The City Magazine SEPT 2014 Issue

lor e s n u o A C tleman en G a d an

’’

‘‘Sib

Joseph Abraham Jr .

september 2014 PRICE $2.95

September, 2014

DISCOVER AUTUMN’S

Radiance

Sterling silver charms from $25

Introducing the New 2014 Autumn Collection from PANDORA

7933 N Mesa • Suite N El Paso, TX 79932 • Across from Sam’s Club www.thecitymagazineelp.com 915.584.1183 • www.vanitiesjewelryandgifts.com Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PM

September 18-22 (Closed Sunday) Free PANDORA bracelet, with $100 PANDORA purchase.* *Receive a free sterling silver PANDORA Clasp, Bangle or Essence 1 bracelet (US retail value up to $65). While supplies last, limit one per customer.

Charms sold separately. See store for details.

FASHION · HEALTH · TRAVEL

September, 2014

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelley Mozelle shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com

EDITOR Kim North kim@thecitymagazineelp.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/STAFF WRITER COVER: Joseph “Sib” Abraham Jr. DESIGN BY: Ernie Sanchez Creative

COVER STORY BY: Matthew Abraham Cover Art from the private collection of the Abraham family.

Meagan Kinley

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Natalie Rosales natalie@thecitymagazineelp.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER/ EVENT COORDINATOR Chaz Wilson

EDITORIAL DESIGN Ernie Sanchez Creative

SALES MANAGER Joseph D. Dias joe@thecitymagazineelp.com

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Jacqueline Ramsey - Senior Advertising Executive jackie@thecitymagazineelp.com Chaz Wilson chaz@thecitymagazineelp.com Sharon Passantino sharon@thecitymagazineelp.com Jessy Castañeda jessy@thecitymagazineelp.com Sarah A. Lopez sarahl@thecitymagazineelp.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

“The City ” El Paso Magazine welcomes your comments. Please send letters to “Letters to the Editors” 5925 Silver Springs Dr., Suite A El Paso, Texas 79912, or email the editors.

Phone number: (915) 500-5730. Fax: (915) 500-5732.

Letters addressed to The City El Paso Magazine become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Letters may be edited for space.

All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by the magazine and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Editors in Chief. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of the magazine.

All rights reserved.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 2

Felipa Solis, Jannet Bustillos, Grace Neuhaus, Michelle Cromer, Meagan Kinley, Josh Sanchez, Michael Graham, Vic Poulos, Joann Wardy, Natalie Rosales, Erika Lopez, Candace Vasquez, Jose Soto, Matthew Wilkson, Matthew Abraham, Adair Margo, Audrey Tolliver, Eddie Cepeda, Valentin Sandoval, Andres Rodriguez, Marisa Mier, Heather Graham, Hector Madrid, Robin Niland, Lauren Macias-Cervantes.

PHOTOGRAPHY Dav Anmed, Robert Corral, Tommie Morelos, Luis Miranda Jr.

INTERN Audrey Tolliver, Denisse Limas, Sergio Carrasco, Jr., Daniela Contreras, Pablo Delgadillo

CREATIVE SUPPORT Theresa Guerra, Ibrahim Sánchez

The Heart Of El Paso

September, 2014

1122 Airway Blvd. | El Paso, Texas 79925 | (915) 771-5083 | hoyfoxvw.com www.thecitymagazineelp.com

3

ring the scene y Bogart did: du re ph um H e m me ti stle, don’t you, ow how to whi all about the sa ac kn B n ou re “Y , au id L sa h g of the love n she ll in love wit of the beginnin Have Not,” whe e d m an Moviegoers fe ds e in av m H re o each other, scene ie, 1944’s “T . . . blow.” That ould whistle at d w an od er in her first mov ho th ild ge ch to rly put your lips ho in their ea Steve? You just t Abraham, w re ga ar M d an Sib garet stor y between of his wife Mar time to meet. ce as en w es it pr n e he th w in ies, signaling a legend, and r of “love” stor in the home of so being a love et y, d rg ar fo rs ile r ve sm ve ni ly ne an th e soft ng I will s welled up, sh prior to their 29 ar e te m ti I spent a morni as t ng or ed ci kl sh an ar a gl sp id, passing was ystal blue eyes e most,” she sa Abraham. His arriage. Her cr hat I’ ll miss th m w ng ow lo t on. “I was a kn en u to w e Yo et sh cr re of me. e same,” ca th ok as to w I asked their se e he in d ut an . Taking a . The ro care of him, d ever y morning morning coffee di s I hi k ch in and said, “I took hi w dr e m ti it and if Margaret r. “Watching hi oset.” I’m sure pick out his su cl to e e th m in k over to his chai g as in ’d hang the road e house, then he rinkles from it never dreamed w ve no ha e er ld w ou e busy around th w er n re th atio to a far suit making su days her imagin d and looked in y ile rl sm ea r e sh he os in steamer to his ot ck ecious family ph the tea leaves ba me carr ying pr could have read ho r ” ei th ft le I me a good life. travel. As said. “He gave e her life would sh ” e, sed to publish. lif od e had a go e I’ve been bles ’v su “I is l e. ia ac ec pl sp ay t aw mos les El Paso uivocally is the this issue profi , eq it un ve e ha in az ld ag ou ed away. I te w of The City M of El Paso pass braham. As fa y A or b st Si hi y e This 31st issue ar th nd in ge touched rneys is El Paso’s le u whose lives he e of the key atto yo on of e on ti os On our cover uc th od ts pr e of; le e cover of in the midst of ght into the lif man to grace th si is in s th d ve te gi attorneys, and e; an w ag m prints lfishly pays a small ho realize the foot by. Mostly I se to e ne m go co ys ve da I’ hope this issue e of as or ies s money. He w editorial, the m raphed memor epared for this his time and hi pr giggle at photog th e w bo e of or m ty e si ro azines. Th uched, the gene Paso. one of my mag es that he’s to liv e surface of El e th th , in nd ep hi de be ft ft le le en he be that ts have te whose footprin aham who wro clearly a legend Matthew Abr nd ie ly fr al rn ar te de in ge with my as he battled my editor ’s pa S ib’s passing, ed as to his rn w ou l m ia Today I share or he it t this ed atched as an w rt I po e. im ec w pi r ho unfair of ing this cove ight have been attached, know m lly it na t, io gh ot si em nd ion that . In hi remaining was confirmat to El Pasoans it d e an cl s, ti ar nd e ie fr th famil y, S ib’s t af ter reading to write this, bu m hi k as to e m rfect writer. cated to the I chose the pe this issue dedi h is bl pu to it has been in El Paso. ge and honor remain an icon r ve re fo W hat a privile ill w Abraham who memor y of Sib

Sib Abraham,

A legend remem

bered …

f Editor-in-Chie

I was honored to have been asked to write this editorial on Joseph

my face when Sib unexpectedly showed up to the finals of my mock

“Sib” Abraham Jr. Sib was already a legendary lawyer in El Paso, and

trial competition, (which he had personally coached me and prepared

certainly within the Abraham family when I began working for him as

me for) at the El Paso County Courthouse during my senior year at

a runner in his law firm in downtown El Paso at the age of 15. Over

Coronado High School. Sib was a great mentor and teacher to not only

the next four years, I learned a great deal about the practice of law

me but countless other members of the legal community.

from Sib. Sib would call me into his office on Saturday afternoons and quiz me about cases that I had been instructed to read and analyze

More than anything, I hope with this editorial to capture how deeply

over the week prior, usually caselaw pertaining to whatever high-

this man was loved and respected by so many people. To the

profile criminal case he had been working on at the time. I realized

Abraham family, I hope it serves a lasting tribute to a man whose life

later, once enrolled in the University of Houston Law Center, the same

was truly amazing, and one that should be remembered with pride. I

law school that he had attended 40 years prior to me, that Sib was

dedicate this article to Sib’s partner in love and life, his beautiful wife

preparing me for the Socratic method that professors employed in

of 59 years, Margaret.

law school and getting me ready to think critically about complex legal issues. I’ll never forget the look on the judges, competitors, and even 4

Matthew Abraham www.thecitymagazineelp.com

THE ULTIMATE 18 HOLES.

September, 2014

THE PERFECT 19TH HOLE. Stay & Play

GOLF GETAWAY

• One-night stay in a Standard Room • Golf and breakfast for two at Apache Tee • One bucket of range balls • Two Inn margaritas

OFFER CODE: GLF13AS

$258 Sun - Thurs June 1 - Sept. 30

Choose Your Wild Life.

There’s the Southwest that’s dry, flat and hot. Then there’s us – a mountain oasis where cool alpine breezes whisk across pristine lake shores and where every guest is made to feel like the only guest. This is living. This is Inn of the Mountain Gods.

InnoftheMountainGods.com

1-800-545-9011 Mescalero, NM near Ruidoso

FULL CASINO | LUXURY RESORT | CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

5

Plus tax. $12 resort fee added per night. For full details and restrictions, please visit InnoftheMountainGods.com. The Mescalero Apache Tribe promotes responsible gaming. For assistance, please call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).

KEITH R. JOHNSON, MD, PA

September, 2014

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

“THE BONE DOC”

SPECIALIZING IN: JOINT REPLACEMENT (HIP, KNEE, SHOULDER) MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY MAKOPLASTY

Adult/Pedriatic Orthopedics Sports Medicine

1300 Murchison, Suite 310 | El Paso, TX 79902 | Phone: (915)838-3888 | Fax: (915)838-3889

September, 2014

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

7

September, 2014

ATTORNEYS

contents

WORTH KNOWING PROFILES By: THE CITY

16

The City

Fancy Meeting You Here!

37

24

A Counselor and a Gentleman

Joseph ‘‘SIB’’ Abraham Jr .

By: MATTHEW ABRAHAM

By: AUDREY TOLLIVER

The City

60

64

LIKE A PHOENIX

Domestic Abuse

Once Celebrated Street Cars

Stories of Survival

The Return of El Paso’s By: EDDIE CEPEDA

The City

By: MARISA MIER

8

Brings a New Routine

By: ROBIN NILAND

88 93

By: MEAGAN KINLEY

By: ANDRÉS RODRÍQUEZ

A New 74 80 School Year 84

A WISH Pedals Away!

El Paso’s Growing Bike Scene

Center Against Family Violence

By: AUSTIN SAVAGE

COOKING UP

The City

70 Thriving After

B

y: T

HE

CI

TY

The City

On the Ball!

Stability Balls in the Classroom By: HEATHER GRAHAM

102 The City

Like Father, Like Son By: LAUREN MACIAS-CERVANTES

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

9

September, 2014

BEATS EATS The City

AND

122

LOOK THE

106 116 131

Music Festival

THE CHIC SHOPPER

By: EDDIE CEPEDA

132

Love

The 10 Habits of Healthy Couples

Travel

The City

Fashion With Passion Friends of FEMAP Gala

By: JANNET BUSTILLOS

The French Don’t Even Have a Word For Cliché By: EDDIE CEPEDA

By: ERIKA LOPEZ

138 The City

CE L E B R AT E

Tom Lea Month 2014

142

144

The City

The Mystery of the Sun Unraveling the History of the Equinox

His Prerogative

By: MEAGAN KINLEY

By: MATTHEW WILKSON

Ia n nd Wine s h t y Out M By: ADAIR MARGO

146

By: NATALIE ROSALES

Wine

Debunking Some Common

148

The City

Pumpkins, Lettuce, Tomatoes ...Oh my!

f

Bowie High School Jardin

By: VIC POULOS

156

Food

It’s Betta With Feta By: AUDREY TOLLIVER

10

160

Investment

162

Retirement Confidence on the Rise, Is Yours?

Etiquette

By: BOBBY BLANCO

By: JOANN WARDY

What Makes a Good Date

163

Astrology

Signs From the Other Side By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY

150

By: HECTOR MADRID

168

Medical

Would You Like A More Fit Appearance To Your Body?

Consider Liposculpting By: DR. MARCO A. GONZALEZ M.D.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

September, 2014

The Contributors

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13 12

1) Michael C. Graham 2) GRACE The Psychic Lady 3) FELIPA SOLIS 4) Meagan Kinley 5) MICHELLE CROMER 6) DAV ANMED 7) Victor Poulos

8) JANNET BUSTILLOS 9) Josh Sanchez 10) AndrĂŠs Rodriguez 11) Robert Corral 12) Candace Vasquez 13) ADAIR MARGO

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

the FUTURE OF SLEEP IS HERE

The Mattress Store

Making Buying Simple.

El Paso

Far East 855-9500

Las Cruces www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Eastside 595-5954

Northeast 751-5555

El Paseo 647-2085

Telshor 532-1144

Westside 585-1555

Ranch Market Zaragoza

855-9500

Clearance Ctr. Dyer

307-7396

the-mattressstore.com 13

4

September, 2014

For full contributor bios go to www.thecitymagazineelp.com

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

14) Erika Lopez 15) AUDREY TOLLIVER 16) Jose Soto 17) Robin Niland 18) EDDIE CEPEDA 14

19) Marisa mier 20) matthew Abraham 21) VALETIN SANDOVAL 22) heather graham 22) Tommie Morelos

24) joann Wardy 25) Natalie Rosales 26) Matthew Wilkson 27) Hector madrid 28) Lauren Macias-Cervantes www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

September, 2014

Fancy Meeting You Here! | By: AUDREY TOLLIVER |

Rachelle Thiewes Artist/Retired Metallurgy Professor at UTEP 1. You have had jewelry pieces displayed in museums around the world such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The National Museums of Scotland. Have you traveled to these museums and what work of art have you been most proud of to display?

I have traveled to all of those museums and it’s rare to actually have a piece that they purchased be on display, so I feel like they go down into their dungeons and maybe they come out occasionally.

However, I’ve been very fortunate and I think the piece that I’ve been the most excited about is to have something in the Smithsonian. You know being an American, that’s a pretty terrific thing.

2. Working with metal can be tricky and a piece of jewelry may not always come out the way you expected it to. Is there anything you have worked on that has come out all wrong or where you were pleasantly surprised at the outcome?

Working with metal is really tricky, and there are some things that happen when you heat metal up that sort of creates an overheating surface -- it happens to everybody that works on sterling silver in particular and you hate it, you just hate it. But I actually learned how to turn it into a positive and I developed a Photo by: Audrey Tolliver whole new process for surface treatment with metal because of that and that became very unique to my work internationally back in the 80s.

3. When making jewelry are you ever inspired by any trends past or present? What inspires the colors and texture of your jewelry?

I’ve done a lot of work that is exploration of light in our landscape here and it filters into the jewelry that I do, maybe in a very abstract way. My work of the last seven years has been with high tech auto paint -- I’ve been using chameleons and candies and pearls and that is a direct pull from the low-rider cars. I’ve been going to car shows for years just to look at the paint.

Aaron Rich Sports Anchor/Multimedia Journalist at KTSM 1. Have you ever been injured while on the job?

Ironically, the one time I was injured on the job happened, not covering sports, but playing in a charity media softball tournament. While making a play from my position in left field, I dove for the ball. The end result was a shattered lens from my sunglasses and a deep, c-shaped cut on the middle of my forehead that required seven stitches and a large Band-Aid. 2. Being a sportscaster you’ve met many people. Have you met any famous athletes that were just how you imagined them or were they the complete opposite?

Rob Gronkowski, without a doubt. Before he became one of the top tight ends in the NFL for the New England Patriots and making headlines for dancing on stage shirtless and posing with adult film stars on Twitter, “Gronk” was breaking hearts in Tucson playing for the Arizona Wildcats. I covered UA for the CBS affiliate at the time and Mr. “Yo soy fiesta” himself was exactly the same.

3. What is your ultimate dream job?

I think whenever anyone gets into sports broadcasting, we all have that dream of making it to “the mothership” and anchor SportsCenter on ESPN. If I was going to pick a non-sports related job it would be a jet-fighter pilot because, come on … who hasn’t pretended to be Maverick?

16

Photo by: Ryan Hall

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014 marcobicego.com

Colony Cove on North Mesa 915-584-4700

150 B R EATHTAKING. I N SPIRING. M E MORABLE.

September, 2014

D I ScOvER yOuR IMPRESSION Of E L P A SO’S PREMIER EvENT vENuE.

W E D D I N G S • P A RT I E S • C O R P O R AT E & S P E C I A L E V E N T S • B A R / B AT M I T Z VA H S

F UL L -SE RVIC E C AT ER ING • M ENU PL ANNING • CUS TO M D ECOR EV E N T PL ANNING & DES IGN • TAKE 150 S UNS ET HO M E FO R D INNER

“Beautiful venue and incredible staff...Impeccable service.”

Fully Climate Controlled • 150 E. Sunset • (915) 585-0801 • 150sunset.com

September, 2014

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

19

September, 2014

20

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

Zin Valle Since Vineyards 2004

W E BELIEV E IN THE COM M UNITY

EMBRACE YOUR PASSION Starting your own business is an art form unto itself. At United Bank, we appreciate the time, dedication and skill it takes to master your craft.

When you’re ready to make your business dream a reality, work with the bank that knows how to make it happen.

WE KNOW WHAT IT TAKES (915) 231-2500 • UnitedElPaso.com Downtown: 401 E. Main | West: 125 Mesa Hills Dr. at Mesa | East: 9801 Gateway West at McRae & 1726 N. Zaragoza Rd. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

21

September, 2014

Look Well nanoblur Instant correction of the appearance of skin aging. HD ready skin in seconds.

snoxin

A concentrated multi-peptide facial line fighter that works 4x better than $500+ serums.

Feel Well Meningitis shots are now available at all Walgreens, and your insurance may be eligible! Ask your pharmacist for details.

Shingles can last weeks or even years. But a vaccination takes only a few moments and greatly reduces your risk. Now available at Walgreens for those ages 50-59 with a prescription and ages 60 and up without a prescription.

22

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

alamogordo 955 white sands blvd (575) 434.4116

10850 N LOOP DR (915) 860.1315

el paso

10600 MONTANA AVE (915) 591.4655

2112 trawood (915) 595-2788

8889 gateway west (915) 599.8571

2800 n mesa st (915) 533.6883

1831 N LEE TREVINO DR (915) 594.1129

1432 ANTONIO ST (915) 886.2413

2879 MONTANA AVE (915) 566.4464

10090 RUSHING RD (915) 755.9510

HORIZON CITY

5401 MONTANA AVE (915) 779.8825

800 N ZARAGOZA RD (915) 860.1670

1100 GERONIMO DR (915) 778.9301

2950 GEORGE DIETER DR (915) 856.7040

5900 N MESA ST (915) 584.1153

1329 GEORGE DIETER DR (915) 594.3838

302 s oregon st (915) 532.4344

10780 KENWORTHY ST (915) 821.2698

1210 WEDGEWOOD DR (915) 591.9496

1607 N ZARAGOZA RD (915) 856.0071

8050 N MESA ST (915) 585.0491

11685 MONTWOOD DR (915) 855.7704

890 N RESLER DR (915) 584.1359

12201 MONTWOOD DR (915) 856.0278

8045 N LOOP DR (915) 592.5849

12390 EDGEMERE BLVD (915) 849.6849

Find your copy of www.thecitymagazineelp.com

SOCORRO

9428 DYER ST (915) 751.4415

100 N AMERICAS AVE (915) 790.0404 ANTHONY

14300 HORIZON BLVD (915) 852.1561 LAS CRUCES 3490 northrise dr (575) 382.9100 3100 n main st (575) 525.0298 1256 EL PASEO RD (575) 525.8713 2300 e lohman ave (575) 647.2506 3990 e lohman ave (575) 522.1457 2700 w picacho ave (575) 523.0833

at a Walgreens near you 23

September, 2014

24

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

A Counselor and a Gentleman

September, 2014

A Counselor and a Gentleman

Joseph ‘‘SIB’’ Abraham Jr . | By: MATTHEW ABRAHAM |

With a legal career that lasted nearly 53

or write Spanish or English -- by the time he

Ruidoso, NM and upon their return Bobby

years, El Paso attorney Joseph “Sib”

entered the United States Abraham Sr. had

introduced Sib to his sister Margaret Ann

Abraham Jr. had become a legend in the

amassed a small fortune as a successful

who was several months younger than Sib

community when he passed away from an

merchant of small luxury items such as

at the time, but who he quickly developed

aggressive form of pancreatic cancer at the

tapestries, silk scarves and shawls.

a boyhood crush on. “My brother Bobby introduced me to Sib when I was 11 years

age of 77. Known for his sharp litigation skills inside the courtroom and hard work ethic

In 1932 he married Sib’s mother Helen

old and we became fast friends and started

outside the courtroom, Abraham was equally

“Nahima” John from Ford City, PN and

hanging out,” said Margaret.

known for his larger-than-life persona and

they lived at 501 N. Piedras in an apartment

for being the “go-to” defense attorney for

complex known at the time as “Abraham

When Sib’s uncle, Elias Abraham, opened the

high-profile El Paso criminal cases, especially

Market.” Sib and his siblings -- his brother

Bronco Drive-In Theater on 8410 Alameda

when drugs, politicians or celebrities were

Edward “Eddie,” and sisters Geraldine

Ave. in 1950, Sib and his other teenage

involved. Yet it was not only his long record

“Haifa” (Malooly) and Joanne (Chagra) -- all

cousins would work the concession carts at

of legal victories and successful jury verdicts

lived at Abraham Market near an extended

the nightly features. “One thing I’ve always

for the defendants he represented, but

family that included several uncles, aunts,

been able to do is whistle very loudly,”

his reputation as a man of strong personal

and cousins. In a January 2007 El Paso Bar

Margaret explains: “My family had a farm in

character that solidified his reputation as one

Association profile, Sib recalled his time

Ysleta which was not far from the Bronco,

of the top criminal defense attorneys in the

at Abraham Market to interviewer Clinton

and I would ride my bike to the bridge at the

United States.

Cross: “Those were very special times for

Franklin Canal with the neighborhood kids

me. I often relive those years and I remember

and wait to hear Sib whistle for me that he

Sib’s father Joseph Abraham Sr. was born

them with clarity and fondness, because

was at the theater on his break and I would

in Syria in the early 1900s and because of

there was such a profound unity of family;

whistle back that I was there waiting for

immigration quotas for Syrians at the time,

a unity which was so strong that I believe it

him at the canal, and then we would meet

had spent several years in Veracruz, Mexico

made me a better person for having been a

up at the Bronco. My brother was fiercely

before eventually settling with his parents,

part of that experience.”

protective, he wouldn’t even let me and Sib hold hands at the movies. It was a fun time

nine siblings, and many cousins and relatives here in El Paso in the 1920s. Even with no

Around the age of 12, Sib became friends

though, my brother and Sib really were the

formal education -- nor the ability to speak

with Robert “Bobby” Caples at a camp in

best of friends,” Margaret fondly recalls.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

25

A Counselor and a Gentleman

September, 2014

joined Sib in his fledgling law firm, which he

new ‘darling’ of prosecutors. Consequently,

had set up on the third floor of the downtown

Lee and I often found ourselves wanting

Caples

by

to be hired by multiple defendants indicted

The pair continued their courtship throughout

Margaret’s family. Sib had originally intended

in the same case. Obviously, multiple

high school and were married at 17 as Sib

for his law practice to be one oriented more

representation created a conflict of interest,

went on to pursue his bachelor’s degree at

toward business and real estate, as his father

so Lee and I mutually and amicably agreed to

Texas A&M University. “When I graduated

and other Abraham family members had

terminate our partnership, primarily in order

from El Paso High School in 1953, I had

gained considerable success in real estate

to maximize effective legal representation

plans to attend the University of Southern

investments and various other business

in the criminal law area. Thereafter, both of

California, but my cousin, Billy Abraham,

ventures throughout El Paso. But as soon as

our careers as criminal defense lawyers went

convinced me to follow him to Texas A&M.

Lee joined his side, their careers took a much

beyond our wildest dreams.”

I am grateful to him now for having done so

different path.

Building,

and

was

owned

Margaret recalls that during those first years

because at Texas A&M I learned the values of self-discipline, hard work, dedication and

When asked about the evolution of his legal

as an attorney Sib would often take cases

‘teamwork’. These traits would serve me

career as a criminal defense attorney Sib told

that the large law firms in town would be

well for the next 50 years, not only in my

Cross: “Lee had always wanted to practice

afraid or unwilling to touch: “The larger law

law practice but in life,” Sib told Cross in the

criminal law and he convinced me to try

firms in town would often refer these criminal

2007 Bar profile. Sib left Texas A&M after

criminal cases with him, so I did. Lee and

cases to Sib and Lee. Sib firmly believed in

his junior year to return to El Paso and in

I went to Judge William Ward in the 34th

every individual’s right to competent and fair

1956 their son William “Billy” Abraham was

District Court and asked him to appoint us

legal representation and in fiercely defending

born, and in 1958 Sib graduated from Texas

to as many criminal cases as possible, even

a client’s state and federal constitutional

Western College. He continued his studies at

though in those days the appointed cases

rights.” Consequently, Sib quickly became

the University of Houston’s Bates College of

were strictly pro bono. We even had to pay

known for his unyielding and often tireless

Law where he graduated and was admitted

the expenses out of our pockets. Judge

representation of the individuals he defended,

to the State Bar of Texas in 1961.

Ward accommodated us and our criminal

and garnered numerous successful verdicts

law business took off – especially since we

and decisions from judges, juries, and

The following year Sib’s brother-in-law, Lee

achieved remarkable success in defending

appellate courts across the state and nation.

Chagra graduated with honors from law

those accused of committing crimes. In the

school at the University of Texas at Austin and

mid-to-late 1960s, conspiracy law became the

26

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

A Counselor and a Gentleman

$6 billion. Abraham was One of Sib’s longtime legal assistants recalls his ability to retain the utmost composure and decorum, even under the most intense pressure and scrutiny. “Sib always said, ‘Never let them see you sweat,’ and never once in the entire ten years I worked for him did I ever hear Sib raise his voice or lose his cool. He always treated his employees, his clients and his associates with the utmost respect and dignity. He subscribed to the theory that if you approached someone with respect and kindness they were more likely to hear you out than to immediately reply on the defensive,” said the assistant. “He believed in perseverance and always said ‘Never take no for an answer.’ Working for Sib taught me more about real life than any college education that money can buy.”

Sib’s career was marked by a series of notable cases, many of which garnered local and national media attention, such as the 1989 federal drug case that, at the time, involved the world’s largest drug seizure in history -- 21.4 tons of cocaine found in a warehouse in Sylmar, CA. The retail street value of the seized cocaine was placed by law enforcement officials at approximately www.thecitymagazineelp.com

also the defense attorney for Fiona Apple for her September

2012

arrest

in Sierra Blanca, TX for possession

of

hashish

and pot. But even with such

high-profile

cases

and defendants, Abraham never sought

went back to El Paso. Sure enough, the next

out media attention or the limelight, always

day, the jury came back from deliberating,

relying rather on fact of law and diligent

with all ‘not guilty’ verdicts.”

preparation in the courtroom. “Never believe everything you read in the newspaper,”

“Sib was truly an amazing litigator in the

Abraham often said.

courtroom,”

said

Ginsberg.

“He

was

even-tempered, he had that perfect way New York attorney Lee Ginsberg met

of cross-examining a witness where he

Abraham over 20 years ago when they were

was assertive but not overly aggressive.

both defending clients on a large, high-profile

He would be pushing but he never looked

interstate gambling trial in Las Vegas, NV.

like he was bullying the witness. And he

Lee recalls Abraham turning to him at the

was just as good on his feet, examining

conclusion of the month-long trial, almost

witnesses, as he was with his knowledge

immediately after the judge had given the

of the law. He was just smooth.”

jury their instructions and they adjourned to begin deliberations on the 240 counts

“What was unusual about Sib was that he

against the over 20 defendants. “‘Hey Bud,”

almost never told stories about his own

Sib said, “you seem like you know what you

cases. Sib wanted to know about your

are doing, I think we have this handled here,

case and what cases you were working on

I’m going back home.’ And very assuredly,

and he would tell you about the other great

he went to the hotel, packed his bags and

attorneys he had encountered and had

27

A Counselor and a Gentleman

September, 2014

worked with, but he would never

an honorary ‘cousin’ decades ago, a high

brag or boast about his own

honor, indeed) was in trouble, and Sib was

victories or accomplishments,

just too close to handle the case, so he asked

which were substantial. That’s

me to. But he had prepared the case to be

very uncommon, because most trial lawyers

a retired former prosecutor and district

won, and all I had to do was parachute in and

in particular have huge egos, but not Sib,”

court judge from San Antonio, TX, went to

follow Sib’s brilliant lead. He was a master at

stated Ginsberg about his close friend.

law school with Abraham at the University

strategy, quietly analyzing his cases, finding

of Houston and was a close associate and

the prosecution’s weakness, and honing in

Ginsberg got the opportunity to work with

personal friend until his recent passing.

on it. Yet he always earned the respect, often

Abraham on several more cases in New York

“Sib had two passions throughout his life:

begrudgingly so, of the lawyers he went up

over the years. “Even though Sib was the

his family and the practice of law,” declared

against,” DeGuerin continues.

senior attorney in these cases and someone I

Yates. “As a former prosecutor and then judge

looked at as a mentor, he always brought me

for many years, I saw many, many litigators,

“Another time Sib and I, and several other

in and let me take the lead. He would trust

and none of them I ever encountered were

lawyers, represented co-defendants in a

me to work out sometimes the most difficult

better than Sib Abraham. He was the finest

giant marijuana conspiracy with origins in and

parts of the cases and always had confidence

trial lawyer I ever witnessed. For one, he

around El Paso, but filed in Houston so the

in my abilities and treated me with enormous

never went to trial without being absolutely,

prosecution could gain tactical advantage.

respect. Besides being a great lawyer and

totally, 100% prepared. But he also just had

Sib won his case with the jury, in spite of

mentor to me, he also became a great friend.

that magical presence in front of a jury that

the judge treating all the defense lawyers

He was what in Yiddish we refer to as a

was simply unmatched.”

like dog sh*t. His victory had a lot to do with the dignity with which he handled the judge’s

‘mensch,’ a true gentleman in every sense of the word. I loved him, my wife loved him,

Houston trial attorney Dick DeGuerin worked

conduct. (I had to win mine on appeal, based

my daughter loved him, and everyone who

with Abraham on many occasions since they

in part on that same conduct.)

encountered him did… he had some special

first met on a case in the early seventies.

magic about him.”

“There’s no one I’d rather have my back

“And there was the time recently, when he

than Sib Abraham,” states DeGuerin. “There

and Chick Kazen (another ‘cousin’) and I were

Many other colleagues of Abraham echoed

was a time many years ago when a ‘cousin’

representing several clients together. Though

similar sentiments regarding his professional

(the huge Syrian/Lebanese community of El

sick and dying, he never let on, traveling

and personal character. Judge John G. Yates,

Paso are all ‘cousins’; Sib pronounced me

frequently to Austin for meetings, strategizing,

28

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

A Counselor and a Gentleman

confronting adverse parties and lawyers in his gentle but effective way. We didn’t know how sick he was until a few days before he died, because Sib never sought sympathy for himself, only for the hero he represented.

“I went to see him hours before he died in his own home surrounded by the family he loved. Stalwart friend and great lawyer Jim Darnell was there and together we got to visit with Sib. He was lucid and seeking no pity, but satisfied with the life he led, ready to go. Typical of his selflessness, on his dying bed he asked about me and my family, and about another case I’m handling for him. I promised him I’d do my best,” DeGuerin candidly imparts.

When asked in the 2007 Bar Association

“He was a huge believer in the 7th Amendment to the United States Constitution; the right of a trial by jury.

No client was given less than Sib’s 100% effort when it came to representation before a judge and jury.”

- Attorney Carlos Cardenas

the jury in January of 1995 were the most satisfying ones of my career, because they vindicated a man who was truly innocent of the charges levied against him.

Representing innocent individuals is the most frightening of all situations.”

In that same interview, Abraham was asked about

how

criminal

defense

attorneys

contribute to the public interest as a whole, and Abraham replied insightfully, “I am constantly asked, ‘How can you represent people who are guilty of committing crimes?’”

profile about his most interesting case Sib replied: “The most interesting and certainly

legal career to public service, but he was a

“The answer is simple – it’s an oath I took

the most rewarding case I handled was my

close friend and contemporary,” Abraham

as a lawyer in 1961 and an oath I will not

successful representation of the Honorable

said. “I felt it was an honor that he chose

betray. By illustration, I can remember when

Enrique (Henry) Peña. Retired Judge Peña

me to represent him (in the charges) against

Lee Harvey Oswald was shot by Jack Ruby

was not only a great jurist who devoted his

him. The “Not Guilty” verdicts returned by

in 1963. At the time, Oswald was probably

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

29

September, 2014

the most hated person in this country since it

stated. “Having an adversary as powerful and

to lift you up in a time of need and offer you

was widely believed that he had assassinated

formidable as the federal or state government

sage advice or counsel, and always respect

our beloved President Kennedy a few days

is much like having an adversary as powerful

and support your decisions,” stated Garcia.

earlier. When Oswald was rushed to the

as cancer. It is a daunting task – sometimes

“When you’re a judge, you have a lot of

hospital, the doctors and nurses on duty

the results are favorable, sometimes they

friends. But you have very few true friends

used all their skills, training and experience

are not. However, when you work hard, use

that are not going to compromise you and

to save his life. They did it because they,

all your God-given talents, and utilize your

expect special treatment or favors from you

like criminal defense lawyers, took an oath

valuable training in trying to keep a person’s

because they are your friends, and Sib never

which is part of their profession. Strangely,

life from being totally destroyed, it is very

did.”

no one criticized those doctors or nurses, nor

fulfilling. I feel I have lived a very blessed

were they pilloried in the press like criminal

life by being able to have represented those

Judge Garcia further noted, “When Sib

defense lawyers. Every human being, no

whose lives were in shambles and on the

entered the courthouse you felt he was in the

matter how guilty or innocent, is entitled to

verge of destruction.”

courthouse, not just the courtroom, but the courthouse. He had that much of a presence

an effective lawyer when they are accused of committing a crime. To deny them that right

Judge Gonzalo Garcia recalls fond memories

about him. He really set the bar by which

is to deface our Constitution.”

of Abraham: “As a person, he was a

all other lawyers were measured. Being in

consummate gentleman, and Margaret is

court with Sib was like an athlete being in the

Abraham then made an interesting analogy:

the utmost lady. They have always been the

Olympics with other high-caliber athletes, it

“Being a criminal defense lawyer is very

type of friends to have your back and were

made you a better lawyer just being around

much like being an oncologist,” Abraham

always extremely loyal. They would be there

him,” stated Garcia.

30

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

A Counselor and a Gentleman

Attorney Carlos Cardenas worked closely

by jury. No client was given less than Sib’s

with Abraham for many years. “Sib was my

100% effort when it came to representation

colleague, friend and mentor for over 33

before a judge and jury. It mattered not if

coming up do not have that same respect for

years. He taught me many things as a young

the client was of means and paid a healthy

the bounds of the law and for court decorum.

lawyer, and even up to the time of his death,”

fee, or if the client could not afford to hire a

They are willing to go to any lengths to try to

relates Cardenas. “As a litigator I would

lawyer in order to obtain access to justice.

win a case, but not Sib,” states Judge Garcia.

see how he dealt with difficult people and

Sib was there for all who came seeking his

situations. Whether it would be an antagonist

help. Sib used all his talents as a litigator to

His son Billy states, “Bishop Seitz described

attorney on the opposite side of a case or an

make sure every client had his or her day in

my father as ‘larger than life’. He was correct!

adverse witness on the stand during a jury

court. He would never dare enter a courtroom

Not a day goes by that I as his son do not

trial. Sib was always a gentleman and took on

unprepared and without knowing all of the

receive condolences from both the highest

those individuals calmly, professionally, and

facts and issues in every case.”

echelons of our society to the downtrodden and oppressed, who came to him and

with class. From him I learned that being a gentleman was not a sign of weakness, even

Abraham’s

in the heat of battle.”

that will be deeply missed personally

significant

presence

is

one

witnessed his open arms.”

and professionally throughout the legal

“I have a tough time imagining a world

Cardenas in particular highlighted Abraham’s

community. “He had so much respect for

without him,” says DeGuerin. “He was

passionate belief in one’s Constitutional

the court and the rules of procedure and for

always just a phone call away, even though

rights, and his undying commitment to the

court decorum. He never once stepped out

we were separated by the breadth of our

clients he diligently represented. “He was a

of bounds to win a case or to gain advantage.

great state. He earned the universal respect

huge believer in the 7th Amendment to the

That is what will be missed with Sib no

of everyone who encountered him: lawyers,

United States Constitution; the right of a trial

longer in the courtroom. The new lawyers

judges, prosecutors, jurors, and especially

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

31

A Counselor and a Gentleman

clients, for whom he always fought with all his

DeGuerin further shared some of Abraham’s

many talents. He was a warrior in the purest

personal life philosophies: “His beloved son,

sense of that word, and he did it with dignity and

Billy, said Sib believed that what you say and

professionalism. He was a true gentleman.”

what you do must always be in alignment.

September, 2014

And Sib often said ‘Live as if you were to That one word, gentleman, was the one I

die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live

heard used to describe Sib Abraham more

forever.’ Sib lived his life like that. We are all

than any other in researching this editorial.

better because Sib walked among us.”

Margaret recounted to me a story in our interview of a recent time in which she was

George Bernard Shaw defined a gentleman

dining with her husband at their favorite

as “one who puts more into the world than

restaurant, when a local ophthalmologist

he takes out.” That was certainly the very

came up to their table to compliment Sib

definition of Sib Abraham.

on what he had witnessed throughout the evening. The doctor had stated that he was impressed with the way Sib had greeted all 15 people that had come to his table during their meal. With each individual who came by, he had risen from his seat, smiled, shook their hand, and took a moment to speak to each one and seemingly take a sincere interest in each person he had encountered that evening.

“Besides being one of the finest attorney, if not the finest attorney, I’ve ever encountered, Sib was one of the finest persons I’ve ever met. He loved me and I loved him like a brother,” states Judge Yates.

32

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

A Counselor and a Gentleman

“Gifts that were given to Sib came from celebrities like Johnny Manziel.�

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

33

September, 2014

34

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

35

ATTORNEYS

WORTH KNOWING PROFILES

Bottom Row: Ben Gomes-Farias, J. Scott Mann, Allan M. Goldfarb, Milton C. Colia Top Row: Irina Barahona, CaraLyn Banks, Rachel C. Moreno, Emily J. Davenport, Tekla O. Mann, Katy Brack Morrow, Clara C.B. Burns

KEMP SMITH LLP “This region has always had a vibrant medical

traditional attorney role of defending health

and hospitals throughout the region. Fifteen

community and it’s going to continue to

care professionals in the courtroom, we

of the firm’s attorneys are licensed in both

grow. With the Texas Tech University Health

form business partnerships and other types

Texas and New Mexico.

Sciences Center/Foster School of Medicine

of entities, we restructure existing business

becoming a free standing institution and

relationships,

among

Prospective clients should not be put off by

the continued development of the Medical

providers and assist with legal compliance in

the size of the firm, however, according to

Center of the Americas, this is truly an

all aspects of the medical practice, including

Mann. “When people think about large law

exciting time for El Paso,” says Allan M.

employment issues,” says Scott Mann, a

firms, they sometimes assume that they’re

Goldfarb, a Partner and Chairman of Kemp

Partner in the firm’s litigation department.

filled with impersonal people and impersonal

prepare

contracts

service. At Kemp Smith, we’re here to meet

Smith’s Business Department. “The demand for medical services is only going to increase,

To provide this wide array of services, Kemp

with clients. We live in this area and are

along with the legal needs of physicians,

Smith’s Healthcare Group includes attorneys

dedicated to this place and to the people

hospitals and other health care providers.”

drawn from its business, litigation, and

of the borderland. We’re definitely not the

employment law departments. The largest

stuffy-old-law-firm-model people expect. We

is

firm in El Paso, Kemp Smith has 40 attorneys

are dynamic and very much committed to the

responding to this challenge. With ten

dedicated to ensuring delivery of prompt,

growth and development of the community.

committed professionals, the group provides

world-class personal service and advice. With

This law firm has always had a great tradition

a wide range of services, from contract

offices in El Paso, Las Cruces and Austin,

of being involved in the community and

and business issues to defending medical

and its specialized departments, the firm has

giving back to it in ways we believe will help

malpractice claims. “In addition to the

attorneys to match the legal needs of doctors

everybody,” he explained.

Kemp

Smith’s

Healthcare

38 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Group

J. Scott Mann, Tekla O. Mann, Rachel C. Moreno, Milton C. Colia, Allan M. Goldfarb, Irina Barahona, Clara C.B. Burns

“When people think about large law firms, they sometimes assume that they’re filled with impersonal people and impersonal service. At Kemp Smith, we’re here to meet with clients.

We live in this area and are dedicated to this place and to the people of the borderland.”

In 2016, Kemp Smith will celebrate 150

Principal Office

years of service to its clients – service which

221 N. Kansas, Ste. 1700

has stood the test of time and positively

El Paso, Texas 79901

impacted the lives of people in El Paso and the

(915) 533-4424

Southwest. Its Healthcare Group confidently

Fax: (915) 546-5360

carries on that tradition.

Capital Office Kemp Smith’s Healthcare Group:

816 Congress, Ste. 1260

Allan M. Goldfarb

Austin, Texas 78701

J. Scott Mann

(512) 320-5466

Clara C.B. Burns

Fax: (512) 320-5431

Emily J. Davenport Milton C. Colia

New Mexico Office

Rachel C. Moreno

880 S. Telshor Blvd., Ste. 220

CaraLyn Banks

Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011

Tekla O. Mann

(575) 527-0023

Irina Barahona

Fax: (915) 546-5360

Ben Gomez-Farias Katy Brack Morrow

www.kempsmith.com

By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 39

ROSALES LAW FIRM JOE & MARC ROSALES Native El Pasoans, Joe and Marc Rosales

that integrity has been truly integral to our

those stationed at Fort Bliss to those in El

have been practicing law here in the Sun

success,” said Joe Rosales.

Paso and it’s surrounding areas. We have grown up with this city and we are here to

City for over 25 years. Working as a team The

give their clients strong, compassionate,

aggressive criminal defense, family law

representation in criminal defense and

advocacy

recently,

On top of their quality representation, Joe and

family law. Since 2000 the Rosales brothers

employment law. “Through the years we

Marc are bilingual and have a 100% bilingual

have used their wealth of experience as

have been involved in a wide variety of

staff. “We recognize that this city is unique

prosecutors and their breadth of knowledge

cases including personal injury and even

and many of our clients are not proficient in

in the legal field to give their clients fair,

immigration,” explained Marc Rosales. “We

English. We do not want language to stand

honest and effective representation. “My

do this because we care about our clients,”

in the way of them attaining adequate legal

brother and I have always been close and

added Joe. “We know what matters to El

council. When a client comes into our office

we really have a great friendship. Today

Paso because the same priorities matter

they are greeted by a bilingual staff member

we carry that over to our business. We rely

to us, we grew up here and this is our

and assisted by bilingual attorneys,” said Joe.

on each other and our clients can depend

home. Our attachment to El Paso makes a

on both of us. We treat each other fairly,

difference. We can empathize with everyone

and we treat our clients and staff fairly –

who comes into our firm seeking help – from

40 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Rosales

Law

matters

Firm and

specializes most

in

make a difference.”

they are experienced litigators working to

“ Your legal needs are our priority.”

The Rosales Law Firm’s dedication to

the same attorney who will be handling their

Rosales Law Firm

excellence was born many years ago when

case until the very end. Our clients are also

1400 Montana Ave.

Joe and Marc were very young. “We knew

met with a staff member who will personally

El Paso, Texas 79902

from an early age that we both wanted to go

attend to every aspect of their case. If needed

(915) 542-0884

into business together. We each graduated

we also have paralegals assigned to cases

Fax (915) 542-0878

from UTEP and both went away to law

so clients always have immediate access

Rosaleslawfirm.com

school with the intention of returning to El

to a person who can assist them with any

Paso. Even back then we knew we wanted

issues that may arise,” Joe said. “Overall,

to come back, support and help the people

we are in this business because we have a

of our hometown,” Marc said. With this

hope for El Paso. We want to be a part of this

sense of loyalty, the Rosales Law Firm also

growing and progressing community. If we

guarantees individualized council to each

are facilitating that through the law, we are

and every one of their clients. “Our clients

accomplishing our goal,” Marc said.

appreciate the personalized service they receive from us. When a client meets with our firm for the first time, they meet with

By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 41

DAVIE, VALDEZ & MCELROY, P.C. In today’s world, obtaining proper and skilled

as former civil defense lawyers, along with

currently representing employees in labor

representation can seem like a daunting task

their helpful staff, they have come to pride

and employment litigation and is rated “AV

-- particularly when faced with the stresses

themselves on their efficiency, knowledge,

Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell.

of difficult circumstances and restricted

and experience. “Our lawyers have a diverse

resources. Seeking to alleviate the burden,

range of qualifications and credentials,”

Licensed in both Texas and New Mexico,

Davie, Valdez & McElroy, P.C. offer “the

shared attorney, John P. Valdez. “We are

John P. Valdez is a graduate of Texas Tech

experience, the knowledge and the track

dedicated and focused on representing

University School of Law and a former Senior

record of success to help you win your case.”

wrongfully

Known by many as El Paso’s “go-to” lawyers

who

represent

those

and

Trial Attorney for the El Paso County Attorney’s

helping guide them through what can be a

Office. Valdez has practiced civil litigation for

difficult and overwhelming process.”

nearly 10 years. “At an early age, I became

terminated

employees

fascinated with an attorney’s ability to help

who’ve

been wrongfully terminated, Davie, Valdez

Individually, Davie, Valdez & McElroy, P.C.

those that had been wronged and a lawyer’s

& McElroy, P.C. “originated under the

consist of attorneys Roger C. Davie, Jeffery

ability to affect change on a large scale,”

leadership of founder, Roger C. Davie, who

W. McElroy and John P. Valdez. Jeffery

explained Valdez. “After working for a law firm

has extensive knowledge and experience in

W. McElroy is Board Certified in Personal

during my undergraduate years at UTEP I was

labor and employment law.”

Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of

inspired to pursue a career as an attorney.”

Legal Specialization and is licensed in both With their more than 65 years of combined

Texas and New Mexico. Having practiced

Board Certified in Labor and Employment

legal experience on both sides of litigation

civil litigation for 27 years, McElroy is

Law

42 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

by

the

Texas

Board

of

Legal

“Our lawyers have a diverse range of qualifications and credentials. We are dedicated and focused on representing wrongfully terminated employees and helping guide them through what can be a difficult and overwhelming process.”

ROGER C. DAVIE, JOHN P. VALDEZ AND JEFFERY W. MCELROY Specialization, Roger C. Davie represents

“We take great satisfaction in knowing that

Davie, Valdez & McElroy, P.C.

fired and injured workers in El Paso, Texas

we inform people, who may have limited

1801 N Stanton

and Southern New Mexico. A graduate of

access to resources, of their legal rights,“

El Paso, Texas 79902

Texas Tech University School of Law, Davie

Valdez explained. “We find it greatly fulfilling

(915) 838-1100

is also a member of the State Bar of Texas

to know that we have helped individuals deal

www.dvmlawyers.com

and State Bar of New Mexico.

with wrongful termination and have provided resourceful information about their rights.”

“Davie, Valdez & McElroy, P.C., was created to address the needs of wrongfully terminated

“We have the experience, the knowledge

employees and injured workers. We bring

and the track record of success to help you

together the strengths of three experienced

obtain fair and just compensation under

professionals. Our lawyers have more than

the law for your wrongful termination or

65 years of combined legal experience in

work injury claim. We invite you to learn

employment law, workplace accidents, and

more about why we are the right choice

personal injury law. As a team, we are here

for you. Contact our law firm to arrange a

to advocate for hardworking, everyday men

free consultation.”

and women, just like you. We serve clients in state and federal courts throughout Texas and New Mexico.”

By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 43

PARRA LAW

MANUEL PARRA AND VICTOR PARRA Parra Law operates as a law firm bound and

listen to our clients’ concerns, and we take

Following in his brother’s footsteps, Manuel

backed by the commitment of two brothers

the time to answer their questions.”

Parra, JD, is a 2002 graduate of Socorro High School, a 2005 graduate of the

from El Paso who strive to provide a trustedfilled relationship with each of their clients.

A 1989 graduate of Hanks High School and a

University of Texas at El Paso and a 2008

“We emphasize that clients have face-to-

2002 graduate of St. Mary’s University School

graduate of the New York University School

face communication with attorneys and not

of Law, Victor Parra also served notably in the

of Law. Manuel has a genuine concern

staff,” explained Victor Parra. “We want

U.S. Air Force from 1989 to 1995. He initially

for the well-being and experience that

them to understand that their case is highly

paved a career path that led him into the

his clients receive. “I understand that our

important to us.”

nursing field. “I worked in nursing as an RN

clients may feel confused,” shared Manuel.

for 8 years,” shared Victor. “But while I was

“We understand that they may feel unsure

With roots that extend deep into El Paso soil,

attending the University of Phoenix, where I

and that they may feel lost in the legal

Manuel Parra and Victor Parra continue to

earned a Masters in Business Administration,

process. Ultimately, we believe that our

dedicate themselves to “providing a stress-

I was required to take a Business Law class,

clients’ attorney should be there to guide

free environment, which, in turn, reflects

which I found interesting. I knew that my

and help them through it. And at Parra Law,

on our staff and the service they provide

decision to attend law school was going to

we believe ‘taking care of you’ goes beyond

to our clients.” “And we understand these

affect my family. After much consideration,

striving for the best possible outcome in

are difficult and stressful times,” explained

my wife and I decided that it would be a

your case. We believe our clients should

Manuel Parra, JD and partner at Parra Law

positive experience. Now, I love taking on

feel represented, not just be represented.”

Firm. “’How will this affect my career?’ ‘How

complicated cases and I love the fulfillment

will this affect my life?’ ‘What options do I

that it brings when justice is brought to a

have?’ At Parra Law, we take the time to

wrongfully accused individual.”

44 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

“We emphasize that clients have face-to-face communication with attorneys and not staff.

We want them to understand that their case is highly important to us.”

Providing criminal defense services, which

also earned the public’s trust by winning

include defense for all felonies including

What’s Up’s “Best Lawyer to Get You Out of

assault, burglary, homicide and manslaughter,

Trouble” award two years in a row.

the Parra Law provides a diverse range of services. In addition to their strong reputation

Continuing to strive to prove their dedication

for providing solid criminal defense cases,

to their fellow El Pasoans, Manuel Parra

Manuel Parra and Victor Parra also provide

and Victor Parra have also become known

representation in all misdemeanor cases,

around town for the following infectious

of which, some include assault, DWI,

catch phrases: Parra Law

possession, theft and theft by check cases, as well as civil law cases including divorces,

“Charged with assault? Hit us up.”

3100 E Yandell Dr.

child

“On probation? Stay positive … just not on

El Paso, TX 79903

protective orders. They have gone to trial

drug tests.”

(915) 592-9999

on a wide array of charges including: Capital

“Excuse me, miss, your arrest is showing.

Fax: (915) 562-9995

murder, intoxicated manslaughter, assault,

We do expunctions.”

www.parralaw.com

possession, and aggravated assault.

“Parra Law or Parra la carcel. You decide.”

support,

custody,

visitations

and

Aside from the name that they’ve built for themselves amongst their peers in the legal field, Manuel Parra and Victor Parra have By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 45

MICHAEL J. ZIMPRICH,

ATTORNEY-MANAGING MEMBER “We work hard to ensure your needs are met with honesty and professionalism.”

Michael J. Zimprich, Attorney and Managing

University of Texas at El Paso. Education and

on client respect. “We do all we can to

Member of The Law Offices of Michael J.

experience adds to the quality of service and

keep the client informed as we guide them

Zimprich, PLLC, specializes in real estate,

professionalism he offers when managing

through the legal process. Ultimately, we do

business and consumer law. With 17 years

his clients’ cases.

all we can to honor and respect our clients and the business and personal affairs they

of experience in real estate and business in

trust with us.”

El Paso, holding various roles as a property

Offering a wide variety of law services,

tax consultant, real estate agent, mortgage

Zimprich helps his clients with real estate

loan officer, real estate appraiser, and

financing documents, leasing documents,

The Law Offices of

property manager—Zimprich has a wealth of

transactional documents, as well as real

Michael J. Zimprich, PLLC

knowledge and a unique skill set to answer

estate litigation services. In business law

7001 Westwind Drive, Ste. 205

any and all of his clients’ needs. “From

he assists with business sales documents,

El Paso, Texas 79912

inception to closing the deal, I’ve been

business formations, as well as compliance.

(915) 317-1238

involved in almost all aspects of a real estate

Under the umbrella of consumer law Zimprich

Fax: (915) 613-2881

transaction,” said Zimprich. On top of his

handles commercial debt collection and

mjzlaw-ep.com

real estate experience, Zimprich also holds a

deceptive trade practice claims. But what

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

really sets The Law Offices of Michael J.

and a Master’s degree in Accounting from the

Zimprich apart from the rest is his emphasis

46 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

RONALD E. HENRY LAW FIRM “It is highly stressful yet it is very rewarding ... just seeing the happiness you are able to bring into a client’s life.”

With a career that spans the course of

humble and doing the best for your client --

When asked about why he chose a career

two decades, Ronald E. Henry has paved

no matter how much they own or how very

in law, Henry explained, “My senior year

a successful road in the legal field with his

little they may possess. My mother’s uncle

in high school, I found that I had a passion

blend of both passion and skill. “It is highly

was Monsignor Lourdes Costa, a priest in

to help others and decided to go to law

stressful yet it is very rewarding ... just seeing

Smeltertown. I’d always hear the stories from

school. Now, I’m proud to be a member

the happiness you are able to bring into a

my grandfather, Fernando Villalobos, about

of a group of terrific people, including civil

client’s life. The criminal justice system has

how Monsignor Costa was respected by the

practice lawyers, prosecutors and judges.

its flaws but it is still the best in the world.”

people of Smeltertown and the struggles

We all try to do our best -- at times, in very

people would go through just to go to mass.”

difficult scenarios.”

a member of the United States Army

With a preponderance of his work nowadays

Ronald E. Henry Law Firm

and his mother, from Mexico City, was a

dedicated to Criminal Defense on both the

1301 N. Oregon, 2nd Floor

homemaker. “I was raised basically in two

federal and state levels, Henry had previously

El Paso, Texas 79902

cultures,” explained Henry. “My father was

worked as a Law Clerk for the Executive

( 915) 543-6300

a Cajun from Louisiana and my mother from

Office of Immigration Review at the U.S.

Fax 915-543-6309

Mexico, legally. I am loyal to my culture and

Department of Justice, as well as in the El

ronhenrytx@gmail.com

heritage but have learned the value of being

Paso County District Attorney’s office during

A native El Pasoan, Henry’s father was

the earlier years of his career.

By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 47

STEPHANIE TOWNSEND ALLALA, JESSICA KLUDT AND JENNIFER COULTER “We are a compassionate law firm for you and your family’s legal needs.”

Few attorneys take the time and have the

never asking the government for anything.

of Texas School of Law, and Jennifer, a

patience required to truly meet the needs of

The least we can do is provide them with

graduate of Wayland Baptist University with

the clients that beseech their aid. Stephanie

the benefits they deserve.” The firm also

a Psychology degree and a law degree from

Townsend Allala, Jessica Kludt and Jennifer

specializes in Estate Planning, Trust, Probate,

The University of Texas School of Law, have

Coulter of Stephanie Townsend Allala and

and Guardianship law.

worked tireously to provide El Pasoans with quality legal council. “We have an impressive

Associates defy this standard by offering the people of El Paso a compassionate, for-

Stephanie, the owner and lead partner

win rate because we know the rules and we

you-and-your-family, full service law firm that

of the firm is a graduate of UTEP with a

know how to follow them for the betterment

has your best interest at heart. Stephanie,

degree in Mass Communications and a

of our clients,” Stephanie said. “Our clients

her daughter Jessica, and their partner

graduate of The University of Texas School

trust us. We are truly honest and we are

Jennifer specialize in elderly and Medicaid

of Law. Over the years she has served on

changing our clients’ lives for the better.”

law, helping the elderly and critically ill

a myriad of boards and committees in the

supplement their cost of medical and nursing

city. In 2003, she decided to change her

Stephanie Townsend Allala & Associates

care. “We help those who have difficulties

career and began her law practice and for

300 E. Main Drive, Ste. 620

attaining the Medicaid benefits they need

the past 11 years Stephanie, later joined

El Paso, Texas 79901

— those who have had their benefits denied

by her daughter Jessica, a graduate of UT

(915) 533-0007

in the past,” explained Stephanie. “Many of

Austin with bachelors degree in Biology/Pre-

these families have worked 50 to 60 years,

Med and a law degree from the University

48 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

LAW OFFICES OF SAUL ANAYA, PLLC “To assist individuals and professionals with their needs, I provide free consultations.”

Attorney Saul Anaya of the Law Offices of

With an emphasis on educating his clients,

can arise later. “All business owners should

Saul Anaya, is one lawyer with a passion to

Anaya gives personal attention to every

consult with an attorney to discuss the

educate and serve El Pasoans. As a born and

case. “It’s concerning to see the number

organization and formation of a business

raised El Pasoan, Saul got his Bachelor of Arts

of individuals who have not completed

prior to purchasing forms,” said Anaya. “To

in Government from the University of Texas

basic estate planning – they don’t have

assist individuals and professionals with their

at Austin and went on to attend law school,

a will or a power of attorney,” said Anaya.

needs, I provide free consultations.”

earning his Juris Doctor from Thurgood

“Unfortunately, most individuals do not

Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas.

realize the importance of these documents

Law Offices of Saul Anaya, PLLC

In his law practice today, Anaya focuses on

until they already need them – and by that

Probate, Estate Planning, Business & Real

Elder Law; including wills and trust, as well

time, attaining these documents is much

Estate Law

as probate. Anaya can also help with matters

more difficult.”

711 Myrtle Ave. El Paso, Texas 79901

relating to real estate law and business organization law. “My practice focuses on

In addition to his Elder Law services, Anaya

(915) 533-5441

specific areas of law and as a result of the

specializes in business organization, which

Fax (915) 990-2029

narrow focus, I am able to provide focused

begins with forming a business as an LLC

saulanayalaw@gmail.com

representation. As a solo practitioner, I have

or Corporation. In today’s world, attaining

saulanayalaw.com

the flexibility to meet my client’s need and I

these forms online is easy, but what most

take the time to personally handle all of their

people don’t realize is that without consulting

legal matters,” Anaya explained.

professionals like Saul, issues and problems

By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 49

THE LAW OFFICES OF GUERRA & FARAH, PLLC JUAN L. GUERRA, JR., GEORGE K. FARAH, MILAD K. FARAH, SARAH C. DIONNE, GEOFFREY A. BORSCHOW, ALYSSA L. ROMERO Your Rights. Your Life. Our Priority.

Brothers George and Milad Farah were born

success of Guerra & Farah throughout Texas.

include several school districts throughout

and raised in El Paso with an eye toward

Geoffrey has returned back to El Paso by way

the State of Texas.

positively impacting the legal and business

of Houston to assist Milad in the operations

communities. Raised by immigrant parents

of the El Paso office. Geoffrey, also a native

“We are proud to serve and be a part of El

who valued education, George and Milad

El Pasoan and a graduate of Cathedral High

Paso’s legal and business communities,”

graduated from El Paso High School in

School, The University of Texas at El Paso

explained Milad. “We focus on quality and

1994 and 1997 respectively. George, a 1999

and South Texas College of Law, joined

make sure our clients understand their rights

UTEP grad, proceeded to law school at

Guerra & Farah in 2012.

and responsibilities. El Paso is a dynamic city.

This is an up-and-coming community with a lot

Texas Southern University in Houston and graduated in 2003. Milad, a 2003 grad of

Today, Guerra & Farah is comprised of

of energy. Our firm has that same excitement

Texas Tech, soon followed and graduated

six experienced attorneys that offer a

and we want to be a part of El Paso’s growth.”

from Texas Southern in 2006. While at law

diverse portfolio of legal services in Texas

school, George and Juan L. Guerra, Jr. struck

and New Mexico. The firm focuses on

The Law Offices of Guerra & Farah, PLLC

a friendship, which in 2007 became The Law

litigation services, including federal and

1231 E. Missouri Ave.

Offices of Guerra & Farah, PLLC.

state criminal cases, civil actions, including

El Paso, Texas 79902

personal

(915) 533-0880

injury,

breach

of

contract,

Geoffrey Borschow, a life-long friend of

and labor and employment, as well as

the Farahs, is also integral in the continued

representing governmental entities that

50 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

gflawoffices.com By: MEAGAN KINLEY

RMJ LAW FIRM “Trial Lawyers with Proven Results in High-Stakes Civil Litigation” This year, RMJ celebrates its 25th year in

RMJ embraces the advancements in digital

Recently, Jeff Ray was recognized by

practice with four law offices in Texas and New

technology used in and out of the courtroom.

the National Law Journal for successfully

Mexico (Albuquerque, El Paso, Ft. Worth, San

“We engage the most advanced technology

obtaining a $20 million verdict in a business/

Antonio). RMJ has earned a reputation both

that surrounds the legal industry. The current

family law dispute, which was the #1 Fraud

regionally and nationally as a litigation firm

technology certainly enhances the quality

Verdict in Texas in 2012. Jeff and his team

representing public and private corporations in

of the legal representation we offer our

recently received national news coverage

the U.S.A. and Mexico, as well as individuals

clients,” says David, who has been listed in

for a 2014 defense verdict on behalf of

involved in labor and business disputes.

the distinguished Texas Super Lawyers list

Applebee’s International involving multiple

for ten consecutive years.

fatalities in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Jeff firmly believes that “surrounding ourselves with

In addition to its founding partners (Jeff Ray, John McChristian, David Jeans) the firm

RMJ’s commitment to its strong core values

high-quality talent and resources keeps us at

has an outstanding team of attorneys who

of excellence and innovation in the courtroom

the forefront of success in our cases.”

have garnered numerous state and national

has allowed it to successfully defend its clients

board certifications, along with a host of

in high exposure catastrophic injury cases and

Ray, McChristian & Jeans, PC

Martindale-Hubbell AV ratings. Additionally,

highly publicized business and tort litigation

5822 Cromo Dr.

lawyers from the firm have been recognized

throughout the southwest. Such successes

El Paso, Texas 79912

by the American Board of Trial Advocates and

have been reported by ABC, CNN and USA

(915) 832-7200

named to the Bar of Preeminent Lawyers

Today and other national news sources.

and The Best Lawyers in America.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 51

TOULET, GOTTFRIED, DAVILA Y MARTINEZ S.C. “Let us take the guess work out of doing business in Mexico and help you make a secure, profitable investment in our country.”

TOULET, GOTTFRIED, DAVILA y MARTINEZ

Accounting & Payroll Services are also available.

“Toulet,

Gottfried,

Davila

y

Martinez,

proudly conducts business in a creative and

offers a full array of services to foreign entities pursuing the Mexican marketplace. “We take

The firm practices very basic business rules.

innovative manner. By upholding our values,

our clients ‘by the hand’ and help them avoid

Tasks are completed on time. Clients enjoy

we commit to efficiency, thoroughness and

the potential pitfalls of doing business here.”

a same-day call back policy and are updated

the highest standards of integrity. We look

With 94 years of experience between them,

regarding the status of their case, regularly.

forward to guiding you through the industrial and commercial landscape that is today’s

the partners built TGDM on the principle that quality legal representation requires

“Anyone who’s going to invest in Mexico wants

Mexico and welcome you to the limitless

profound knowledge, impeccable personal

to make sure they avoid the complexities that

possibilities of the Mexican marketplace.”

service and vast business experience. They

exist when investing in another country, so we

specialize in Corporate, Manufacturing, Foreign

steer them away from trouble and help them

Toulet, Gottfried, Davila y Martinez, S.C.

Investments, Civil & Commercial Litigation,

to succeed in whatever their endeavors may

Blvd. Tomas Fernandez 7930-209

Mergers & Acquisitions, Mining & Energy,

be,” explains Alejandro Toulet.

Officinas Campestre, Edificio “B” Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua, C.P. 32460

Automotive, Labor, Taxation Litigation & Consultation, Customs & Foreign Trade, Real

Whether it’s the formation of a corporation,

U.S. Direct Line: (915) 613-0192

Estate, Immigration, Social Security & Housing,

partnership, joint venture or the sale,

Email: contactus@tgdm.com

Government Relations and Intellectual Property.

acquisition or merger of an entity or asset,

www.tgdm.com

TGDM takes the time to review all the options and determine an optimal course of action.

52 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

By: ERIKA LOPEZ photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

THE ORNELAS FIRM “My firm promises cost effective, personalized attention -- I take ownership of my client’s problems.”

Known for his expertise in areas of practice

representing individuals to being in-house

from audit or collection activity,” explained

involving Tax Controversy, Tax Planning and

counsel for a Fortune 50 company, so I have

Ornelas. “My firm promises cost effective,

Corporate and Business Law, Oscar Javier

a broad perspective on tax issues that affect

personalized attention -- I take ownership

Ornelas, President and Founder of The

an extensive range of clients.”

of my client’s problems. Also, I understand the cost clients incur when they hire me

Ornelas Firm, seeks to “provide clients of all sizes tax planning advice and solutions to

Through the years, Ornelas has amassed

and discuss with them, in very frank terms,

their tax problems” -- and has being doing so

experience and worked for one of El Paso’s

whether it is cost effective for them to have

for over 10 years. Ornelas currently chairs

oldest law firms where he advised “small

me resolve specific problems.”

the Tax Section of the New Mexico State Bar.

businesses and foreign investors on tax planning matters, tax and entity structuring

The Ornelas Firm

After receiving his BBA from the University of

and restructuring, state and federal tax issues,

Texas at El Paso in 1996, Ornelas earned his

tax audits and examinations and tax efficient

Texas (principal office)

Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University in

cross-border investment strategies” and for

300 E. Main, Ste. 614

2001 and subsequently his master’s degree

Caterpillar Inc., a Fortune 50 company, as in-

El Paso, Texas 79901

(LLM) in tax law from the Graduate Tax

house counsel in their tax workgroup before

(915) 440-0044

Program at the New York University School

founding his very own private practice.

New Mexico (appointment only)

of Law. “In addition to being an attorney, I am also a CPA and have a master’s degree

The Ornelas Firm, which operates in both

3167 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste. 205

in tax law, and am also completely bilingual,”

Texas and New Mexico, “advises individuals,

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

explained Ornelas. “This skill set, along

expatriates, foreign investors, nonprofits

(505) 966-5400

with my work experience, I feel makes

and small businesses on tax and corporate

me unique. My practice has ranged from

matters, and resolves their tax issues arising

By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

www.ojotax.com - oscar@ojotax.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 53

LAW OFFICES OF SERGIO A. SALDIVAR “We believe in giving clients our full attention and treating them with care and respect.”

Priding themselves on providing a network

Justice, Saldivar accepted a position with

(aggressive DWI defense, drug possession,

of trusted lawyers, the Law Offices of Sergio

U.S. Customs and gained valuable years of

family violence, assaults), Federal Criminal

A. Saldivar offers a wealth of skill, focus

experience and knowledge of both border

Defense (drug smuggling, alien smuggling,

and experience. “When you work with us,

drug interdiction and enforcement of U.S.

weapons, white collar crime), Immigration

you’ll get the benefit of reasonable fees,

Immigration Laws. Opting to apply this

(emphasizing on deportation/removal) and

convenient office hours and knowledgeable

knowledge in his quest to help his clients,

Federal Employment Discrimination. “At the

trial lawyers. Sergio A. Saldivar and his team

Saldivar attended and subsequently earned

Law Offices of Sergio A. Saldivar our team

of lawyers work with compassion. “Our

his law degree from the Thurgood Marshall

will stop at nothing to ensure that you come

lawyers understand that looming legal issues

School of Law in Houston. After successfully

away with your dignity and satisfied. We give

can be stressful and overwhelming. That’s

opening and operating his first private

the underdog a voice!”

why we believe in giving clients our full

practice law firm in Houston in 2002, Saldivar

attention and treating them with care, dignity

brought his success home and opened his

Law Offices of Sergio A. Saldivar

and respect.”

second law office in El Paso in 2007.

2301 Montana Ave

A native of El Paso, Sergio A. Saldivar is a

Both Law Offices of Sergio A. Saldivar,

(915) 541-6006

graduate of Austin High School and of the

continue to operate, offering their clients

www.saldivarlawoffices.com

University of Texas at El Paso. Shortly after

‘result

www.dwibusters.com

receiving his Bachelor degree in Criminal

areas including: State Criminal Defense

El Paso, Texas 79903

54 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

based’

representation

in

many

By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

LAW OFFICE OF MARLENE GONZALEZ, PLLC Her law practice includes representation in family, probate and immigration law. years.

Her

law

20

Marlene Gonzalez moved her practice to El

representation

Paso, Texas in 1994 and since then, she has

immigration law. Ms. Gonzalez’s practice

held many positions within our Court system.

also includes appeals to the 8th Circuit

Come visit Marlene in her office to discuss

She is an Associate Municipal Court Judge

Court of Appeals, the United States Court

your family, probate or immigration situation.

since 2003 on a part-time basis and her work

of Appeals of the 5th Circuit and she has

She offers a convenient schedule during the

includes substituting for elected Municipal

also been admitted before the United States

weeks from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM and her

Court Judges, being available 24/7 to sign

Supreme Court since 1996. Prior to having

office is open three (3) Saturday’s per month

warrants of arrest and set bonds on individuals

her own law practice, she worked for the

with appointment times available. The Law

arrested for criminal offenses; determining

County of El Paso.

Offices of Marlene Gonzalez also offers a

in

practice

family,

includes

knowledge, experience, professionalism and

A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, attorney

probate

and

personal integrity.

convenient payment plan for your case.

whether mental commitment orders should be issued, and oftentimes, working as a

Her law office is located at 912 Magoffin

night magistrate. Prior to being appointed an

Ave. and it has been designated a historic

Law Office of Marlene Gonzalez, PLLC

Associate Municipal Court Judge, she was a

building by the Texas Historical Commission.

912 Magoffin Ave.

part-time City Prosecutor for ten years.

She is an active member of the community,

El Paso, Texas 79901

a wife and a mother of two adult sons. Ms.

( 915) 544-3388

her

Gonzalez represents the City of El Paso

www.marlenegonzalezlaw.com

bilingual private practice of law for over

in a very distinguished fashion due to her

Facebook: marlenegonzalezlaw.com

Marlene

Gonzalez

has

maintained

Photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 55

THE LAW OFFICES OF VICTOR H. FALVEY “We do all we can to educate our clients and are very specific to determine the needs and soften fears.”

Referred to as “good and conscientious

firm can help you navigate through your

Finding a good attorney with your interests

attorneys,” the Law Offices of Victor H.

legal issues and needs.

at heart can be a difficult process, especially with a lot of ads, it’s hard to determine who

Falvey are people that are dedicated to the purposeful intent of educating their clients

The firm is a unique niche with great

the right professional for your case is. “We

about their legal needs and rights.

discretion, knowledge and understanding

can help you find your way!”

of the large Latin, Hispanic culture and Specifically, the Law Offices of Victor H.

community they serve. “We are discreet,

The Law Office of Victor H. Falvey

Falvey provide counsel and assistance

knowledgeable, understanding and patient

8732 Alameda

in Real Estate needs, both transactional

with a client base that, although is a majority

El Paso, Texas 79907

and litigation that include title problems

of the population, is widely misunderstood

(915) 858-0665

and title issues, both commercially and

as to their perceptions of the law and how

residential; Estate Planning that includes

the law works. We are a uniquely niche firm

Wills, Powers of Attorney, both financial and

that works hard to answer our community’s

medical; Probate, both simple and complex;

questions and needs.”

Guardianships, Business Entities, Family Asset planning and juvenile law.

The Law Offices of Victor H. Falvey works tirelessly and takes a personal and hands-on

Victor H. Falvey has 33 years of experience

approach, from the Attorneys to Title Officers

and with the help of his outgoing but

to Paralegals and other skilled employees, to

fearless associate, Karen Colon, this Law

our client’s business, cases and relationships.

56 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

FELIPE D.J. MILLAN, P.C. “We are an immigration law firm dedicated exclusively to the practice of immigration law.” ®

from Williams College in Massachusetts,

D.J. Millan, P.C.

are dedicated to serving all persons in need

one of the leading liberal arts colleges in

and attention to detail play a vital role when

of assistance in relation to United States

the United States. Upon graduation from

accomplishing secured success for clients,

Immigration Law. They exist to help men,

Williams College, Millan returned to the

thus all cases are screened and accepted

women and children remain in the United

Southwest and attended the University

in minimal loads and with a firm emphasis

States by placing them in legal standing

of New Mexico in Albuquerque where he

on superior customer service. Felipe D.J.

or protecting their legal standing. With a

received a Juris Doctorate in 1992. As a

Millan, P.C. ® offers a customer service

primary and sole focus on Immigration

native El Pasoan, Felipe D.J. Millan knows

representative to solely focus on client needs.

Law, the attorneys of Felipe D.J. Millan,

the unique diversity of residents in El Paso

P.C.

and continues to broaden the city’s diversity

Felipe D.J. Millan, P.C.

through his strong immigration law practice.

belief that defeat is not an option for their

The attorneys of Felipe D.J. Millan, P.C.

®

specialize in areas of practice that

include: Family based immigration, Worker or employment immigration, Immigration

®

believes that experience

®

clients by implementing the motto, “Don’t

supported by the Violence Against Women

Possessing over 20 years of experience,

Act

Citizenship-Nationalization

Millan began practicing law in Ciudad Juárez,

Derivative

Citizenship

Chihuahua, Mexico. Millan subsequently

Felipe D.J. Millan, P.C. ®

(Birthright, etc.), Adjustment of status, and

joined the law firm of Baker & McKenzie,

1147 Montana Ave.

Consulate Processing.

working out of both their Ciudad Juárez and

El Paso, Texas 79902

their Dallas, Texas offices. In November of

(915) 566-9977

Felipe D.J. Millan graduated from Stephen F.

1994, Millan began his private practice in El

felipemillan.com

Austin High School in 1985. In 1989, Millan

Paso, Texas and since then, has expanded

received his Bachelor’s Degree in History

his offices to San Diego, California. Felipe

(VAWA),

Applications,

embodies the firm

By: ERIKA LOPEZ photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

give up until you get what you want.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 57

November, 2013

58

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November, 2013

Doing business in El Paso for over 32 years!

The Fastest Single Engine Turboprop just Got Faster!

The TBM 900 is a high-performance, pressurized 6 seat business turboprop that offers the performance of a very light jet with the economy of a single-engine turboprop.

Authorized Dealer

SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE AND CAPABILITIES The NEW TBM 900, Climbs to 31,000 feet in less than 18 minutes, cruises at 327 knots, offers a maximum range of 1700 nm with excellent take off and landing capabilities. It can operate at Hot-High airfields and carries six adults in air-conditioned comfort. Powered by a single Pratt and Whitney PT6A-66D Turbo Prop it provides jet like performance with a 40 Percent advantage in fuel burn yielding economics that are nearly 50 percent less cost per mile than a comparable light jet.

NEW

Service Center

ADS

Dallas/Addison

With unrivaled flexibility, performance and reliability, the TBM 900 may just be the best aircraft purchase decision you ever make.

ELP

El Paso

SAT

David Crockett

San Antonio

dcrockett@cutteraviation.com

210-485-1319 (o) 210-410-8262 (m) Authorized Dealer

Cutter Aviation ELP El Paso International Airport 1771 Shuttle Columbia Drive • El Paso, TX 79925 CUTTERAVIATION.COM | 800.351.1021

59

September, 2014

| By: EDDIE CEPEDA |

60

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

I

crafting a revolution

t was a hot day this summer. I finished

But today something different unfolded.

work early and decided that spending

Today, I let my defenses down and took the

the day supporting a local business

bartender’s suggestion. Maybe I was tired of

would be good for the soul and for the

constantly fighting with people’s insistence

economy. I navigated my way through

that I try the “right one” or maybe part of me

most of the beer taps at Monarch,

ordered it just so I could tell him “I told you,

one of my favorite bars in town, and when

I hate it. This is awful.” Those words would

the time came to refill my pint glass, the

not leave my mouth, and instead I would

bartender somehow managed to talk me

send my good childhood friend and

into ordering an IPA. If you knew me,

co-owner of Craft and Social, Rafa

you would know that I believe an IPA is

Terrazas a text simply saying, “I had

a needless trend, and that I’m convinced

an IPA I didn’t hate.”

people drink them out of some sort of masochistic tendency. “Trust me, you’ll like

It wasn’t long ago that craft beer

this one, it’s not like the others,” he said,

connoisseurs in El Paso had little more than

echoing the same phrase I have heard 100

Cincinnati street haunt Hemingway’s to take

times from 100 different people. How could

refuge from watered-down corporate beers.

ANYONE take pleasure in drinking a beer

I have many hazy memories of my early 20s,

that tastes like a pinecone and angostura

stumbling into this legendary bar, mostly out

bitters smoothie? Give me a wheat beer;

of curiosity. “Yeah sure, I’ll try this double

just keep this devilish IPA away from me.

oatmeal stout,” I would utter on occasion.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

61

September, 2014

But unlike beer connoisseurs, I would go

But how much of a demand is there really?

As if that’s not enough, there will also be

back to more familiar commercial drinks after

What about people who are dead set on

home-brewing experts on hand to lend some

one or two of the “good” beers. Let’s face it,

sticking to their Bud Light and Coors Light?

knowledge. Maybe I can finally get someone

El Paso has for many years been more about

“I’m not trying to educate everyone about

to give me advice on how to make my dream

cheap shots and $1 Tecate nights than about

craft beer, just the ones that are curious

beer: a Belgian-style wheat beer with the

high quality, small batch libations. That would

enough to try something new,“ Terrazas tells

usual citrus and coriander flavors, but with

seem (at least to me) to change overnight.

me as he hands me a pint of my personal

the added touch of French lavender.

favorite, Dogfish Head’s Namaste. “Moving When Joseph Valenzuela, another childhood

back to El Paso was due to the opportunity

So is craft beer just a passing trend or is it

friend and co-owner of Hoppy Monk asked

seen given the city’s growth and desire for

here to stay? Take this into consideration, in a

me if I thought it was a good idea for him

something unique. At the end of the day, I

recent interview with the Denver Post, Pete

to open a craft beer bar in El Paso, I almost

wanted to add value to my hometown.”

Coors, (yes, that Coors) expressed confusion as to why fewer people are drinking the big

begged him not to. “Liquor has a GREAT mark-up, trust me dude, stick to that,” I

And bars aren’t the only options for quenching

name beers and switching to craft. And while

pleaded. El Paso is, after all, the number

your craft beer thirst anymore. Sun Brewing

craft beer is still a relatively small share of the

one Bud Light consuming city in the world,

Co. was founded by David Slocum in 2013,

beer market, its share climbs year after year.

probably. Who would spend 15 bucks on a

and is currently the only brewery in town. The

pint, when you can throw a rock and hit some

mission seems to be pretty simple: to create

And even though craft beer started out

kind of beer bucket special? We all know the

beer El Pasoans can call their own. “What

as an occasional treat for me, I now find

answer to that now though.

I’m trying to accomplish is something that

myself grimacing when the draft selection

has never been done before … something

somewhere is limited to Blue Moon or one

Fast forward to 2014 and not only is Hoppy

totally radical to this region.” Slocum tells

of the other “craft beers” owned by the

Monk doing well, it’s done so well they’ve

me. And with unique flavors in their brews

corporate giants.

grown to preach the gospel of brew to the

like Abuelita Mexican Chocolate or regional

people of San Antonio. But there’s room for

chili, Sun Brewing seems to be on the right

But maybe it is just a trend and we’ll soon

more … Rafael Terrazas hung up his cushy

journey to putting El Paso on the beer map.

wake up from this micro-brew dream state we’ve been living in. Maybe the taps will

position at Dell in Austin and came back home to give us Craft and Social, a craft

With Sun City Craft Beer festival approaching

once again flow endlessly with watered-

beer bar, next door to Pot au Feu. And on the

it’s second year, the beer craze shows no

down, big name beer. Or just maybe, there

westside we have Craft House Pub & Grub

sign of slowing down, and is in fact growing,

are more people out there every day that

by Mike Amparan.

as the festival is. This year, it will expand to

are for the first time in their lives enjoying

include live music, merchandise, and art and

an IPA on a hot summer day. Let’s hope

food truck restaurants that will pair the right

for the latter ...

62

food with the perfect beer.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

SEPTEMBER 50

o

o

off

in registration

Come and Dance with us!

Jazz • Ballet • Tap Hip hop • Aerial

Any questions? Call 915 585 1911 6910 North Mesa St#79912 (behind Dollar General)

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

63

September, 2014

64

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

r e t u r n o f E l pa s o ’ s c e l e b r at e d s t r e e t c a r s

September, 2014

LIKE A PHOENIX The Return of El Paso’s

Once Celebrated Street Cars

A

| By: AUSTIN SAVAGE photography by: TOMMIE MORELOS | s the face of change has

The neighborhoods of Sunset Heights,

flown through so much

Manhattan Heights, Governor’s Hill, and Kern

of the city in recent

Place were linked as routes that all fed into

years there is often the

the burgeoning downtown of El Paso, most

accompaniment of noise

notably as a link to Juárez and the vibrant

that accompanies transition,

international community that was forming.

but in all these efforts to revitalize there is

For as little as six cents citizens were

one particular project that marks a return to

capable of hopping on board one of these

the El Paso of the past. The recent efforts

large transports and traveling throughout the

to bring streetcar service to the downtown

city. Typically twice the size of a standard bus

area has drawn focus over the last few years

and operating by electricity through overhead

and these efforts are fast becoming a reality.

power lines, these petroleum-free transports

While the efforts at funding the project and

operated at about half the cost of the

the viability of streetcar service have become

standard bus, thus making them a far more

political hot buttons, the history of El Paso

efficient mode of movement for the citizens

and her streetcars is a fascinating one.

of the Sun City and her sister city Ciudad Juárez. The expanse of the streetcar service

Having started out with a simple mule cart in

grew and eventually during World War II the

the post Civil War era, downtown transit was

city of El Paso found itself linked to Fort Bliss.

the first way that the historic neighborhoods of El Paso could find themselves linked. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Perhaps one of the more engaging aspects 65

September, 2014

66

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

r e t u r n o f E l pa s o ’ s c e l e b r at e d s t r e e t c a r s

of the trolley system was that they provided

convenience of potential customers crossing

economic policy with regards to one district

a genuine aesthetic appeal as part of the

the border into El Paso, that the final cars

and the cries of gentrification are frequent and

city’s culture. World-renowned artist Jose

stopped running. Their effectiveness having

loud. Regardless of one’s viewpoints reading

Cisneros was once an employee for the El

proven to be their downfall in the face of a

these recent developments, one thing is

Paso City Line streetcar service and was

growing societal dependency on individual

factual. The navigation of downtown is not

tasked with painting some of the vehicles.

automobiles and restrictive borders.

always easy. Parking can prove to be difficult or expensive and driving within the district’s

His beautiful usage of color, most visibly noticed on the Juárez line, combined with

With the past firmly entrenched and the

onslaught of ending streets and sudden one-

the cars’ beautifully streamlined art deco

trolleys long forgotten, the recent rise in

way roads is not always enjoyable.

designs of the late 1930s provided a distinct

activity calling for their return started out

charm for passengers and observers alike.

as almost a novelty, with local artist Peter

Perhaps that’s the beauty of the trolleys,

Svarzbein’s “Transnational Trolley Project”

a truth that has either been long forgotten

The beauty and ease of the streetcars met

posters appearing on downtown storefronts

or never learned due to lack of experience:

their unfortunate end in May of 1974. With

over the last few years. Yet the novelty has

Mobility

only the Juárez line operating in 1973, the

genuine merit and eventually the desire for

movement is cause for accomplishment

City of El Paso purchased the service fleet

their return grew out of this simple seed.

on a daily basis and the ability to ride

and continued to operate them. It was under

The recent, and frequently controversial,

the beautiful old streetcars is not just an

intense pressure from Juárez merchants,

downtown revitalization plan has led to some

opportunity to succeed for that day, but the

who opposed the service due to the ease and

heated discourse on the effectiveness of

chance to do it in style.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

is

power.

The

freedom

of

67

November, 2013

If you or someone you love needs immediate care, our team is always available to provide timely service in a comfortable setting.

Let us take complete care of you!

See a doctor NOW

•

Brand New State of the Art Facility

•

Emergency Trained Physicians and Nurses

•

Open 24 hours a day every day of the year

•

Adult & Pediatric Services

• Accepting All Major Private Insurances Including Workman’s Compensation

(915) 222-8611 655 Redd Road Suite 201 Behind Dunkin Donuts

www.completeemergencycare.com

68

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November, 2013

69

September, 2014

70

Harvey Hilbert

Monica Delgado

Liz Justice

Daniel Rollings www.thecitymagazineelp.com

thriving after domestic abuse

September, 2014

Thriving After Domestic Abuse Center Against Family Violence

Stories of Survival

H

| By: ANDRÉS RODRÍGUEZ photography by: ADRIANNE RILEY |

arvey Hilbert rides a

He dropped out of high school at 16, joined

At 67, the Las Cruces man says that the

Harley Davidson Dyna

the army at 17 and got shot in the head at

feeling of powerlessness that follows abuse

Super Glide and wears

19. His youth, he recalls, was a violent one.

and trauma wasn’t easy to shake, but he was

an ornate, purple rakusu,

His father, an alcoholic, constantly beat him,

able to with a little help from unassuming

a sort of Buddhist’s vest,

his mother and brother to such extent that at

neighbors and later from working with

on top of his black biker

one point, he had to grab a rifle to stop him.

trauma survivors.

attire. He lays out his teenage years bluntly.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

His mother divorced shortly thereafter.

71

thriving after domestic abuse

September, 2014

Harvey got his GED after leaving the army,

“I could’ve stayed stuck but I wanted

it and really look at all the faces of domestic

enrolled in college — dropped out of his first

more than that. You have to take risks and

violence and sexual assault,” Cesar Campa,

year five times — and eventually made his

sometimes that’s a scary thing.”

community relations director for CAFV, says.

a therapist for nearly 30 years, focusing on

Harvey is one of four people whose stories

Liz Justice joins Harvey as one of this year’s

soldiers with post traumatic stress disorder,

of survival are featured by the Center Against

stories of survival. Liz went to the center after

and is now a Zen Buddhist priest.

Family Violence at this year’s Lend Us Your

struggling with an abusive relationship of 13

Ear event. Now on its fourth year, the event

years with her ex-husband. This was her first

His story is a story of survival, he says, and

raises funds for the center by auctioning

real relationship, she says, and wanted to do

wants others to know there’s hope. “I think

jewelry. The center, which runs a hotline

anything in her power to fix it for the sake of

it’s important that people get the message

and an emergency shelter, seeks to provide

her family.

that just because you have been abused

guidance and resources to survivors of

doesn’t mean you’re done,” he says. “Your

domestic abuse.

way to obtaining a PhD in social work. He was

“There was one time when the authorities were not as helpful as I had hoped, so

history is not necessarily your destiny.

At this year’s Lend Us Your Ear, to be held

when I contacted the center (Against Family

October 2, they hope to give an insight

Violence) they were the ones who really

It took time to turn it around, he admits, but

into what domestic abuse is and what

assisted me to make a change and to be able

his journey made him realize that he wasn’t

successfully overcoming it looks like.

to believe in myself and my home for my

There’s always the possibility of doing well.”

kids,” she says.

alone in his ordeals. Still, he doesn’t think of himself as a victim.

“One of the main things that we really wanted to do was expand the perception of

Liz struggled with seeking help. She lied

“That’s a trap, it’s really like quick-sand, you

who survivors are. So last year we focused

to friends and family because she wanted

get stuck in this victim thinking,” he says.

on women, this year we wanted to broaden

to take care of things herself. Through

72

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

thriving after domestic abuse

counseling services at the center, however,

He sexually assaulted and verbally threatened

Liz realized it was OK to ask for help. She

her. That kept “her silent for so long,” she

was able to learn from other women who

says. At the time, she was finishing her PhD,

were in the same situation at the center and

which helped her remain positive and focused.

was inspired to make a change for herself.

She finished her degree in 2009, and saw that as her light at the end of the tunnel. “I felt

“It was hard,” she says. “It was a difficult

□

Do your lights come on when you return home?

□

Does your AC work to save you money while you’re away?

□

Will it remind you the garage door is still open when you leave for work?

□

Can your home tell you if the kids are home from school on time?

□

Can your home report a fire, CO emergency, or burglary for you day and night?

empowered but I was still terrified,” she says.

transition, but that’s where they played a big role in helping me get through it.”

How smart is your home?

She started attending classes, support groups and therapy sessions at the center in

Liz, who heads the scholarship department

2010 after realizing that she couldn’t protect

at UTEP and is an avid volunteer with local

her children by staying silent. “This is when

organizations, says she’s comfortable and

I learned and understood that by staying

excited to share her story in hopes of reaching

silent and doing nothing I was giving not only

at least one person.

the power, but also the permission, to the perpetrator to continue the abuse.”

To those who find themselves struggling with domestic abuse she says it’s OK to ask

CAFV helped Monica hire an attorney when

for help. “There’s other people out there

she couldn’t afford one and provided shelter

that are going through the same thing they

when her ex-husband began stalking her

are. It’s not something that they caused,

after she submitted a protective order.

but it’s something that they can fix and it’s something that they can make right, for

Their divorce was finalized in 2012. Her

themselves most importantly, but for their

experience, she says, prompted her to

family, their children, their loved ones.”

commit to working towards the education of family violence and sexual assault. She

Daniel Rollings, who’s worked as an advocate

helped create a biannual fair with the support

for the LGBT community, received help in

of the center to educate college students and

the legal process from the center after his

the public in domestic violence and sexual

partner abused him for four years. Daniel,

assault. She also established the wellness

a law enforcement employee, says that

center, L.Y.L.O, which initially stood for

after seeking help at the center, he was

Love Yourself to Love Others. Through the

empowered to make a change and learned

organization, she helps students to be better

what a good relationship should look like. “It’s

informed about diabetes and cancer.

based on equality and an unchecked power struggle can result in violence,” he says.

Her advice to those in similar situations is to

If you answered yes to fewer than 2 of these questions, your home is ready to become smarter.

Dorney Security Systems has been protecting El Paso for over 30 years.

We can upgrade your existing system to bring you the convenience and peace of mind of a truly smart home—for the same price you’re paying now for just security.

Call us today to customize your home and let it start working for you!

speak out. “The resources are out there but He advises being attentive to changes in

those resources are only useful and helpful

a relationship. “Being able to analyze and

if you decide to make that call,” she says.

notice changes in themselves,” he says is

“Remember that by staying silent we give

important, “To be able to work together or to

the power and permission to the perpetrator

be able to put a stop to it before it’s too late.”

to continue abusing us.”

Similarly, Monica Delgado went to the center

The Center Against Family Violence will hold

at a point in her life when she couldn’t stand to

the Lend Us Your Ear fundraiser October

remain in an abusive relationship with her ex-

2 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Coronado

husband. She stayed with him for three years.

Country Club. Tickets are available at cafv.org.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

915-584-4526

Scan this QR code or visit alarm.com/us/dorney to learn more 73

September, 2014

Cooking up

A WISH | By: MARISA MIER photography by: TOMMIE MORELOS |

74

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

F

or a child that is diagnosed with

“At Ovations, we want to be part of the

uveitis, a disease that causes

community,” said Philida Bill, Executive Chef

inflammation of the eye and could

for Ovations. “We’re thrilled to be a part of

possibly lead to permanent vision

Javier’s day -- not only to be a chef for the

loss, the future can be a scary

day, but to support him and his family with a

thought. But when 11-year-old Javier was

day they can always remember.”

asked about his vision for the future, his response was a simple: “I want to be a chef.”

Javier learned to manage a kitchen, various knife skills, the importance of eating healthy

On August 2, Javier’s wish was granted

and how fun it can be to try different foods.

when he served as sous chef for Southwest University Park’s catering contractor, Ovations

“They asked me what I wanted to cook and I

Food Services, through the Make-A-Wish®

said pizzas,” said Javier. “I made three. One

North Texas El Paso Regional Office.

had chorizo, chile verde and pepperoni, one was a pepperoni lovers, and one with buffalo,

The mission of Make-A-Wish® is to grant

pepperoni and extra buffalo sauce. After they

the wishes of children with life-threatening

taught me, I made my own. It was really fun!”

medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

As part of his special night, the Pepperoni Lovers Pizza and Javier’s Buffalo Pizza were

The night before, Javier was a bundle of

sold at the concessions for $7 (originally

nervous but excited energy.

$6), with proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish North Texas to help grant more wishes just

“He woke up at six,” said Ericka, Javier’s

like Javier’s.

mother. “He said he wasn’t going back to sleep. He was ready.” www.thecitymagazineelp.com

75

September, 2014

Regional Council Member and President of

throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. He was

the El Paso Chihuahuas General Manager.

Stewart Title Cindy Bilbe, served as one of

then able to watch the game with his family in

“When we can bring the memories of a lifetime

Javier’s wish granters.

the Southwest University corporate suite.

to someone, that’s a great part of my job.”

“His eyes lit up,” she said. “It was so cute. You

With a baseball in hand, he beamed and waved

Yolanda Arriola, President of Southwest

could tell his excitement to be in the kitchen.”

to the crowd. When asked about the pitch, Javier

University, agreed. “I was very blessed to

laughed: “I was really nervous. I think it was the

be a part of the experience,” she said. “I

nerves that made me almost hit Chico!”

hope to continue to bring a wish to a child

the

“We are in the business of having fun and

that needs that encouragement and let them

players, a birthday cake delivered by Chico and

supporting our community,” said Brad Taylor,

forget about the real world.”

Other

surprises

personalized

76

chef’s

included jacket,

receiving meeting

a

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Upcoming

September, 2014

October Local Boutiques Beauty World Fine Jewelry November Healthcare Professionals Senior Care February Car Experts Restaurants

Pr files www.thecitymagazineelp.com

(Special Advertising)

77

November, 2013

Upon first glance this group has little in common, but looking closer you see they share a passion for making El Paso a better place to live and work. As president of Homegrown El Paso and partner of Dodds Wealth Management Group, Charles Dodds III created an idea that would help Homegrown El Paso, the city and many locally owned businesses.

Homegrown El Paso's mission is to ensure that locally Homeg owned businesses have a voice and to educate the public on the importance of "Buying Local". As competition continues to grow the ability to strengthen this message becomes increasingly important.

Charles began by sharing his idea with Joseph Nester, a fellow board member of Homegrown El Paso and owner of Kaizen Construction Services.

Joseph agreed that the music festival would work but they would need help. The time and expertise to put this together would require a partnership with a company that can undertake an event of this size, so they started looking. It wasn't until meeting Bill and Jerry with 915 Live Productions that the idea started coming together.

Bill and Jerry have worked together in event production for over 17 years and music has been a lifelong obsession for them. For Bill it started at the age of 13, when he began working as a DJ in the late 70's playing quincea単eras and neighborhood weddings. For Jerry it began at age 5, when he taught himself to play the bass guitar left handed. Bill and Jerry's paths crossed in the late 90's where they began frequently working together at the same concerts and in 2010 decided to go into business. Since then, 915 Live has helped in the production of almost every major concert and event in El Paso. When Charles and Joseph approached them about the music festival the pieces quickly fell into place.

syn er gy noun: the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.

Homegrown El Paso, 915 Live Productions, Rudolph Dealerships and Visit El Paso are proud to bring you the First Annual "Beats and Eats" music festival September 13th at Ascarate Park. We will have an expected attendance of over 30,000 people, a 30 foot Eiffel Tower, two stages, great food, activities for the kids and music for all tastes.

Tickets are available now at epbeatsandeats.com and ticketfly.com.

78

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November, 2013

• 2 Concert Stages • 30ft. Eiffel Tower • Approx. 100 Vendor Booths • Carnival Rides • 2 VIP Stage Areas • Large Beer Garden • Fireworks Display Fi • Plenty of Parking Spaces • Car Show September 13, 2014 Ascarate Park 6900 Delta El Paso, TX 79905 epbeatsandeats.com

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Photography & Design by JC PRODUCTIONS ©2014 79

A New Brings a | By: ROBIN NILAND |

80

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

School Year New Routine pa r e n t i n g

September, 2014

Sometimes

the

kids

played

together;

sometimes they squabbled. Some days we

made crafts with items otherwise destined for the recycle bin; some days we watched

too much television. Some days we went on outings; some days we stayed home. I will admit that the leisurely summer pace was a nice break from the hectic school year, but somewhere around mid-August our chill turned frigid and we all began to yearn for a

T

schedule, a plan, and a routine. Without a daily goal of being somewhere, anywhere, at a set time, our days seemed to drag and

he collective sighs of relief, if not

gummy-bombs I fed them, the less they

small annoyances became insurmountable

unabashed cheering, you heard from

seemed to understand my concept of “chill.”

problems, which were of course my job to mediate. Suddenly the school supply aisles at

parents all across the city on August 27 could only mean one thing: the

I read somewhere that boredom is actually

local grocery and retail stores became beacons

beginning of another school year. I certainly

good for children. They need to be bored in

of hope to families across the city that order

enjoyed the lazy days of summer and having

order to tap into their powers of imagination.

would soon be restored.

my children around all day. Days flowed one

I’m not sure if this is scientifically proven,

into another without alarm clocks, schedules,

but it definitely made me feel less guilty

So after almost 90 days of summer vacation,

or homework. Bike rides, swimming, trips

about watching videos of babies squealing

I’m channeling Justin Timberlake and bringing

to the El Paso Zoo, and several Chihuahuas

in excitement over a pop song on the radio

Structure Back. Alarm clocks are set, school

games

Park

or finally finishing the novel I started in

clothes are organized, pencils are sharpened,

provided an answer to “what are we going

November while my children lament their

and weekly chore charts are eagerly awaiting

to do today?” But most of our days lacked

lack of something to do. Eventually they

gold stars. Our family wall calendar is ready to

forethought and planning. We just chilled. The

always found something to do. My son’s

be filled with appointments and activities that

definition of “chill” according to children under

activity usually involved the largest stick he

will fill most of the space between the buzz of

the age of 12 is vastly different than an adult’s

could find the backyard. As long as it was not

the alarm clock and bedtime stories. We still

interpretation. Chill is to boredom as candy

used on his sister and he retained the use of

have Sundays to enjoy the luxury of boredom,

is to health food in the child’s world of word

both eyes, fine by me. My daughter read all

but without the long-term commitment.

analogies. Ironically, the more sugar-coated-

seven Harry Potter books. Again.

at

Southwest

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

University

81

NIGHT November, 2013

Weekdays at 5, 6, 6:30, & 10pm

WEEKEND Saturdays at 6 & 10pm Sundays at 5:30 & 10pm

Experienced Coverage. All Week Long.

82

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November, 2013

83

September, 2014

On THE

BALL! | By: HEATHER GRAHAM |

84

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

S ta b i l i t y B a l l s

T

he first thing you would notice, were you

to visit my 5th grade classroom at St. Clement’s

Parish School is that there are virtually no chairs.

Instead, my students, quite literally, are on the ball. We use stability balls in place of traditional chairs, and the students could not be happier about it. The real advantage, however, is the benefit it provides to their learning process.

As any parent or teacher of tweens knows, significant sedentary periods often prove very challenging. Part of that challenge stems from the unfortunate reality that most students are required to sit for extended periods of time during their school days. However, research into how a student learns shows that the encouragement of movement and engagement throughout the school day is a significant factor in brain development. By replacing our chairs with stability balls, we have given the children the freedom of movement, allowing them to stay much more engaged without disturbing any of their classmates, or me.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

85

September, 2014

Specifically, the

stability

balls

enhance the attention and concentration levels of the student, as well as improve circulation

throughout

the

body

and

strengthen core (postural) and back muscle groups. The balls also help improve the students’ balance and coordination, as well as address a very common problem in traditional classroom arrangements: poor posture. The balls encourage “active sitting,” which promotes more efficient and effective hip and spine alignment.

After conducting a sufficient amount of research, I selected WittFitt stability balls. (www.wittfitt.com) The balls are made of a high quality plastic that is latex-free, burst resistant, and has a 400-pound capacity.

They have small peg feet to provide some stability, keep them from rolling about the room, and make storage on the desktop easy. Additionally, the balls are sized; each ball is inflated to the designated size based on the student’s height and placement at his or her desk. Since the balls are burst resistant, they will slowly leak instead of popping if punctured. WittFitt also provides a

comprehensive

training

regimen

for

teachers, which is customized for each classroom arrangement.

Safety is of paramount concern in every classroom, so great care was taken to prepare the students and parents for this change. In essence, the use of the stability 86

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014 balls is voluntary. Each student must agree to a set of rules developed collaboratively by the class, with my guidance. As a part of the contract, they must adhere to the rules or risk losing the privilege of using the balls for up to two weeks. I am delighted to report that I have never had to invoke that consequence.

But perhaps the most important benefit is that the kids are happy and excited to come to class! Although a few of the children complained of mild soreness when the balls were first implemented, they have been a unanimous success. In fact, several of the students have convinced their parents to purchase a stability ball for their home or office. And, they are learning the value of proper posture and the importance of strengthening their core muscles. The balls provide a physical benefit that will also help each of the students in his or her daily activities, including any sports in which they may participate. My hope is that they are also learning basic elements of fitness that will benefit them throughout their lives.

If you are curious, I invite you to come and see our stability balls for yourself!

They represent one of the most recent strategies St. Clement’s Parish School has adopted in order to stay at the forefront of education in El Paso.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

87

September, 2014

88

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

e l pa s o s ’ s g r ow i n g b i k e s c e n e

PEDALS AWAY! El Paso’s W

ith cooler weather, here’s the scoop on how to get into the sport of biking

and cycling, and where and when to

go for a cool ride out.

Growing

BIKE SCENE www.thecitymagazineelp.com

| By: MEAGAN KINLEY |

You may have seen them. The athletic, brightly-colored cyclists in the bike lane as

you pass by in your car — you see them and wonder what it might be like to ride a day in their shoes. Cycling and mountain biking have certainly taken our city by storm. With more and more bike lanes popping up all over the city — including the recently approved motion to reconstruct downtown’s streets with a new biking and pedestrian lane — the city is simply going ballistic for bikes! If you venture out of your home on a Saturday morning, you are bound to see them riding along some of the city’s most scenic routes.

We even had a whole month (back in May) 89

e l pa s o ’ s g r ow i n g b i k e s c e n e

Here are a few clubs and teams to consider:

September, 2014

dedicated to El Paso’s growing love of biking.

off. 2) New friends with shared interests

But what does it take to join them?

will only enrich your overall experience. 3) Community offers us our best shot at really

Sure, you’ve thought about it, but actually

finding the heart of the sport. El Paso has

El Paso Bicycle Club

taking the leap, buying the bike and venturing

some awesome biking and cycling clubs

elpasobicycleclub.com

out your front door seems more than

that are great for this. With weekly posted

daunting. For starters, you don’t even know

meeting spots for training rides, you are sure

EP Cyclists Club

“the rules,” decorum, or simply how to begin

to find the friends and experienced help you

epcyclists.com

a route — and how could you expect to ride

need to dig your heels into your new hobby

and accomplish such a technical feat? You

of cycling!

Borderland Mountain Bike Association

tell yourself, “next year” or “next season”

bmba.wordpress.com/

— after all, “it’s way too hot outside this time

Step 3: Perform

of year” . . . and you don’t have any friends or

Here are some locally owned El Paso bike shops to get you out on the streets: Atom Cyclist (915) 225-0011 atomcyclist.com Biciklo Bike Shop (915) 269-7609 bicikloshop@gmail.com Chuck’s Bicycle Repair (915) 791-2006 chucksbicyclerepair.com Crazy Cat Cyclery crazycatcyclery.com Cycling Journey (915) 775-9788 El Paso Bicycle Center (915) 532-1591 The Bicycle Company (915) 544-2453 the-bicycle-company.net/

For routes and trails posted

by El Pasoans go to: mapmyride.com/us/el-paso-tx/ 90

fellow riders to bike with . . .

So

you’ve

got

your tools and your community — you now

Well El Paso, your days of excuses are over!

have what you need to really get out on the

Cooler weather is on the way and with it, a

streets and begin accomplishing more for

new sporting opportunity for you to get in

yourself than you ever thought you could.

shape and join the blossoming bike scene

It’s now time for you to perform! When you

that is out there waiting for you!

started training, your biking buddies had

Step 1: Get a Bike

probably already started talking about their

If you already have one that works for you,

be yours too! On Sunday September 28, the

then you are set. For those that don’t, do not

El Paso Bicycle Club will be putting on the

be intimidated by the bike shop. They are

Chile Pepper Challenge — El Paso’s premier

there to help. The easiest way to show up

cycling event like none other where you can

with confidence is to dig up a little research

ride through the beautiful Mesilla Valley,

on what you want to accomplish. Do you

through pecan orchards, chile fields and

want to cruise around paved trails with

more. With over 900 cyclists last year, this

friends? Do you want to explore El Paso’s

event is sure to bring out even more this year.

many meandering trails? Or do you want to

And with five different ride distances offered,

engage in the art of competitive cycling —

there is a perfect distance for everyone,

pushing the limits of speed like a racer in the

including a 100-mile route, a 62-mile route, a

Tour de France?

40-mile route, a 25-mile route and even a 10-

next big race. Well, their next big race could

mile fun ride. And the best part? After you’ve Whatever your goal is, go into the shop with

finished and felt the weight of what you have

your mind made up. Second, like anything

just accomplished, there will be a party with

else, you can pay as much as you want for

food, drinks, live entertainment and more at

a bike. Going in with a set budget is also a

La Viña Winery.

great way to reduce stress and buy your bike with grace. Oh, and don’t forget a helmet!

Well El Paso, you now have the know-how

Step 2: Find Community

to get out there and join the biking scene that is helping to transform the city from the

So you have your bike and you have your

inside out. Whether you join for adventure,

overall vision for what you want to do – now

for health, or for excitement, we are sure

you need to find a community of others who

that biking and cycling will get you outside

share your goals! This is important for three

and accomplishing more than you ever

reasons: 1) Accountability is the best way to

thought possible!

ensure that your recent investment will pay www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

9-21

9-14

8-31

8-24

8-10

7-20

7-06

6-22

6-08

James

Springer

James

Springer

7315 Canutillo La Union Rd. Canutillo, TX 915-877-4544 zinvalle.com Â

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

91

EXPERTLY BEAUTIFUL

Dr. Vernon

Dr. Reo

Burke

Pugao

MD, DMD

MD, DDS

SPECIALIZING IN: Dental Extractions Dental Implants Facial Cosmetic Surgery Facial Trauma Cleft Lip and Palate Facial Reconstruction

Dr. Alfredo

Dr. Sandra

Arribas

Edwards

DDS, MS

DDS

WEST 601 Sunland Park Dr Suite 2 El Paso TX 79912 915-833-2969 Fax: 915-833-9937

EAST 10175 Gateway West Suite 304 El Paso TX 79925 915-504-6880 Fax: 915-599-8579

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

l s l a a t n o i n s s e e f Do r P

93 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

P

o r

l i f

s e

By: ???? photographed by: ????

STAR KIDS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY “We always want to make sure our children have a positive dental experience.”

Lizbeth Holguin’s passion for education and

parents on their children’s oral hygiene.

Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez,

oral health led her to pursue a life-long career

Together they have more than 30 years of

then she completed her Pediatric Dentistry

as a pediatric dentist. As the owner of Star

experience. What differentiates Star Kids

Residency at the University of Puerto Rico

Kids Pediatric Dentistry, she serves and

Pediatric Dentistry from others in El Paso is

School of Dental Medicine. She then went

brightens the little smiles of El Paso.

that it is the only group practice in which every

on to complete a dental internship at Miami

patient is seen by a pediatric dental specialist.

Children’s Hospital. When she isn’t with her patients, Dr. Holguin loves spending

Star Kids Pediatric Dentistry provides dental services to patients as young as newborns

There are two convenient Star Kids Pediatric

time with her husband and their three small

and up to 17-years-old, and welcomes

Dentistry locations in El Paso, one in East

children doing fun outdoor activities. “As a

children with special needs. Star Kids

El Paso on McRae and the other in West

mother I like to teach my patient’s parents the

Pediatric Dentistry’s goal is to establish

El Paso on North Mesa. Star Kids Pediatric

importance of oral hygiene,” Dr. Holguin said.

overall health, create good dental habits for

Dentistry takes their customer service to

a lifetime and positive dental experiences.

the next level as everything is made for and

Star Kids Pediatric Dentistry ensures a positive

Services include dental exams, cleanings,

around the children.

dental experience for you and your child!

crowns, nitrous oxide, conscious sedation

“We always want to make sure our children

Star Kids Pediatric Dentistry

and hospital dentistry.

have a positive dental experience,” Dr.

East: 1800 McRae Blvd.

digital x-rays, fillings, extractions, aesthetic

Holguin mentioned. “We give praise for Dr. Holguin has built a group practice with

every

Dr. Edith Osorio, Dr. Courtney Brooks and

these kids make and really emphasize

accomplishment

and

milestone

Dr. Latoya Delaughter, dental associates

positive reinforcement.”

94 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

West: 7211 N. Mesa Suite-1East El Paso, Texas 79912 ( 915) 592-4168 www.starkidsdds.com

working with her, all which specialize not only in pediatric dentistry, but also in educating

El Paso, Texas 79925

Dr. Holguin received her dental degree at the

facebook.com/starkidsdds

By: DESIREE LOZANO photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

TRAWOOD FAMILY DENTAL “We try to do everything we can to make your experience pleasant from start to finish.”

With family values at the core of their practice,

Dr. Rosson was born and raised in Virginia

El Paso District Dental Society. Dr. Rosson is

Trawood Family Dental headed by Dr. Robert

and made his way to Texas through his

an active member of his church community

Rosson and his daughter Dr. Krystelle Anaya,

military service. He earned his undergraduate

and loves spending time with his wife Brigitte

are dedicated to making El Pasoans proud of

degree at UTEP. After graduating from dental

and four children. Dr. Anaya enjoys spending

their pearly whites by treating their patients

school from the University of Texas Health

time with her husband Saul Anaya who is an

like part of the family.

Science Center at San Antonio, he returned

Attorney out of Downtown El Paso.

to El Paso where he has built a practice for Trawood Family Dental takes pride in caring

more than 30 years.

Dr. Anaya was recently nominated as Texas’

for you and your family’s smiles by offering

New Dentist of the Year for the Texas

elite dental services including basic cleaning

His daughter Dr. Krystelle Anaya is a native

Academy of General Dentistry by the El Paso

and

District Dental Society.

restorative

El Pasoan and a graduate of Socorro High

dentistry for the whole family. From kids to

School and went to study Biology at Baylor

adults, Trawood Family Dental sees patients

University. Dr. Anaya earned her Doctor of

of all ages. “We try to do everything we can

Dental Surgery degree at the University of

to make your experience pleasant from start

Texas School of Dentistry in Houston in 2012

to finish such as, dealing with insurance

and has worked alongside her father since.

exams,

cosmetic

and

Trawood Family Dental

companies and financing plans to make things affordable, to our exceptional staff

Both Dr. Rosson and Dr. Anaya are members of

3110 Trawood Suite D

who are really good at what they do and are

the Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Dental

El Paso, Texas 79936

really friendly,” Dr. Krystelle Anaya said.

Association, American Dental Association and

(915) 855-1000

By: DESIREE LOZANO photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 95

MEJIA-MAIDL ORTHODONTICS “Having straight teeth and a beautiful smile should be affordable and not a luxury for just a very few.”

With state of the art technology and

in 2000, working as an associate and later

and provide satisfying results.

buying the practice in 2005.

diagnostic tools, 16 treatment chairs and three consultation rooms, Mejia-Maidl Orthodontics

Both Dr. Mejia-Maidl and Dr. Espina, who

is dedicated to meeting the specific needs

currently works at Mejia-Maidl Orthodontics,

When she’s not perfecting El Pasoan’s

of the El Paso community with the utmost

are participating orthodontists for the Cleft

smiles, Dr. Mejia-Maidl enjoys traveling,

orthodontic care for a flawless smile. “Having

Lip and Palate Clinic in El Paso. They treat

doing Crossfit, snowboarding, and spending

straight teeth and a beautiful smile should

many surgical cases, partnering with local

time with her husband and two boys.

be affordable and not a luxury for just a very

surgeons as well as surgeons from San

few,” Dr. Mejia-Maidl strongly believes. This

Antonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas. Their

is why Mejia-Maidl Orthodontics offers very

team therefore has the expertise necessary

reasonable treatment fees, various payment

to treat all your orthodontic needs. “Our

plan options, low down payments, and

doctors are highly trained and have years of

interest free in-house financing, all while

experience” says Dr. Mejia-Maidl.

providing excellent quality.

Dr. Mejia-Maidl earned her Doctor in Dental Mejia-Maidl Orthodontics treats children,

Science degree after completing a five-

teenagers and adults offering both self-

year dental program in Colombia. She then

ligating metal and clear ceramic braces

attended a three-year Orthodontic residency

Mejia-Maidl Orthodontics PA

from GAC, one of the country’s leading

program at the University of Illinois in Chicago

9130 Viscount Boulevard

orthodontic supply companies. The office is

where she also earned a Master’s degree in

El Paso, Texas 79925

proud to have highly trained staff who offer

Oral Sciences. She began her orthodontic

(915) 500-5602

friendly customer service to their patients

career here in El Paso at Briggs and Fosbury

www.mejiaorthodontics.com

96 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

By: DESIREE LOZANO photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

SCOTT STEIN, DDS “We treat our patients like they are our family.”

Dr. Scott Stein established his practice

Dr. Stein was born in Denver, Colorado but

trained and uses the Cerec machine. This is

in 1990 after honorable discharge from

raised in El Paso having attended grade

a digital imaging system, which fabricates an

the U.S. Army. He wanted to introduce a

school through high school in El Paso.

all-ceramic crown in one appointment. This

friendly, yet professional, dental practice in

He received a BBA in Marketing from the

eliminates the sticky impression and the

the city of El Paso. Stepping into the office

University of Texas at Austin and his Dental

temporary crown worn for two weeks.

is like visiting a sports and entertainment

Degree from Baylor College of Dentistry.

museum.

very

Dr. Stein followed that with a three-year

Dr. Stein’s hobby is nutrition and fitness.

entertaining, and the fun-loving staff will

tour in the U.S. Army serving in Germany

He and his wife Margaret are national level

make you feel right at home. Dr. Stein

and being honorably discharged in 1990. He

competitors in fitness both holding several

is a member of the American Dental

then started his dental practice in the same

state, regional and national titles. They are

Association, Texas Dental Association, El

neighborhood he grew up.

currently training for the North American

The

modern

decor

is

Championships. They have 2 children Alex and

Paso Dental Association, and the Academy for Sports Dentistry. Dr. Stein is a Dentist on

Stein’s practice employs an associate dentist,

Daryl who hold National titles as well. Dr. Stein

the U.S. Olympic Medical Team. He is the

Dr. Jackie Luera, four dental hygienists,

loves to discuss nutrition and fitness with his

team dentist for the El Paso Chihuahuas,

three dental assistants, and two front office

patients and help their overall well being.

as well as providing service to the UTEP

personnel. They provide a myriad of services,

Athletic Program, El Paso Rhinos Hockey,

including exams, radiographs, prophylaxis,

Dr. Scott Stein, DDS

professional athletes from the NFL, NBA,

cosmetics, implants, crown and bridge,

7189 Westwind

Major League Baseball, professional boxing,

custom sports mouth guards, and restorative

El Paso, Texas 79912

and various high school sports teams.

dentistry on adults and children. Dr. Stein

(915) 584-0400

is one of the few dentists in town who is

scottsteindds.com

Photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 97

WES BRANSFORD, DDS LEE TREVINO DENTAL “This practice allows me to serve the community who helped raise me.“ “Dentistry is a combination of science and

Dr. Bransford is an El Paso native and a

art. We get the opportunity to design people’s

graduate of Montwood High School. He then

smiles, so working with your mind, hands,

attended Texas A&M and went on to earn his

and eyes is a must.” Dr. Wes Bransford, DDS

DDS in Dallas. After making his way back home

and owner of Lee Trevino Dental.

to El Paso, Dr. Bransford transitioned into Lee Trevino Dental in the new year of 2012.

Attending to patients of all ages, Wes Bransford wants you to feel like part of the

Being a growing office, Dr. Bransford and his

family during your visit, offering services such

staff take pride in the value of patient service

as basic cleaning to exams, to whitening,

given ensuring a smooth and pleasant

Wes Bransford, DDS

restorative and cosmetic procedures.

experience. “The most kind complement we

Lee Trevino Dental

can receive in this profession is a smile and

1624 N. Lee Trevino

recommendation to family and friends.”

El Paso, Texas 79936

“Patient service here goes above and beyond – everything from your appointment being on

(915) 593-8815

time, to making sure that everything runs

“This practice allows me to serve the

smoothly and you leave here satisfied,” Dr.

community who helped raise me,“ Dr.

Bransford said. “We’re very patient specific

Bransford said.

facebook.com/leetrevinodental

and basically here to roll out the red carpet for our patients.”

98 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

By: DESIREE LOZANO photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

DAVID S. WILBANKS, DDS ORTHODONTIST The Wilbanks team’s key to success, “We put patients first.”

“Providing excellent orthodontic treatment

centered. We put patients first to give each

Texas and Baylor College of Dentistry,

requires a team effort and I’m blessed to

patient his or her best possible smile,” Dr.

before completing a two-year residency in

have great staff team members now and

Wilbanks said.

Orthodontics at Emory University School of Dentistry in Atlanta. Dr. Wilbanks thanks his

over the years. Without their dedication and commitment to excellence, I would not have

Dr. Wilbanks’ father and lifelong mentor, Dr.

father and his mother Jackie with providing

enjoyed the success I’ve had. I tell my staff

John Wilbanks, practiced General Dentistry

him a great education and opportunity. “One

that I couldn’t practice without them and that

in El Paso for almost 50 years. Dr. Wilbanks

of the great benefits of living in El Paso for

I would be the easiest person on our team to

worked in his dad’s dental practice throughout

your whole life is making and keeping great

replace,” Dr. David Wilbanks said.

high school and credits his father with instilling

lifelong friends,” Dr. Wilbanks said. “El Paso

in him the caring way to treat patients.

is a great place to live and call home.”

which typically lasts approximately two years,

“Just watching him interact with his patients

David S. Wilbanks, DDS

their patients become their good friends.

was an awesome learning experience for

Orthodontics for Children and Adults

With more than 30 years of experience,

me. My dad taught me the importance of

200 Thunderbird Dr.

Dr. Wilbanks practices Orthodontics in his

doing things the right way the first time with

El Paso, Texas 79912

Thunderbird office where he offers various

great attention to detail.” Dr. Wilbanks said.

(915) 581-5021

Over the course of orthodontic treatment,

forms of braces for children, teens and adults.

Dr. Wilbanks was raised in El Paso and “Of course, the most important members

graduated from El Paso High School. He

of our team are our patients. We are patient-

then graduated from the University of

By: DESIREE LOZANO photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 99

DR. JIM BOWDEN, DDS “It is quite an honor to be able to treat the children of patients who themselves grew up in our practice.”

Dr. Jim Bowden is a true El Pasoan. He played

towards kids and a staff and doctor who only

blessed to have very high retention among

on the state championship basketball team

treat kids. A positive dental experience as a

team members. It translates into a higher quality

at Eastwood High School in 1976 and then

child will lead to an adult who is more likely to

of care and greater efficiency for our patients.”

for the legendary coach Don Haskins at the

practice good dental health.” After pediatric

University of Texas at El Paso. He completed

specialty school, he spent two additional

Giving back to the El Paso community has

his dental training at the University of Texas

years to specialize in orthodontics. His

always been a part of Dr. Bowden’s practice.

Dental School in San Antonio in 1984.

orthodontic practice treats children as well as

Collecting winter coats, school supplies,

adults. “Many of our parents go through the

or Christmas toys as well as sponsoring

orthodontic experience with their child.”

hundreds of patients each year are just a few

Dr. Bowden has a unique dental practice.

of the ways his practice is able to give back.

He is a dual specialist in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. He is the only dual trained

Having been in practice since 1986, Dr.

specialist in El Paso and one of only a handful

Bowden has now seen two generations of

Dr Bowden is most proud to be a husband to

in Texas. He spent two additional years

patients. “It is quite an honor to be able to

Karen and a father to Campbell.

after dental school to specialize in pediatric

treat the children of patients who themselves

dentistry. He is specially trained in the

grew up in our practice.”

Dr. Jim Bowden, DDS 7185 Westwind Dr.

treatment of children’s dental needs. “Many people think children can be treated the

Dr. Bowden is very proud of the extremely

El Paso, Texas 79912

same way adults are when it comes to the

well trained professional team he works with

(915) 585-6373

dentist. Children need a place that is geared

everyday in his practice. “I have been very

100 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

September, 2014

Like Father, Like Son | By: LAUREN MACIAS-CERVANTES photography by: RYAN HALL |

102

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

l i k e fat h e r , l i k e s o n

“He’s getting life experiences at 13 that most people don’t get until their 30s or their 40s.”

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

103

September, 2014

L

ike any proud father Andy Krafsur proudly beams with a smile from ear to ear when he’s talking about his son

Neil. You see, the local company CEO has his teen boy following in his footsteps.

“My product is the Pocket Hat and the Pocket Hat is exactly what it sounds like; a hat with a pocket on each side of the hat,” said the teen entrepreneur.

Neil Krafsur, an 8th grader at St. Clement’s, has been busy working to fund his first entrepreneurial venture.

“When I was younger I used to go to the races with my parents and I noticed that the runners really didn’t have anywhere to put their stuff.”

Neil is in the process of obtaining a design patent and already has a trademark and copyright for his creation. It’s a journey that hasn’t been easy.

“I’ve been doing three years of just trying to get manufactured. All the owners of the factories would lead me along, dump me off and say ‘you’re 13, you couldn’t do anything with this anyway,’” he said.

Neil’s dad, Andy Krafsur, is an entrepreneur himself. His Spira shoes, with a unique coil inside, have helped earn athletes 250 race wins. They sell in 350 retailers across the United States and are sold in nine countries.

This CEO says though he has contacts to share, he’s really encouraged his son to build his business on his own.

“This is his project, he did the designs, he did the development, he works with the factory and he supervises the process.”

While some life lessons are more than a decade old for the Spira CEO, the senior Krafsur says today’s available tools are

SPONSORED BY

104

FINE JEWELRY & WATCHES

opening doors that were previously closed.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014 “One of the challenges that any entrepreneur has is capital and crowdfunding sort of creates a new opportunity to raise money. I kind of think of it like Facebook meets ‘Shark Tank.’

You take advantage of your social networks to raise capital for projects,” said Andy.

Neil agrees. Within four days of launching his crowdfunding site, he surpassed his $2,000 goal three fold. “To have this much in such a short time is mind blowing to me,” he said.

The

teen

businessman

says

lessons

learned have been gained throughout his young life, but there is one that stands out.

“Perseverance is probably the main thing that I learned because if I didn’t have that I would have given up probably in the first year.”

Neil says he one day sees himself as the head of several corporations. As for his dad and Spira, they’re launching a new line of

www.theitaliankitchenelpaso.com

shoes; this time a casual selection.

“When you start out you always think that you are going to be the next Nike,” said Andy with a chuckle. “And I still feel like that’s going to happen one day.”

He credits his critical success to the proven physical benefits of his coil concoction and invaluable opportunities like working with TV Network A&E; gaining global attention for his product and his city.

“When we started the company one of our visions was to help rebrand El Paso; improve El Paso’s brand. When you think of brands in cities, those cities are affected by the companies that are headquartered there.

When you think of Portland you think of Nike; you think of Atlanta you think of Coca-Cola; if you think of Orlando you think of Disney; when you think of Seattle you think of Starbucks and Microsoft, and that’s what we really wanted to do here. We made a very conscious decision to help this community with this company.” www.thecitymagazineelp.com

105

September, 2014

BEATS 106

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

W September, 2014

hat is it about music festivals

Johnny Kage, J Smooth, The Godfather, Rafa

that enthrall the masses? Is it

Velasquez, JC Favela, DJ Klymaxx, DJ R3tro,

the sense of community? Is it

and DJ Netro.

just the music? Maybe it’s the party aspect.

For just one day, you and thousands of others

And the food, let’s not forget about the fact

are in one place, almost as one, to celebrate

that there are going to be over 30

music, art, and yes, food.

vendors, in what promises to be a multi-cultural eclectic plethora of

It’s no secret that music festivals are on the

options.

rise, with festivals like Coachella expanding from it’s one day origin, into a three-day,

But does El Paso really need

two-weekend spectacular, or ACL following

another music festival? The answer

suit with the two-weekend fest. But who

is a simple “Yes.” This festival in

would have thought El Paso would be such

particular, is as much about the

a fertile ground for successful festivals? The

music and food as it is about El Paso.

continued success of Neon Desert Music

“One of the things we wanted to

EATS

Festival, Sun City Music Fest, and Sun City

do was highlight local talent on the

Craft Beer Festival, seem to be pointing to

music side, but also the capability

AND

| By: EDDIE CEPEDA |

a pleasant trend. But now there’s a new kid

of local businesses coming together where

Being all-inclusive is also one of the most

on the block, and they are going BIG! 30,000

everyone involved is an El Paso business.

important things for them, “From a festival

people big to be exact!

From the food to carnival rides to car show.

standpoint, this is more of a family-oriented

We wanted local businesses to be involved

event. We have DJs for the younger crowd

Beats and Eats Music Festival, the brainchild

in the logistical aspects,” says Dodds, who

that likes house and EDM, but we’re also

of Charles Dodds III, is expected to bring as

is also the president of Homegrown El Paso.

bringing norteño rock and alternative, as well

many as 30,000 revelers on September 13

as world music (Grammy award-nominated,

at Ascarate Park. With a DJ stage (with a 30-

“A healthy local economy is key to attracting

Maria Mulata). So there is something for

foot Eiffel Tower replica), a live music stage,

investors in the city,” he adds, which is why

everybody. And we wanted to make sure

a car show area and over 30 food vendors,

this festival is uniquely El Paso. “The food is all

that pricing would not be cost prohibitive so

it is easy to see how that goal will easily

from mom and pop shops.” And who wouldn’t

everyone can come and enjoy as a family.”

become a reality.

relish in the opportunity to sample all the great mom and pop food operations in one place?

The entertainment alone is not to be missed

An affordable, all-inclusive, locally put on music and food festival? I believe I will

and performers include: Los Rieleros del

All this is keeping with the philosophy

be making my way down to Ascarate on

Norte, Tropicalisimo Apache, Mark Farner

of Homegrown El Paso, the organization

September 13th along with 30,000 of my

(former lead singer of Grand Funk Railroad),

Dodds heads up. “We want the consumer

closest friends …

Maria Mulata, Rod Crosby & the Intruders,

to buy local, and this festival will mirror that

Chuco Soul Project, Joe Barron Band, Wild

philosophy,” Dodds tells me as to why this

Flower and Dusty Low, Richard Vission,

festival is uniquely El Paso.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

B e at s a n d e at s

September, 2014

MARIA MULATA started

who fuses the musical styles of Colombia’s

off her career when she was barely four

diverse influences such as afro-percussions,

years old. The Colombian folkloric artist

cumbia and traditional folkloric styling. She

hails from San Gil, a small town about 200

has toured Latin America, Japan, South

miles from the nations capital. Both her

Korea and the United States. This will be

parents were musicians and she and her

her second presentation in the Sun City, the

siblings participated in their shows. She

first being a private concert. She is currently

has had four discographic productions; one

writing a new song and recording a video,

of which, 2013’s De Cantos Y Vuelos, was

which will be launched in October. She is

nominated for a Latin Grammy. Maria Mulata

also hard at work on her first EP, which she

was the winner at the 2007 Gaviota de Plata

hopes will further her international appeal by

at the Viña Del Mar, a musical contest held

fusing even more musical styles. –Jose Soto

Singer/songwriter

Maria

Mulata

in Chile. She is a composer and producer

LOS RIELEROS DEL NORTE Los Rieleros del Norte simply said are legends within their genre. If you’ve never heard the name then you’ve probably been faintly aware of the genre, Norteño. They’ve been around now for 35 years, and they’re still touring.

Throughout the years they really developed some timeless classic ‘corridos’ such as “El Columpio,” “Te Quiero Mucho” to name a couple. They just finished their latest album titled “En Tus Manos” (In Your Hands). Daniel Esquivel is the front man and he’s turned this original musical prosody into a family legacy

to distinguish themselves from the standard

that will last a very long time. (Alfredo Esquivel-

genre instrumentation is by incorporating

bass,

music has helped couples fall in love.”

Jose

both the saxophone and accordion in a

They recently produced a music video for

Luis Esquivel-bajo sexton, Eugenio Gonzalez-

style that’s been recognizable to their fans

their new album and they have produced

Saxaphone, Manuel Lujan-electric bass. And

throughout the years.

approximately 20 music videos to date. Los

Daniel

Esquivel

Jr.-accordion,

Reileros future plans are to continue working

yes, all the Esquivel’s are his children.)

I asked Daniel what it is about the sound and

and showing the love for their fan base by

They are originally from Ojinaga, Chihuahua.

style that has built a global following: “Norteña

continuing to tour and play their sound.

They’ve been living in El Paso for much of

comes from our ancestors in a sense – it’s

their careers. They derived the name from

ranchera. It’s a variation of mariachi. It’s not

“Our career has been long and fruitful - we’ve

working in the rail yards in Chihuahua, and

orchestra, though at times we include them.

worked hard and we’ve been blessed to have

just found it a fitting and honest way to name

It’s rhythmic mix of the sax and accordion

an actual fan base of people that appreciate

their band. A way in which they’ve been able

to make our audiences dance. We hope our

the sound.” –Valentin Sandoval www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

B e at s a n d e at s

RICHARD VISSION Best known for his 2009 track “I Like That”

host of one the longest running EDM radio

featuring Luciana, Richard Vission is a house

shows in the U.S. on Power106 Los Angeles.

music producer and DJ. Born in Toronto,

“Powertools” has had impressive guests

Ontario on May 24, 1973 and a California

such as Laidback Luke, Swedish House Mafia

native, Richard Vission has been on the

and Tiesto. It airs on Saturdays from 2am

forefront of electronic music since the early

to 4am. Recently, Richard Vission teamed

1990s. His remixes of songs from artists like

up with Luciana once again for a new track

Lady Gaga, Madonna, the Black Eyed Peas,

entitled “Primitive.” This isn’t the electronic

Justin Timberlake and Major Lazor have

phenomenon’s first visit to El Paso, having

done very well on the charts and have been

visited the Sun City back in 2010 and 2007.

adapted by fellow DJs into their own musical

–Jose Soto

sets. He has over 40 #1 Billboard Dance chart slots to his credit. Richard Vission is also the

MARK FARNER Mark Farner, one of the original members of Grand Funk Railroad, holds a unique place in history, while continuing to create the rock and roll music that has been the foundation of his life and legacy.

Mark grew up in Flint, Michigan during the boom of Motown and R & B. He began playing his music on a famous radio station in the region, CKMW that reached 60 miles outside the Detroit area. “Soulful R & B is in my music. It’s just a part of who I am.”

He is very proud of having been a part of the Atlanta Pop Festival in 1969 where he played for over 100,000 people. Some of the acts that were also a part of this historic musical prosody were: Sly and The Family Stone, Jimmy Hendrix, and Janis Joplin to name a few. Mark also played to approximately 80,000 people in Santiago, Chile and then went on to play in Sao Paulo, Brazil to the largest street festival in the world with at least 100,000 people in the streets. “They were literally hanging in the streets just to be a part of our show,” he states. “Grand Funk allowed us to make millions throughout the years. Much of the work was topical with the war in Vietnam and politics of that time. So we only found it right to continually play for Vietnam Vets across the country.” _Valetin Sandoval Currently Mark Farner Energy is on their “Happy Tour” with 61 dates in three months. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

109

B e at s a n d e at s

September, 2014

TROPICALISIMO APACHE Tropicalisimo Apache is the name. That’s right, the apache spirit with a tropical essence. They were once called Apache Nuevo Imagen up until 1988. If you can believe it, there were several other bands with that name, so they chose a musical distinction. And a distinct career niche is what they found. Since its inception, the sound is purely a cumbia fusion.

Fernando Saucedo handles all the marketing and PR for the group. The entire group members are all originally from Torreon Coahuila, Mexico. Arturo Ortiz is the original founder of the group. Their first real hits were in the mid 80s with songs titled “Kung

Their cumbia sound is a fusion of Columbian,

They are now approaching 30 years as a

Fu Chino,” “40 Grados,” “Tumbala” and

Venezuelan, and Argentinian. They were right

successful touring band. The popularity of the

“Talento de Television.” The band since then

in the mix of it when the first English cumbia

cumbia song continues to grow, especially

has been able to grow their sound and style

song in the U.S. hit with KC and The Sunshine

throughout Texas as well as the rest of

throughout Mexico and the United States.

Band’s “That’s the Way I Like It.” They were

the Southwest. So they trek accordingly,

They had a total of 40 hits and have been able

able to gain some traction when that song

consistently building their musical brand.

to take their musical caravan throughout the

hit, with their own song, “Me Tienes que

–Valentin Sandoval

western hemisphere.

Olvidar,” and “El Lagunero.”

ROD CROSBY AND THE INTRUDERS Rod Crosby and The Intruders would now

shortly thereafter. It caused Rod some

be considered classic rock and roll. Rod

serious pain, and a shift occurred in him. So

Crosby has absolutely no shame in telling

for generations, he’s billed as the longest

me immediately that they are a cover band,

running rock and roll band in El Paso. Now at

covering rock songs from the 60-80s.

69, Rod feels he can do it much better than he could back in the day.

Rod played with his band for 14 years with two members of the Bobby Fuller Band. In El

Rod is co-producer, alongside main producer

Paso, The Intruders played alongside Bobby

Rick Kern, of Border Legends of El Paso Rock

Fuller & The Bobby Fuller Four from 1960 till

and Roll, an annual Rock and Roll event held

a few years later when the band relocated to

in October, honoring El Paso’s rock and roll

Hollywood. At one point, Bobby Fuller asked

musical legends. –Valentin Sandoval

him to play in his band, but was murdered

110

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, September,2014 2014

B e at s a n d e at s

JOHNNY KAGE There isn’t any other native El Pasoan that comes close to being a hometown celebrity like Local DJ and radio talent Johnny Kage.

With more than 20 years of DJing experience under his belt, Johnny Kage is one of El Paso’s favorite DJs. His radio persona on 104.3 HITfm attracts thousands of listeners daily as does his mixing skills at local clubs and parties. Johnny Kage started off mixing at house parties and warehouse raves and even ventured into the nightlife of Cuidad Juárez when it was at its prime.

He eventually found his way into El Paso nightclubs and since then has provided El Paso with the music to accompany their entertainment experience. He has won many impressive titles including What’s Up’s Best Club DJ, Best Face for Radio and Best Scandalous Local. Johnny Kage has opened up for well known DJs and producers like Tiesto, Dada Life, David Guetta, Armand Van Helden and Chris Lake and played Sun City Music Festival. Johnny Kage is well known throughout the city for his “Noontime work out” and “5 o’clock bamboosha” mixes which he transmits daily on 104.3 HITfm. –Jose Soto

EDDIE MIXX Eddie Mixx is a local El Paso DJ that is listed as one of the “Power mixers” from Power 102.1 FM. He’s been the go-to DJ at

Q UAT E R M A N E SALON

various events, including a retro party that was hosted in the Holiday Inn, and spinning tracks at Peoria nightclub, and Play. Most recently he was a performer at the Unity Jam, hosted by Club 301, which was a charity event that brought together over 40

MATTHEW ABRAHAM make up artist

local DJs in order to collect school supplies for children in need in the El Paso Area.

–Pablo Delgadillo

JAY SMOOTH Jay Smooth is another local DJ that works at Power 102.1 FM. He won the coveted spot as a “Power Mixer” throughout an event

Hollywood make up artist whose brushes have touched the faces of reality TV stars, models, actresses, socialites, and pageant queens across Texas, California, and Georgia.

beating other DJs, and has been working with them since 1995. He plays every type of music, but his favorite to play is house music. You can hear Jay Smooth’s tunes every day at 5 p.m. with Slomotion and every Friday and Saturday at night for some live

FOR BOOKINGS

(310) 569-1089

mixing. –Pablo Delgadillo www.thecitymagazineelp.com

111

5411 N. MESA SUITE C13 EL PASO, TEXAS 79912

B e at s a n d e at s

September, 2014

DUSTY LOW Dusty Low is the name. The name is intended to be worn out, scuffed up, put on, then expressed on the rock and roll stage. Rock and roll, apparently like a good old pair of jeans, will never go out of style — And I’m forever grateful for that.

Dusty Low is working at creating a distinct sound to add to the collective tributaries that make up this timeless genre. Jessie Sullivan describes the band’s sound as alternative country, old rock-folk. Those are many adjectives, but somehow, they make perfect sense to me.

Some of their influences include James Taylor, Mark Cohen, Fleetwood Mac, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. The band of four has

the effervescence of their lyrics and sound.

been singing their tunes to the hearts and

David Paul STYLIST | COLORIST

(915) 999 - 0620

minds of fans for approximately six years.

So they find themselves in Santa Fe,

Dusty Low understands the principal of any

Albuquerque and every major city in Texas

band looking to be successful at what they

from Austin, to Ft. Worth, to San Marcos.

do -- a band must, one way or the other

They even did a small tour in beautiful

pack up, gas up and put the rubber to the

Philadelphia. Now, they’re hitting the studio

concrete highways of the U.S. They do so

and working at new songs and getting into

in the hopes of crowds of hipsters of all

bigger festivals. –Valetin Sandoval

shapes, sizes, and age to fall in love with

THE GODFATHER “My job is to make the audience happy, and help them forget their problems — at least while I’m performing.” The Godfather (“GDFR”) is one of the local DJs featured on the “From Paris With Love” stage at “Beats and Eats.” At 19 years old, he’s one of the youngest performers on this year’s roster. But he’s already made a mark on the local circuit, performing at last year’s KLAQ Balloonfest. He says “Beats and Eats” will be his biggest (and best) performance to date, he’s excited to share the stage with LA DJ/Producer Richard Vission. He tells me he’s in it because he loves to watch the party come alive, to share music that makes him feel alive. “I love all types

I’M IN A NEW LOCATION 4201 CAMELOT HEIGHTS DR. EL PASO, TEXAS 79912

of music but what makes me feel amazing is electro house. I can’t really describe the way I feel — I just love it.” –Aubrey West www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

B e at s a n d e at s

CHUCO SOUL PROJECT Every now and then, when in other cities, I’m asked where I’m from and I say, El Paso. On bits of occasions, someone will say: ‘El Chuco’ and I’ll smile with a fist acknowledgement, indicating that I’m cool with it. It appears to be a respected colloquialism that cleverly became the name of Chuco Soul.

Singer Selina Nevarez, a proud new mother, describes their eclectic fusion as reggae, R & B, Swing, Ska, and metal. Now you merge those genres into something like, jazzy reggae soul.

Selina played with local musical legends Adrian Esparza and Martin Bencomo, who used to have an Aztec psychedelic jam band called Aztec Zodiac. They started playing out of town more so she decided to partner with promoter Charlie Villanueva and began getting more gigs.

Right away they got to do shows in Alpine, and Corpus Christi to name a few Texas gigs. They were asked to potentially open for Lila Downs in Juárez, and they’ve been able to open up for Austin’s Del Castillo. Selina and the band are very proud that

WILDFLOWER

they have Gabe Gonzalez, member of Jim Ward’s Sleeper Car, engineering their live album. –Valentin Sandoval

Wildflower is a cover band that merges their collective of musicians to excite their crowds with Top 40 and Classic hits. They’ve been together for over three years. This particular group of musicians has been playing together for over a year now. They’ve been a hard working band that is constantly gigging. “About two weeks ago Wildflower had the opportunity to open up for Collective Soul. We were stoked!” said Valerie Ortega.

Valerie is very proud of their band mantra, and that is, being crowd pleasers. They do write and compose their own music, but they’re working at leveraging their name as a cover band, in order to draw in a broader audience. This will enable them to infuse their unique rock band sound into the scene, and expand off into other scenes across the Southwest.

One of the quirks of being from the borderland is that they get to play at Ft. Bliss. They often play on base and have built a solid following with the servicemen and their families. “Every soldier and their families show such great support towards the musicians here in El Paso,” Valerie states.“We plan to open up for other bigger, more famous acts. Something big will be happening for Wildflower in October… stay tuned!” –Valentin Sandoval

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

113

B e at s a n d e at s

September, 2014

JOE BARON BAND Imagine I asked you to fuse together the

Abbott Band. They have made a name for

sounds of say, Matchbox 20 meets George

themselves around Texas and New Mexico

Straight and Josh Abbott. Yes, that is the

for their unique rock-country fusion that

combination, and the inspirational forces

captivates crowds.

that comprise this unique El Paso band that is the Joe Baron Band. They are a lighting

In the past nine months they played over a

bolt of country rock energy.

100 shows and they continue to work hard at their craft. Currently, they are getting

This five-person band has been jamming

ready to produce a new album, and they’ve

together for five years. One thing is

decided to leverage a popular fund raising

very clear to the entire band, and that is

tool, Kickstarter. They continue to work

that they are on stage to entertain. And

hard in the studio, on the stage, on the

entertain for years on end, and turn the

road, and are looking forward to producing

heads of key musical mavens they have.

their 12-track album at the famous Sonic

They’ve opened up for Kenny Rogers,

Ranch. –Valentin Sandoval

Dwight Yoakam, Parmalee, and the Josh

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

Visit our fine selection of luxury vehicles today!

1801 Joe Battle | El Paso, Texas 79936 | (915) 921-6322 | www.elpasopremier.com

Timeless Pieces exclusively

the jewel of the westside

7134 N. MESA COLONY COVE II | EL PASO, TEXAS 79912 |

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

www.facebook.com/jewelgalleryinc

915-845-7740

115

September, 2014

‘‘

A Cliché’’ The French Don’t Even

for

Have a Word

| By: EDDIE CEPEDA |

116

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

t r av e l

September, 2014

A

fter turning one too many wrong corners, I wondered

I turned one more corner and there it was, “Chez

if it was time to give up. But even the wrong corners

Denise” - like a lighthouse calling to a lost sailor, a

seemed to be part of a bewitching dreamlike

beacon guiding me in from the rain. I had finally made it.

labyrinth filled with comely nooks. The light mid-

I had no idea, but I was about to eat the greatest meal of

May sprinkling of rain had gone from romantic

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

my life, and I ALMOST ordered steak instead.

cliché, to pneumonia-inducing downpour.

And my feet hurt. Bad. But I kept walking.

I was single and utterly over the romantic notion of backpacking across Europe. The starry-eyed thought

Yes, it’s an expected and cringe worthy stereotype, but

of roughing it in hostels and risking scabies no longer

getting lost in the rain completely alone in Paris had

appealed to me. A younger, more punk rock version of

always been on my bucket list. My late 20s were not

me would ridicule my appetency for a comfortable hotel

only about accepting clichés, but also embracing them.

room and shower to call my own. What a sellout. But I

At one point, you stop caring what’s expected and you

didn’t care. I wanted to do this, and I knew I wanted to

indulge in what feels right.

do it alone.

I walked from Montmartre and questioned my deter-

Traveling in my adult life had always been a group effort. I

mination, as the cold and hunger began to overtake

toured with my band, took road trips with friends, visited

me. “Should I just walk into one of the hundreds of

people, or had the occasional out of town DJ gig. I had

cafes lining Les Halles?” No. I had to find it.

never just gone somewhere alone, with no safety net.

117

t r av e l

September, 2014

I did wonder if I would get bored or have an

scraps thrown down to peasants or rations,

accordingly. I would go on to finish this 1.75

awful experience. A French friend of mine

somehow

liter bottle, with a little help though, so I

who for years lived in Paris gave me some

transcendent cuisine. This is completely

phone numbers and told me to use them if I

contrary to the highbrow image of French

got lonely. I managed to curb my insecurities

gastronomy Americans believe is the norm in

When asked if I would care for an appetizer, I

and avoided that. The one thing I did obey:

France. As I walked in, nervous, wet and cold,

panicked and simply picked out the first thing

eat at Chez Denise.

I asked for a table for one in my broken French.

I immediately recognized. “Terrine du Chef,” a

The host graciously responded in English.

pâté made of who-knows-what, only the chef.

manipulated

into

masterful,

didn’t feel too terrible about it.

I had an American pop culture reference for the classic Parisian eatery: it was featured on

As she led me to my tiny table, the decor

the very first episode of Anthony Bourdain’s

matched the timeless description. It looked

It was delightful but I knew I had played it

“No Reservations.” He explained how it

like a page right out of 1920s Paris, and

safe. I had come across the pond to immerse

was the kind of place that probably hadn’t

I imagined Henry Miller polishing off a

myself in things unfamiliar to me, and that

changed in decades, and the recipes were

bottle of wine before heading off to his real

kind of terrine had been a staple in my life

working-class, hearty French fare. He had me

destination, the seedy Pigalle.

for years. It was at this time that two older French gentlemen were seated at my table.

at working class.

My friendly waiter brought me a giant bottle

I had heard about this. They don’t mess

This is the kind of food that is a direct result

of red wine and explained I could drink as

around. EVERY seat will be used.

of pre-revolution and/or post-WWII France:

much as I wanted, and I would be charged

118

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

an experience like no other

Top of the Chase Building 201 E. Main St., 18th Floor 915.544.1135 The ElPasoClub.com Marcelo Guerrero for Event Information Bobby Lyons for Membership Information

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

119

September, 2014 Gérard and Manuel gushed about their love of the steak frites here. As the waiter approached I panicked and started saying it - “Steak fri ... no pardonnez-moi, TÊTE DE VEAU.” I had read about this dish before, and something mid-sentence told me I would not regret this. My French companions looked at me with a hint of approval, as if they had never seen an American so willing to partake in such a great French culinary tradition.

Tête de veau literally translates as “head of calf.” Already, this may not be appetizing to many, but the way I see it, if you really think about it, it’s no different than eating ANY part of an animal. I mean, you may say “ew, brain or eyeballs, gross” but how is that any worse than a ribeye? Think about it. Got it? Good.

Now, if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, then there’s just no convincing you.

This particular offering is served in sauce ravigotte, a slightly acidic and somewhat mustard-y French sauce. It’s the type of classic dish that’s cooked in copper pots over

FA M I LY- O W N E D & O P E R AT E D

low heat for anywhere between 5-9 hours.

That’s how the working class transformed a previously undesirable piece of meat into a masterpiece even the bourgeoisie could be jealous of: you cook it patiently until it’s as tender as the finest filet.

As the heaping pile of slowly cooked meat is brought out to my table, I wonder for a second if this is meant for three or four people. This mammoth portion, and the many portions like this I witnessed on this trip make me wonder just how untrue American’s idea of why

NORTHEAST

AMERICAS

French people aren’t generally overweight

4631Hondo Pass (915) 594-4424

9521 N. Loop Dr. (915) 858-4408

portion control, their food has a lot of butter,

is. You’ve heard it somewhere before “it’s but it’s small portions.” No it’s not. It must be something else.

I’ll avoid describing exactly what parts I

120

WEST

EAST

see in front of me so as not to upset any

480 N. Resler (915) 587-4408

750 N. Carolina (915) 594-4424

from EVERY part of the head. Think “Indiana

sunsetfuneralhomes.net

sensitive readers, but just know, this is made Jones and the Temple of Doom.”

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

Gérard and Manuel’s dishes arrive: the steak frites I almost ordered, and blancquette de veau. They offer me some of their gargantuan plates, and of course, wanting to take in as much of the experience possible, I accept and offer up some of mine.

It’s then that it hits me: my quest to discover Paris alone landed me with the most organic company - having a family-style dinner with two complete strangers. The wine didn’t stop flowing, even with dessert: Ile Flotante and Rum Baba, two fabulously decadent desserts (the baba comes with a bottle of rum you can pour on it).

The laughs, drinking and conversation kept on for well over an hour after dessert, and the waiter was in no rush for us to leave. In Paris, you’re expected to have an experience with every meal, and I happily partook.

Afterwards, as I walked off my incredible meal over the Pont-Neuf bridge with a gauloise in one hand and a can of 1664 in the other, I began to realize this was the greatest meal I have ever had in my life.

The rainy walk there, the wine, the conversation with strangers, the actual food; all came together to make the experience of a lifetime.

And as it turns out, my night was only beginning.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

121

Look found at

122

LOOK THE

THE CHIC SHOPPER

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED MODEL: ILLIANA CURRIEL

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ

ASSOCIATE STYLIST/LOCATION SCOUT: NATALIE ROSALES ASSISTANT JR. STYLIST: BRIANNA SANCHEZ HAIR: DAVID PAUL

MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO

WARDROBE PROVIDED BY: RUBY LOLA, ELLA BLU, NONO’S, AND UNION FASHION

LOCATION: FOOD CITY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE SANTOS AND LOWEREE

FAMILIES FOR ALLOWING THE CITY MAGAZINE TEAM TO DO PHOTO SHOOT AT THEIR LOCALLY OWNED AND FAMILY RUN FOOD CITY LOCATION.

123

September, 2014

Look found at

124

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

DRESS AND CARDIGAN: PINK TARTAN

JEWELRY: NONO’S

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

125

September, 2014

DRESS: BLACK HALO

JEWELRY: RACHEL ZOE COLLECTION

126

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

Look found at

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

127

September, 2014

Look found at

128

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

DRESS: CUSTO BARCELONA JEWELRY AND PURSE:

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

129

November, 2013

130

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

f o s t i b a H 0 1 The s e l p u o C y th l Hea LOVE

September, 2014

| By: JANNET BUSTILLOS |

“Just listen, and be more interested than interesting, more fascinated than fascinating and more adoring than adorable.”

- Dr. Mark Goulston

They say it takes 21 days of daily repetition of a new behavior for it to become a habit. If we can do this for workout regimens, why don’t we create positive habits in our relationship?

1. Going to bed at the same time can be helpful to your relationship. When you are first dating you can’t wait to go to bed together, and with time this might change. Healthy couples resist the temptation of going to bed at different times; this is where intimacy comes into play.

2. Hold hands or walk side-by-side more often. Happy couples tend to walk sideby-side or holding hands. This simple gesture can be reassuring to anyone that your partner is focusing on you, rather than the sights along the way.

3. Once the passion begins to settle, you may begin to realize that you have only a few interests in common. If your common interests are not present, happy couples tend to cultivate some interests together.

4. When you have a disagreement or an argument, try to make trust and forgiveness your default mode. Even if they can’t resolve the argument, happy couples tend to default to trust and forgiveness, rather than distrusting and holding a grudge.

5. Focus on the positive aspect of your relationship rather than negative. If you look for things your partner does wrong you are going to find them. Happy couples emphasize on the positive.

6. Show some sort of affection as soon as you two see each other. Even if you had a long day at work, make sure you give your partner a hug or a kiss when you see them.

7. Happy couples tend to express their feelings more often. The simple gesture of just saying, “I love you” and “have a good day” every morning can make a difference in your partner’s day.

8. Say “good night” every night, regardless of how you feel. This tells your partner that regardless of how you feel, you still want to be in the relationship. Although ego can sometimes get in the way, it is very important you two always sleep in the same bedroom, even after an argument.

9. Call your partner during the day to see how his or her day is going. You will know what to expect when your partner gets home. If they are having an awful day, you can mentally prepare yourself on what to say or how to react.

Happy couples are proud to be seen with their partner, and often show some kind 10. of PDA.They don’t do it to show off, but rather to show the connection they have.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

131

September, 2014

Fashion with Passion Ninth Annual

friends of FEMAP Gala | By: ERIKA LOPEZ photography by: DAV ANMED |

132

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

133

Ninth Annual Friends of FEMAP Gal a

Claudia Castillo Makeup Artistry

FB: Bella ByClaudia IG: _claudia_castillo

(915) 313-1124

September, 2014

“Adair Margo and Guadalupe De La Vega – Founders of FEMAP and the FEMAP Foundation -Photo Courtesy of FEMAP”

‘Tis’ the season for the most philanthropic and

guarantee that “any dress bought here for

glamorous time of the year, where designer

the gala we make sure not to sell it to anyone

gown dreams are made of and the who’s

else. Our clients are investing in amazing,

who of El Paso and Juárez society gather for

fashionable pieces, so to show up to the

a night of charitable fun at the ninth annual

event and have someone already wearing the

Friends of FEMAP Gala. But even a night

same dress, that’s a big no-no. We work hard

filled with glitz and glam can quickly turn into

to make sure that if we sell a dress for this

a night of disaster with a big fashion etiquette

particular event, we don’t resell it to anyone

faux pas. A black tie affair is traditionally the

else who is also attending,” explained Valerie

most formal event in the social stratosphere,

Varela, Tres Mariposas marketing coordinator.

so naturally long gowns are the go-to trend

134

-- but rules are made to be broken. You can

So what do you get when you combine

choose to wear a short number, but there

fashion with passion? A pre-FEMAP gala

are hard-hitting limitations to this decision.

dress-viewing party hosted in August that

When opting for an unconventional gala look

consists of wine, hors d’oeuvres, and Tres

that is shorter than the norm, it is always vital

Mariposas’ stylists to consult with clients on

to go for a short cocktail dress that is uber

the perfect outfit, shoes, jewelry, and other

sophisticated and glamorous. The key is to

accessories for the gala. While shopping for

stay elegant while incorporating fun elements

a night of glamorous fun, Tres Mariposas’

like illusion sheer prints. But, if you’re still in

clients will be giving back to FEMAP, as

doubt, Tres Mariposas boutique is the evening

15% of sales will go toward FEMAP’s capital

gown accessory styling guru that strives

campaign. “FEMAP and Tres Mariposas have

to provide only the best in fashion with the

a love affair with each other. I visited FEMAP’s www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014 hospital in Juárez about 15 years ago and was blown away with what they do with a lot of compassion and very little money. I fell in love with FEMAP. On the other hand, FEMAP supporters seem to love the amazing offering of evening gowns at Tres Mariposas.

It’s a great love affair!” explained Nan Napier, Tres Mariposas president-owner.

In terms of style and trends for this dazzling affair: “It was best said by Nan Napier of Tres Mariposas, ‘The FEMAP gala is an opportunity to pull out all the stops, look like a princess, and remind yourself of your inner and outer beauty and glamour.’ I’m happy to announce this year’s theme is Carnaval Brazileiro, so I think color will definitely make a statement!” said Salina VanDeman, FEMAP Gala Chair.

Tres Mariposas’ contemporary and special occasion buyer, Gesuina Legaspy, agreed as she gave us an exclusive look at some of this year’s major trends and hues for the fall gala. “Lace is a trend that has been getting stronger and stronger. It can be young. It can be older. It’s just a classic, elegant trend that’s very consistent. We’ve been getting a lot of interesting phone calls for the long-sleeved dress which is very interesting because that has always been more of an older style, but a lot of celebrities have been wearing it on the red carpet. It’s a very elegant, chic look.”

In terms of this gala season’s hottest hues, many are opting for navy, gold, black, and emerald green to complement the most on

Conquer Your Financial Future.

trend styles, like the very seductive, clean, open-back gowns which have been popular among Tres Mariposas clients. “Mostly, it’s just about having fun and feeling good in what you wear and being in a beautiful dress helps with that. If you look good, you feel good.

That’s really what Tres Mariposas is all about.

It’s about fashion that makes women feel good and confident wherever they go,” said Varela.

FEMAP’s mission is to raise the quality of life among people living in poverty in the El Paso and Juárez region, through health services, education, research, and economic and www.thecitymagazineelp.com

A network of Confidence. A network of Trust. A network of Experience.

(800) 863-9048 135

Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation, 6 Kimball Lane, Lynnfield, MA 01940, (800) 929-1422, Member FINRA/SIPC Advisory Services, if applicable, offered through Investors Capital Advisory.

“Because of the customer, we exist!”

Ninth Annual Friends of FEMAP Gal a

September, 2014

social empowerment. Federacion Mexicana de

originated Promotoras de Salud Comunitarias

Asociaciones Privadas (FEMAP) is a not-for-profit

(Community Volunteer Health Promoters) to

organization founded in 1973 by Guadalupe De

ensure neighborhood families have access

La Vega who sought out to help women and

to preventive medicine, birth control and

children living in indigent conditions by holding a

information on how to better care for their

private event in her home to raise money for her

families, which has benefited 6,899 men,

charity, and in 1992 in collaboration with Adair

women, and children.

Margo, these two impeccable women created the FEMAP Foundation. “The need in Ciudad

FEMAP’s passion to open doors sprouts from

Juárez has always been so great. FEMAP has

the community programs implemented each

always made a real difference, by responding

year for youth. These programs contribute to the

directly to the needs of the community. The

child’s quality of life by creating programs that

Our promise to you:

difficulty of the FEMAP Foundation is to

help in their physical and emotional development

accurately share that story, which is an amazing

and strengthen communities to confront the

NEVER A MINIMUM,

and very organic one,” explained Adair Margo,

problems faced by today’s youth in Cd. Juárez.

FEMAP Co-founder.

“FEMAP created ValorArte para Niñas y Niños -

ONLINE ORDERING,

young minds discover an artistic expression and On July 13, 1992 the FEMAP Foundation

academic discipline they didn’t know they had.

became a U.S.-based public charity chartered

10,000 children participate in FEMAP’s youth

FURNITURE ASSEMBLY &

as a Texas nonprofit corporation and is

programs each year. That’s 10,000 promises for

tax exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the

the future,” explained Aleman.

INSTALLATION FREE

Internal Revenue Code. As FEMAP’s mission is to raise the quality of life among those

As for the ninth annual Friends of FEMAP

•NOTORIAL RECORD

living in destitute conditions, the foundation

Gala: “The annual FEMAP Gala raises

has incorporated FEMAP’s School of Nursing

money for the programs and services in Cd.

BOOKS•

to provide opportunities for those less

Juárez. The gala is a truly bi-national event

fortunate to become educated in health

attended by both Mexican nationals and

• LEGAL EXHIBIT DIVIDERS•

care professions. Each year 70 to 110

Americans, not only from El Paso and its

students graduate as general nurses and are

sister city in Cd. Juárez, but from Houston,

•LETTER/LEGAL FILE

guaranteed good paying jobs upon graduation

Santa Fe, New York and Monterrey, Mexico

STORAGE BOXES•

while serving a desperately underserved

City and Chihuahua. I have to say that touring

region. “There are thousands of people

Hospital de la Familia, the FEMAP School of

grateful to FEMAP for giving them a chance.

Nursing and the pediatric-orthopedic clinic

The benefits have had positive repercussions

and meeting the staff, volunteers and most

over three generations,” said Margo.

importantly, the community we are here to

FREE DELIVERY,

•LATERAL & VERTICAL FILING CABINETS•

serve, made me realize the importance of

•HIGH SECURITY

“In four decades FEMAP has experienced

the fundraiser gala. It is through this event

it all. What was born out of the need to

that we share FEMAP’s story as well as

SHREDDERS•

bring the best maternal and child health

raise funds. The FEMAP gala is always a

services to the poorest communities, has

memorable experience. To see the growth

•OFFICE FURNITURE•

grown into a dynamic, progressive system

in attendance from 2008 has been simply

of essential services that today features two

amazing! It’s heartwarming to know that so

critical care hospitals, a school of nursing,

many people in our great city see the need

Contact us at:

micro-enterprise

to support such a great foundation!” said

(915)-838-0026

disadvantaged people, including human and social development programs for children and

Ultimately, there is only one etiquette rule to

customercare@

adolescents,” said Anna Aleman, executive

follow and according to Anna Aleman it is,

director of the FEMAP Foundation. Among

“Come early, leave late. You don’t want to

pencil-cup.com 136

those health promotion programs FEMAP

miss out on this much fun!”

support

and

countless

health promotion programs to the most

VanDeman enthusiastically.

September, 2014

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

137

September, 2014

CE L E B R AT E

om Lea T Month 2014

138

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

c e l e b r at e t o m l e a m o n t h 2 0 1 4

September, 2014

Events at a Glance • Lectures, Conferences and Discussions

• Tours

• Children & Teen’s Activities

Sept. 24

• Exhibits

• Fashion, Shows and Movies

• Out of Town Presentations

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • The Art of Tom Lea: Preserving Our National Heritage, A case study for preserving WPA-era murals in the United States – Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington D.C.

Sept. 25

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• The Two Thousand Yard Stare: Tom Lea’s World War II, A Discussion of Tom Lea’s art in the Life Collection of World War II, U.S. Army Center of Military History – Officers’ Club, Fort Belvoir, VA

Oct. 1 - 31

• Selection from Tom Lea Collection – El Paso Museum of Art, Tom Lea Gallery and Museum’s Library

Oct. 1 - 31

• Pancho Villa Exhibit – El Paso Public Library Downtown

Oct. 5 - Nov. 12

• • Exhibition of The 1949 Sun Carnival Artist Reunion, reception from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. – Hal Marcus Gallery

Oct. 2

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• • Butterfly Wings & Tom Lea by Rosa Guerrero, José Mario Sánchez Soledad, and Guillermo Martinez – Lydia Patterson Institute

Oct. 3

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• White House Pastries, Fashion and Old Mount Franklin with Roland Mesnier, EPCC Culinary students, Zayra Estrada and Josie Mitchell – El Paso Community College Administrative Service Center, Building B

Oct. 4

10:00 a.m.

• Fort Bliss Historical Tour by Wanda Kienzle – Fort. Bliss, Old Fort Bliss Replica Bldg. 5054

Oct. 9

1:00 p.m.

•Tour on Trost Architecture by Max Grossman – Camino Real Hotel

Oct. 10

6:00 p.m.

• Architecture in the Evening, historic downtown walk by Ken Gorski – Camino Real Hotel

Oct. 11

10:00 a.m.

• Church decoration at First Baptist, St. Clement’s Episcopal and First Presbyterian with Robyn Lowrie, David Etzold, and Neal Locke – meet at First Baptist Church El Paso

1:00 p.m.

• Tom Lea Graduate Research Fellowship Lectures introduced by Dr. Patricia Witherspoon and presented by Mauricio Olague and Roland Rodriguez – El Paso Public Library Downtown

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

• Hembrillo: An Apache Battlefield of the Victorio War by Karl Laumbach and Albert Jennings Fountain - Unsolved 1896 Murder on the White Sands by Bobby Keller – Ardovino’s Desert Crossing

Oct. 15

6:00 p.m.

• Benito Juárez at the Pass of the North presentation by Nick Houser – Chamizal National Memorial

139

c e l e b r at e t o m l e a m o n t h 2 0 1 4

• Lectures, Conferences and Discussions

• Tours

• Children & Teen’s Activities

Oct. 16

12:00 noon

• Exhibits

• Fashion, Shows and Movies

• Out of Town Presentations

• Downtown El Paso Mural Tour Experience the Pass of the North by Carolina Franco and Elisa Garrido – El Paso Historic Federal Courthouse

6:00 p.m.

• Tom Lea: A Diversity of Artistic Approaches by Patrick Cable – El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Energy Auditorium

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Graphic Design Panel Discussion by Jud Burgess, Anne Giangiulio, and Katya Reka, introduced and moderated by Clive Cochran – UTEP, Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts

Oct. 18

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon • The Story Behind The Turning Point by William Stevens followed by a tour of the Durham Center and behind the scenes look at UTEP football today – UTEP, Larry K. Durham Center

Oct. 22

1:00 p.m.

• The First Surgical Operation in North America, Cabeza de Vaca and the Texas Surgical Society by Alan Tyroch – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Medical Education Building, Room 1150

Oct. 23

2:00 p.m.

• The First Surgical Operation in North America, Cabeza de Vaca and the Texas Surgical Society by Adair Margo – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Medical Education Building, Room 1150

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Bookmaking at the Pass of the North – UTEP, Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for Visual Arts

6:00 p.m.

• Tom Lea & A Shepherd Boy Who Became President of Mexico by Jose Mario Sanchez Soledad – Mexican Consulate, El Paso

Oct. 25

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. • Celebration of Our Mountains, Geological Tour and Lecture by Eric Kappus – El Paso Public Library Downtown

5:00 p.m.

• How the Horse Shaped Civilization & Its Evolution from Eohippus to the Modern Horse by Jason Bruemmer – Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, New Mexico

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• • The 1949 Sun Carnival Artist Reunion exhibit presentation by Holly Cox, Derrell E. Hiett, Hal Marcus, and Kevin Wells – Hal Marcus Gallery

The Tom Lea Trail “Tom Lea and the Italian Renaissance” with Luciano Cheles Oct. 7

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

• El Paso, Texas – Panel discussion with Mimi Gladstein and Ron Weber, moderated by Max Grossman – UTEP Library, Blumberg Auditorium

140

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

141

September, 2014

n u e of th S Unraveling the History of the Equinox | By: MEAGAN KINLEY | 142

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

u n r av e l i n g t h e h i s t o r y o f t h e e q u i n o x

the length of each day was incredibly important for these people because it helped them know when winter was coming. They based their planting season, harvest season and all their important decisions on the pathways of the sun. Reading the sun was as simple as reading a clock — identifying the sun’s position and length of daylight were factors that invariably meant life and death. Some of these civilizations even built observatories to further study the sun, from Chichen Itza in Mexico to places closer to home like Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, archaeologists have uncovered more and more sites proving that early civilizations based almost everything around the sun. In Peru’s Machu Picchu archeologists even uncovered what they found to be the Intihuatana (Intihuatana means ‘tying the sun’) stone. They discovered that this stone in particular was specifically designed to indicate the two equinoxes.

So what happens when we experience an equinox? Basically, when he sun is truly a mystical force that many of us simply don’t

an equinox like the one that will occur on September 23 happens,

understand. We see words like equinox on our calendar and

we experience almost equal durations of daylight and night. In fact,

we scratch our heads wondering what it could mean. On

the word equinox is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox

September 23, 2014 at 7:29 pm the Autumn equinox is coming

(night). Basically what happens is the plane of Earth’s equator passes

to our time zone, and with it, the season of fall.

the center of the sun. At that instant (7:29pm for us), the tilt of Earth’s axis neither inclines away from nor towards the sun. The two annual

But why? What is so special about September 23?

equinoxes are the only times of the year when the center of the sun is

Specifically 7:29pm?

exactly overhead at zenith over the equator (this means that both the northern and southern hemispheres are lit equally). When this occurs,

In today’s world, there are two equinoxes every year, one occurs in

the sun crosses the equator, moving northward at the March equinox

March and the other, September. Each equinox is an astronomical

and southward at the September equinox — giving us new durations

event caused by the earth’s tilt on its axis — but it was not always

of light and a new season.

so simple and scientific. To understand this and other mysteries of the sun’s direct influence, let’s turn the clock back to the earliest

Now that you know what an equinox is, we hope you enjoy the

human civilizations. To these people, the sun was a mystical force

coming of autumn and the new season that awaits us all. As the

of power. The truth is our ancestors spent a lot of time outside. In

days get shorter and the nights longer, we hope you find rest and

these civilizations, the sky was both a clock and a calendar, studying

peace as winter approaches.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

143

September, 2014

KS | By: MATTHEW WIL

144

ON

|

Prerogat i v e

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

H I s p r e r o g at i v e

September, 2014

o matter what kind of guy you are, there is always a certain amount of

N

grooming that each of us does. Even if you are so “antigroom” that you would rather gnaw your nails off with your lateral incisors than bust out a decent pair of nail clippers (SICK!), you are still doomed to groom. So,

1

why not follow in our typical manly fashion and be the best we can be even when tweaking our appearances? The extent to which each man will groom is individually His Prerogative, but these bro savers will make the process slightly less arduous and keep you on top of your game.

1

Ultimate Pro Body Groomer by Mangroomer

First off, the 70s are a thing of the past, and if you are wondering why your partner prefers the lights off, it might just be your wild “flower power” bush. It is time to trim up that shrubbery, but by all means - be safe about it! Meant for the pecs, abs, shoulders, pits and groin, the new Mangroomer Ultimate Pro will help you effortlessly trim unwanted hair.

This double-sided buzzer comes with two different shavers that will help you cut it close without the dangers that come with razors. Its multifunctional flex neck is shock absorbent and mounts a shave head that will give you complete blade-to-skin contact without carving you up like a turkey on Thanksgiving.

Available at Target- $49 2

Ingrown Hair Treatment by Anthony

Some dudes get them on their legs, others on their back, and of course, most curse those on their neck - ingrown hairs. They are enough to drive a sane man off the deep end and turn a perfect shave into a nightmare. Run a razor over just one and you’ll see what I mean.

The good news is that Anthony has developed an ingrown hair treatment that will quell

2

the irritation of the notoriously vexing pimple doppelgänger. Ingrown hairs are a result of a follicle that has been clogged with dead skin and oil, which will misdirect the hair back into the skin instead of rising upward, growing above it. Applying this treatment will not only exfoliate your skin by eliminating those dead skin cells, but it will destroy the bacteria that lives underneath the skin. Made with Willow herb and Lavender, this skin saver is sure to be a must in many guys’ lives!

Available at Anthony.com- $32 3

3

Emily & Tony DownUnder Comfort

Last week I was standing behind this big galoot in the hardware store and I had to step back a couple of feet due to the unbearable stench of … well, you know. Sorry to be so graphic, but some of you guys need to get that four-day fromunda smell under control! It certainly isn’t going to improve your love life or help you to gain a fan base any time soon. So, what to do?

You can dust the jewels with a talc powder, but that will make your bathroom look like Pablo Escobar’s bodega. That is exactly why Emily & Tony have created the DownUnder Comfort!

Slather this cream-to-powder lotion on your man parts to keep them cool, dry, and most importantly, smelling shower fresh. It will also prevent nasty pit stains on your shirts when applied to your underarms and can be used on your toes to tackle that eau de parmesan. To boot, the sexperts at Emily & Tony have whipped this concoction out of entirely botanical ingredients, as not to interrupt your most intimate encounters.

Available at EmilyandTony.com- $18

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

145

Ia n nd Out September, 2014

| By: NATALIE ROSALES |

146

WOMEN in and out

September, 2014

In

TopKnot | “Knot” only is the topknot easy and simple, it’s chic

and effortless. Topknots are almost essential when wearing a top or

dress with exquisite detail at the shoulders or neckline, if your hair is down then it takes away from detail. There are multiple ways to style

a topknot. For a timeless look, slick back hair and form a bun towards

the top of your head. For a simple and casual look form a braid then wrap braid around the knot. For volume tease your ponytail then wrap the pony into a knot by securing with bobby pins.

OUT

Sock Bun

|

I spy with my little eye a UFO… in your hair.

Seriously, what is all the hype about a sock bun? This look is just too unnatural, quite frankly it’s almost as bad as the ‘bump it.’

In

Single-Strap Heel | The single-strap heel is everything this season -- not only does it go with virtually anything but it has a look that strikes me as timeless and doesn’t scream “trying too hard.” Strap yourself in and get ready for the stares, these shoes are perfection.

t

OUT

Lita Boots | Not going to lie, when Jeffrey Campbell first came out with the “Lita” boot I was pretty obsessed, for what

MEN

reason I’m not sure; but, that was two years ago and my

outlook on the Frankenstein-ish looking boot has changed.

Now knockoffs of the Lita boot can be seen everywhere.

Unfortunately, I think it’s time this boot is booted off.

In

Mad about Plaid

|

Nothing looks sexier on a man than

a checkered button up, whether it be a casual, loose-fitted longsleeved button up or an appropriately fitted dress shirt, we are just mad about plaid. All colors approved, we don’t discriminate.

OUT In

Pastel Dress Shirts | The only time that a plain, pastelcolored dress shirt is appropriate is for the court in a quinceañera.

The Slip-On | This look is not only stylish, it’s quick and easy

and perfect for a casual look. The slip-on sneaker comes in many

different colors and patterns. If you’re feeling brave, try out

Lanvin’s new plaid look, or if you are looking for something to pair with anything and everything, stick to a classic color like blue, white, or black.

OUT

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Sperry’s | These “boat shoes” tend to be every man’s “go to” when attending a casual event or outing but now I can’t help but look at the Sperry and think frat boy. This casual shoe for comfort needs an upgrade.

147

Debunking Some Common

s e h n t i y W M | By: VIC POULOS |

148

WINE

Is there really a health benefit to drinking red wine? Do sulfates cause headaches? Does sweet wine really have more calories than other wine? These are just some of the common questions and myths surrounding the world of wine, and I wanted to take a closer look at them to help separate fact from fiction.

Red Wine Can Cause

Open the Bottle to Let It Breathe

Headaches Because of Sulfites

Good wine, particularly red wine, does well when left to

Sulfites (or sulfur dioxide) have not been shown to cause

“breathe” out in the open. This allows oxygen to interact

headaches, and really only pose a threat to those who

with the wine and help bring out its flavor. However, many

are allergic to them. In fact, our very own bodies produce

people think that just opening the bottle early and leaving it

more than 1,000mg of sulfites per day, and most common,

will allow a wine to breathe. Because of the narrow bottle

daily foods also contain sulfites. In addition, white wines

opening, just opening the wine and letting it sit there will

also typically have more sulfites than red wine. So what’s

actually allow very little of the wine to come into contact

the deal with having a headache then? Probably due to

with the outside air. Pour the wine into your glass and let

dehydration (a.k.a hangover). Drink wine in moderation.

it breathe there instead.

What’s moderation? It’s usually recommended to be one glass of wine per day for women and two per day for men.

The Thicker the “Legs” the Better the Wine When you swirl your wine around in a glass and let it fall

Sweet Wine Has More Calories Than Dry Wine

back into the bowl, you’ll notice streams of liquid flowing

A frequent misconception is that sweet wine has more

down the side of the glass. These are called the wine’s

calories than dry wine. This can be true, but it also can be

legs. Contrary to popular belief, a wine’s legs are not an

not true. Calories don’t just come from the sugar content

indicator of quality. The legs are actually a phenomenon

in wine; they also come from the alcohol level. Want the

caused by the alcohol evaporating at a faster rate and

least caloric wine? Look for a dry, low alcohol wine.

having a lower surface tension than water. The legs are being pushed up the glass by the increased surface

Only Red Wine Has Health Benefits

tension before being pulled down by gravity. The legs can

Actually, the moderate consumption of alcohol alone

help you judge how full-bodied a wine is, however – fuller-

has several health benefits, including a decrease in

bodied wines generally have slower dripping legs.

heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Red wine, however, does have even more health benefits. There are more

Serve Red Wine at Room Temperature

antioxidants and phytochemicals in the skins and seeds

This common perception was generally true because

that are often soaked in barrels with red wine.

room temperature used to generally mean a temperature a few degrees cooler than it means today. Most red wine

Wine Tastes Better With Age

is best served at around 68 degrees. A common rule I

It’s been estimated by wine experts that only about 1% of

follow – put red wine in your fridge 20 minutes before

wine actually ages well. Bold red wines such as Bordeaux

serving it, and take white wine out of your fridge 20

typically age the best because of their structure. As it ages,

minutes before serving it!

the tannin becomes softer. What’s tannin? Ever tasted a

a softer flavor and less astringent taste. The perception of

Salud!

this wine’s acidity may also change, even though the acid

VIC POULOS

level is actually probably still about the same.

Zin Valle Vineyards

red wine and your face sort of puckers up? That comes from the tannin. As a wine ages, these tannins give way to

149

September, 2014

Pumpkins, Lettuce, Tomatoes ...

Oh my!

f

| By: HECTOR MADRID photos: COURTESY OF EPISD |

150

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

t

the BOWIE JARDin

here is a renaissance happening at

Other schools across the nation have

experience,” said Villalva. “Students learn

Bowie High School and it all started

implemented this unique idea too, but Bowie

about responsibility and how important it is to

with the planting of a seed.

High School is the only school in El Paso to

maintain a garden year-round. Also, they are

have a garden of its own. They do not have an

able to apply science and math skills every

They call it “The Bowie Jardín,” a one of a

official name for it yet, but they plan to come

time they come out here and work on it.”

kind project that will help Bowie High School

up with one really soon. “We are going to let

regain its positive reputation. “People still talk

the students have the opportunity to come up

Some of the foods being grown include

bad about ‘La Bowie’ and this jardín is one

with a name for the garden. This is theirs and

cucumbers, chili peppers, cilantro, squash,

way to show a positive aspect of the school

we want them to name it,” said Villalva.

lettuce, tomatoes, pumpkins, and more.

When the produce is ready to consume, the

to the entire community,” said Bowie High School Assistant Principal, Gina Villalva. The

The school wants to start a trend with this

students use it as part of their cooking class

idea of growing a garden came from Senator

project and hopes that other local schools

where they learn how to prepare different

Eliot Shapleigh who believes that this project

will follow in it’s footsteps. “Not only is this

dishes with the products they have selected.

will help give the school a refreshed image.

fun for the students, but it is also a learning

For this upcoming school year, students

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

151

September, 2014 will be challenged to come up with 10 Mesoamerican cuisines. The school hopes to eventually be able to sell their goods to the community in the upcoming months.

After they gain momentum, they will reach out to local restaurants and offer them their fruits and vegetables for purchase.

All of the money raised from donations and sales will go to an account created for the garden. That money will be used to purchase any supplies needed to make improvements. The school still has plenty of land and space to work with and they definitely hope to expand their garden. That is why they will be getting assistance from UTEP’s Business College to help them with developing a strategy that will allow them to meet their goals in the next couple of years.

There are also plans of building a shed to store all of the supplies and materials as well as a canopy that will protect the goods from bad weather conditions and small insects.

Several organizations and people from the community have stepped in to not only donate material and supplies, but their time as well. “We are grateful to all the teachers, faculty, parents, organizations, and even Ft. Bliss soldiers that have all come out here for long periods of time to help us out,” said Villalva. “If it weren’t for them, this garden wouldn’t be flourishing as it is now — we truly thank them.”

Hopefully this “seed of change” will mark the beginning of a new era for not only Bowie, but also for our city. The hope is that these kids will give our city a head start on the issue of responsible consumption of locally grown foods. Do not be surprised if you go out to eat at a local restaurant one day and you see a sign that reads: ‘We proudly serve locally grown vegetables from Bowie High School.’

152

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

soak explore relax

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

501 McAdoo Street Truth or Consequences, NM 87901

www.sierragrandelodge.com 575.894.6976 153

EL PASO MAGAZINE

November, 2013

Timeless

Elegance with a Modern Touch

If these Walls

Could Talk

El Paso’s Architectural History

GN MAGAZINE

BRIDAL GUIDE

c

09

THE MUSIC ISSUE

3 FALL 2013 PRICE $2.95

DEC/JAN 2014 PRICE $2.95

Songwriter

Blu SanderS

Band oF tHe year 2012

nominated Singer

UNVEIL YOUR

PERFECT DAY

JULY 2013 Price $2.95

18

Wedding Inspirations

Room at the

TOP

The Courage to Choose An Elective Mastectomy

ovember 2013 PRICE $2.95

OSCAR LEESER E l Paso’s Only

2

STRAIGHT TALK with El Paso’s

53

rd MAYOR

EL PASO MAGAZINE

A Big City Feel

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

the dirty river BoyS

CriStina

2014

downtown Timeless reinvented Romance

Formula expo

latin grammy

BillBoard

Hot 100

spring 2013 price $2.95

1

weddings 2014 PRICE $2.95

4

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE winter 2014 PRICE $2.95

21

10 OCTOBER 2012 | PRiCE $2.95

OCTOBER 2013 PRICE $2.95

Pick up a copy of this month’s issue at your local Walgreens and check out THE CITY WEDDINGS magazine and THE CITY SPACES Home & Design Magazine.

thecitymagazineelp.com EL PASO MAGAZINE

EL PASO MAGAZINE

EL PASO MAGAZINE

Sophisticated

BRIDAL GUIDE

154

Contemporary

Basics

2014 MEDICAL ISSUE THE

highlighting UNVEIL YOUREl Paso’s Doctors

PERFECT DAY Timeless omance

Wedding Inspirations

Meet El Paso’s

WOMEN

IN BUSINESS www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Spring

It’s a KID’S 16 WORLD

November, 2013

155

September, 2014

It’s Betta with Feta | By: AUDREY TOLLIVER |

156

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

I T ’ S B E T TA W I T H F E TA

It’s hard to believe summer is already here! It feels like we just rang in the New Year. Aside from those lucky few who get to travel to gorgeous beaches this summer, most of us have to stick to the daily grind here in the Sun City. The Mediterranean seems particularly alluring this time of year.

A luxurious trip to Greece isn’t too much to ask for, is it? If you can’t make it out to the Calypso Deep this summer, here are a few recipes that may inspire that next vacation or just simply refresh those cool summer taste buds.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Grilled Watermelon, Mint and Feta Watermelons are a summer staple but think of how much better they would taste after grilling them. Everything tastes better when it’s grilled! Your mouth is already watering, right? Here’s a simple recipe that can go a long way whether you have only a few guests or twenty. Throw in some mint and feta; voila, you’ve got a tasty salad.

Ingredients • 1 small watermelon (about 6 pounds), cut into 1-inch thick rounds (lay melon on its side, and cut through rind and flesh with a sharp knife) • ½ cup small mint leaves, torn • 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled into large chunks • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar • ¼ teaspoon sea salt • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

157

September, 2014

Grilled Eggplant with Tomatoes, Basil and Feta Vegetarian & Gluten free | 55 minutes to make | Serves 4 Ingredients • 10 oz. - 2 cups cherry tomatoes • ¼ c basil, packed fresh leaves • 1 gggplant (about 1½ pounds), large • 1 pinch red pepper flakes • 1 pinch salt, coarse • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Grilled Chicken Skewers + Feta-Basil Yellow Squash

• 1 oz. feta cheese

Ingredients

1. Generously season eggplant slices with salt. Place vertically in a colander,

• 1½ pounds chicken breasts trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

overlapping them. Let stand 30 minutes; rinse and pat dry.

• ¼ c pine nuts, toasted

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 3 tablespoons sour cream

2. Preheat grill to medium-high. Liberally brush cut sides of eggplant with

• Juice of ½ lemon

oil. Grill, turning once, until tender, about 4 minutes a side. Mix tomatoes,

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

pine nuts, feta, red-pepper flakes, and oil; season with salt. Spoon over

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

eggplant and top with basil.

• 1 teaspoon cumin • ½ teaspoon dry oregano 1. Thread chicken onto skewers, pressing pieces very close together. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and remaining ingredients. Pour marinade over chicken skewers in a shallow dish, turning to coat; cover with plastic wrap, and chill 1 hour.

2. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Grill skewers, turning occasionally, 20 minutes or until outside is well marked and chicken is cooked through. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Yellow Squash Ribbons with Feta and Basil Ingredients 3 yellow squash 1 tablespoon butter Garlic salt Pepper ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1. Trim ends from squash, and peel into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler.

2. Heat butter in a skillet until melted; add squash and garlic salt and pepper to taste, and cook, tossing constantly, 1 minute.

Remove from heat, and stir in cheese and basil. Makes 4 servings.

158

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014 EL PASO’S HOME & DESIGN MAGAZINE

Timeless

Elegance with a Modern Touch

Modern Classic El Paso Style At It’s Best

If these Walls

Could Talk

El Paso’s Architectural History

NOW AVAILABLE FOUR TIMES A YEAR FIND YOUR COPY AT ALL WALGREENS LOCATIONS

2 summer 2013 Price $2.95

3 FALL 2013 PRICE $2.95

SUMMER 2014

downtown reinvented A Big City Feel

Room

MODERN Appeal

at the

TOP

Within the pages you’ll find unique architecture elements, interior design at its best and recipes for stunning living spaces. We are bridging the gap between dreaming and doing with the signature style you’ve come to expect from the team at The City Magazine.

4 winter 2014 PRICE $2.95

Sophisticated Contemporary

Basics

Spring Colors

Off The Runway and into Your Home

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 5

spring 2014 PRICE $2.95

6 summer 2014 PRICE $2.95

For more information contact The City Magazine at our NEW LOCATION: 5925 Silver Springs., Ste. A El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 637-3808 159 thecitymagazineelp.com

investment

September, 2014

Retirement Confidence on the Rise, Is Yours?

R

etirement confidence seems to have improved from record lows over the past five years, according to the 24th Annual Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS) cosponsored by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and

Greenwald & Associates. In early 2014, 18% of American workers said they were “very confident” they will have enough money to retire comfortably, compared to just 13% last year; 37% are “somewhat confident.” A closer look at the trends indicates that the rise came largely from higher income households ($75,000 and up) and those who had money in retirement plans, including work-sponsored plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).

“Retirement confidence is strongly related

much they had in savings and investments

aside at least 50% of their household income

to retirement plan participation,” said Jack

(excluding the value of a primary residence),

for retirement than those with a retirement

VanDerhei, research director at EBRI. “In

nearly half of respondents with a retirement

account. They were also more likely to say

fact, workers reporting they or their spouse

plan (47%) said they had at least $50,000

they did not know how much they need to

have money in a defined contribution plan

set aside; 17% had at least $250,000. By

save.

or IRA or have a defined benefit plan from

comparison, 73% of workers without a

a current or previous employer are more

retirement plan had less than $1,000.

So if workers generally understand the need to save and invest, why aren’t they doing

than twice as likely as those without any of these plans to be very confident (24% with a

In addition, although less than half of all

so? The reasons they gave include the cost

plan versus 9% without a plan).” Nearly half

workers had ever tried to calculate how

of everyday living (53%), unemployment or

(46%) of those without a plan were “not at all

much they will need to retire, those who had

underemployment

confident” about their retirement, compared

money in some sort of a retirement account

debt (6%), mortgage or housing expenses

to just 11% of those who do have money in

were twice as likely to have crunched the

(5%), and education expenses (5%).

a retirement account.

numbers as those who do not have a plan.

And as the RCS demonstrates year after

That’s the good news. The not-so-good news

year, calculating a retirement savings goal

is that American workers, particularly those

can lead to retirement confidence.

(14%),

non-mortgage

Other findings The Retirement Confidence Survey revealed several other interesting points:

without a retirement account, still have far to go.

To save or not to save The link between retirement accounts and retirement confidence

• Last year, the Department of Labor issued the

a proposal requiring employer-sponsored

importance of saving for retirement, as 68%

retirement plan statements to illustrate

Perhaps not surprisingly, 9 of out 10 workers

said they should be saving at least 10% of

how a worker’s current account balance

participating in a retirement investment

their income annually. Also not surprisingly,

would translate into a lifetime income

plan had set aside money for retirement,

given their low level of reported savings,

stream. A large majority (85%) of plan

compared with just 2 out of 10 of those who

those who do not have a retirement account

participants in this year’s survey said the

don’t have a plan. When asked about how

were more likely to say they needed to set

illustration was at least somewhat helpful,

160

Workers

seemed

to

understand

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

investment

September, 2014

2013 Broker/Dealer of the Year

though most said the projected income

35% of current retirees said they retired

stream was about what they expected. Of

before age 60, and not always for positive

those who said it was less than expected,

reasons. Nearly half of retirees left the

35% said they would increase their plan

workforce earlier than planned, with 61%

contributions.

of them saying they did so due to health reasons or disability. Eighteen percent did

• The vast majority of plan participants (88%)

so because of a layoff or closure of their

said that it would be at least somewhat

business, while the same percentage

valuable if the financial services company

retired early to care for a family member.

that handles their retirement plan offered

On a positive note, 26% said they were

recommendations about how much to

able to afford to retire earlier than planned,

withdraw from their plan in order to make

while 19% said they simply wanted to do

their account values last.

something else.

• While the expected retirement age of today’s workers has inched upward over the past two decades, the actual age of retirement for most retirees has changed very little. For example, in 1991, 11% of workers said they expected to retire after age 65, but in 2014, that proportion rose to 33%. In actuality, in 1991, just 8% of retirees said they retired after age 65, and in 2014, that percentage had risen to just 16%.

• In the current year, less than 1 in 10 workers said they plan to retire before

Partner & Director of Risk Management & Insurance Planning Certified Wealth Strategist ® Strategic Wealth Advisors Terrace Gardens Office Park 600 Sunland Park, Building One, Ste 100 El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 532-8885 Office (915) 588-7897 cell bblanco@sw-advisors.com

The RCS was cosponsored by EBRI, a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research organization that focuses on health, savings, retirement, and economic security issues, and Greenwald & Associates, a Washington, DC-based market research firm. The survey was conducted in January 2014 through 20-minute telephone interviews with 1,501 people, including 1,000 workers and 501 retirees. Full results can be viewed at www.ebri.org. content

CWS®

(915) 842-9532 fax

About the survey

Source

Bobby Blanco

by

Broad

ridge

www.sw-advisors.com Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation, Member FINRA, SIPC Advisory Services offered through Investors Capital Advisory 6 Kimball Lane, Lynnfield, MA 01940, (800) 949-1422 Views and opinions expressed are those of Bobby Blanco and are subject to change based on market and other conditions.

Investor

Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2014

The tax information contained herein is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice.

Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

age 60, but the reality shows otherwise: www.thecitymagazineelp.com

161

Etiquette

September, 2014

What Makes a Good Date

| By: JOANN WARDY |

Being with a good conversationalist who makes us feel special and at ease and who is spontaneous can be great fun.

Here are some tips: • Be creative on what to do and where to go; consider the other person’s interests.

• Dress appropriately; everyone enjoys being with someone that is well dressed for the occasion.

• Be courteous and attentive, avoid scenes.

• Don’t dwell on your business, children or negative conversation.

• Be on time.

• Relax, have fun.

• Being generous and having a sense of humor is the icing on the cake!

For children and adult class schedules call (915) 355-0992.

Joann Wardy | elpasoetiquette.com | 915-355-0992

162

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

ast rolo gy

Signs from the Other Side | By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY | Do you believe in life after death? Do you think it is possible for our loved ones to give us a sign they are with us? Some of you may believe and some of you may not. Personally, I believe it does exist, and see it time and time again with those who do believe it possible.

First you need to be open to the idea of life after death in order for the pathway or channel to be open for them to give us a sign. If you do not believe this process is even possible, then that blocks you and becomes a hurdle making it more difficult or impossible for them to connect with you.

There are numerous ways in which they can show you they are with you. Electronics for one example -- if the TV turns on or off by itself, unless of course there is an obvious power failure, can be a sign. Or perhaps you are having a difficult time and turn on the radio to hear a song that reminds you of them; that is a sign that they are indeed there with you. Other subtle signs can be hearing a knock and no one is there, the door opening and closing, even footsteps or laughter.

You can also perhaps physically sense them. Have you ever seen a shadow out of the corner of your eye and turn to look and nothing is there? Or do you ever get the chills up and down your arms for no reason or the room temperature changes rapidly? You may feel a soft breeze in the air, or smell the scent of their perfume. These are all examples.

Seeing feathers can be a sign from above as well. If you see one falling, or on the ground, immediately ask who it is from and trust it is them watching over you.

Are they always there and always watching? I don’t think so, but my belief is that after they cross over they stay earth bound or connected to us for a period of about two to three years. I feel our grief holds them to us and they stay with us to make sure we are ok and processing the grief. Once they see we are beginning to move forward then I believe they only come to visit. They may visit us during trying hardships, or celebrations such as a birth or wedding.

The way to receive a sign first and foremost, is to believe it is possible; secondly ask, then wait for your sign.

There is a superstition about finding a penny on the ground that it is a sign from your guardian angel or passed loved one. I often tell people to save them in a small jar and when you’re really missing and lonely for that person, the jar of pennies shows you how many times they were there with you even if only in spirit. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

163

September, 2014

THE CITY AGENDA september 2014

6 5 5 SEPTEMBER 5-27

Movies in the Canyon Come out to McKellingon Canyon Ampitheatre every Friday and Saturday for free movie nights. Movies will start at dusk each evening (approx. 8:30pm). No food or drinks allowed.

Info: moviesinthecanyon.com Sept. 5th: Hunger Games: Catching Fire Sept. 6th Back to the Future Sept. 12th: Monsters University Sept. 19th: Cars Sept. 20th: Bolt Sept. 26th: Toy Story 2 Sept. 27th: Toy Story 3

SEPTEMBER 5

First Friday Artwalk and Ghost Tour Experience culture at the First Friday ArtWalk and Ghost Tour at San Elizario Historic District from 6pm to 10pm. Shop for delicate pottery, vibrant jewelry, timeless home accents, or seasonal decorations.

There will also be unique paintings, sculptures and a “movie on the wall” at 8:15pm. Sweet and savory treats will also be offered. Admission is free, the ghost tour is $10.

Info: (915) 851-0093 or SanElizarioHistoricArtDistrict.com

september 6-13

Miner Football Cheer on the Miners at Sun Bowl Stadium as they battle out another exciting season of UTEP football fun!

Info: (915) 757-5234 or utepathletics. com/sports/m-footbl/sched/utep-mfootbl-sched.html Sept. 6th: UTEP vs. Texas Tech 9pm Sept. 13th: UTEP vs. NMSU 6pm

6 september 6,20

El Paso Chopin Festival

6 september 6

5 SEPTEMBER 5-19

Alfresco! Fridays The 12th Season of free outdoor concerts has begun! Come out at 6pm to the Convention Center Plaza in downtown El Paso for relaxing evenings full of music and fun. No outside food or drinks allowed.

Info: alfrescofridays.com Sept. 5th: Prime 80’s Xperience (80’s Classic, Retro) Sept. 12th: Troupe Sublime (Old School Funk) Sept. 19th: Azucar (Latin Variety)

164

El Paso Downtown Artist and Farmers Market Don’t miss Saturdays from 9am to 1pm at Union Plaza District through the summer to find delicious food, arts, crafts and entertainment; including free activities for kids. Metered Parking Downtown’s is free on Saturdays.

6 september 6

Ardovino’s Desert Crossing Farmers Market On Saturdays from 9am to 2pm throughout the summer, enjoy some of the best vendors at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing’s Farmers Market. With a lush variation of fruit, home goods, jewelry, and other fun finds this market is the perfect place to spend a Saturday -- and while you’ve stopped, why not enjoy a delicious brunch on the patio of the restaurant? You won’t be sorry!

This year, the Chamizal National Memorial Theatre will host their exciting Twentieth Encore Season at 7pm Sept. 6 and 20. This year, the festival is proud to showcase a special performance by festival founder, Dr. Lucy Scarbrough. Admission is free.

Info: (915) 584-1595 or elpaso

7 september 7-8

Full Moon Hike / Full Moon Nights White Sands National Monument will host a Full Moon Hike with park rangers at 7:30pm on Sept. 7. Reservations are required and accepted two weeks in advance. For those who don’t want to brave the trails, come out to the monument for music, educational opportunities, and the simple beauty of the moon on the dunes Sept. 8 at 7pm.

Info: (575) 479-6124 or nps.gov/whsa/ panyourvisit/full-moon-hikes.htm

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

September, 2014

20 12

september 20

Walk Like MADD (El Paso Walk Like MADD)

SEPTEMBER 12-28

Miner Volleyball UTEP’s 2014 Volleyball season is looking as promising as ever! Come out and support the Lady Miners at UTEP’s Memorial Gym. Info: utepathletics.com/sports/wvolley/sched/utep-w-volley-sched.html Sept. 12: UTEP vs. BYU 7pm Sept.13: UTEP vs. Colorado State 12pm Sept. 22: UTEP vs. UTSA 6pm Sept. 26: UTEP vs. North Texas 7pm Sept. 28: UTEP vs. Florida Atlantic 12pm

13 september 13

Behind the Scenes Adventures The El Paso Zoo will host, Behind the Scenes Adventures Sept. 13 at 9am. Prepare yourself for a wild day of discovery as you go behind the scenes of the El Paso Zoo. Admission is $15 in addition to entrance fees, ages 7 and up only. Register online.

Info: (915) 521-1894

18

Come out for this 5K Fundraiser to eliminate drunk driving. The walk will begin at 8am. Register today!

Info: (915) 779-1987

20 september 20-21

Fall Art in the Park Memorial Park Reserve will host the Fall Art in the Park weekend featuring local handcrafted items and live performances from 10am to 6pm Sept.

20-21. Admission is free.

Info: (915) 544-0753 or el pasotexas.gov/ parks

september 18-19, 25-26

Career Expo 2014 12 september 12-14

Disney Junior Live on Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure Live at the Abraham Chavez Theater don’t miss Disney Junior’s Pirate & Princess Adventure! With shows all weekend long, you are sure to have a blast at this exciting event! Ticket prices vary.

Info: Ticketmaster.com

The University Career Center invites you to the Career Expo 2014 at the Don Haskins Center Sept. 18-19 and Sept. 2526 from 9am to 2pm.

Info: (915) 747-5640

20 september 20

Running Dead 5K This Zombie 5K Night Run is going to be the most thrilling 5K of your life! Register today and come out to the Maldonado Corn Maze Sept. 20 for a night of fitness and fright!

Info: facebook.com/RunningDeadElPaso

20 september 20

Birding Tour

13 september 13

Beats & Eats Music Fest 2014 Ascarate Park is hosting Beats & Eats Music Fest 2014 on Sept. 13. With two music stages, food, carnival rides, and national acts.

Info: epbeatsandeats.com

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

If you didn’t know, El Paso is a hub for some of the U.S’s premier bird watching.

Take a drive out to Hueco Tanks for a spectacular day of observation. Teamed up with a guide, you are sure to see the best of over 200 species of birds that frequent the park. Don’t forget your binoculars, camera, water bottle and plenty of sunscreen. Tours will run from 8 to 10am.

Info: (915) 849-6684 or tpwd.state.tx.us/ calendar/birding-tours-6

21 september 21

Mission Trail Art Market Experience culture at the Mission Trail Art Market at San Elizario Historic District from 11am to 6pm. Shop for delicate pottery, vibrant jewelry, timeless home accents, or seasonal decorations. There will also be unique paintings, sculptures, and photography.

Sweet and savory treats will also be offered.

Admission is free.

Info: (915) 851-0093 or MissionTrailArtMarket.com 165

September, 2014

23 september 23

Grammy Award Winner Peter Fampton Peter Frampton is coming to El Paso’s Plaza Theater Sept. 23 at 7:30pm.

Info: Ticketmaster.com

26 september 26

3 Doors Down

Drive out to the Inn of the Mountain Gods Sept. 26 for 3 Doors Down. Ticket prices vary, the show begins at 8pm.

Info: (800) 545-9011 or innofthemountaingods.com

PERCHES FUNERAL HOMES Affordable Funeral Care

27 september 27

WEST • EAST • CENTRAL LOWER VALLEY • LAS CRUCES • JUAREZ

Glory Road Glow Run/Walk Let your light shine at the 2014 Glory Road Glow 5K Run/Walk. Whether you are a casual walker, runner or simply want an evening of fun, this is a great 5K for you! The race will begin 7pm at UTEP. Register today!

Info: (915) 544-9000 or glowrun5k.com/ elpaso.html

28 september 28

2014 Chile Pepper Challenge

Cremation $745 (915) 532-2101 | perchesfuneralhomes.com

SALVADOR PERCHES

2013 American Funeral Director of the Year

The Chile Pepper challenge will start at the La Viña Winery Sept. 28. This race offers routes, distances and mountain climbs for cyclists of all skill levels, with a 100-mile, 62-mile, 40-mile, 25-mile and 10-mile race, there is a distance for everyone! Register today!

Info: elpasobicycleclub.com/cpc/

September, 2014

Here at M!X, we have every luxurious service you could ever want or ask for. Our hair salon, nail salon, spa and sauna, and third story restaurant and viewing terrace are all meant for one thing, making you feel extraordinary. Don’t delay and call today and book your appointment now!

4201 Camelot Heights Dr. by N. Mesa | El Paso, Texas 79912 | (915) 351-0032 | mixsalonspa.com | Like us on Facebook!

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

167

medical

September, 2014

WOULD YOU LIKE A MORE FIT APPEARANCE TO YOUR BODY? CONSIDER LIPOSCULPTING | By: DR. MARCO A. GONZALEZ M.D. | get rid of, no matter how hard you exercise or how healthy you eat. Liposculpting is designed to eliminate these areas of fat and provide your body with improved contours. Liposculpting can be performed on a number of body areas,

Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez M.D. Envy Aesthetic Center 5407 N Mesa (915) 845 - 3223 envyaestheticcenter.com

including: Thighs, Abdomen, Buttocks, Love Handles (Flanks), Back, Face, Chin and Neck.

Liposculpting Procedure Liposculpting typically involves the insertion of long metal tubes called cannulas to suction out fat cells in the targeted area. The cannulas are moved back and forth underneath the skin, vacuuming out excess fat deposits for a better contour. Liposculpting is typically an outpatient procedure using local or general

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic

anesthesia, and generally takes less than two

surgery procedures available, and has been

hours to complete. Liposculpting recovery,

successfully performed in millions of patients

depending on the technique used, usually

across

Gonzalez

takes about two weeks or more. Patients can

combines Liposuction with Liposculpting to

expect some degree of bruising and swelling

eliminate stubborn fat pockets that are resistant

in the first few days after Liposculpting. Some

to diet and exercise from virtually any area of

Liposculpting procedures will require patients

the body. Dr. Gonzalez, has studied at one of

to wear a compression garment for a few days

the world’s most respected cosmetic surgery

after surgery to facilitate the healing process.

institutions, and offers only the latest, most

Over the course of the recovery period, the

effective techniques in Liposculpting to give

full results of liposculpting should become

your body youthful contours and a more fit

apparent. Patients are generally able to

appearance. The Liposculpting technology used

resume normal daily activities about one week

by Dr. Gonzalez is clinically proven to be safe

after the procedure.

America.

Dr.

Marco

A.

and effective, in addition to providing results that look natural and beautiful.

Contact our practice to set up an appointment, and we can start you on the road to improved

Sometimes, isolated pockets of fat can appear

body contours and an enhanced self-esteem!

on the body that can be extremely difficult to

Before 168

After

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November, 2013

BRAVE THINKING. BRAVE SOCIAL + MULTIMEDIA SOLUTIONS.

Video Production Web Design Social Media Commercials Documentaries Music Videos Copy/Motion Graphics

BLACKBIRD CONCEPTS blackbirdconcepts.co

Valentin Sandoval • 915 694 8863 Official Multimedia Producer for

el paso magazine

169

THE CITY MAGAZINE July and August ISSUEs LAUNCH PARTY at TABLA | Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.

Cafe Grille Grand opening Photographed by TOMMIE MORELOS

Northwest Hospital Groundbreaking Ceremony

Sierra Providence Health Network and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Photographed by TOMMIE MORELOS

Available Exclusively at

The Mattress Store

Making Buying Simple.

El Paso

Far East 855-9500

Las Cruces

Eastside 595-5954

Northeast 751-5555

El Paseo 647-2085

Telshor 532-1144

Westside 585-1555

Ranch Market Zaragoza

855-9500

Clearance Ctr. Dyer

307-7396

the-mattressstore.com