Author: KVIA

Mia Tricarico

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A long awaited renovation was completed today for the Fred & Maria Loya Family YMCA. The U.S Soccer Foundation donated the facility $200,000 which made their dreams of a brand new soccer complex come true.

The YMCA kicked off the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony, there were mascots, dances, summer campers and the YMCA team.

The new complex showcases two fields, one for children with mini nets and the other is a full size field for adults. The YMCAS senior sports director Anthony Noga told ABC-7 the field’s capacity can host up to 200 children, or twenty teams.

The President of the Loya Family Branch Gilda Gil said,”It was much needed more and more families are looking for opportunities for their children to be outdoors, playing together building those developmental skills that are so essential as they grow up to become adults.”

It was an energetic event and the kids are more than thrilled with the brand new field.

Gilda Gil also explained that the YMCA is committed to offering a “membership for all” which allows people to join regardless of their ability to pay.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A new 84-page report from Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union alleged abuse, medical neglect and poor conditions at the Camp East Montana immigration detention facility in El Paso. The report is based on interviews with detainees, family members and legal advocates.

It alleged some detainees experienced excessive force, unsanitary living conditions, inadequate medical care and pressure to accept deportation.

U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar, who has made multiple oversight visits to the detention facility, said the report “only further confirms what [she has] been sounding alarms about since the facility opened.”

She also alleged many of the most serious problems continue to persist.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson called the claims “completely false.”

DHS said detainees receive proper food, water, medical care, access to attorneys and family.

DHS also said “no detainees are being beaten or abused.”

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Wednesday, the El Paso Public Health Department said a man in his 60s tested positive for cyclosporiasis in June — marking the first case in the city this year.

According to Dr. Hector Ocaranza, cyclosporiasis is related to gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting.

He said for those with a normal immune system, the symptoms may resolve by themselves without treatment.

Health officials said there’s no need to panic.

The man wasn’t hospitalized, and officials said his case isn’t linked to the current outbreak in other states.

Authorities said a few isolated cases are reported in El Paso every year, and the risk to the community remains low.

“Talk to your doctor, see what else needs to be happening and the physicians, they need to have a high index of suspicion,” Dr. Ocaranza said. “That’s why you need to tell them all your science symptoms. And in particular, if you travel somewhere and specially to those areas that are affected by the outbreak.”

Health officials urge the public to wash fruits and vegetables, avoid untreated water and see a doctor if you develop persistent diarrhea.

They said you should also wash your hands frequently and avoid swimming if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso man wanted on multiple child sex crime warrants is now in custody, according to the El Paso County Constable Office, Precinct Three.

Deputies learned Ivan Jade Zacarias was wanted several outstanding felony warrants. The offenses included one count of child sexual abuse and two counts of child sexual assault, according to the constable’s office.

The warrants’ bond totaled $90,000.

Deputy constables asked the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for help, and conducted surveillance at the 8400 block of Villanova in Lower Valley El Paso. Deputies confirmed he was in a home there.

According to the constable’s office, family members were unwilling to surrender Zacarias. Deputies eventually took him into custody on the outstanding warrants.

Zacarias booked into the El Paso County Jail.

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Gabrielle Lopez

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — The Juarez Civil Protection Department responded to 49 incidents within 24 hours, including a fire at the Rio Grande Mall. From Tuesday to Wednesday, the fire department alone responded to 34 calls.

The Municipal Rescue Unit attended to the remaining 15 incidents, according to the General Directorate of Civil Protection.

Officials said the most significant incident happened at the Rio Grande Mall, where a fire broke out in two jewelry stores. Crews evacuated 25 employees and 90 customers at the time.

The smoke affected 80% of the mall’s common areas. The fire damage was confined to the two jewelry stores, officials said.

In total, six fire engines, two water tankers and supervisory vehicles were deployed, officials said.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

Additionally, firefighters participated in a support mission to remove plants with cannabis-like characteristics at two separate locations along the Dren 2-A canal, officials said.

Courtesy: SSPM Juarez

Personnel from the Secretariat of National Defense and the Attorney General’s Office helped carry out the operation.

Officials said you can report irregular situations to 911 or community numbers for various police districts.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assents Control changed how the Juárez Cartel appears on its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, according to a news release published Wednesday. Now, the cartel is listed as a transnational terrorist group, target type criminal organization and secondary sanctions risk.

Before the change, the list named the cartel’s other names (for example, “La Linea”), its location (Mexico) and a note about an executive order imposing sanctions on foreign persons involved in the global illicit drug grade.

The SDN list, which spans over 3,200 pages, includes individuals and companies owned, controlled by, acting for or on behalf of targeted countries, according to OFAC. Collectively, those on the list are called “Specially Designated Nationals.”

If named on the list, SDNs’ assets are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them, OFAC said.

OFAC also changed the Los Viagras Cartel to be listed as a transnational terrorist group, target type organization and secondary sanctions risk.

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Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Las Cruces Utilities on Wednesday warned the public about a possible scam asking residents to submit a form about their water quality. The utility said it didn’t make or authorize any flyers or door hangers about the notices.

The utility said the possible scam may try to collect personal information about homeowners or details about private water systems.

If you receive a notice about the form, the utility said to not complete it and throw away the flyer.

Additionally, the utility said you can contact it at (575) 541-2111 with any questions or concerns about the scam.

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Armando Ramirez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Wednesday, July 19, the community is invited to the opening night for the high school production of “Shrek the Musical” at Coronado High School.

The play was put together by students and faculty from across the El Paso Independent School District, who worked for several weeks on costuming, sets, choreography and much more.

Students from different high schools went through an audition process before they were selected for their roles.

Enzo Barraza said the role of Donkey was one of his dream roles. Once he learned that EPISD would be putting on the production, he auditioned.

“When I got the email, I was like shocked, considering I’m a sophomore and a lot of people are like, seniors,” Barraza said. “I was just like shocked and excited to take on the role.”

The actors had more than a dozen practice runs both in and out of costume. Other students created and finished props, backdrops and other items for the production, while musicians fine-tuned their playing.

Joy Rios, who plays one of the leading roles of Princess Fiona, said everyone involved in the production plays an important part in putting the play together, and that it takes time to get a show like this ready.

“Twelve-hour rehearsals, we’re just sweating, getting it all done — but we’re all working together to make sure the product is as clean and, like, just as magical as can be,” Rios said.

The student playing the titular role of Shrek, Ruben Martinez, explained to ABC-7 that he has been apart of EPISD’s summer musical productions five times and shared some words for those wanting to get into theatre.

“Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid about what other people think of you, and don’t be afraid of what might happen. Just go out there and shoot your shot and it might work, it might not. Keep on trying again and you’ll have fun,” Martinez said.

Students will perform “Shrek” July 15-18 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

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Rishi Oza

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A Little League Baseball team based in Horizon has already made history, and it’s about to cement its in El Paso sports history.

Horizon Elite is headed to the 14u Little League Regionals next week — the furthest an El Paso team has ever made.

With a couple wins, the team will be moving to Michigan for a chance to win the whole thing.

“It’s been a good ride. The boys are not finished yet,” said Raymundo Valdez, head coach for Horizon Elite. “At the end of the day, they’re the ones that are performing out on the field, and we’re just here enjoying the ride with them.” 

The team has had the full support of the community. Registration and travel for the tournament have cost near $100,000, but donations from companies and individuals has helped.

“We try to raise as much to basically take some of the burden off of the parents, because this is an opportunity that doesn’t come around very often,” said Jorge Gaspar, president of the region for Little League. He brought Little League to the region 3 years ago.

“The exposure that these kids are getting, not only for themselves, for the charter, but for our community, is something that I didn’t expect to happen when I brought Little League to the region.” 

The team begins their ride next Thursday, July 23rd. They provide updates on their schedule through their Facebook page, which you can find here.

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Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Las Cruces Public Schools announced a new online school open to all of New Mexico Wednesday.

The virtual school, Aspire Online School, serves grades kindergarten through 12th grade, according to a news release.

LCPS said the online school complements the district’s Virtual Learning Academy (VLA), which serves LCPS students in grades three-12. VLA primarily serves students in the Las Cruces area, and Aspire broadens access to eligible students across the state.

The first day of classes on Aspire is July 27, according to LCPS. July 24, there will be a transition day for students starting kindergarten, middle school (sixth grade) and high school (ninth grade).

Additionally, students at Aspire will get a laptop and enhanced Wi-Fi, LCPS said.

The virtual school’s teachers have state certifications, according to a news release. There is also a 24/7 tutoring service, an IT help desk and academic support staff.

“Online learning doesn’t mean learning alone,” Ruiz said. “Every Aspire student will have access to a team of educators and support professionals dedicated to helping them thrive. Whether a family is new to virtual education or has previous experience learning from home, we’re ready to provide the resources, instruction, and personal support students need to succeed,” LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz said.

Students ages 5-21 and live in New Mexico may be eligible to enroll, LCPS said.

The enrollment process is available at https://www.aspirenewmexico.com/  or 575-680-1370. 

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