Good morning, El Paso. We just hit 500 subscribers on the newsletter! Thank you for all the support. Now for the news and things to do.

In today’s Border City Buzz:

• Socorro ISD Plans For Layoffs

• International Food Fair

• Big Store Closing At Cielo Vista

Let’s get to it.

Around Town

Did You Feel The Earthquake? 🫨

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake rattled the Borderland and southern New Mexico late Friday night with its epicenter near Toyah, Texas—about 190 miles east of El Paso. Residents from El Paso to Las Cruces reported feeling the tremors, some more than others.

While the quake was widely felt, no major damage or injuries have been reported. If you felt the quake, you’re not alone—Mother Nature just decided to keep us on our toes!

Socorro ISD Plans For Layoffs 🏫

Socorro Independent School District is facing a $38 million budget shortfall, prompting drastic cuts, including up to 300 layoffs and the elimination of fine arts programs in elementary schools. Teachers were blindsided by the announcement, expressing shock and disappointment at the impact on students.

Class sizes will increase, and administrative staff will be reduced as the district scrambles to stabilize finances. Declining enrollment, state funding struggles, and financial mismanagement have led SISD to take drastic measures, including a $25 million loan to cover payroll. The school board will discuss and potentially vote on these cuts Wednesday, Feb. 19.

Union Plaza To Be Sold And Redeveloped 🏢

With the Multipurpose Performing Arts and Entertainment Facility project scrapped, El Paso is moving forward with plans to sell and redevelop 17 city-owned properties in Union Plaza. The City Council will vote on February 25 to approve a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), ensuring historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and community-focused development.

District 8 Rep. Chris Canales emphasized the importance of affordable housing and public space in the area, known as Duranguito. If approved, the RFQ will be released mid-March, kicking off the next phase of revitalizing the district while maintaining its cultural significance.

Things To Do

Paint, Sip, & Enjoy 🎨

Unleash your inner artist at Hope & Anchor Bar’s guided painting class for ages 21+! No experience? No problem—materials and instructions are included. Grab a drink from the bar, enjoy food from Sabertooth Food Co., and let creativity flow. 📅 February 17, 2025, ⏰ 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., 📍 Hope & Anchor Bar 🎟️(tickets)

International Food Fair 😋

Take your taste buds on a global adventure at International Food Fair 2025! Sample dishes from around the world and learn about different cultures through their cuisine. 📅 Date & Time: February 17, 2025, 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. 📍 Location: UTEP Tomas Rivera Conference Center. No registration required—just bring your appetite!

Get Moving With Zumba 💃

Get moving with Zumba Madness at Galatzan Recreation Center! This high-energy dance workout is free and open to all fitness levels. No registration needed—just show up and shake it! 📅 Mondays & Wednesdays through April 30, 2025 ⏰ 6:45 P.M. - 7:45 P.M., 📍 Galatzan Recreation Center, 650 Wallenberg, El Paso, TX.

Local Business

Sad To Say Goodbye 👋

Another one bites the dust—Forever 21 at Cielo Vista Mall is shutting its doors for good. But before you shed a tear, there’s a silver lining: everything must go! Score deals from 10% to 40% off storewide until the final farewell. No word yet on the closing date, so shop while you can!

Aquatic Center Closed 🏊‍♀️

Heads up, swimmers! The Armijo Aquatic Center is taking a little breather for maintenance and will be closed until February 28th. But don’t worry, the pool party resumes on Saturday, March 1st. Plan accordingly, and maybe take this as a sign to finally try dryland workouts!

Weather

Monday

⬆️ 75 ⬇️ 47 | ☀️ | 0% chance of rain

Tuesday

⬆️ 71 ⬇️ 37 | 🌤️ | 0% chance of rain

Wednesday

⬆️ 66 ⬇️ 34 | 🌤️ | 0% chance of rain

Live Music & Entertainment

Monday 2/17

• Online Open Mic – BWOMS.com – 8:30 P.M.

• North By North – Mona Bar of Modern Art – 8:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M. (tickets)

• Cathedral Bells – Club 101 – 7:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M. (tickets)

• Six Feet Under & Psycroptic – RockHouse Bar & Grill – 7:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M. (tickets)

Tuesday 2/18

• Open Mic Night – Mona Bar – 9:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M.

Sports

UTEP Falls To Liberty 🏀

UTEP men’s basketball couldn’t contain Liberty’s hot shooting as the Flames drained 14 threes to beat the Miners 76-69 at the Don Haskins Center. UTEP, now 17-8 overall and 7-5 in C-USA, led late but couldn’t stop a 16-3 Liberty run.

Otis Frazier III led UTEP with 16 points, while David Terrell Jr. contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Head coach Joe Golding credited Liberty’s resilience and clutch shooting. The Miners now hit the road to face Kennesaw State and Jax State as they fight to stay competitive in C-USA.

We Are The Champions 🏆

The Eastwood girls wrestling team made history at the 2025 UIL State Wrestling Tournament, bringing home the 6A state championship. A total of 27 El Paso-area wrestlers placed in the top six, with three local athletes winning individual state titles: Paulina Butler (Eastwood, 145 lbs.), Hailey Delgado (Eastwood, 100 lbs.), and Cydney Davis (Bel Air, 152 lbs.).

The tournament, held at the Berry Center in Cypress, Texas, showcased the strength of Borderland wrestling. With 45 local finalists, the El Paso region continues to cement itself as a powerhouse in Texas high school wrestling.

Thank YOU!

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