The City Magazine September 2022 by TCM2021

DEDE ROGERSLoveLike 103

GET BACK TO WHAT YOU LOVE Raul J. Lopez, MD Kendrick Thomas, MD El Paso's Leading Pain Management Physicians 11450 Gateway N, Suite 2100 | (915) 229-5013 | 7878 Gateway Blvd. E, Suite 402 westtexaspain.com William Lian, MD

M e m b e r s h i Membershipp P r i v a t e E v e n t sPrivate Events W o r k s p a c e Workspacess D i n i n g E x p e r i e n c e sDining Experiences E t o a lE e tional E P E R I E N C E H EEXPERIENCE THE

THE ART OF Celebration 1011 N. MESA ST. 79902 (915) 351-9727 | @manoratteneleveninfo@epmanor.com|www.epmanor.com P r i v i l ge e PrivilegessM E M PB E R S H I P H S I T SMEMBERSHIP HAS ITS THE ART OF Entertainment El Grito at The Manor September 15th, 2022 at 7pm Concert Featuring: José Luis Duval & Rafael Jorge Degrete With Mariachi Real Azteca

Casa Buenavista

5 Buenavista u ena vis ta You’re invited to enjoy an incredible lifestyle! Now you can enjoy all the amenities of a private villa in reasonable hotel-type rates with luxury that far exceeds. your delicous meals, you simply provide the menu. M ism aloya Ba y at Puer to Valla rta srekaepsroodtuO,enohP,CP,sseleriW,tenretnI,VTetilletaS• • Solar heated pool, children’s pool • Every bedroom has a spectacular view • Secluded Las Animas and Yelapa nearby by boat taxi • Fully-equipped kitchen, patio BBQ • Perched above beach at Lomas de Mismaloya • Up to 4 couples or family of 8-10 • Beautifully maintained private villa Visit our website for a full photo gallery at www. mypvvilla.com Contact Us Today (915) 585-1719 • www.mypvvil Visit(915)reservations@mypvvilla.comla.com526-0390ourwebsiteforafullphotogalleryandexplorethevillaonvideo! • Satellite TV, wireless Internet, PC, phone, outdoor speakers www.

6 September 2022 Ask Your Pharmacist about the SERVICES that may be RIGHT FOR YOU IMMUNIZATIONS CONVENIENCE Flu 90 Day Supply* Pneumonia Automatic Re lls* Shingles Express Pay Whooping Meningitis+Cough(Tdap)+ HEALTH TEST OTHER SERVICES Cholesterol+ Comprehensive Medication Review Blood Glucose+ Flavoring Blood Pressure Medicare Part B Diabetic Testing Supplies SAVINGS Medicare Plan Review Generic PrescriptionEquivalentSavings Club *Subject to health plan coverage +May not be available at all locations Vaccines subject to availability Boots Anti-AgingforTacklesProtectNo7&PerfectDeepLines&WrinklesYoungerLookingSkin • Instantly leaves skin looking healthier with regular use • Skin feels stronger & more elastic • Deep lines & wrinkles are reduced • Leaving you looking younger in just 4 weeks As skin ages, it’s structure is weakened, encouraging loss of elasticity and wrinkles. This powerful serum instantly leaves skin looking healthier. With regular use, skin feels stronger, more elastic and deep lines and wrinkles are reduced, leaving you looking younger in just four weeks.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 7 Find your copy of at a Walgreens near you 955 white sands blvd 2112 1210(915)302(915)5(915)1100(915)5401(915)2879(915)2800(915)trawood595-2788nmesast533.6883MONTANAAVE566.4464MONTANAAVE779.8825GERONIMODR778.9301900NMESAST584.1153soregonst532.4344WEDGEWOODDR (915) (915)890(915)8050591.9496NMESAST585.0491NRESLERDR584.1359 9428 DYER ST (915) 10600751.4415MONTANA AVE (915) 591.4655 8889 gateway west (915) 599.8571 1831 N LEE TREVINO DR (915) 594.1129 800 N ZARAGOZA RD (915) 860.1670 2950 GEORGE DIETER DR (915) 856.7040 1329 GEORGE DIETER DR (915) 10780594.3838KENWORTHY ST (915) 821.2698 1607 N ZARAGOZA RD (915) 11685856.0071MONTWOOD DR (915) 12201855.7704MONTWOOD DR (915) 12390856.0278EDGEMERE BLVD (915) 849.6849 10850SOCORRONLOOP DR (915) 860.1315 100 N AMERICAS AVE (915) 790.0404 1432ANTHONYANTONIO ST (915) 14300HORIZON886.2413CITYHORIZON BLVD (915) 852.1561 LAS 3490CRUCESnorthrise 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 f l mog rd s nds bl (575) 434.4116 el p so

From Generation to Generation COMMITMENT COMMUNITY LEGACY FAMILY The Dick family is six generations El Paso strong. The Viva and Fiesta Auto Group family is ranked among the top 65 auto groups in the country with 17 dealerships in El Paso, Las Cruces, Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and it’s because of you. You are family, too! VIVA (915) 834-6200 vivaautogroup.com FIESTA (505) 737-6400 fiestaautogroup.com

The James A Dick Co. was incorporated in 1904 and has been providing jobs for thousands of residents to make our communities the best place to raise a family. From our family to yours, thank you!

915.542.1911 425 Myrtle Ave. El Paso, tx, 79901www.borderlandbailbonds.com BEEN ARRESTED? CALL US ANYTIME, DAY OR NIGHT Number 1 Bond company In El Paso Se Habla Espanol You can count on Borderland Bail Bonds , the most experienced and established bail bond company in the El Paso, Texas area.

September 2022 FASHION · HEALTH · lifestyle EL PASO/LAS CRUCES magazine EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelley Mozelle | shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com EDITORIAL Managing Editor Erin Coulehan | erin@thecitymagazineelp.com GRAPHIC Editorial Design Ernie Sanchez Creative | ernie@thecitymagazineelp.com Graphic Designer Maggie Blum | maggie@thecitymagazineelp.com ADVERTISING Director of Sales Chaz Wilson | chaz@thecitymagazineelp.com Operations Manager Mari Van Pelt | mari@thecitymagazineelp.com Account Executives Crystal Barnes | crystal@thecitymagazineelp.com Megan Langford | megan@thecitymagazineelp.com Susana Lopez | susana@thecitymagazineelp.com Omar Samaniego | omar@thecitymagazineelp.com Elilah Soto | lila@thecitymagazineelp.com HOW TO REACH US 415 East Yandell El Paso, Texas 79902 (915) 225-0265 | info@thecitymagazineelp.com Cover Design By: Ernie Sanchez Creative 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 Editor 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 www.thecitymagazineelp.comreserved. AT YOUR LOCAL WALGREENS Pick a copy of To Subscribe go to JOIN US THE MAGAZINECITY PARTNERED WITH FOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Appointment within 24 hours (915) 5810712 Celebrating EAST SIDE WEST SIDE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Arrivederci, @shelleymozelle shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com

14 From the “Your voice matters. Let’s hear it. Scan the QR code to send audio advice to the editors."

When attending a party -- and who wouldn’t want Dede there? -- she either became the entertainment, encouraging the group to step out of their comfort zone and laugh, really laugh, or she joined the entertainment and stepped in as their sidekick.

Dede Rogers, she colored outside of the lines… Dede had the way about her of shaking our collective consciousness with her, you know, always-expect-the-unexpected mentality. Was it her unpretentiousness, her laughter that could be heard across the room, her genuine bear hug as she gathered friends and strangers for a selﬁe, or the surprising pat on the bottom that became known as her style of greeting? She was Dede. For decades Dede had a highly visible public presence. The world of philanthropy was her realm -- she didn’t just talk the talk, her boots walked the walk. Purple was her favorite color, cowboy boots her preferred footwear. She knew every time we’d talk about our commonalities every time we met: non-proﬁts, mutual friends, and always we spoke of Chanel. My eyes always stared at the vintage, hand-forged, Chanel necklace that I openly lusted for, and that she was rarely seen without.

We all have stories about Dede, some dare not be repeated without a couple of glasses of wine and only after signing a non-disclosure. Two stories worth sharing, both stories of love.

“There was a rough time in life” says Emily, when Dede moved her and her mother into one of the Rogers’ family townhomes. Dede new that young Emily needed a something special, so she reached out to the talented Ladonna, asking her to design a special room for a princess. The room was ﬁlled with Rogers’ family heirloom furniture, and she created a peaceful place for the young Emily. It was then the young girl gave Dede a new name, the Fairy Godmother, and that was the beginning of their special bond.

Her presence in any room was large, her love for life contagious, and her heart the size of Secretariat’s.

Emily spent the summer with the Rogers kids and when it came time for school, the cousins headed one way, to the private St. Clements School, leaving Emily heading by herself to a unfamiliar public school. Dede could not bear to see the kids split up, so, once again the Fairy Godmother stepped in and with the wave of her wand, the tuition was paid, and the young Emily was enrolled in St. Clements.

Her love of animals was evident when she decided to put up an invisible electric fence to keep the dogs safe while running on the entire farm. Announcing that she needed to be sure it was not harmful to the dogs, she jumped out of the hot tub -- in true Dede style -- put on the dog collar and ran through the invisible fence line. The next thing the family saw was Dede knocked out, on the ground wearing her wet bathing suit and dog collar.

Please share your Dede memories, toast her name when laughing with mutual friends, and remember her genuine love.

Dede’s big heart wasn’t reserved for just one species, either.

I will always smile when I am reminded of her way of ignoring those who thought she wasn’t coloring within the lines.

I believe we are all placed on this earth to live a chapter in the book of life, and Dede’s chapter was unique. She lived life to the fullest and documented her way through on social media.

swplasticsurgery.com 915-590-7900 agulloplasticsurgery.comdrworldwide.com 1387 George Dieter Dr. Building C El Paso, TX 79936 Dr. WorldWide Surgery Center Southwest Plastic Surgery GOLD WINNER BESTCOSMETIC SURGERYPRACTICE 2013201920182017201620152014@RealDrWorldWideRealDrWorldWide@RealDrWorldWide@RealDrWorldWide

September 2022 16 From the “Your voice matters. Let’s hear it. Scan the QR code to send audio advice to the editors."

On the spooky side, we have The Plaza Theatre and stories of the ghosts who inhabit the grand space and the bodies laid to rest (and later exhumed) in current day downtown El Paso. Last but not least, we have the Magofﬁn Home, which is part of the Texas Historical Commission and takes guests on an architectural and interior design adventure that also evokes Southern Gothic motifs in the most fabulous ways. Photographer John Horta shot the Magofﬁn Home, and believe me when I say he totally understood the assignment.

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote that “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall,” and how lucky we are to be able to choose what we want our lives to be.

On the cover we have the Courtyard House, a gorgeous home with two structures connected by a sunken courtyard that’s truly an architectural treasure nestled near the Franklin Mountains.

September is always a reminder of growth and the processes of change that occur over time, which makes the job of showcasing the best of El Paso that much more fun. This month, we’re celebrating people like Yasmin Ramirez, interviewed by Andi R. Tiscareno, about her new memoir / novel that does the Sun City proud. Yasmin and I studied in London together as part of a study abroad program through UTEP’s English Department more than a decade ago, where we attended fabulous plays, ventured to Paris, and dreamed about someday being professional writers -- and here we are. El Paso is a place that comes alive when community members gather. I’m so excited to have so many live performances to look forward to. From Cirque du Soleil’s OVO at the Don Haskins Center to Interpol (a band I’ve loved since college but have yet to see live), visual feasts and Rock and Roll are always among my favorite aspects of the fall.

In addition to the lifestyle magazine this month, I invite you to thumb through the pages of our autumn issue of SPACES, dedicated to the spooky and the spectacular.

omehow, it’s September. This month challenged us following the loss of our dear friend, Dede Rogers, who we’re dedicating this issue to. May her memory continue to inspire kindness, generosity, and fun. If you didn’t know her, I hope you enjoy getting to know her through the words and photos generously provided by the Rogers family.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 17 September 2022 (915) 800-0011 WASHMANEP FROM EXPRESS WASHING... ... TO FULL DETAILINGPOLISHPAINTCORRECTIONCERAMICCOATINGSTEAMWAXDETAILINGANDSHINECLEAN

18 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022SEPTEMBER 2022 VOLUME contents103FeaturesHereandNow60 Love LIKE DEDE By: DIANE “DIDI” ROGERS 74 Rising through LITERATURE By: ANDI R. TISCARENO 70 Inside ‘OVO’ By: ERIN28COULEHAN Your Brain on Self-Care By: HANNA LANGFORD 94 Pick of the Litter By: THE CITY MAGAZINE STAFF 22 Fighting Inflation By: ERIN COULEHAN 60 7470

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 19 September 2022 Erin COULEHAN Managing Editor Luna ISABEL Diane “Didi” ROGERS Orlando SAPIEN Itzel SALAZAR Margo LEPE Andi R. TISCARENO Aina MARZIA Alex DELGADO Oscar GARZA Marium ZAHRA Hanna LANGFORD ContributorsDaniel HERNANDEZ John HORTA

20 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022We Are Your One Stop Shop! We are proud to serve the El Paso area to help anyone who has been involved in a collision, hail damage, or is looking to make some improvements on their vehicle. Elite Auto Collision has been serving the El Paso area since our opening in 2018. Our success rides on the goal of providing the finest automobile repair shop services possible. We work with all insurance companies and walk-ins are welcome! OUR SERVICES: ► 24/7 Towing ► Collision Repair ► Auto Body ► Dent Repair ► Paint Job ► Frame Alignment ► Mechanical ► Oil Change ► Polishing FREE ESTIMATES OEM COLOR MATCHING | LIFETIME WARRANTY ON PAINT @eliteautocollisionep @eliteautocollisioncenter 1440 Vanderbilt Dr. Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm (915) 702-5564 | eliteautocollisioncenter.ep@gmail.com

22 September 2022

| By: ERIN COULEHAN |

Inflation in El FightinPasog

People across the country felt their wallets tighten this summer as the inﬂation rate increased by more than nine percent, according to the consumer price index -but things in El Paso are getting better.

What are some things that readers should deﬁnitely NOT do right now?

Septemberwww.thecitymagazineelp.com2022

I think it’s important for people to continue to save some of their income and establish an emergency fund. Once they have that, then start using some of those savings to invest in the long-term. These are times where people usually think “I gotta get out of this stuff.” And I think it’s more important to say, “Hey, I need to be doing more of this stuff right now, because it’s a long term deal and savings.”

What are those basics?

Recent economic indicators from the Federal Reserve Ban of Dallas reports that El Paso underwent strong economic growth in June that include labor market expansion, a decline in unemployment, and an increase in the region’s business-cycle index, which rose by 13.2 percent.

Typically, these periods of inﬂation don’t last very long. We also have increased interest rates, which is really putting a lot of pressure on consumers in general, from cars to housing to restaurants to ﬁtness memberships to all those types of things. I think readers need to make sure they’re in tune with where their money every month, and then cut what they don’t necessarily need by getting back to the basics.

The main essentials, which are food, housing expenses, insurance expenses. Then there are your ﬁxed costs, whether they be your debt payments and car payments, all those things add up. Then, additional discretionary income, whether it be concerts, travel, subscriptions to HBO, or any of those types of add-on subscriptions that are just pulling money out of your account, that could be increasing cash ﬂow.

I think that there’s not anything that you shouldn’t do, but I think that the cost of vehicles has appreciated dramatically because of supply shortages. So as the supply chains catch up, those prices should come back down to buy a new car. It’s probably not the best idea right now because of supply and demand issues, and there are not that many vehicles out there because of the Andshortage.thenhousing, the market reached a point where people have a fear of missing out, so to speak, and they want to go ahead and jump in at higher prices. But we will probably see rates continue to go up. The prices will likely continue to cool over the next few years and give people a better opportunity to get in at a better price, and allow them to have more money monthly to spend on other goods and services.

Still, El Pasoans are finding creative ways to stretch their money a little further. The City Magazine sat down with Michael Duchouquette, Certified Financial Planner and Investment Advisor Representative from Duchouquette & Associates, Inc. on how to fight inflation.

What should readers know about the current ﬁnancial landscape?

What do you predict we’ll see within the next six months to a year? We’ve seen gas prices steadily going down –do you think this is an indicator that inﬂation will get better? I think we’ve reached the worst part of it. Things are gradually improving with the stock market and pricing in general. There are labor issues that are still going on, we still have supply chain issues globally, and we have geopolitical issues that continue to affect us as well as the rest of the United States. So we continue to trudge through in order to get to the other side.

24 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022

Imagine a life where you often feel enraged because someone simply asked you to remember something and suddenly, you are lost and trapped mentally. Presume having things frequently explained to you. Somedays, words sound familiar and others, you struggle to comprehend their meaning.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 25 September 2022

Envision feeling confused beyond belief daily. It is as if the world is losing patience with you the more you become disoriented. A lengthy life such as this also means a greater reduction of the recollection of one’s life. More than six-and-a-half million Americans 65-years-old and older are living with this reality, as they are among a rising population of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, it is the leading cause of dementia among older adults. The Alzheimer’s Association reports Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to be the ﬁfth leading cause of death among senior citizens in the United States. Most of us have been, or will be, affected by this disease.

| By:

Boggs strongly believes that when people retire, it is important to perform hobbies that involve a healthy lifestyle. He encourages people at any age to exercise their minds and bodies, noting that music is also very helpful for us all. MARGO LEPE

The disease’s name was coined in 1906 after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. The doctor reportedly spotted changes in the brain tissue of a woman who passed away of a mysterious mental illness. Prior to Alzheimer’s discovery, it was commonly noted as “presenile dementia.” While the exact cause of the brain disease remains unknown and there is no certain form of prevention, Jacob Boggs, Executive Director of Legacy at Cimarron, says a healthy lifestyle consisting of “daily exercise, healthy eating, and cognitive stimulating activities can slow Alzheimer’s.”

Mental health and physical health should be seen collectively, because if one is not marching en masse and the memory begins to wither, for example, coordination and cognition will suffer.

MeForgetNot

September 2022 26 www.thecitymagazineelp.com

While there are times when people with Alzheimer’s may show moments of lucidity, Boggs states it is incredibly difﬁcult to witness the emotional pain and anxiety that families and friends experience while seeing their loved one decline. He encourages anyone who is dealing with Alzheimer’s and needing advice -- or just a shoulder to cry on -- to reach out to him. The Alzheimer’s Association also offers a support group each month, allowing people to meet others who might be experiencing similar challenges.

Forget Me Not

“Many times, someone with Alzheimer’s will forget who family and friends are. This can be a crushing experience for family and friends who love someone with Alzheimer’s,” he says.

As a type of dementia, Alzheimer’s affects memory, including one’s thoughts and Inbehaviors.time,symptoms progress and end up hindering daily tasks. Boggs says music, however, tends to stay with people who have Alzheimer’s because many areas of the brain that are linked to musical memory can remain undamaged. He believes it is a great way to try and also engage with someone who has Alzheimer’s.

Boggs has spent the last 11 years working with people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia as the Executive Director at The Legacy at Cimarron, where several people who need assisted living and memory care reside. For Boggs, caring for the elderly is among the highest honors. Being available and needed by the residents’ families, he says, is a privilege he values.

Septemberwww.thecitymagazineelp.com2022

What Boggs says helps him process a lot of what he and his staff deal with daily is understanding how extremely difﬁcult life can often “Adversitybe.will always present itself, and I am accepting of it, but how we handle adversity will be reﬂected on those around us and it also brings out our true character,” he says. “We are put on Earth for a short period of time, and it is up to each one of us to do the best we can in anything we do.” He attributes his own spirituality and faith for helping him navigate the challenging role he feels called to. He believes he and his team are placed in a position of purpose that also brings him peace.

The experiences that many people with Alzheimer’s endure is unimaginable and heartbreaking, while the same might be said for families, loved ones and caretakers alike for those with this condition. In an effort to perk someone’s spirit up, Boggs loves to dance, sing and tell jokes. He says putting a smile on residents’ faces is the best thing that comes along with working with people who have Alzheimer’s.

A person with Alzheimer’s does not just suddenly forget how to eat, chew and talk a day after their diagnosis, but it does not necessarily mean one day that won’t be true in their future. As an individual with Alzheimer’s or Dementia may eventually lose everything they know, it is important to exercise optimism with them and for them. Even in adversity, for those with the condition, along with their loved ones, positivity remains a quality discernable to all. Love (accompanied by a good hug) is a language forever notable, particularly for those looking in a mirror and constantly faced with a person unrecognizable, yet still needing solace and fond support.

YouronBrain | By: HANNA LANGFORD | www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember202228

he average American spends a third of their life at work.It is no surprise that the American Psychological Association reported work being one of the highest causes of stress for Americans. Regardless of your work environment, it is important to remember how much life is to be lived outside of your job. Do not wait until your yearly vacation to recover from your day-to-day stress. Making the most of your post workday hours can be the key to lowering stress and one of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to take advantage of your free time. Most people think they need to completely escape their city to reset and decompress. From a staycation to adventurous outdoor exploring, El Paso has many beautiful gems that can help you feel brand new.

One of the best feelings is the excitement before a vacation. If you have a few months before your next trip or just happen to ﬁnd yourself all out of PTO, reserve a stay and relax poolside at Hotel Indigo. Deep in the heart of downtown El Paso, Hotel Indigo offers everything you need. Having a cocktail with a beautiful view of the city and enjoying the delicious menu items at Mamacita’s will transport you to a relaxation station and have you forgetting you are only minutes from home. The best part of a weekend staycation is that they inspire you to explore your city with the eyes of a newcomer. Step out of your comfort zone and discover new local favorite restaurants and shops. Sometimes vacations can be a stressor all on their own when you consider activities planned, constantly being on the go, and of course the people you are travelling with. Dedicate your stay to pure enjoyment and rest without the itinerary. If you do opt for an activity-ﬁlled weekend, we have been lucky to see an array of shows and events in the heart of downtown at our iconic Plaza Theatre. Whether it happens to be a restful stay or all play, a local reset is possible and can provide that going out of town excitement when you do not have the chance to get to away.

StaycationaBook

www.thecitymagazineelp.com T 29

Keeping up with your primary and specialty doctors is crucial, and many people are also investing in holistic health practices to help them get their body in a better place. Our day-to-day stressors can leave us with chronic pain and discomfort. Wardy Wellness Chiropractic is one local option that extends their services far beyond chiropractic health. As they promote health and wellness, they provide their clients with an impressive list of services such as red-light therapy, infrared sauna therapy, and cold laser therapy. From detoxiﬁcation to pain relief, they provide locals with a holistic approach to feeling better. Our health is far more than what you see when you look in the mirror or what you are putting on your plate every day. The mind and body beneﬁt greatly when we choose a well-rounded method to care for ourselves.

Your Brain on Self-Care

Go InvestOutsideinHolistic

Health

Taking a short drive up the mountain to the Thousand Step Trail will provide you with a beautiful area to hike with friends which overlooks the city. McKelligon Canyon offers a workout-friendly trail to explore as well. When incorporating exercise routines, your body releases endorphins, which result in a euphoric feeling to help combat stress.

30 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022

We have become glued to our screens and spend far less time outside than we used to. Adding an outdoor activity to your weekly routine not only gives your cardio workout a change of scenery but has the added benefit of Vitamin D exposure from the sun. As many of us happen to suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency already, the lack of outdoor exposure does not seem to help our cause. Lacking Vitamin D can result in fatigue, weakness, and mood changes. Using just a small amount of your daily routine to go outside and get moving has positive physical and mental health benefits.

September 2022 We have one body to live with in this lifetime, take time to provide the self-care you need. Creating an environment of care for yourself is important as life has many stressors that may be unavoidable. Treat yourself to the lifestyle you so greatly deserve by incorporating habits that beneﬁt your mind and body. As we navigate through changing times, always remember to check in on yourself. Creating a balance between work and self-care is attainable. Provide the dedication you deserve and live your best life while combatting stress. GOLD WINNER BES T ITALIAN __________ 2019 2018 2014 2013 ___________

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

By: ITZEL SALAZAR photographed provided by: IVAN HUERTA GainStartupsTechMomentum

Local

33 his year has proved lucrative for El Paso startups. While there may be regions that are better known for the development of technology, in recent years, the Borderland has spawned a ﬂourishing tech scene.

With a goal to increase economic opportunity and ﬁnancial prosperity for Latinx founders, the Google for Startups Latino Founders T

For example, in the summer of 2022, as part of the inaugural cohort of the Google for Startups Latino Founders Fund, Parabeac, which is an El Paso-based software startup, was selected as one of the 50 recipients across the U.S. to receive a cash award of $100,000 in non-dilutive funding, mentorship from technical and business experts, handson programming and support from Google, and complimentary mental health services.

At the helm of its growth is the continuous collaboration between government and local organizations that recognize the importance of supporting the entrepreneurs who are bringing innovation and economic growth to the region. While El Paso is well-known for its manufacturing capabilities, local community members are committed to showing that the region can also be a great place for highgrowth tech startups. As the largest metro area along the TexasMexico border, the sixth-largest city in Texas, and home to the largest Hispanic serving institution in the country, it’s no surprise that El Paso continues to successfully cultivate its own community of startups. As Texas continues to draw investor attention and venture capitalists continue to look for lucrative companies to invest in, local startups are making headlines.

September 2022 Fund is a $5 million fund designed to address funding gaps for Latinx-founded startups in the “BeingU.S. chosen as a recipient feels great,” says Ivan Huerta, founder of Parabeac.

Founded in 2017, Parabeac is a software company that is redesigning how designers and software developers collaborate by converting designer files seamlessly into Flutter code. Known as “handoff hell” by the tech industry, Parabeac solves a bottleneck between designer and developer collaboration by automatically merging changes from design and onto developer workflow. “Being selected is an important vote of confidence in our business proposition which relies on Flutter, a technology Google themselves created,” says Huerta. Despite the outstanding growth of local startups, El Paso still falls behind in funding compared to neighboring tech hubs. Not to mention the staggering data behind funding for Latinx-founded startups, which is a topic that is especially relevant in a city with a Hispanic population of more than 83 percent. Despite being the fastest growing demographic in the country, Latinx founders received only 2 percent of venture capital funding in 2021. One of the primary factors for such a wide gap in funding has a lot to do with the lack of connections to the venture capital space. The lack of a vast network is sometimes attributed to the lack of investment and is oftentimes the reason why some local founders choose to leave the region and pursue their entrepreneurship endeavors elsewhere. Knowing the significance of a network regarding the ability of a company to raise andfundsaccelerate growth in recent years has sparked an increase in events and resources geared toward bringing more connections to the region. In collaboration with Hispanics in Philanthropy and several local institutions, the Success Through Technology Education (STTE) foundation has organized various successful pitch competitions where local startups pitch their businesses to prominent local and outside investors. Aside from cash prizes, local founders have the opportunity to expand their network and create meaningful connections.

“The check size is meaningful and it gives us more runway, but more importantly it represents a proof point to El Paso startups and entrepreneurs that we have the talent to produce companies that companies like Google will recognize and commit to supporting,” he adds.

Local Tech Startups Gain Momentum Do you need to grow your business? ADVERTISE HERE! for more information contact us: (915) 225 - 0265 info@thecitymagazineelp.com JOIN EL PASO’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Turn the page with us!

The success of local startups has the potential to create a positive impact on the community and become a major economic force.

THE BEST WRINKLE IS One You Never Get Karina Mendoza-Marcial FNP-BSN, MSN 915-264-3600 neuskinmedaes@gmail.com | 11351 James Watt, BLDG C-300 El Paso, TX 79936 neuskinspa.com Eat on The Edge 8690 Edge of Texas St. El Paso (915) 822-3343 Sunday - Wednesday 11:00am - 8:00pm Thursday - Saturday 11:00am - 9:00pm Est. 1997

September 2022 Other institutions have also increased the number of workshops and support for entrepreneurs across the borderland. UTEP is supporting student entrepreneurs and recent alumni with proven startup resources and a global network of mentors and advisors through UTEP’s Blackstone LaunchPad and StudioG initiatives,. In an effort to grow the local startup ecosystem even further, UTEP is in the works of creating a mentor network of its own to support student entrepreneurs. (If you are interested in being part of this initiative you can contact Fernanda Fiscal, Director of the UTEP Blackstone Launchpad at mfﬁscalcenteno@utep.edu.)

“Startups are incredibly hard, but the ones that succeed make a signiﬁcant impact on their local ecosystems both culturally and economically,” explains Huerta. “While there is not an abundance of resources in El Paso to support entrepreneurs in comparison to other ecosystems like Silicon Valley or Austin, the resources in the region have supported me tremendously. I hope that in 10 years our ecosystem is ﬂooded with innovation and our culture fully commits to respecting and supporting entrepreneurship.”

4845 Alameda Ave. El Paso, TX 79905 I-10 Exit Raynolds www.ElPasoChildrens.org915-298-5444 Follow Us Janet Kicked We are inOncologycertiﬁedtheChildren’sGroupcentera350-mileradius.

EXPERTS AUTOMOTIVE PROFILES

Buckle up as we get to know some of El Paso’s leading automotive experts. From new and used car dealerships, to tint and wheel repair, and so much more, these skilled professionals provide high-quality vehicle services at the local level. Whether you’re feeling the need for speed or looking to update your accessories, these auto pros have you covered.

38 |

What is RightDrive? Simply put, RightDrive is an independent used car auto group known for its social media presence, memorable Super Bowl commercials, and being the fastest-growing auto group in the El Paso area. So, what has made RightDrive the success that it is today? They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but in the case of RightDrive it struck three times by bringing together an unstoppable trio who founded RightDrive. Rudy Arocha, Heber Gandera, and Jay Welsh ﬁrst met while working in the automotive business years ago. Rudy was Marketing Director and Jay was a young General Manager of a prominent automotive group. Heber founded Axess Multimedia, a successful production company that worked with Jay and Rudy. This trifecta formed a great relationship with each other, and in January of 2018 they decided to launch RightDrive. What’s the secret sauce you might ask? Well, it’s not necessarily a secret, it’s more like a recipe that focused on the customer experience and taking care of your people.

RightDrive

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Someone who can handle everything from start to ﬁnish. There would be no back and forth, and no wasted time. This allowed for a car buying process that was transparent, honest, and fast -- as in buying a car in 60 minutes or less!

When Rudy and Heber created RightDrive, they wanted to provide their customers with a unique experience. They created a sales process in which customers would only work with one person.

RightDrive began as a small dealership lot on Alameda Ave. with four cars and one salesman. In their ﬁrst month, they sold all four cars and quickly realized they might have something special.

Photographed by: AXESS MULTIMEDIA

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 39

RightDrive CEO, Jay Welsh, began selling cars in 2007 and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a General Manager in record time.

Through his experience, Jay realized that the current car buying process was outdated and that there was a better way.

Most importantly: RightDrive customers have peace of mind when they buy the car.

Alejandra Torres and her Inventory Acquisition Team keep quality vehicles ﬂowing into RightDrive. They search the country for the best used vehicles available at the best prices. Because of Alejandra and her team, RightDrive hasn’t faced the inventory shortages that most dealerships are experiencing nation wide. Rather, RightDrive has continued to increase its inventory, stocking over 400 between its four El Paso dealerships.

The team went back and forth, to and from auctions, selling vehicles as fast as they could get them. By their third month in business, RightDrive was selling over 30 cars per month! This trajectory didn’t stop, and by the beginning of 2019, RightDrive opened its second location on Alameda and had 12 employees -- and they didn’t slow down. The group continued to sell cars, and in 2020, RightDrive opened up its third location on Lee Trevino. With full steam ahead, RightDrive kept growing and expanding its reach all the way up to Muncie, Indiana in the winter of 2021. In 2022, RightDrive successfully opened its fourth location in El Paso on Montana Ave. RightDrive now has five dealerships and employs over 70 RightDrivepeople.isone of the only independent car dealers with its own service department and inventory acquisition team. They have a Service Director, Rosa Terrazas, and she has a team of 12 team members that include certified technicians and mechanics. Their inventory team is made up of four buyers led by Alejandra Torres. Having their own internal service department allows them to do a thorough 121-point inspection on each vehicle before it’s ready for sale. The RightDrive service department fixes everything from batteries, brakes, tires, transmissions, fuel systems and much more.

RightDrive’s inventory team is constantly acquiring dependable vehicles. RightDrive’s Service Team has a full history of the work that’s been done to each vehicle, and they stand by their product. If for some reason a customer has something that needs to be fixed after the sale, all they have to do is bring it into RightDrive and they can get it fixed on-site. The RightDrive organization holds themselves accountable for each vehicle they put on the road, and if in the rare event that something is amiss after the sale, the RightDrive team has all the resources possible to get things fixed quickly and efficiently.

Photographed by: AXESS MULTIMEDIA40 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Tint World El Pasoans need to look no further than Tint World for premier auto styling and window tinting. Tint World® has provided high-quality window tinting and vehicle accessories to people who love their cars. With a wide selection of automotive products and services, clean, state-of-the-art facilities, and superior customer service, Tint World® has become America’s favorite place for auto styling, marine styling accessories, and residential and commercial window ﬁlm services.

•

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 41

•

Tint World 7741 Lockheed Dr. El Paso, Texas 79925 (915) 615-7077

Tint World specializes in: Auto • Residential and commercial tint Car audio, lighting, and accessories Automotive paint protection ﬁlm Nano ceramic coatings and detailing Guerrero says that the best part of the job is engaging with the community. “I enjoy interacting and meeting new people daily,” he says. “I also enjoy the changes we make to customer vehicles, homes, and businesses and how they enjoy the ﬁnished results.”

•

The El Paso location is a local veteran-owned and veteran-operated business that provides top-of-the-line materials and services from skilled technicians. Tint World delivers an unmatched customer service experience. Tint World’s mission is to provide and deliver superior automotive products and services of exceptional value to customers. Whether you have a new car or a classic model, Tint World will help you expand the life of your investment. “We have a great family-friendly environment and will provide excellent customer service and great products and services. We extend military and veteran discounts. We are in the El Paso community for El Paso,” says Alex Guerrero, owner of Tint World in El Paso.

Photographed by: ANOTHA CREATIVE

(915)tmontes@bravoautos.com79925329-1880

Photographed by: ANOTHA CREATIVE

“The best part of my job is seeing the customers walk out with the car of their dreams and knowing that they got a great deal here at the store,” says Montes.

Bravo Cadillac 6555 Montana Ave, El Paso, Texas

“I am well-known because I can get anyone approved on a vehicle,” she says. “I have a real positive attitude and am willing to go out of my way to make a deal happen, and make the customer feel like a millionaire.”

42 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Teresa Montes, Bravo Cadillac’s General Sales Manager, has been in the industry since she was 17 and has held several different roles at the dealership. Additionally, she’s known for her commitment to the customers.

Current and prospective customers can be conﬁdent that they will be warmly greetetd with a smile and professionalism when they visit and that the team will always make sure they get a great deal.

Bravo Cadillac At Bravo Cadillac, the team of auto sales experts are led to make sure that everyone who steps through the doors receives world-class service.

Montes says that Bravo Cadillac is distinctive for the culture the team has built and cultivated that ultimately serves to provide customers with the best service available.

“Customer service is the number one thing here at Bravo, and we strive to meet and exceed expectations for our clients through our ‘get everyone approved’ mentality,” says Montes.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 43

Bravo Cadillac

Bravo Cadillac prides itself on serving the unique needs of the community, whether it be families looking for spacious and dependable vehicles to ferry kids to-and-from school and recreation, to high-tech Cadillacs for those looking to rev up their driving experience and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Photographed by: ANOTHA CREATIVE

For Walter Campa, Used Car Director at Bravo Cadillac, it’s all about helping customers purchase the vehicle they desire while also making sure they takeoff with a smile. Campa has been in the industry for seven years and is responsible for ensuring that the used vehicle inventory at Bravo Cadillac successfully passes a thorough inspection process to make certain that each unit is in tip-top shape.

The team’s philosophy is rooted in keeping “The Bravo Promise,” which means that Bravo Cadillac staff members each hold themselves accountable to a higher standard of hospitality so that each customer feels welcomed and at home.

Campa is able to meet and surpass the needs of clients by answering their questions and helping them achieve their desires and enhance their lifestyles.

The team at Bravo Cadillac knows that a person’s worth isn’t tied to a credit score or down payment.

Campa is well-known for his professionalism and courtesy in each interaction, as well as offering the utmost care.

CREATIVE44 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: ANOTHA

With just a dream and a vision that started in 1970 at the young age of 19 in the city of Ciudad Juarez. Selling three cars per week out of his grandparents front yard, Mr. Mario then opened his very ﬁrst lot that consisted of seven cars in his hometown. He then sold these seven cars in only two days with just him and him alone at the realm of the business A month later the operation grew to 15 car sales a month. In 1976 he moved to a bigger location in Ciudad Juarez where he more than doubled the sales In the year 1982 Mr. Mario decided to move the entirety of his operations to El Paso, Texas where he adapted to a whole new market. He ran as the soul owner and operator for the next 25 years until his son was ready to help out his dad. With him and his son as copilot, together they grew even bigger. Macova Motors (as it was known back then) grew into Macova Auto Group. It grew into a dealer with over 150 units up for sale at any given moment. From its humble three car beginnings Mr. Mario never forgets how the city of El Paso helped him and his family progress. From the words of Mr. Mario himself: “Thanks to my son Alex, Macova Motors grew into Macova Auto Group and with my son’s refreshed vision of the company we are where we are today in 2022. We didn’t stay behind with the times. We grew and learned to adapt to the new generation of buyers. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for 40 years El Paso.” Macova Auto Group

Photographed by: ANOTHA CREATIVE SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 45 Macova Auto Group 5545 E. Paisano El Paso, Texas 79905 (915) 779-3515

Serving El Paso’s unique culture and community is valued by Macova Auto Group, which proudly serves the Borderland’s diverse community members that include soldiers at Ft. Bliss who are here from all over the nation, people from Ciudad Juarez that is right across the border, and state neighbors from New Mexico. The connection to the community is what drives Macova Auto Group, with the goal of selling vehicles to families for generations. To achieve this, Macova Auto Group plans to continue to stay up and running by keeping clients returning for business and having wonderful experiences.

Mr. Mario Contreras, the owner and founder of Macova Auto Group, started the business in 1981 and understood the value in purchasing quality vehicles. Mr.Contreras coined the phrase “Save by buying quality,” as his business philosophy has successfully been serving the community along with Macova Auto Group’s unmatched vehicle inventory.

Macova Auto Group Macova Auto Group is a pre-owned vehicle sales business that has been an integral part of the El Paso community for more than 40 years and two generations. The expert sales staff understands the needs of each client and that having a vehicle is a necessity. From transporting your kids to-and-from school, or going to work, church, or to visit friends and family, Macova Auto Group believes that everyone deserves to have the basic need of having reliable transportation met and values having the opportunity of helping people achieve vehicle ownership. Macova Auto Group is proud to sell only the best vehicles in the market, and wants clients to feel they were taken care of, and that they will continue to be taken care of post-sale. The relationship doesn’t stop after you leave with a new car, it’s only the beginning. With more than 40 years in business, Macova Auto Group has learned and grown with the community, and looks forward to continued success and longevity.

Macova Auto Group believes that the city of El Paso is the soul of the business and invites the community to visit its virtual or inperson showrooms.

Photographed by: ANOTHA CREATIVE46 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

of Krasne family leadership who have committed and adhered to their values of honesty, ethical decision-making, and initiative while working to develop and maintain strong relationships with the greater El Paso community. Alamo Auto Supply 5923 Gateway Blvd. West El Paso, Texas 79925 (915) 781-1234 Photography courtesy of: ALAMO AUTO SUPPLY SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 47

mission is to match customers’ wants and needs with great solutions. The Alamo team serves its customers

Alamo’s with commitment with client

to excellence that aligns

integrity, followthrough, and a

by providing top-of-the-line products at affordable prices.

can be attributed to two

its vision to always serve the best interest of the

Alamo Auto Supply Alamo Auto Supply is the largest specialty automotive products retailer in the Southwest and has been proudly serving the El Paso community for more than 73 years. Alamo Auto Supply’s selection of automotive accessories is unmatched in the Borderland, as is their professional installation backed by a lifetime labor warranty. Alamo upﬁts all kinds of vehicles with a focus on trucks and Jeeps. Alamo enhances vehicles with products that improve their functionality, appearance, and durability. The Alamo team helps its customers get ready for the road with an offering of products that includes truck bed covers, running boards, lift kits, lighting, hitches, bumpers, bedliners, ladder racks, lift gates, and more.

Alamo’s longevity generations

48 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists 1065 Doniphan Park Circle, Suite A El Paso, Texas 79922 (915) 261-3913

CREATIVE SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 49

Ryan is the owner of Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists in El Paso, where the team of skilled experts specialize in powder coating and wheel remanufacturing.

Photographed by: ANOTHA

Ryan is originally from Roswell, New Mexico, where he says he and his wife of 22 years learned the small town values that continue to guide them today. The couple attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock and graduated in May of 2000 with degrees in business. His business degree and family legacy in the industry have helped contribute to his success.

“The best part of the job is being able to bring such specialized services to the people of El Paso and the surrounding areas,” he says.

“I’m a fourth-generation tire guy. I worked in the family tire business for 17 years before deciding to expand my wheel manufacturing business full time,” he says. Ryan and his family have lived in El Paso for the last 20 years and enjoy being part of the bustling community. “El Paso has been an extremely good place to raise my family and also grow my business,” he says. “El Paso reminds me of my small town of Roswell. The people of El Paso have done a fantastic job of supporting local business. And it’s this reason that makes my job so much more rewarding. I have enjoyed watching our great city grow and prosper.”

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists offer prompt and reliable wheel repair services for a range of needs that span everyday wear-and-tear to wheel straightening to cracked wheel repair and more that customers can count on. “You will get honest and professional service,” says Ryan. “Your money spent stays locally, here in the El Paso area and community. We will continue to grow with your support.”

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists have been in business for 13 years and have been continuously evolving and growing in order to meet the needs of customers, while also adhering to the values of serving the community with honesty and integrity.”

“We take great pride in offering the industry’s most cutting edge technology and process,” says Ryan. “We won’t stop until our customer is 100 percent satisﬁed with the services they’ve paid for. We are fully insured and stand by our product and process,” he adds.

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists Jeremy Ryan was raised to value serving his community through business while also giving back.

“My father Alex Melendez (Founder & President), has a servant’s heart, he listens to what people are saying and has a passion to help others. He is also very empathic to our employees,” says Melendez. “At Alex

50 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Alex Melendez Auto & Truck Center

Let them provide you with an easy and dependable used car buying experience! The company’s inventory can be seen through its virtual showroom at: alexmelendezautocenter.com.

“Our business promises to attend to our loyal customers in a timely manner and to offer dependable vehicles for you and your family,” says Keila Melendez, Vice President. “Our ﬁnance department will only submit applications for ﬁnancing with your approval. We also promise that our service department will only perform repairs that are needed and we will recommend services, repairs, and maintenance that are necessary to keep your vehicle operating safely,” she adds.

Alex Melendez Auto & Truck Center is a family owned and operated used car dealership and service center that offers the highest level of experience in used car buying and repairing. The dealership offers competitive pricing and a wide selection of used cars and trucks.

When it comes to financing, that is where the business’s expert car loan specialists step in. The team promises to work hard to find the right financing plan for you.

Alex Melendez Auto & Truck Center specializes in providing an exceptional and practical method of used car buying, along with the convenience of a full automotive and diesel truck service center located on Far East El Paso.

One of the primary values at Alex Melendez Auto & Truck Center is to serve the El Paso community. Melendez says that the business exists to serve customers, which means that the concerns of the client are always top-of-mind.

Additionally, Alex Melendez Auto & Truck Center is committed to serving the Fort Bliss community and offers military discounts and promotions as a way to express their gratitude to service members.

Alex Melendez Auto & Truck Center 1590 Joe Battle Blvd. El Paso, TX 79936 (915) 493-3151

Melendez Auto & Truck Center we seek to honor God by operating our company in a matter consistent with the Word of God,” she adds.

Photographed by: ORLANDO SAPIEN SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 51

“We serve our clients with a genuine humility that leaves no doubt the they are the sole focus of all our endeavors,” she says.

“Alex Melendez Auto & Truck Center is here to help you along the way whenever you need any car service and repair work done,” says Melendez. “We provide top-quality repairs at affordable pricing. We can assist with anything from scheduled maintenance and tune-ups to state inspections, brakes, tire services and diesel truck mechanical or electrical repairs. We are proud to be one of the quickest repair turnaround facilities in the El Paso area. No appointments are necessary and our service center is open to the public.”

Southwest Auto Glass

“We use advanced fast curing adhesives on every installation and can assist with insurance claims to make sure nothing is missed when customers choose to go that route,” says Garcia.

“We are serious about the standards of best practices for the safe installation of auto glass and strive to deliver the best value and joy to our customers,” says Garcia.

Southwest Auto Glass 9433 Montana Ave. El Paso, Texas 79925 (915) 595-4444 811 Southwestern Dr.Suite H El Paso, Texas 79912

Photographed by: ANOTHA CREATIVE52 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

The experts at Southwest Auto Glass specialize in the repair and replacement of automotive glass and related parts, as well as the recalibration of cameras and sensors mounted on modern windshields that are vital to a vehicle’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS.

Southwest Auto Glass is the oldest locally-owned auto glass specialist business in El Paso. This year, they’re proudly celebrating the 30th anniversary in El Paso and strong relationship with the community that was achieved through excellent customer service, skill, and ethics.

“We also stand out with our commitment to customer satisfaction by focusing on value and safety ﬁrst,” says owner Rafael Garcia. “While we price competitively, we don’t undervalue our customers by assuming they only care about the lowest price. They want quality and need safety ﬁrst and foremost.”

Additionally, Southwest Auto Glass has implemented innovative approaches by developing a 10-point SWAG replacement checklist that incorporates the ANSI/AGSS standard to ensure safety and quality.

El Pasoans work hard to live well, and there’s no better investment than your future. This month, we’re highlighting ﬁnancial experts who are native El Pasoans and understand the needs and desires of the community, and also go aboveand-beyond to make their clients’ dreams come true.

PROFILES

Financial Experts

The mission of my business is Faith, Family, Finance, Fitness and Fun.

For Marin, the best part of her job is getting to know her clients fears and being able to alleviate financial stress by providing education and a personalized plan so they feel confident making a financial decision

Trilogy Financial Planning

Life’s challenges are a driving factor when people seek advice. Her specialty is having empathy for her clients’ lives. “I’m able to answer ﬁnancial questions like ‘How can I save for college for my kids?,’’

Erika Marin makes dreams come true at Trilogy Financial Planning, where she leads a team that is committed to helping people in El Paso achieve their long-term financial goals. Marin has more than 20 years experience in the financial planning industry as an independent advisor and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to educating clients and helping them prepare for their futures. They specialize in asset protection, wealth management and tax efficient income distribution.

ANOTHA CREATIVE54 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by:

“How can I retire early?,” or ‘I am going through divorce, what next?,’” she explains. I want people to know that I live my life with this purpose of servitude and respect for my clients.

Something to know about Erika is that Fitness is her stress reliever Erika loves her bike; it is her way to build mental and physical strength. Trilogy Financial Planning Erika Marin (915) trilogyﬁnancialplanning.com203-4455

“I work with individuals, business owners wanting to reduce taxes and provide retirement as a beneﬁt, employees of institutions like Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and UTEP, and help them set up their retirement and go through the process of listening to their objectives.” she says. Marin and her team at Trilogy Financial Planning are committed to helping clients create the lives they want through planning that takes an ethical and holistic approach. She enjoys serving the community of El Paso because she recognizes everyone works hard and her clients want to protect and help their family’s prosper.

Photographed by: ALEX DELGADO

Valerie Carlo (915) valerie.carlo@angeloakhomeloans.com539-3122

Valerie Carlo Valerie Carlo has had a well-rounded career that has taken her through many levels of the real estate and mortgage industry. Her work began in managing multi-family homes. This experience gave her the first hands-on experience of helping families find a place to call home. Valerie eventually transitioned to new construction, and later progressed to lending where she says she has had the most rewarding experiences. She is a licensed mortgage advisor in Texas and New Mexico with Angel Oak Home Loans. A national lender that understands client’s unique mortgage needs and helps guide with traditional and non-traditional options. She is a native El Pasoan with immense love for her community and culture. She is a mother of two, a fur-mom of two, and a proud military spouse. Valerie finds no greater joy than spending time with her large family. It is this love for her family and community that fuels her passion of helping others with their mortgage needs whether it is their first or second purchase, investment, or refinance. She strives to be efficient, transparent, and communicative throughout not only to make it an easy and seamless process but also so her clients may feel confident in their path to home ownership.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 55

AgeJacob2 Brachial Plexus AgeMadison5 Cranial & Facial Follow Us4845 Alameda Ave. El Paso, TX 7990 I-10 Exit Raynolds www.ElPasoChildrens.org915-298-5444 “Highest level of pediatric care in West Texas and Southern New Mexico” Specialized Pediatric Clinics American Diabetes Association (ADA) accredited outpatient program Personalized dietary plans for children with type 2 diabetes Treats children with facial, jaw and skull abnormalities Treats non-cancerous lesionsTreats spine and spinal cord birth defects Medical services, emotional support, education and social work for the mistreatment of children Treats obstructed movement in the shoulders, arms and hands Treats abnormal curvatures of the spine Vascular Malformation

AVAILABILITY! THE BEST ALLY OF SOLAR INSTALLERS ENERGY SOURCE MANUFACTURING "'(915) ORDER841-1134NOW! AVAILABLE SOLAR PANELS 350W - 365 W - 420W www. electrical us. com/man ufactu ring

60 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022| By: DIANE “DIDI” ROGERS |

Dede LoveLike

Let’s back up a bit and start at the beginning, how did Louise Beach Rogers become

You“Dede”?know that heart melting way two-yearolds speak? It’s “pasgetti” or “gram gram” or “lub you.”

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 61 September 2022 ’m a born and raised California girl, but I have a Texan heart. I am Dede’s cousin; my father was her father’s older brother. Every time I leave the magical city with the star on the mountain, I have tears in my eyes. I crave my visits to the West Texas town with the heart of gold. El Paso is that incandescent mix of Texas and Chihuahua, but mostly it’s the people – kind, generous, heartfelt, loving, good people. And damn, if they didn’t lose a good one. How do you put pen to paper about Dede Rogers? Well, you start by laughing because the only pen in the airport gift shop has purple ink. Dede loved purple, and laughter, and animals, and friends and family. Nothing she did was ever halfway. At Christmas time, Dede would pick up her nieces and nephews in a trolley and take them on a shopping spree to Toys R Us. Her niece, Garland Rogers Malooly, said, “I looked forward to those trolley rides more than Christmas itself.” That’s just it, Dede was Christmas 365 days a year. I learned early never to show too much interest in anything when shopping with Dede, the instant you walked away, she would buy it for you. Her generosity constantly left strangers and friends stunned. I loved looking back at those faces ﬁlled with shock. Dede never looked back, never sought recognition, never asked for thanks. After one of my favorite dinners, a waitress chased us out of the parking lot waving a couple of hundred-dollar bills. “This doesn’t cover the bill!” she exclaimed. Isha, Dede’s sister, calmly said, “Remember, she paid with a credit card -that is your tip.” The dumbstruck woman froze as the truth dawned on her. Dede, already headed to the car, did not miss a step or bat an eyelash.

62 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022Love like Dede

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 63 September 2022 Love like Dede

Love like Dede

After graduating SMU with a degree in journalism, Dede started at Channel 5, KPIX in Dallas. Next, she joined Arthur Anderson, one of the “Big Six” accounting ﬁrms in their marketing department. Jobs at Arthur Andersen were highly-coveted and difﬁcult to get. Perfect pumps, a belted waist, and 80’s power suits were Dede’s natural attire. She quickly rose through the ranks of corporate America. Dede met and married her husband Ric in Dallas. At their elegantly set rehearsal dinner at The Plano Polo Club, the waiters came out with boxes of Kentucky Fried Chicken on silver platters. Dede and Ric moved to Two Ponds Plantation in Celina, Texas. There they would host visitors who wanted the “South Fork” experience, the famed ranch owned by J.R. Ewing on the 80’s TV phenomenon, “Dallas.”

When former Mayor Jonathan Rogers and his wife Pat brought his new baby sister home from the hospital, her 2-year-old brother, Jonny said “Look it’s a baby,” but it came out “Look, it’s a Dede” and just like, that Louise was no more. At her memorial, Jonny said, “Dede whizzed though grammar school, high school and college. ” And whiz she did. A straight-A student, student body president and editor of the El Paso High newspaper, Tattler. She also led the Tigers to three consecutive state championship battles on the tennis team. Her high school best friends, “The Cha-Chas” have remained close for almost 50 years. They sat at Dede’s service, holding her forever in their hearts and mourning the “glue” that had formed their original bond.

64 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022

Two Ponds was ﬁlled with ATVs, animals, and laughter. Ric tried to teach their parrot, Gringo, to swear. It backﬁred. Gringo instead decided to greet Ric, and only Ric, with “Hey sh*thead” every time he walked in the room. Among their menagerie of creatures was an enormous Doberman Pinscher named Rodney. You’d say “smile Rodney’’ and this goofy, lumbering hunk of love looked like he could tear your head off. Many visitors stayed trapped in their car; windows rolled up, Rodney staring in wondering what was taking them so long to get out and give him love.

65 September 2022

As she raised funds for organizations in her beloved El Paso, it would not be a simple fundraiser, it could involve firemen in red high heeled shoes, race cars, or any surprise that brought laughter and joy. As her sister, Isha Rogers Santamaria said in the obituary, “Pull up a chair, this is a long list.” It is hard to find a cause that was not touched by Dede. Some of her favorite organizations included: UTEP, St. Clement’s School, YWCA, Make-a-Wish, The El Paso Museum of Art, Texas Women for the Arts, El Paso Community Foundation, The El Paso Zoological Society, El Paso History Museum, El Pasoan’s Fighting Hunger Food Bank, Hospice El Paso, Ronald McDonald House, Porsche Club of El Paso, The Veterans Association, Diabetes Association of El Paso, Kids Excel, UMC Foundation, El Paso Humane Society, El Paso Sheriff’s Department, The El Paso Opera, Pro Musica, Amor Por Juarez, Power of the Purse, The Child Crisis Center and Utah Fast Pass. In 2021, she gave a generous donation to the YWCA to establish “Dede’s Closet,” a significant part of the Sara McKnight Transitional Living Center to improve the lives of El Paso women.

Dede traveled around the world on boats, planes, trains, balloons, horses, camels -- you name it. She scaled the Great Wall of China and wandered the halls of Vlad the Impaler’s (Dracula’s) castle in Romania. Never like Dede

Love

Dede loved making dreams come true, and also loved driving. A professionally trained driver, she became one of the ﬁrst women to build and own a racing team. She was the ﬁrst woman voted owner of the year by the Toyota Atlantic Championship Series. DSTP, short for “Don’t Spend the Principal” drove car number 27. Twenty-Seven in honor of her baby brother, Mac, who died at age 27. After closing DSTP, Dede moved on to charitable work, and once again she excelled.

66 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022Love like Dede

Love like Dede

Te amo mi prima, vaya con Dios. I, like so many others, will keep you in my heart forever.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 67 September 2022 without her iPhone camera, her most joyful posts came when surrounded by the animals of Africa. Trekking in Uganda, she saw and supported the conservation of gorillas. She’d wake before dawn to photograph cheetahs, lions, zebras and her favorite, elephants.

I’m holding in my hand a tin of purple M&M’s printed with “Live like Dede.”

I’d add to that, “Love like Dede.”

As her brother said, she was loud and boisterous, but also quiet and considerate. Despite the large number of checkmarks on her bucket list, her most cherished moments were impromptu lunches with friends, playing Rummikub on the beach with her family, or simply squeezing someone’s hand while ﬁguring out how to make their troubles go away.

A certiﬁcate proudly hung in her living room proclaiming that Dede Rogers, being of questionable intelligence and lacking a sense of self-preservation, has completed the Polar IfPlunge.youare unfamiliar with the polar plunge, it involves jumping from a zodiac into the 34-degree waters off of Antarctica.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 69 September 2022 PR OTE CT Y OU R CU ST OMER S PROTE CT Y OU R DATA PROTE CT Y OU R REVE NUE The threats to your clients, your reputation and your business are unprecedented. We can protect you with our comprehensive Cyber Security Solutions. Y OUR BU S IN ES S HAS BEE N HACKED ✓ Cyber Security Assessments ✓ 24/7/365 Security Operations Center ✓ Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery ✓ Compliance Auditing (HIPAA, PCI) ✓ Managed Detection and Response ✓ Security Consulting and Vulnerability Management CONTACT US TODAY FOR A CYBER SECURITY ASSESSMENT (915) 703-1778 | info@strykercyber.com

photography by: PAT BEAUDRY, MAX BOCANEGRA, RANDY CREMEAN, costumes by: LIZ VANDAL |LORENZO

ERINMAXCOULEHANBOCANEGRA, and VLAD

Inside

www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘OVO’ will be performing in El Paso at the Don Haskins Center September 15th through 18th, and promises to be a daring visual adventure for audiences.

OVO showcases the ups-and-downs of love in the creepy, crawly, world of insects on a grand scale through juxtaposing peace and chaos, cacophony and silence, as well as the tender and tough.

“I’ve always had passion for them,” she says. “When I was just a kid I put rocks

For Liz Vandal, the show’s costume designer, a childhood curiosity for insects helped her understand the aesthetics and movement necessary to capture the essence of the insects.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 71 R unning away to join the circus is steeped in twentieth century nostalgia for the romance of the road, extraordinary personalities, and even more extraordinary performances. Today, the circus industry is alive and well -- and coming to El Paso.

The show’s namesake comes from the Portuguese word for “egg” and takes guests on a symbolic journey through a vibrant ecosystem where insects eat, work, play, ﬂutter, crawl, and search for love.

To bring the show to life, costume and set designers were tasked with creating an ecosystem full of insects on a massive scale for a multi-city arena tour.

“OVO presents the world of insects with the emphasis on constant movement and color,” says Deborah Colker, writer, director, and choreographer of OVO. “I have a very physical choreographic language, and -- for me -- the insects’ movements translate into emotion,” she adds. The show’s plot centers on the mysterious discovery of an egg that appears in the insects’ habitat, inspiring intense curiosity as well as an existential examination of what the egg represents. A romance is sparked between a ﬂy called The Foreigner and The Ladybug who lives in the insect community. But like any good romance, the course of true love never did run smooth.

Vandal opted for costumes that evoked the insects rather than directly imitating the anatomy of exoskeletons using different textures and familiar fashions.

“The solution was to connect with the feeling of being face to face with a spider, a cockroach or a butterﬂy,” she explains.

Inside

down around the yard near the fruit trees and I lifted them regularly to watch the insects who had taken up residence underneath them. I petted caterpillars and let butterﬂies into the house. So when I learned that OVO was inspired by insects, I immediately knew that I was in a perfect position to pay tribute to this majestic world with my costumes.”

“Then I made detailed drawings of designs that interpreted their morphology. For example, the dragonﬂy’s wings are evoked by pants made of veined lace, and the mosquito’s stinger by a ‘Mohawk’ of ﬁne red stems. The idea of the shell also became a ‘OVO’

Vida Sleep Formula Visit today and feel the difference! vidahealthandbeauty.com | (915) 300-0603 | vidahealthcbd@gmail.com 5901 N. Mesa El Paso, TX 79912 Vida Max 5150mgFS Vida Maximum Relief Rub 5000mg

72 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022

OVO begins with the stage obscured by the enormous egg that immediately creates a sense of mystery. The egg is inflatable, measuring 28 feet wide by 22 feet tall, and is part of a new stage and acrobotic structure that were created specifically for the OVO arena tour. For performers, the opportunity to tour with Cirque du Soleil is a way to connect with audiences across the country.

WE HAVE A SEAT WAITING FOR YOU

www.thecitymagazineelp.com metaphor, since the word ‘insect’ refers to ‘sections’. This revelation consolidated my approach.”

“The audiences in El Paso can expect an amazing feast for the eyes,” says Kyle Cragle, one of OVO’s performers. “It’s super colorful, highenergy, warm with all sorts of South American ﬂare -- and obviously the amazing acrobatics that Cirque du Soleil always offers.”

325 N Kansas St, El Paso, TX 79901 (915) 532-5200 Hotelindigo.com

Circa 1963 is located in the heart of downtown El Paso on the 5th floor of Hotel Indigo. Our rooftop bar with award-winning mixologists has a cozy terrace and outdoor patio with stunning panoramic views of El Paso and our breathtaking Franklin Mountains. Circa 1963 offers a beautiful ambiance to unwind. Circa 1963 @circa1963

OVO’s set was inspired by organic spaces that insects create as their habitats such as nests and colonies that are at times a forest, a cave, or home. Set designer Gringo Cardia sought to create an organic space that could also lead to other locations. One key facet of the set is massive objects set amidst insects’ traditionally tiny worlds.

74 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022

RisingLiteratureThrough

By: ANDI R. TISCARENO photos courtesy of: YASMIN RAMIREZ

Yasmin Ramirez

For Ramirez, it’s a little easier to write a memoir because she already knows her own story. With ﬁction, she says there’s more fun in making up whatever she wants while making sure the story still rings true. Between the two genres, Ramirez has more fun with ﬁction.

Born and raised in El Paso, Ramirez moved away for almost a decade to attend college, only to return to attend graduate school. Now, she spends her time writing while working as an assistant professor at El Paso Community College teaching English Composition, Chicano Literature, and Creative Writing.

“Writing always came naturally to me, it was an easy way for me to express myself when the words couldn’t come to me,” she says.

“You can’t shy away from those moments,” she Whilesays.this is the ﬁrst novel she has published, Ramirez hints at some future works coming soon.

When it comes to writing ¡Ándale, Prieta!

“Now that I’m working with ﬁction, it’s exciting because now I get to make stuff up again!” she exclaims.

Ramirez was always writing before she became a professional, whether it be scribbling in notebooks, journals, diaries; it was her hobby until life came knocking for her next step.

Ramirez worked to create not only a love letter to her family, but also an intimate farewell to her late grandmother. Ramirez says that while the novel is a memoir, she used it as a way to grieve her grandmother by gathering their memories in order to hold onto them.

Ramirez states that part of being a writer is ﬁnding your authentic voice.

75 O ur individual stories are unlike any other. There’s many similar paths others take, but no two stories follow the same track. When telling your story, you want to be able to be as authentic and vulnerable as possible, as you were during those times in your life. Within the El Paso Borderland is a melting pot of people and cultures like no other; it’s a collection of stories. For Yasmin Ramirez (She/Her/Ella), her story is intimately showcased in her debut novel ¡Ándale, Prieta!: A Love Letter to My Family.

“I need a break, it’s just kinda heavy to stay in that space for so long.” she says.

“As I continued to write it, it became a way not only to grieve her but also to get to know each other in a different capacity,” she reﬂects. To write such an open piece, Ramirez explained, is about honoring the story of her life, even going into areas that are often uncomfortable but true to life.

Traditionally, Ramirez writes ﬁction but dipped into memoir in order to process her loss.

“As a young writer, as a baby writer, I was trying to sound like other people,” says Ramirez.

“I think the memoir was just ready, it was going to decide when it was going to be ready,” she says.

“The comfortable parts, the icky parts, the fun parts, the difﬁcult parts all mixed in that come with family because it’s never exactly easy when you’re a family,” she says.

Ramirez also mentions that the book, at its core, is about family and love.

When it comes to the readers picking up her book, Ramirez aimed to showcase the city she grew up in and where she found herself.

While working on her MFA, she remembers being discouraged in workshops until she found her true voice through the pieces she wrote for her grandmother. “I took one little piece of what I was writing about my grandmother, and it was so wellreceived that I was shocked because I just thought, ‘That’s just for me!’” she laughs.

“Obviously, I highlighted the city as much as I could because it’s something I ﬁnd very beautiful, that I appreciate,” she says.

September 2022

When it came to publishing her memoir, Ramirez had a little help after taking a few shots and taking a few misses. After sending out the manuscript to several publishers, she received soft rejections coupled with some constructive feedback, to which she turned to working with an editor to ﬁne tune her work.

“It’s hard when it’s your own life and you’re trying to write about it, so you leave some stuff out,” she says, “so my editor really helped me ﬂesh out the parts I was intentionally ignoring.”

Enjoy. Every. Moment. Rent our 360 degree video booth platform for your next event Book Your Reservation today (915) 539-7545 #enjoyeverymoment@EpicEventsELP

Finally, with the help of her editor and some delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, her manuscript was picked up by Cinco Punto Press who decided to move forward with publishing it.

September 2022

One of the things she learned while writing her memoir was an appreciation of her roots.

“That’s why I chose to highlight this city, it’s as much of a character in the book as anyone else and the culture,” she explains. Ramirez mentions that, a lot of times, the culture of El Paso is often overlooked and she hopes that readers can see that “there are a lot of things to love and to appreciate in this city that don’t exist in other spaces” through her book. Everyone has a story within them, whether it be the ideas that ﬂoat around in their heads, or the story built up in their hearts through their lives. Yasmin Ramirez allowed her story to be driven from the grief of loss and the appreciation of her family in the city she calls home. Wherever you draw your inspiration from, allow it to feel real.

----InjectablesLaserServicesIntimateHealthDermatologicTailored Aesthetics Karen Herman, MD 7470915.745.5888Cimmaron Plaza Building 13, Suite 100 El Paso, Texas RejuveneMD.com79911 Where Art MeetsMedicineCALLNOWOPEN!FORANAPPOINTMENT

78 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022City of StarsThe Plaza Classic Film TurnsFestival15 | By: OSCAR GARZA photos courtesy of: THE PLAZA CLASSIC |

The Plaza Classic Film Festical turned 15 this year and offered a glorious return to the starstudded event with a diverse mix of ﬁlms ranging from signature classics like “Singin’ in the Rain,” to midnight cult favorites like “John Carpenter’s Halloween.” It doesn’t matter if you prefer animation or perhaps the epic landscapes of “Lawrence of Arabia,” the Plaza Classic Film Festival offers a plethora of ﬁlm choices for the Sun City. And we haven’t even gotten to the special guests that this year brought. Doug Pullen, Program Director of the Plaza Classic Film Festival, is incredibly proud of the amazing talent they were able to bring in for this year and says that all that ties into the themes that the festival celebrates. One of them, being El Paso and its talent. “Almost all of our special guests were either from El Paso (F. Murray Abraham, Germaine Franco, Cristina Ibarra, Iliana Sosa) or had some meaningful connection to the city (Rita Moreno and the Plaza Theatre),” Pullen said.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 79 s soon as you enter the historic Plaza Theatre you feel like you’re stepping back in time. If it isn’t the spectacular lobby illuminated by golden colors or the sounds of the powerful organ, then it is most deﬁnitely the ﬁlms being projected on the screen.

In terms of programming, the main theme -- and certainly a big spotlight for this year’s festival -- was Directing Women, as Pulled said, a selection of ﬁlms directed by women from the silent era all the way to the present.

Among these, guests were able to enjoy cult classics like “Love & Basketball,” “Grease 2” or “Marie Antoinette” to signature classics like “The Hurt Locker,” “Frida,” “Sleepless in Seattle” and many more.

The Plaza Classic Film Festival has had a history of bringing notable special guests in previous years, and Pullen wants to make sure that with the return to in-person screenings, the audience is able to gain a well-rounded portrait of the person they’re going to meet. “You want the audience to get a feel for what this person is like, their three-dimensionality, and you want them to celebrate them in the ﬂesh,” Pullen said. Pullen wants the audience to experience not only the special guests as people, but also gain a context for the ﬁlm and their lives at the time and how those have impacted their careers.

One of the main things that Pullen wanted to showcase is the incredible diversity that the festival can have. One can go during the morning and catch a screening of a hilarious Charlie Chaplin short, discover a sci-fi cult classic like “Sleep Dealer” during the afternoon, and finally finish the day by

As the Plaza Classic Film Festival continues to show films that are older, it also provides an opportunity for guests to enjoy a film that they’ve always wanted to see for the first time or maybe see it again for the 50th time -- not to mention all the extra components that the Festival offers, like concerts and film lectures.

The 15th anniversary of the Plaza Classic Film Festival closed out August 7th with a full lineup on Sunday that included a screening of the seminal superhero classic “Superman: The Movie” by the late Richard Donner but Pullen already has some of his favorite moments from this edition of the festival.

“Favorite moments on stage include Rita Moreno joking that, of course, the audience should love her, Germain Franco simply beaming as she soaked in the audience’s affection before ‘Encanto,’ Cristina Ibarra and Alex Rivera feeling the love during

80 www.thecitymagazineelp.com having a bit of the traditional Plaza After Dark selections like “Rocky Horror Picture Show” or “Being John Malkovich.” For the 15th anniversary the festival celebrated the return to an in-person format by presenting a myriad of film choices and special guests. Aside from the selection of classics, cult favorites, family choices, and golden age treasures, the Plaza Classic Film Festial also celebrated local talent with their continued series the “Local Flavor” presented for the first time in the amazing Plaza Theatre Kendle Kidd Performance Hall. Chosen by filmmakers Lucky McKee and Zach Passero, in conjunction with Pullen, the “Local Flavor” showcased the best of the short films that were submitted and offered the chance to shine a light on the amazing talent developing in El Paso.

“It is programmed to be a festival for as many people as possible, cinephiles included,” Pullen said. “There’s a perception that it’s only for old people, and older people certainly are an important part of our audience. But so are children, young people, families, fans of foreign and indie film, fans of local film and so on.” As Pullen discusses, if “The Lion King” is showing on a Saturday afternoon for the entire family, then he counterprograms that with a cult favorite in the Philanthropy Theatre, and a concert outside on Oregon Street, that way there is truly something for everyone at that specific time.

September 2022 their ‘The Infiltrators’ Q&A, and F. Murray Abraham being energized by the crowd’s overwhelming ovation when he came onstage before ‘Amadeus,’” Pullen said. With each passing year, the Plaza Classic Film Festival grows more and more as not only the diversity of the films increases but also as people from all walks of life head Downtown to enjoy a film they’ve seen countless times or discover it for the first time on the big screen. It is clear that with a dose of essential and modern classics, supplemental content like film lectures and concerts, local talent representation, and special guests the Plaza Classic Film Festival continues to dominate as one of El Paso’s favorite summer interests.

| By: DANIEL HERNANDEZ | theCelebratingSunthisSeptember September www.thecitymagazineelp.com202282

Hiking the trails on our mountains takes you on incredible journeys through the desert. The Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the United States, stretched over 24,000 acres. There is a web of paths on the Franklins that give breathtaking views of our multicultural area. A well-known trail is the 1000 Steps. This trail will take you straight up the mountain and give you pause at the high point, where you’ll have the feeling of being a speck in this beautiful universe.

A great day for an outdoor stroll is Sundays on Scenic Drive. Scenic Sunday is a brilliant idea created by the El Paso Parks and Recreation department to close off Scenic Drive from 7 am to noon and give the people of El Paso the chance to utilize the iconic road for exercise and enjoyment. You can bike, run, or walk the length of its 1.87 miles and take in the lovely morning view of our city. The trek really gives a sense of community with the morning greetings and run-ins with old friends as you wander the road.

September www.thecitymagazineelp.com2022 83 he El Paso lifestyle is a culmination of the vast desert, the shining sun and our endless sky, which create a relaxed and inspired way of life. The sun is our greatest asset. We are ranked as one of the sunniest cities in the world, hence our Sun City nickname. We have about 302 days of sun per year that makes our style of living full of endless opportunities to catch the rays and enjoy the outdoors. I’ve lived in many cities and what I have always missed is the big sky overhead, feeling the warm sun on my skin, and looking out to endless miles of the desert, empty of urban sprawl and full of serenity. One of my favorite things about El Paso is the majestic presence of the Franklin Mountains. I have pulled over many times while driving as I get captivated by the radiating sun slowly descending into the silhouette of the mountain, or the horizon of New Mexico, capturing some great images for my social media. I especially love to catch the sunrise. I’ve become an avid hiker since moving to El Paso, and reaching high points on the Franklins just as the sun is rising unobstructed on the horizon line is a marvel of our desert.

Recently, I discovered a nearby hike with a stunning element. It’s Leasburg Slot Canyon on the outskirts of Las Cruces. I was excited when I found out our Southwest desert has one of these remarkable slot canyons. A slot canyon is created by water erosion creating smooth, wavey walls that look almost like desert sci-ﬁ cave. This particular slot canyon

September 2022Celebrating the Sun this September As an invigorating.thatlifestyleadventurousalendslimitlessTexasourThearoundthingstheperson,outdoorsIlovearrayoftodoElPaso.spaceincorneroffeelsandititselftohealthyandIfind

Septemberwww.thecitymagazineelp.com2022 is smaller than the more infamous Utah slot canyons, but it’s an easy hike with the great payoff of its naturally carved curves. After my hikes I usually head down to one of the many farmers markets around town to browse and grab some food. I’m a big fan of locally produced food and products, and our farmers markets have an amazing variety of goods. The Downtown Art and Farmers Market is just a stone’s throw from the old train station. I love this market because it has such a great group of local artisans, and you can also meander around the block to grab a local coffee or beer. Some of my favorite things here are the specialty horchata and a bourbon caramel covered brownies. My other favorite market is the Ardovinos Desert Crossing Farmers Market on Saturdays. The location of this spot is like a secret locale: situated at the foot of Mount Christo Rey with a spectacular view of the New Mexican desert. The original building is an early 1900s ranch house that serves as the main restaurant but also has a lovely outdoor patio and event venue. The farmers market always has something great to discover. On my last visit there I discovered Hatch green chile cashew cheese. I bought four packages. As an outdoors person, I love the array of things to do around El Paso. The space in our corner of Texas feels limitless and it lends itself to a healthy and adventurous lifestyle that I ﬁnd invigorating. We are lucky to have so much sky and desert, clear of the endless suburbs most cities have, and full of possibility. 2244 TRAWOOD DRIVE, STE. 208 EL PASO, TX 79935 (915) 595-3393C.D. Lee Britton I NSURANCE AND BONDING AGENCY Business Contract Bonding Agribusiness Auto Home A Woman of Many Talents Photographer | Published Makeup Artist Model | Social Media Manager My Photography Ski s Include Product AndGraduationFamilyBourdoirPhotographySessionsPhotosPhotosMore! ANOTHACREATIVE soylunaisabelmgmt@gmail.com B k Me SOYLUNAISABEL_

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 87 THE EDGE OF TEXAS MEETS THE SOUL OF TUSCANY Open ursday - Sunday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Live music every Saturday and Sunday! Visit now and receive a complimentary tasting of any three wines you choose. 7315 Canutillo-La Union Rd. Canutillo, Texas | (915) 877-4544 | zinvalle@gmail.com | zinvalle.com

‘DemocracyStudentsTacklePoliticsDuringSummer’

hat does it mean to run a political campaign? Knocking on doors, calling voters, working, fundraising and so much more. This summer over, 500 students across the nation experienced a glimpse of this, through a program called Democracy Summer, which is a politics and social advocacy summer school program for the nation’s most politically-astute high school and college students. The program was originally founded by Rep. Jamie Raksin now partners with over 40 congressional campaigns. The program hosted online sessions that consisted of inﬂuential experts to professors discussing important issues like voter suppression, SCOTUS, Labor movements, and more. Apart from the sessions, students worked hands-on locally in congressional races, and with their partner campaigns, they tackled local grassroots campaigning. This summer, eight high school and college students from the El Paso area worked with congressional representative Veronica Escobar as part of a fellowship program. I had the opportunity to be a part of the Frontera Fellowship Program, learning about politics and the reality of running a race before even turning 18, as well as learning to pitch political platforms to voters and talking with them in person or through text/phone banking. A few of the fellows from this summer shared their experiences working inside the campaign headquarters! 88

By: AINA MARZIA

www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022|

Progress Report Student Journalism

Annica Henry, 18, from UTEP joined the program to learn more about politics within our region “I wanted to explore my political options for my future. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to run for ofﬁce or be a judge and it felt like the best decision to do this program to kind of gain more input,”she said. A lot of us know we want to get into public service, but are not sure in what way. Some of us want to work on campaigns, while others eventually want to hold public ofﬁce.

Henry also added on her experience learning to organize for the ﬁrst time with Rep. Escobar’s. “Organizing is hard, there is no easy way of saying it,” she explained. “I feel though that there are so many ways for campaigns to gain traction even down to the colors they use for the campaign posters, it is all about your message resonating with yourself and the people.”

When asked what he would tell others about the program and his experience Ramos shared that it will be one of the “best things” young people could experience.

“Democracy Summer is one of the best things that young people will get to experience in the process of becoming changemakers in America,” he said. “This will leave a tremendous impact on your life and your journey in politics. We strive to empower and motivate the youth to mobilize their communities and to be part of the movement.”

As Election Day approaches, turning out the vote is important. Young people remain more politically active than in years past and keeping this cycle of democracy is vital for building a better city, state, and nation. Let’s encourage each other to be a part of democracy and share our voices at the ballot box this November.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 89 September 2022

“The national team develops the curriculum and coordinates the seminars for fellows participating in Democracy Summer. It’s a tremendous responsibility but we are guided by a common mission, to empower the youth to ﬁght for what they believe in. We are hopeful that this summer has inspired many to run for ofﬁce and to vote like their life depends on it because it does,” said Ramos.

I spoke to the Sunbelt Region program coordinator, Jess Ramos, as he shared his journey through the program not that long ago.

Daniela Guadarrama, a 21-year-old from UTEP expressed the importance of such programs for young people. “This program will be inﬂuential precisely because it is designed for young people. The knowledge that we gained and our experiences in the program will follow us to college and into our careers,” she said. “For me, it has reinforced my desire to continue with community work and, in the future, pursue a career in service.”

“I was part of the ﬁrst Frontera fellowship cohort with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar. While I had worked and volunteered with municipal and statewide candidates, this fellowship opened my eyes to a broader perspective of what democracy is all about,” he said.

Ramos was later offered a position at the national level to work as one of three coordinators for Democracy Summer, where he joined fellows on Zoom every Monday and Wednesday this summer to discuss politics, justice, and more.

As someone who still considering career options, the fellowship program was the perfect opportunity to get involved in something local and impact my community.

90 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022‘SpellingIsFUN’ | By: MARIUM ZAHRA | ‘SpellingIsFUN’

Taylor Swift was RighT

Progress Report Student Journalism

2. Use endings

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

A language like Spanish can help us better understand, speak and write languages that we never thought we could ever learn.

Exc d Your andards of Beauty Mon - Sat: 9AM-5PM Sunday: 9AM-12PM by appointment only 11890 Vista Del Sol Dr. Suite A-117 El Paso, TX 79936 (915) 525-4068

Lips BRows Eyeliner

4. Stop Grammarlyusing Like anything else, spelling comes with practice. If you are constantly using SpellCheck your brain is already dependent on it. If you challenge yourself, even just a small amount, like an e-mail or a short essay, you can start to see your accuracy improve. Just practice.

1. Try to make word connections When competing in the National Spelling Bee, almost every competitor knows it is impossible to study the nearly half a million words in the dictionary, so we resort to roots. Roots are the reason a word means what it means, and the reason the word is spelled the way it is spelled. While there are too many roots to individually name, you can think about other words you have heard before. If you know how to spell a word that sounds familiar, use it to spell what you’re having difﬁculty with, it probably comes from the same root. For example, if you know the word “chronograph” has “ch” and has something to do with time, use it to spell words like “synchronized, chronicle, anachronism, and chronometer.” Using roots helps you correctly spell the word and better understand deﬁnitions.

bookanasquaremicroblading.comyourappointmentToday!

Asmistakes.anexperienced speller, here are the 4 biggest tips to never see that red line under your writing ever again.

Almost every word has an ending, and they are pretty easy to memorize, just look at the part of speech. The most common sufﬁxes for adjectives are -able,-ible,-al,-ful,-ian,-ive,less,-like,-ous. For nouns, use -tion, -ity, -er, -ness, -ism, -ment, -ant, -ship, -age, -ery.

Last but not least for verbs, use -ate, -en, -ify, -ise. Knowing to use the correct endings can help with grammar and you’ve already successfully spelled half the word.

3. Use your knowledge of other languages

Believe it or not, almost all English comes from other languages including Latin, Greek, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. Maybe you picked up phrases and words in your semester abroad in Germany. Or maybe you just know another language. As a borderland city, nearly 70% of El Paso residents speak Spanish; and nothing is stopping us from using our bilingual skills. Spanish and English have countless cognates to help us correctly spell a word. Furthermore, Spanish is a Centum Language, meaning it comes from Latin like French, Italian, and Portuguese.

91 have been competing in English and Spanish spelling bees since 4th grade. I made it to the Scripps National Spelling Bee twice and won the National Spanish Spelling Bee last year. Thanks to new developments in technology, a skill that was once required for every career is no longer acknowledged. In recent years, apps like Grammarly and Spell Check have corrected any spelling mistake in one easy click. While this convenience is appreciated, spelling is still an essential skill that everyone should know how to do regardless. Knowing how to spell can help you with understanding words and deﬁnitions. Understanding how to use words is one of the most important skills you can have in the modern world and spelling is a part of that. And most of all, you won’t need to ask someone to review your email

Introducing our latest tool in advertising technology. We want to hear your thoughts and advice about our magazine so we can continue to offer the best publication in El Paso and the Southwest. Scan the code below with your mobile phone and speak freely in just seconds, and anonymously

Talk to me...

www.thecitymagazineelp.com Fort Bliss & Hauling& Hauling ® OFencesElectronicsTiresMachineryShedsAppliancesceFurniture Bath Fixtures Auto Cardboardparts & Paper Hot &PatioGrillstubsFurnituremoreCarpetingDebrisConstructionPianosFurnitureSwingMatressessets WHAT WE HAUL AWAY 844-GET-JDOG915-317-5402 Jdogjunkremoval.comthomashill@jdog.com

94 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022Pick of the Litter G da G agh | By: THE CITY MAGAZINE STAFF photography by: BOBBY_GALLAGHER; SULE_THECATDAD; ARTATTACK5 |

very day, staffers at The City Magazine exchange proud pet-parent moments that inevitably overﬂow to lunches, happy hours, and conversations with our partners. More often than not, these incredible stories center on the ways our fur babies have rescued the humans in their lives.

This month, we’re showcasing the unconditional love of Gouda Gallagher, who is as cute as he is photogenic.

September 2022

“During quarantine two years ago, my best fur friend Comet passed away in his sleep unexpectedly. Losing Comet made me lose myself, in every way,” says Gallagher.

Today, the two enjoy spending time together while Gouda watches Gallagher eat and she looks after him while he naps. When they’re both awake, the duo enjoy ﬁnding sprinklers to run under around town.

“I was hurting and I was also hurting the people around me because of how it changed me. When Gouda came into my life, I started to feel like myself again. All the love, faith and patience I lost with his death was slowly starting to come back. He healed my broken little heart.”

To celebrate the incomparable pets of El Paso, The City Magazine is thrilled to feature extraordinary animals and their humans.

Gouda is almost two years old and came into the life of his mom, Bobby Gallagher, as a birthday gift from her sister.

September 2022 96 www.thecitymagazineelp.com Rock and Roll is here to stay and El Paso is gearingup for a performances.fullSeptemberofliveSomeoftheworld’smostbelovedrockbandswillbehittinglocalvenuesfromTheLowbrowPalacetoThePlazaTheatertoUTEP’sDonHaskinsCenter

Modest Mouse will be returning to El Pasoon September 2nd at The Lowbrow Palace.The band released “The Golden Casket,”on June 25, 2021 and are taking the showon the road across the U.S. The albumboasts the band’s signature punk powerand technical expertise that frontman IsaacBrock is best-known for.

| By: THE CITY MAGAZINE STAFF | with Must-SeeLive Shows September 2022 97www.thecitymagazineelp.com

modest mouse

Iron Maiden

New York indie rockers, Interpol, will be playing The Plaza Theater on September 11th. The band was started in 1997 and signed with Matador Records in 2002. Since then, Interpol has gained commercial and critical recognition while still maintaining its original rock and roll ﬂare and energetic live performances.

The whole bandhas really enjoyed the Legacy Tour and now we justcan’t wait to get back out on the road to play live,have fun and see everyone again!”

Iron Maiden is coming to El Paso on September11th at the Don Haskins Center for its The Legacyof the Beast World Tour, which is inspired by theband’s award-winning mobile game availableon iOS and Android. The North American legof the tour includes more than 20 cities thatMaiden hasn’t played in for quite some time-- including El Paso.

Interpol

September 2022Rock Your September with Must-See Live Shows 98 www.thecitymagazineelp.com

“We’re really looking forward to our return toNorth America so we can bring The LegacyOf The Beast show to places we didn’tget to in 2019 and to other cities we’venot played for many years,” says BruceDickinson, the band’s vocalist. “I’m reallyexcited about the new additions and changes tothe stage production and we can’t wait for everyoneto see what we’ve got planned.

Scorpions

Scorpions’ Rock Believer World Tour is stopping in El Paso on September 19th at the Don Haskins Center with special guest Whitesnake. The tour comes on the heels of Scorpions’ sold-out Sin City Nights residency in Las Vegas. In addition to Whitesnake, Swedish band Thundermother will also be special guests on the tour.

September 2022 Rock Your September with Must-See Live Shows (915) 321-3131 5347 North Mesa Street #1 Westside Auto body shop Top Shop Body and Paint

www.thecitymagazineelp.com | By: ERIN COULEHAN |

Some might cringe at the formality, but take a moment to appreciate how quickly a tie can transform an outﬁt from drab to dapper. Add a tie to a simple jeans, white button down, and leather jacket or blazer look for an interesting accessory that’s also casually cool for the ofﬁce (in-person or work from home), a night out with friends, or date night. 100

Autumn Trends You Ought to Know

TieaTry

Men in the Moment

September 2022

Autumn is approaching, giving us every opportunity to have fun with the hottest trends as the weather cools down. For men, Fall 2022 trends are about personal interpretations to broad themes that can be customized for business or pleasure, from the return of the sleek tie a la Prada for Spring / Summer 2023 to bold plaids (also favored recently by Prada), to new takes on the Canadian tuxedo inspired by Amiri and Fendi.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 101 September 2022

Otherwise known as a “Canadian tuxedo,” head-to-toe denim looks are easy to put together and achieve an air of effortless style. From oversized jackets and button-downs, to pants and jorts, to bucket hats, denimon-denim can be accessorized by layering as the temperature and your imagination see ﬁt.

toPlaidtheBoneDenimDoubleDare

Typically seen in the lining of trench coats or minimally on items like scarves, plaid is going BIG, BIG, BIG this fall as top apparel items. Designers like Prada and Junya Watanabe are leading the checkered-charge when it comes to sweaters, shirts, and coats boasting plaids in a multitude of color schemes.

www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022

Dive into a summer-inspired trend that combines maxi-length skirts and dresses with fall-inspired sweaters, t-shirts, and button-ups. Maxi hemlines paired with Chelsea or motorcycle boots and t-shirt make for a perfect rock-androll look that can be accessorized with a leather jacket on a chilly night. For a softer look, pair a bright maxi skirt with a silky blouse that also makes for an easy day-to-night look.

| By:

Maxi-mumImpa

T 102

The weather in El Paso will continue to be warm as we head to autumn, but that doesn’t mean we can’t transition into cool fall styles. With summer dresses, pool apparel, and resort wear retiring until next year, it’s time to bring out the longer lengths, a variety of textures, and layers for a sartorial pick-me-up.

LooksLeather

FashionAutumn Trends to Fall For

Few things look cooler than a leather jacket and -- well, anything. Add a black leather jacket to a maxi-length slip dress for a look that’s as strong as it is feminine for a date night or event. Leather jackets can also be worn as statement pieces in a variety of colors (think red, camel, or cream) with jeans, a ﬁtted top, and a killer pair of heels for a night out. ERIN COULEHAN

Back to Basics

The novelty of back-to-ofﬁce attire is wearing out but that doesn’t mean that bringing out basics has to be boring. Simple pieces that can be mixed and matched for everyday wear help on days that we work from home, in-person, and everywhere in between. White tank tops and black dress pants are this season’s must-have items that can be found in a variety of styles and price points for almost any occasion.

Classic and oversized blazers work in a variety of ways to make fall outfits interesting and powerful. Boxy blazers worn with a white tank top, jeans, and boots is a go-to outfit for a weekend brunch or happy hour. Blazers, like maxi hemlines, can be layered with sweater dresses, rompers, and more office attire to complete a look that’ll keep you warm while looking cool.

Trailblazing

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

104 www.thecitymagazineelp.comSeptember2022september Advertiser INDEX A-1 Kitchens by Sierra .....................................................Pg. 27 Alamo Auto Supply ..........................................................Pg. 47 Alex Melendez Auto & Truck Center ........................Pgs. 50-51 Alloy Wheel Repair ...................................................Pgs. 48-49 Ana Square Microblading & Permanent Makeup ............Pg. 91 Angel Oak Home Loans...................................................Pg. 55 Anotha Creative ...............................................................Pg. 85 Borderland Bail Bonds .....................................................Pg. 11 Bravo Cadillac ...........................................................Pgs. 42-43 C.D. Lee Britton ...............................................................Pg. 85 Casa Buena Vista Homes .............................................Pgs. 4-5 Downtown Spaces ..........................................................Pg. 59 El Paso Children’s Hospital .................................Pgs. 36 and 57 El Paso Furniture Guy ..........................SPACES Inside Fold-Out Elite Auto Colission..........................................................Pg. 20 Epic Events and Entertainment .......................................Pg. 76 Get Together ..................................................................Pg. 105 Great American Steakhouse ............................................Pg. 95 Hotel Indigo .....................................................................Pg. 73 Hyundai of El Paso.............................................Pg. 31 and 107 Integrated Electrical Contractors .....................................Pg. 58 Italian Kitchen West .........................................................Pg. 31 Instreamatic .....................................................................Pg. 92 Intraceuticals ...................................................................Pg. 86 JDog Junk Removal and Hauling .....................................Pg. 93 Macova Auto Group..................................................Pgs. 44-45 Mesa Street Bar and Grill ..................................................Pg. 1 Minski Inc. .......................................................................Pg. 10 Neuskin Medical Aesthetics ............................................Pg. 35 Play Lounge .....................................................................Pg. 21 Poe Toyota .......................................................................Pg. 13 Sun City Orthopaedics .....................................................Pg. 12 Southwest Plastic Surgery ..............................................Pg. 15 Rejuvene M.D..................................................................Pg. 77 RightDrive Auto ........................................................Pgs. 38-40 Southwest Auto Glass .....................................................Pg. 52 Sparkle Effects ................................................................Pg. 77 Stryker by Spectrum ........................................................Pg. 69 Sugar Skull Boutique .......................................................Pg. 68 Tint World ........................................................................Pg. 41 The Berkeley..................................................................Pg. 106 The City Magazine Advertise with Us .............................Pg. 34 The Edge of Texas ...........................................................Pg. 35 The Manor at Ten Eleven ..............................................Pgs. 2-3 The Mix Salon and Spa ....................................................Pg. 56 The State Line .................................................................Pg. 81 Top Shop ........................................................................Pg. 101 Trilogy Financial Planning .................................................Pg. 54 VIP Design .......................................................................Pg. 81 Vida CBD Health & Nutrition ............................................Pg. 73 Viva Auto Group ............................................................Pgs. 8-9 Walgreens ....................................................................Pgs. 6-7 Wash Man ......................................................................Pg. 17 West Texas Pain Institute .............................Inside Front Cover Zin Valle Vineyards ...........................................................Pg. 87