patrol Station.

Graduates of the FBI National Academy join a worldwide network of law enforcement leaders who share the best practices for public safety, EPCSO said.

The FBI National Academy is very selective, with a small percentage of officers throughout the county earning the opportunity to attend. The 10-week program has advanced classes in leadership, management, fitness and emerging law enforcement issues, EPCSO said.

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Marcel Clarke

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — After a memorable run on American Idol, El Paso native Julian Kalel is returning home to thank the community that supported him throughout his journey.

Kalel will perform at Country & Color in Downtown El Paso on July 4th, just weeks after appearing in the American Idol finale and sharing the stage with country music star Luke Bryan.

“Yeah, it was a dream come true,” Kalel said of performing with Bryan. “He’s just a genuine guy.”

Despite gaining a national audience, Kalel says El Paso remains at the heart of his success.

“I really do believe that I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the love and support of my city and my lovely El Paso,” he said.

Throughout his time on the show, Kalel became known for promoting a message of hope and connection.

“And if one person out there feels more seen and understood, then I did my job,” Kalel said.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Deputies arrested two people after helping El Paso County Animal Welfare with an animal cruelty investigation, the County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday. Myalena Morales, 25, and Carlos Jasso, 30, are accused of leaving a dog in a small space with poor conditions.

Authorities found a severely malnourished dog at a home off Socorro Road on the 12100 block, EPCSO said. An Animal Welfare officer used the Purina Body Condition Scale and said the dog had a Body Condition Score of 1 out of 9 — indicating extreme emaciation.

Courtesy: Purina Institute

Investigators could see the dog’s ribs, spine and face bones, EPCSO said. They said the dog didn’t have proper food, water or shelter.

EPCSO said the dog stayed in a small space with dried poop, trash and empty food and water containers. Additionally, the dog’s area had little protection from high temperatures.

Authorities identified Morales and Jasso as the dog’s owners. According to EPCSO, they couldn’t give officials documentations proving the dog had veterinary care.

Investigators got arrest warrants for both of the suspects. They gave the dog to Animal Welfare, who now has custody.

Monday, Morales and Jasso were arrested and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on animal cruelty charges. Morales’ bond totaled $3,000 while Jasso’s totaled $5,000, EPCSO said.

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