Category: kvia-local-news

Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — On a beautiful day at Cimarron Park, couples enjoy lunch outdoors and time together.

But the park isn’t the only place to meet someone or spend time with friends. Sarah Martinez, co-founder of The Node, is creating more opportunities for El Pasoans to connect.

“A lot of members who come for the first time without a friend will sit in their car. We can see them through the windows,” said Sarah Martinez.

Martinez says those first-time attendees eventually come out and join the meet-and-greet.

“They’re a little nervous,” said Sarah.

Like many young adults, Sarah says building connections can be challenging.

That’s why she co-founded The Node, a social club designed to help young adults connect through shared activities.

“Everyone’s going to be a little awkward in the beginning. Then, after 20 or 30 minutes, we all forget,” said Sarah.

The Node often partners with local businesses to host its gatherings. Its most recent event, “Pitch Your Pal,” brought attendees together to nominate single friends as potential dates.

For Sarah, The Node is about creating a space where El Pasoans can meet new friends.

“By the end of the event, they’re like, ‘Oh, my God, I’m so glad I came. I’m so glad I met you guys,’” said Sarah.

To find out more about The Node, check out their social media page here .

If you’d like to submit a story for a future Sunday Funday, send an email to olivia.Vara@kvia.com.

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Nina Gallegos

UPDATE (2:03 p.m.): The Sheriff’s Office has provided a statement regarding the $5.9 million deficit:

The latest projection presented to Commissioners Court estimates the Sheriff’s Office will end FY2026 with a deficit of approximately $5.9 million. It is important to understand that this remains a projection and will continue to change as actual expenditures are incurred and additional costs are accounted for.

When the initial deficit projections were developed several weeks ago, they were based on assumptions that included little to no additional spending from certain remaining budget accounts through the end of the fiscal year. The reality is that the Sheriff’s Office is a 24/7 public safety operation, and we cannot simply stop spending. We have salaries and benefits to pay, two detention facilities to operate, and ongoing expenses necessary to provide law enforcement and detention services.

The current $5.9 million projection takes into account expenses that are already encumbered and also projects salary and overtime expenses through the end of the fiscal year. Salary projections are based on prior payroll expenditures and the number of remaining pay periods, while overtime projections are based on prior overtime costs and anticipated expenses through September 30. The current analysis estimates approximately $6.97 million in remaining salary and benefit expenses and approximately $864,000 in additional overtime.

However, not every expense we will incur through the end of the fiscal year is currently encumbered. For example, Detention recently saw an approximately $1.2 million increase in contract-service expenses related to pending inmate meal costs, as well as inmate medical and mental health care contract costs for July. The Jail Annex also saw an approximately $863,000 increase in contract-service expenses related to July inmate medical and mental health care costs. Because expenses such as these are not necessarily encumbered in advance, they are reflected as they are paid and can cause actual expenditures, and ultimately the projected deficit, to increase.

The Sheriff’s Office budget has also changed as a result of the transfer of three maintenance divisions to our office. Those transfers account for approximately $1.95 million in costs, including $1.44 million in salaries and related costs and approximately $512,000 in operating expenses.

We continue to closely monitor expenditures and identify areas where costs can be reduced and operations made more efficient. At the same time, expenses such as salaries, inmate meals, medical and mental health care, fuel and other essential operating costs cannot simply be eliminated without affecting our ability to safely operate our detention facilities, provide law enforcement services and protect public safety. As the County’s presentation notes, the year-end projection is based on key assumptions and remains subject to change.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – Monday, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will give a presentation detailing its 2026 budget update.

By Sept. 30, the end of fiscal year 2026, the Sheriff’s Office projects a $5,903,861.58 deficit, according to the budget presentation.

The FY2026 adopted budget for the Sheriff’s Office was $136,423,023.

The FY2026 revised budget is $144,147,249.

SO Presentation – 09.21 (1)Download

That puts them at a $7,724,226 increase.

$1,440,791 of this increase is attributable for salaries and related costs due to transfer of three maintenance divisions to EPCSO. $512,366 of this increase is attributable for operating costs due to transfer of three maintenance divisions to EPCSO.

Since their last presentation on Sept. 14, that budget has increased by $1,558,674.

As of Sept. 14, 94.42% of the total Sheriff’s Office budget has been spent. 98.54% of salary and benefits budget has been spent.

The target for spending as of Sept. 15, 2026 was 92.31%. Most budget overtimes have been exceeded as of that date.

The Sheriff’s Office expenditure has also increased by $7,137,718 since Sept. 14, according to the presentation.

In early September, the Sheriff’s Office attributed the budget shortfall to overtime spending, increasing fuel and food costs and salaries.

In a previous statement sent to ABC-7, the Sheriff’s Office shared a statement regarding the budget:

“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.”

In their Sept. 14 meeting, Commissioners discussed requesting Sheriff Ugarte personally attending the Sept. 21 meeting to provide a more detailed explanation of the Sheriff’s Office’s overtime costs.

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Carpio Griego

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Lincoln Park Day kicked off its 22nd year at the newly renamed “Lincoln Park – El Paso’s Chicano Park” Saturday.

The community gathered at the park under the freeway to express their cultural pride. From custom lowriders, zoot suits to music, the park buzzed with Chicano culture.

A group of people dress in Pachuco attire at Lincoln Park Day.(Courtesy: KVIA)

Organizers said the annual gathering aims to recognize the cultural significance of Lincoln Park – El Paso’s Chicano Park and the city’s heritage.

The spirit of the occasion even spread to some pets.

(Courtesy: KVIA)

“The art, the murals here at the park speak for themselves,” said Hector Gonzalez from the Lincoln Park Conservation Committee President. “And then every, every car, every man fixes his car and has a vision. And so each car is a rolling piece of artwork.”

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Mia Tricarico

UPDATE (Sept. 22, 2026): El Paso police said they arrested and charged 40-year-old Jose Luis Garcia for his brother’s murder.

(Courtesy: EPPD)

According to an arrest affidavit, officers found 32-year-old Lorenzo Alba dead inside a home on Charlie Smith Drive. Officers saw multiple guns in the home and spent casings around Alba’s body.

EPPD’s Crimes Against Persons Unit went to the home to help with the investigation. When they arrived, they found Alba and Garcia’s sister on the phone with Garcia, according to documents.

Garcia allegedly told her, “I f*****g did it!” and that he was “sorry.”

A witness told investigators Garcia and his brother drank and argued the whole night, according to documents. They reportedly got into a physical altercation. When it ended, Garcia went upstairs while Alba went to the kitchen, documents said.

Moments later, the witness saw Garcia come downstairs with a rifle and said to get out of the way, documents said. The witness said he ran outside and heard multiple shots come from the home.

The witness went back in and saw Alba with his eyes open and not moving with suspected blood around his head, documents said.

Garcia allegedly asked the witness to come with him. The witness alleged that Garcia ran out of the house and drove away in a Dodge Ram truck, investigators wrote.

Investigators then spoke with Garcia and Alba’s sister. Documents said Garcia called his sister and told her “he had done something bad,” but wouldn’t explain what. He allegedly said he “had a lot of drugs and that he was going to end it.”

During the investigation, police used their database to find Garcia’s location.

While canvassing the Central El Paso area, officers saw the truck at the intersection of Mesa and Wyoming near Downtown, documents said. The truck’s registration had Alba’s name on it.

When patrol officers tried to start a traffic stop, Garcia allegedly drove away, starting a pursuit. Texas DPS also helped with the pursuit starting at I-10 East near Lee Trevino, police said.

Garcia’s sister called him and put the phone on speaker in front of a detective, investigators said. Garcia allegedly said, “There was no other way out,” and that he was driving on a doat road in Horizon City. Documents said Garcia hung up the phone after repeatedly saying he “f****d up” and was sorry.

A DPS Trooper used a PIT maneuver to stop Garcia in Horizon City. EPPD took him into custody at the intersection of Desierto Lindo Avenue and Maravillas Street.

Authorities executed a search warrant at the home on Charlie Smith Drive. That’s when investigators found Alba on the kitchen floor with suspected gunshot wounds, documents said.

Detectives from EPPD’s Crimes Against Persons unit secured an arrest warrant for murder. Garcia was charged with murder and evading arrest with a vehicle. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail Tuesday morning.

Police said Garcia has no bond for the murder charge and a $50,000 bond for the evading charge.

There is still an active investigation for the case.

UPDATE (3:10 p.m.): El Paso police said a 40-year-old man was detained after a pursuit following Monday’s shooting.

At the shooting scene in East El Paso, a witness told police that someone left in a Dodge pickup truck, police said. An officer saw the suspect vehicle in Central El Paso, prompting a chase.

The Texas DPS helped with the chase. EPPD said it ended in the area of Maravillas Street and Desierto Bueno Avenue in Horizon City.

Authorities detained the man after the chase.

ABC-7 reported on the chase as a separate incident Monday morning. EPPD confirmed the chase is connected to the shooting.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Police found a 32-year-old man dead after receiving a call about a shooting Monday morning in East El Paso.

According to El Paso Police Department Sergeant Javier Sambrano, it happened around 6:20 a.m. at the 1700 block of Charlie Smith Drive. That’s off Saul Kleinfeld Drive.

Sgt. Sambrano said the Texas Department of Public Safety helped take the suspect into custody within El Paso County.

He also said the shooting was a “family-related” incident.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso , TX ( KVIA-TV)-El Pasoans Fighting Hunger food bank celebrates the food bank’s mission by putting community guests at the center of a five-star dining experience, while VIP sponsors serve as servers.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso,TX (KVIA-TV)-The Sun Bowl announced Old El Paso as its new title sponsor, marking the 8th major change in the game’s history. Sun Bowl president Richard Dayoub joins us to explain what happens next.

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Jerry Najera

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum visited Ciudad Juárez on Sunday, where she traveled through parts of the city and greeted residents who gathered along her route.

Video from the visit showed Sheinbaum riding through the city with her vehicle’s window rolled down as she spoke with people who had waited to see her.

Some people in the crowd could be heard chanting, “We stand with you.”

During her visit, Sheinbaum addressed several topics, including Mexico’s history and its fight to remain an independent and sovereign nation.

“It has cost Mexico a lot, many lives, a lot of sacrifice to be an independent and sovereign country,” Sheinbaum said. “And we must always carry that in our minds and hearts: Mexico is a free, independent and sovereign country. And it is up to all of us to defend the homeland.”

Sheinbaum’s visit comes as she continues to address issues important to Mexico and its border communities.

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Lauren Bly

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso Water said a 16-inch water main break happened in Far East El Paso Friday.

At the scene, ABC-7 saw a Socorro Independent School District police car in a sinkhole.

The break caused the nearby El Dorado High School to dismiss students.

“Currently, we don’t have a cause. Crews have to isolate the waterline to stop the water from flowing and then they can begin repairs – no estimate at this time,” EPWater Public Affairs Officer Denise Parra said.

According to EPWater, it happened across from El Dorado High School near the intersection of Edgemere Boulevard and Tierra Este Road.

SISD shared a message with ABC-7 that was sent to parents:

“Hello, this is Patricia Pedroza, principal of El Dorado High School. I am calling to inform you that students will be dismissed at 3:20 p.m. today due to a water main break on Edgemere and Tierra Este, which has caused a water outage at our campus. Students who normally take the bus will meet in the gym to wait for transportation. Students who drive or walk to school will be permitted to leave. Parents who pick up their students, please be advised that traffic flow will be significantly impacted. If possible, please plan to pick up your child at a remote location. There are extra SISD police in the area to assist with the traffic. Thank you for your continued trust and support of El Dorado High School and Team SISD.”

EPWater’s outage map said the main break is “low severity” and is impacting 1-49 customers. The map also said the outage area includes the high school.

“We ask drivers to avoid the area, if possible. A water tanker is en route. Updates will be provided on this post as they become available,” EPWater said on its social media.

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Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Yolanda D. Hoffmeister is no stranger to pain and grief, but the local humanitarian continues to use art to guide her own healing journey.

She was born and raised in New York, but now lives in El Paso after her veteran husband retired.

At 5 years old, her grandfather taught her the art of painting. She applied to art school but faced rejection.

“It’s hard for me to talk about that sometimes, but when I was rejected by even art galleries as well. It was very frustrating and sad and also pushed me. It pushed me to not give up,” the artist told ABC-7.

Her younger cousin insisted Hoffmeister continue her art and not give up. Following her cousin’s death, rather than giving up, Hoffmeister found the strength to continue pursuing art.

“It was devastating. It truly was because she was such a lighthearted spirit. And she can brighten up any room,” Hoffmeister said.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Hoffmeister lived in New York. Following the deadly terrorist strikes on the World Trade Center, she saw heavy smoke and felt the area tremble.

She decided to give back to firefighters in New York. Hoffmeister started creating art pieces and donating them.

Since then, she donated hundreds of works to first responders and non-profits. She said creating art and giving it to others has helped her overcome challenges and helped her in her own healing journey.

“It’s meant to help people. It’s meant to make people feel good,” she said. “Art is very therapeutic. It allows me to express myself. Take time to focus on my healing process of whatever I went through.”

Her goal is to help others find healing. Hoffmeister hopes those who faced criticism or rejection will persevere.

“They can look at one of my pieces of work and get inspired to either not give up or to remember there’s always hope,” she said.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — ABC-7 obtained copies of 911 calls regarding recent incidents at Camp East Montana. Local officials and agencies had to respond following an attack on security staff on Sept. 1 and a riot on Sept. 7.

Emergency reports from August through the first week of September show that the following 911 calls were made:

Aug. 5: A 61-year-old man suffered seizures. Aug. 16: A 35-year-old woman suffered seizures. Aug. 18: A 40-year-old detention center worker fell ill. Sept. 1: A 29-year-old security officer was involved in an altercation with a detainee; he was punched in the ribs and had to be taken to a local hospital. Sept. 6: Two incidents occurred: a 20-year-old man experienced abdominal pain and in a separate incident, a 38-year-old man suffered chest pain. Sept. 7: A deportation officer requested assistance due to a riot inside the facility.

When the riot occurred, dispatch reports indicated migrants attempted to breach the walls of the housing/tent unit where they were being held.

Fort Bliss Military Police requested assistance. After seeking approval, the sergeant in charge said military police wouldn’t deploy and advised contacting the El Paso Police Department instead.

Military police also notified the Criminal Investigations Division as a precaution.

ABC-7 contacted EPPD to confirm whether they assisted during the riot.

The dispatch report also said a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter provided aerial support.

ABC-7 reached out to DHS and ICE again for an update on both incidents.

A DHS spokesperson sent us the following statement, which is similar to statements they previously sent:

“Is there any reasonable expectation that illegal aliens who resort to violence while awaiting their immigration proceedings in custody have any intention of becoming peaceful, law-abiding members of American society?

On September 1, detainees assaulted security staff by striking, kicking, and throwing tablets at them. Combative detainees were immediately removed from the dormitory and operations returned to normal. Multiple security staff sustained various injuries as a result of the assault and immediately received medical care.

On September 7 around 1 PM, approximately 130 illegal alien detainees at Camp East Montana began throwing items, flipping furniture, and disabling security cameras. The detainees involved caused significant damage to the detention facility and property. There are no reported injuries at this time, and all detainees have been accounted for.

Violence against ICE officers, or any law enforcement personnel, will not be tolerated. Our officers carry out their Congressionally mandated duties in service to public safety and the rule of law. Any bystander or individual who assaults, obstructs, or violently attacks officers will be subject to arrest and prosecution permitted by law.

Being in detention is a choice. We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $3,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. Every person here illegally can take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.”

Watch the full story tonight on ABC-7 at 5 and 6.

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