Good morning, El Paso. Happy Monday! We have a few new attractions coming to the city and the weather is warming up. Life is good!

In today’s Border City Buzz:

• New Addition To The El Paso Zoo

• Mexican American Cultural Center Announced

• UTEP Basketball Struggles

Let’s get to it.

Around Town

El Paso Wins At The Grammys 🏆

El Paso has more Grammy winners! At the 67th Annual Grammys, Lucky Diaz & The Family Band won Best Children’s Album for Brillo, Brillo!, and two El Pasoans helped make it happen!

Roger Argenis, from local band Sayverse and owner of Sound Stage 9, finally took home a Grammy after multiple nominations. Sam Rodriguez, a musician with Saving Bandit, also contributed to the album.

Both played key roles in the production. Roger even joined the band on stage for their win. Congrats to our local El Pasoans!

El Paso Arts District Nominated For USA Today’s Best 🖼️

El Paso’s Downtown Arts District has been nominated for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the best arts districts in the nation.

Residents can vote daily here through Feb. 17 to help secure the win. The nomination highlights El Paso’s rich cultural scene, featuring museums, theaters, and creative spaces.

Designated in 2011 by the Texas Commission on the Arts, the district attracts 2.2 million visitors annually, generating millions in local revenue.

Key attractions include the El Paso Museum of Art, the Plaza Theater, and the upcoming Mexican American Cultural Center opening in March. Let’s vote to support our district!

New Addition To The El Paso Zoo 🦒

The El Paso Zoo just got a little taller with the arrival of a six-foot-tall baby giraffe! Born to proud parents Gigi and Juma, this adorable calf is the second born since Obi arrived in 2023.

After a 14-month wait, mom and baby are doing great while zoo staff keeps a close watch. The little one is still getting used to the world and will be ready to meet visitors in a few weeks.

In the meantime, the zoo will be revealing the baby’s gender soon—any guesses? Stay tuned for updates on this growing giraffe family!

Things To Do

Ready For A Free Zumba Class? 👯‍♀️

Shake up your morning with free Zumba at Eastside Senior Center, 3200 Fierro Dr, El Paso! Join every Monday and Wednesday from 10:15 to 11:15 AM for a fun, high-energy workout.

No sign-up required—just show up, move to the beat, and start your day feeling strong and energized!

FREE Crochet Class 🪡

Learn to crochet for free at Memorial Park Library on February 3 from 12 PM to 3 PM. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, this class welcomes all.

Hosted by a private group—call 915-691-4803 for details. Supplies not provided, so bring your own materials!

Latin Dance Cardio 💃

Get moving with Latin Dance Cardio at Chamizal Community Center, 2101 Cypress Ave, El Paso! Join instructor Lizbeth Rodriguez every Monday and Wednesday at 6 PM for a free, high-energy workout set to Latin beats.

Open to all skill levels—no registration needed. Bring your energy, have fun, and dance your way to fitness!

Local Business

New Sephora Opening 💄

Sephora is set to open at the Fountains at Farah on February 21, bringing its signature mix of high-end and affordable beauty products.

Expect expert advice, interactive displays, and mini makeovers. The new store, located near Tropical Smoothie Café, offers a sleek, welcoming space for all beauty lovers.

Mexican American Cultural Center Announced 🎉

El Paso’s long-awaited Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) finally has an opening date—March 22!

Located near the El Paso Museum of History and La Nube, the MACC is the city’s last 2012 quality of life bond project. The grand opening will also unveil improvements to Cleveland Square Park, including green space and an amphitheater.

Mayor Renard Johnson called the MACC a “transformative space” that celebrates Mexican American history, art, and culture.

The 40,000-square-foot center features an auditorium, teaching kitchen, recording studio, and exhibition space. More details about grand opening events will be announced in the coming weeks.

Weather

Monday

⬆️ 78 ⬇️ 46 | 🌤️ | 1% chance of rain

Tuesday

⬆️ 80 ⬇️ 45 | 🌤️ | 0% chance of rain

Wednesday

⬆️ 78 ⬇️ 42 | ☀️ | 0% chance of rain

Live Music & Entertainment

Tuesday 2/4

• UTEP Faculty Recital, Dr. Andy P. Smith, Commissioned Works – Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall – 500 W University Ave M301, El Paso, TX – 7:30 P.M. (tickets)

• Open Mic Night – MONA Bar of Modern Art – 217 N. Stanton, El Paso, TX – 9:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M. (Sign-up starts at 8:00 P.M.)

Sports

UTEP Loses In A Tight One 🏀

UTEP men’s basketball fell just short in a 71-68 loss to Middle Tennessee in a hard-fought Conference USA battle. David Terrell Jr. led the Miners with his first career double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds) while also dishing out six assists.

The game saw seven lead changes and 11 ties, with UTEP holding a three-point lead late in the second half before Middle Tennessee pulled ahead for good.

Despite solid shooting and a balanced scoring effort, the Miners couldn't convert on key possessions in the final minutes. UTEP now has a week off before facing NM State on February 8.

UTEP Women Struggle 🏀

The UTEP women’s basketball team started strong but couldn’t keep up with Middle Tennessee, falling 64-42. Ivane Tensaie shined with 23 points, hitting all five of UTEP’s three-pointers, while Luisa Vydrova grabbed nine rebounds.

The Miners led after the first quarter but struggled offensively as Middle Tennessee’s defense tightened. By halftime, the Blue Raiders pulled ahead 31-24, and UTEP never regained momentum.

Middle Tennessee’s Jalynn Gregory and Ta’Mia Scott each scored 20, while their team dominated with 15 assists and nine steals. Head Coach Keitha Adams credited the Blue Raiders' defense, noting UTEP "never got in much of a rhythm."

Thank YOU!

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