Good morning, El Paso. You may have noticed the star change colors this week. Well, there’s a reason for that.

In today’s Border City Buzz:

• Western Playland Turns 65

• Phase 1 Of Borderland Expressway Complete

• Bowie Wins First Title In 20 Years

Let’s get to it.

Around Town

Fire At Sun Metro 🚒

A massive fire at the Sun Metro Transit Operations Center on Tuesday afternoon left seven people injured, including four who were hospitalized—two in critical condition. The explosion, which occurred inside the maintenance area at 10151 Montana Ave., caused part of the roof and walls to collapse, requiring over 100 firefighters to respond. The fire is now under control, but investigators are still determining the cause.

Due to the fire, Sun Metro will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule from Feb. 12-19. Riders may experience delays and are encouraged to check SunMetro.net for updates.

El Paso Star Glows Yellow & Red This Week ⭐

El Paso’s iconic Star is glowing yellow and red this week in honor of El Paso Children's Hospital’s 13th anniversary! From February 10-14, the city is celebrating EPCH’s commitment to providing top-tier pediatric care to families across the Borderland.

Since opening in 2012, EPCH has been a beacon of hope for countless children and their families. So, next time you see that vibrant glow in the night sky, take a moment to appreciate the hospital’s dedication. Happy anniversary, EPCH!

Phase 1 Of Borderland Expressway Complete ✅

Drivers in Northeast El Paso now have a new way to get around as the first phase of the Borderland Expressway officially opens. The newly completed State Spur 320 allows travel between Railroad and Dyer, marking a key step in a project aimed at easing traffic congestion.

Once fully constructed, the expressway will stretch from Loop 375 to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, providing an alternate route to I-10. Phase two, a 6.8-mile expansion, is set to begin in late 2025 and will include ramps, bridges, and a shared-use path. The final phase is still in the planning stages and awaits funding.

Things To Do

Food, Music, & Fun 🎶

Head to Old Glory Memorial on Wednesday, February 12 for a night of great food, games, and live entertainment! Enjoy food trucks, music, and a dance group performance. Vendors and info booths will be on-site. Bring the family for an evening of fun!

📍 Location: Old Glory Memorial, 9550 Gateway N Blvd, El Paso, TX
📅 Date & Time: February 12 , 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Book Talk Social 🍷

Join fellow book lovers at Margin Notes Bookbar on Wednesday, February 12, at 6:00 P.M. for an engaging discussion on Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. Dive into this gripping read, share your thoughts, and connect with other readers over coffee or wine in a cozy setting. You can register here if you’re interested.

📍 Location: Margin Notes Bookbar, 7460 Cimarron Market Ave Bldg. 2, Ste 300, El Paso
📅 Date & Time: February 12 @ 6 P.M.

Make Your Own Wine Glass 🧑‍🎨

Enjoy a fun and relaxing evening at Wine Down Socorro, where you can sip on local wines while painting your own custom wine glass. Choose from four beautiful designs or create your own! All materials are included, plus a discount on wine and food purchases. No experience necessary!

📍 Location: Wine Down Socorro, 10245 Socorro Rd, Socorro, TX
📅 Date & Time: February 13, 2025 , 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
💲 Admission: $28 per seat (includes glassware, materials, and 15% off wine and food)

Try A Unique Yoga Style 🧘‍♀️

Immerse yourself in an hour of relaxation and energy healing with Full Moon Tesla Light Yoga. This gentle yoga session, led by Yogi Rina and Dr. Kim, combines movement with Tesla Light Energy to promote balance, detoxification, and deep relaxation. A unique experience designed to align your body and mind.

📍 Location: Sunset Parlor, 1307 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79902
📅 Date & Time: February 12, 2025 , 7:15 P.M. – 8:15 P.M.
💲 Admission: $30 (Free for Sunset Parlor Monthly Members)

Local Business

Happy 65 Years To Western Playland 🎂

Western Playland is kicking off its 65th anniversary season with a nostalgic twist—throwback admission prices! The amusement park opens on Saturday, Feb. 15, with a special celebration featuring free face painting and giveaways. Guests can enjoy unlimited rides for just $19.60, a nod to the park’s history, on Feb. 15-16 and Feb. 22-23 from 1 to 6 p.m.

Marketing Director Lee Ann Murray says this is just the beginning of special anniversary deals throughout the year. Whether you're reliving childhood memories or making new ones, this is the perfect time to visit this iconic amusement park.

Weather

Wednesday

⬆️ 61 ⬇️ 42 | 🌤️💨 | 0% chance of rain

Thursday

⬆️ 64 ⬇️ 45 | ☀️ | 0% chance of rain

Friday

⬆️ 73 ⬇️ 45 | 🌤️ | 0% chance of rain

Live Music & Entertainment

Wednesday 2/12

• Julio Iglesias Jr – Plaza Theatre – 7:00 P.M. (tickets)

• The Jazz Exchange – The Garrison – 7:30 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

• Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Tango – Havana Bar & Grill – 7:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

Thursday 2/13

• Latin Nights – Four80's Sports Bar and Grill – 8:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.

• Doggy Date (bring your dog) – Old Sheepdog Brewery – 5:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

• Electric Dream – Aviators Pub & Grub – 9:00 P.M. - 2:00 A.M.

Sports

Bowie Wins First Title In 20 Years 🏀

For the first time in over 20 years, the Bowie High School girls basketball team has claimed the district championship, capping off an incredible season under Coach Antonio Torres. The Bears went undefeated in district play, outscoring opponents by an average of 21 points per game.

Torres credited their success to years of hard work and growth, with senior guard Andrea Garcia calling the victory "God’s perfect timing." Now, with a district title secured, the team sets its sights on the playoffs, where they'll face San Eli at Nolan Richardson Gym on Tuesday night, hoping to extend their historic run.

Thank YOU!

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