Author: KVIA

Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Dozens of people have begun camping out in front of ‘Parque DIF’ to secure a spot and a Christmas gift for their children at the 86th annual “Santa Bombero” event.

Some residents say they live far from the event location, even on the outskirts of the city, and that it’s difficult for them to travel on the day of the event.

The City of Juárez, Fire Department, and the DIF (Family Development Institute), among other local agencies and organizations, expect to receive and distribute thousands of toys and bicycles to children in the border area.

Juárez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar reported on Monday that families began arriving at DIF Park Sunday night, hoping to secure a spot for the traditional ‘Santa Bombero’ toy giveaway event, which will take place next Wednesday, December 24, at 8 a.m.

Mayor Pérez Cuéllar also mentioned that this situation was unexpected, as in previous years, families had not arrived so early. He acknowledged that, although appeals have been made to discourage people from spending the night at the park, the number of people is expected to continue increasing as the event approaches.

Mayor Pérez Cuéllar also highlighted that the toy drive has been very successful and reiterated that, as every year, all children will receive a toy. However, he warned that long lines usually form for those hoping to receive a bicycle.

ABC-7 spoke with the municipal Civil Protection director, Sergio Rodríguez, who recommends the community not to spend the night at the park, even if the weather conditions are not adverse, as it is safer to arrive on the day of the event.

Nevertheless, Director Rodríguez indicated that his department maintains a constant presence and a security detail to protect those who have decided to remain at the park.

Authorities reiterated the call to follow official instructions and to arrive in an orderly and cautious manner so that the ‘Santa Bombero’ event can proceed safely and without incident.

Full story tonight on ABC-7 at 6.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Binational residents in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez have been reporting longer wait times and lines at all ports of entry to cross into either city.

Last-minute holiday shopping and travel are among the most common reasons more people have been crossing the border recently.

ABC-7 spoke with some residents waiting in line at the Bridge of the Americas, who said they hope to buy what they still need before Christmas this week. Others said they crossed to Juárez to buy groceries for this week’s dinners.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection advises all those crossing into the U.S. after buying items in Mexico to always declare to avoid any fines and penalties.

CBP’s list of prohibited and restricted items can be found here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with CBP, also has a list of items you can cross into the U.S. for personal use.

The Juárez Road Safety Department (CGSV), or Traffic Police, says they encourage all residents on both sides of the border to always travel with time to spare and to respect all traffic signs and speed limits south of the border. They also advise those crossing from Juárez to El Paso not to cut in line at any port of entry, or they could face a fine of around 4,520 Mexican pesos, which is about $251.45.

There are Juárez Traffic Police officers and agents at all international bridges patrolling and checking to make sure no one is cutting in line while crossing to El Paso.

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Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso’s IM NOVELTIES is strengthening the local fashion scene by continually hosting rotating collections and public pop-ups that connect designers with downtown shoppers.

“When people recognize your brand or they know what you’re doing. And they know that you’re not doing it just for the money. That’s always big because you have to have a purpose and money can’t be your only purpose,” said the owner of IM NOVELTIES, Mariano Adame, during an interview.

Sophia Bencomo, owner of Bencomo Couture and employee at IM NOVELTIES, agreed.

“Just seeing their ideas come to life and they can have it physically. I think that’s just a great feeling, seeing them happy,” said Bencomo.

The store, located on Texas Avenue in downtown El Paso, has helped foster new street life as neighboring businesses grow alongside it. Adame added, “Since I’ve been here, we’ve been lucky to have new neighbors. And that’s kind of like, given the street life.”

The boutique is always on the lookout for new designers and artists. Even when space is limited, it supports pop-ups and events to expand local fashion’s reach.

IM NOVELTIES hosted its first fashion show last year, creating a hub for local creativity beyond the traditional nightlife scene.

Bencomo says that fashion-focused gatherings offer a healthy way to build meaningful connections within the community. “I feel like when a lot of people go out, we’re searching to meet other people or to build that connection, but I think this is a very healthy outlet to build connections,” says Bencomo.

Adame says these fashion shows can offer an alternative way to connect with the community outside the usual party scene. He adds that these fashion shows may also inspire study and collaboration across artistic disciplines.

“You can focus on something positive, like art, and maybe someone will be inspired or to study fashion or film, anything art related,” said Adame.

IM NOVELTIES next show is planned for January 10th at Smolder and Brass, just two doors down from the boutique. This signaling ongoing momentum for El Paso’s emerging fashion ecosystem.

IM NOVELTIES’ succeeds in its role of weaving together designers, artists, and residents into a shared downtown narrative.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — ABC-7 reached out to University Medical Center of El Paso to learn more details about the recently announced pay raise for CEO Jacob Cintron, which the board approved this week.

Cintron is now making almost $1.5 million a year.

According to UMC’s Administrative Director of Public Affairs, Estefanía S. Morgan, Cintron’s new salary is $1,128.582.42, effective Oct. 1, 2025. This compares to the $990,340 he earned the previous year.

His new incentive compensation, based on FY2025 metrics, is $346,449.33, compared to $49,388 in bonuses in 2024.

In an email statement, Board Chair Dr. Kristina Mena said this about CEO Cintron’s evaluation:

“Mr. Cintron has led our Hospital District with exceptional stability, vision, and integrity for nearly a decade. Under his leadership, our system has expanded services, delivered record financial performance, and improved access to high-quality care for families across El Paso County. Each year, our Board undertakes a fact-based evaluation that includes independent market analysis and a comprehensive review of performance metrics. This year, the data show that Mr. Cintron continues to perform at a level that strengthens our entire Hospital District and healthcare system for the region. The compensation adjustment we approved reflects both his achievements and the need to ensure our organization remains competitive in attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent.”

ABC-7 requested an interview with UMC CEO Cintron and other members of the board of directors; they have not responded to our interview request and only provided us with a written statement and the following information:

“The Board of Managers also took into consideration many of the District’s FY25 achievements under the direction of Mr. Cintron, some of which include:”

Successful passage of the November 2024 $396 million bond, addressing capacity constraints, expanding critical services, and investing in new service lines around a burn and a cancer center. 

Preserved all bond ratings from the previous year, demonstrating ongoing stability

Adoption of the No New Revenue Rate for Maintenance & Operations for the fifth time in six years, with the 2025 increase attributable solely to the voter-approved bond.

El Paso Health’s expansion into the STAR+PLUS program, serving 10,000 El Paso residents, along with two new Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans and work to expand into Medicare Advantage.

Districtwide volume growth, including:

12% increase in outpatient visits

11% increase in surgeries

Record financial performance:

Total revenues of $1.8 billion, a 29% increase over FY 2024

The District’s 2025 total revenues were $1.8 billion. In 2017 (Mr. Cintron’s first full year), the District’s revenues were $700 million – a 157% increase

Change in Net Assets of $20 million, outperforming the FY 2025 budget forecast of ($2) million by $22 million

Expand the number of facilities to include:

UMC’s first urgent care

UMC’s East Neurosurgery Clinic

UMC’s Northeast Orthopedic Clinic

UMC’s Anemia Clinic

El Paso Children’s Hospital second urgent care

El Paso Children’s 8th floor expansion to include Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

Expanding system recognitions in 2025, a few of which include:

Named one of Healthgrades’ Top 100 Hospitals in the U.S. for spine surgery

Reaccredited as the region’s only Comprehensive Level 1 Trauma Center by the Texas Department of State Health Services

Achieving geriatric accreditation for our clinics from the Institute of Healthcare Improvement and emergency department from the American College of Emergency Physicians

Received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology

Achieving Level 3 Epilepsy Center accreditation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers

Pinnacle Healthcare Community Impact Award

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-Travel experts expect the weekend before Christmas to be the busiest on the road. For the first time in four years, the national average is below 3-dollars a gallon, and prices could continue dropping as 2025 ends. Txdot’s Lauren Macias-Cervantes joins us with more on what you need to stay safe this holiday season.

Closures: ( TX Dot El Paso)

I-10 Landscape & Aesthetic Project

Monday, December 22

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I-10 westbound right shoulder closure between Lee Trevino Drive and Zaragoza Road

Gateway East Boulevard at Zaragoza Road left lane and turnaround closure

Gateway West Boulevard at Zaragoza Road left lane and turnaround closure

Crews will be installing landscaping and doing metal work.

Horizon/Darrington Reconstruction Project

Sunday, December 21, 9pm to Monday, December 22, 5am

Horizon Boulevard full closure between Horizon Crossing Street and Breaux Street

Darrington Road full closure between Homestead Drive and Nunda Drive

Crews will be working at Horizon Boulevard and Darrington Road intersection.

Tuesday, December 23

7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Horizon Boulevard west to east turnarounds closed between Darrington Road and Horizon Crossing Street

Crews will be working on turnaround repairs.

I-10 Widening West

Monday, January 5 through Saturday, January 10

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (as needed)

North- and South Desert between Vinton and Thorn alternate lane closures

Crews will be working on electrical and miscellaneous construction work.

Monday, January 5 through Saturday, January 10

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I-10 east- and westbound between Vinton and Artcraft alternate lane closures

Crews will be sweeping, striping, power washing, and painting barrier onI-10.

I-10 Widening West 2

Monday, January 5 through Saturday, January 10

9a.m. to 4 p.m.

I-10 east- and westbound between Anthonyand Nashua alternate lane closures

North and South Desert between Anthonyand Nashua alternate lane closures

Crews will be placing concrete and haul trucks delivering material.

Monday, January 5 through Saturday January 10

9 p.m. to 6a.m. (Nightly)

I-10 east- and westbound between Anthony and Nashua left lane closed

Crews will be conducting concrete placement for new pavement surface.

Artcraft

Monday, January 5 through Friday, January 9

9a.m. to 4 p.m. (as needed)

Alternate Lane Closures

SH-178 (Artcraft) east- and westbound between New Mexico State Line and Doniphan

Crews will be working on illumination and wall installations.

South Desert between Clarkston and Blue Sky North Desert between Helen of Troy and Northern Pass

Crews will be loading and unloading material and equipment.

Borderland Expressway Phase 2

Monday, January 5 through Saturday, January 10

7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

US-54 east- and westbound between Mesquite Hills and McCombs alternate lane closuresMesquite Hills reduced to one lane between US-54 and Red Man.

Flaggers will be on-site directing traffic as needed for haul trucks crossing Mesquite Hills.

Flaggers will be on site directing traffic as needed for haul trucks crossing at McCombs and Stan Roberts.

Crews will be transporting earth embankment into the project.

Road Repair

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, January 5

US-54 South at Trowbridge entrance ramp closed

Tuesday, January 6

CD lanes south Montana exit closed

Wednesday, January 7

CD lanes north Montana exit closed

Thursday, January 8

Gateway North passing Fred Wilson left two lanes

closed

Friday, January 9

Paisano entrance ramp to US-54 North and right lane

on US-54 North main lanes closed

Guardrail Repair

Monday, January 5

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

US-54 southbound between Ellerthorpe and Pershing right lane closed

Tuesday, January 6

US-54 southbound connecting ramp to Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound left shoulder closed

Wednesday, January 7

Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound at Fonseca off-ramp closed

Thursday, January 8

SH-20 (Doniphan) southbound between Artcraft and Edgar right lane closed

Friday, January 9

South Desert between Artcraft and Redd right lane closed

Concrete Work Closures

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, January 5 and Tuesday, January 6

Gateway West to Gateway East at Piedras turnaround

Wednesday, January 7

East Missouri between Virginia and Campbell left lane

Thursday, January 8 and Friday, January 9

I-10 eastbound between McRae and Viscount right lane

Bridge Preventative Maintenance

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, January 5 and Tuesday, January 6

I-10 eastbound between Sunland Park and Mesa Park alternate lane closures

Wednesday, January 7

Gateway South to Gateway North turnaround and on-ramp at Montana closed

Maintenance

Monday, January 5 through Friday, January 9

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily

Gateway East between Copia entrance and Raynolds closed

Uva Place, Marr Street, and Redford closed

I-10 East at Raynolds exit closed

Crews will be working on bridge.

US-54 CD lanes between Trowbridge and Altura right lane closed

Crews will be working on rip rap.

Ramp N between Loop 375 East and US-54 North closed

Crews will be working on bridge joints.

Montana Widening Project

Monday, January 5 to Friday, January 9

Nightly, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Montana Avenue frontage road westbound left lanes closed between Joe Battle and Tierra Este Road

Montana Avenue frontage road eastbound left lane closed between Joe Battle and Tierra Este Road

Montana Avenue frontage road east to west turnaround between Joe Battle Boulevard and Tierra Este Road closed

Joe Battle Boulevard north to south and south to north turnarounds at Montana Avenue closed

Crews will be setting girders.

Tuesday, January 6 to Wednesday, January 7

9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Loop 375 southbound full closure between Loop 375 Exit Ramp and Montana Avenue overpass

Crews will be unloading girders onto southbound Joe Battle Boulevard.

Wednesday, January 7 to Thursday, January 8

9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Loop 375 northbound full closure between Loop 375 Exit Ramp and Montana Avenue overpass

Crews will be unloading girders onto northbound Joe Battle Boulevard.

Closure Links:

West Area Project Closures

I-10 Widening West Closures

East Area Project Closures 

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Andrew J. Polk

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A lot has changed in El Paso and the Borderland over the last few decades, including how we report on it.

Our news partners at El Paso Inc. are marking 30 years of focus on the business community and news currents of the region and beyond.

The print and news industry itself has seen some major changes in that time as well.

So what are some of the biggest stories of the last three decades, and what’s on the horizon for reporting on the decades to come?

Join host Andrew J. Polk as he speaks with Publisher Secret Wherret and Editor Robert Gray of El Paso Inc. as they talk about the reporting trends, big stories, and keeping the business going in an ever-changing media landscape. Tune in Sunday at 10:35 p.m., right after ABC-7 at 10 Weekend.

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Nichole Gomez

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Nicole Ardila

When temperatures hit freezing point at 32°F or below, pipes can freeze, where it leaks, bursts or water doesn’t even run water through your home.

But El Paso Water says, even overnight temperatures or cold fronts can cause a mess, and they do not respond to homes reporting pipe bursts — so residents need to wrap their pipes.

“We’re really encouraging our customers to make sure that they’re protecting their home ahead of time, because El Paso water does not respond to those in that event,” said Denise Parra, El Paso Water’s public affairs officer. “Those are just some of the potential things that could happen. But you would have to call a plumber to come to your home. And as we know, that also can be costly.”

In order to do that, you can go to a hardware store and buy insulation from a hardware store like a faucet protector, or foam and duct tape. Or if you’re in a pinch, you can even use cardboard, cloth, a towel or t-shirt that you find at home.

In the video, you’ll see a demonstration on how it should look.

Your pipes inside can also freeze, so it’s best to leave your cabinet doors under sinks open to allow your pipes to access warm air from your home.

El Paso Water says in case of a leak or burst, it’s important to know how to turn off your water, and where it’s located.

“That’s always located at the meter, in many homes, it’s typically located at the front of the home,” said Parra. “You’ll have either a metal lid, some customers have metal lids right now, or you’ll see a blue water lid. And you have to make sure you uncover that.”

All you need to do is turn the knob 90 degrees to shut it off.

El Paso Water does not wrap pipes for residents.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — On December 9, Oliver Rivera Peña, an officer with the Road Safety Coordination Department in Juárez (CGSV), was monitoring the line at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) when he was asked to perform an unusual task.

Officer Rivera was directing traffic when a child and a woman asked him to assist their aunt/sister, who was about to give birth and was waiting to cross into El Paso, Texas, for a medical checkup.

The woman informed Officer Rivera about her sister’s situation. However, because the line was too long, there wasn’t enough time to cross into the United States, so she sought assistance to take her sister to Star Médica Hospital, located south of the city.

Due to the circumstances, Officer Rivera requested an ambulance; when it arrived, the paramedics performed the necessary procedures for the delivery of the baby.

A baby boy was born in good health and then the mother and child were transported to a local hospital for further examination.

“The agency is working “For a better road safety culture,” to reduce incidents and promote awareness and responsibility when traveling on the various roads of our city,” said CGSV in a statement.

ABC-7 spoke exclusively with Officer Rivera to learn more about how he conducted rescue and assistance tasks while the woman was in labor before first responders arrived at the bridge.

More updates in later newscasts.

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Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — RAM prices are rising as AI data centers increase their demand for memory, narrowing the supply that is available to customers. A tighter supply could increase prices for PCs, smartphones, gaming consoles and other devices that rely on RAM.

ABC-7 spoke with Manuel Caballero, owner of EP Electrocenter, to hear firsthand how rising RAM prices are affecting repairs and consumer electronics.

“Spend a little more upfront to get it now before prices rise further,” Caballero advised. “Or wait to see if another company offers alternative RAM options. Right now, there isn’t an easy fix, and prices are higher.”

Major AI data centers, including operations associated with OpenAI, Meta and Google require rapid memory to run larger models.

Stores are passing on these rising costs to shoppers, with many now opting to buy pre-built PCs.

If demand remains high, prices could also remain high for consumers going forward. The broader impact on consumer prices will depend on how quickly memory supply can ramp up and how manufacturers manage pricing going forward.

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