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El Paso Pulse: Pellicano Widening, Tax Rate Proposal, Hotel Tax Audits
Published 8 months, 3 weeks ago
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Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Friday, August 1st, 2025.
We start today with breaking news from Far East El Paso where the long-stalled Pellicano Drive Widening Project is finally moving forward. Commissioners this week approved six million dollars to restart construction, after a court ruled that the former contractor failed to deliver. The new plan will target the stretch between Aircoupe and Loop 375, aiming to add lanes and bike paths to help relieve traffic congestion in one of our fastest growing areas. Leaders say this move is about both accountability and getting drivers moving again.
Turning to downtown, city hall has announced a proposal to lower the property tax rate to its lowest level in a decade—just a hair above seventy-five cents per one hundred dollars of value. But rising home values may mean some homeowners still see a higher bill by about eighty dollars a year on average. City manager Dionne Mack says this balance reflects the challenge of keeping services strong while dealing with El Paso’s hot real estate market. There’s a public hearing on the budget August twelfth, so now’s the time to let your voice be heard.
On the jobs front, hotels in our area face increased scrutiny, with a city audit finding that several owe a combined one point four million dollars in back taxes. Collection notices are going out, and city administrators hope this effort will bring in more revenue and fair competition among local businesses.
Now for a look at today’s weather: We’re waking up to partly cloudy skies and seventy-four degrees, on our way to a high near ninety-six. Keep in mind, Saturday and Sunday will push close to one hundred degrees, so stay hydrated and watch for outdoor event updates if you have plans around the Civic Center Plaza.
In community news, the El Paso Zoo welcomes back its beloved Galapagos tortoise, now resting comfortably in an upgraded habitat. Zoo staff say this gentle giant’s return is already drawing crowds, and local kids have a chance to submit names as part of a summer contest.
Meanwhile, students across El Paso are getting ready for the upcoming school year. At Western Hills Elementary, parents are invited today for an afternoon open house and a welcome session for new families. The district is highlighting a new elementary innovation program, setting the stage for more hands-on learning this fall.
On the music front, the Plaza Theatre is tuning up for a weekend jazz series, featuring El Paso talents and a special tribute to legendary saxophonist Richie Garcia on Saturday night. Local music fans can snag free daytime tickets at the box office downtown.
For sports fans, the El Paso Chihuahuas fought hard last night but dropped a close one to the Express, who put up five runs in the bottom of the eighth for a six-to-four comeback. The series continues tonight at Southwest University Park on Santa Fe Street, with first pitch at seven.
In public safety, police are investigating a deadly stabbing incident in the downtown area late last night. One person is in custody and detectives are speaking with witnesses. Also, officers stopped a speeding driver on I-10 after he posted a video clocking over one hundred miles an hour, leading to an arrest and renewed warnings about highway safety. On a positive note, customs agents seized a large shipment of meth at the nearby I-25 checkpoint thanks to a routine traffic stop.
Rounding out our feel-good stories, a local dental student has launched the Smiles for All initiative, offering sensory-friendly care for kids with special needs. This innovative approach is already making a difference for families across the city.
Thanks for tuning in this morning. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss your daily El Paso updates. This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quie
We start today with breaking news from Far East El Paso where the long-stalled Pellicano Drive Widening Project is finally moving forward. Commissioners this week approved six million dollars to restart construction, after a court ruled that the former contractor failed to deliver. The new plan will target the stretch between Aircoupe and Loop 375, aiming to add lanes and bike paths to help relieve traffic congestion in one of our fastest growing areas. Leaders say this move is about both accountability and getting drivers moving again.
Turning to downtown, city hall has announced a proposal to lower the property tax rate to its lowest level in a decade—just a hair above seventy-five cents per one hundred dollars of value. But rising home values may mean some homeowners still see a higher bill by about eighty dollars a year on average. City manager Dionne Mack says this balance reflects the challenge of keeping services strong while dealing with El Paso’s hot real estate market. There’s a public hearing on the budget August twelfth, so now’s the time to let your voice be heard.
On the jobs front, hotels in our area face increased scrutiny, with a city audit finding that several owe a combined one point four million dollars in back taxes. Collection notices are going out, and city administrators hope this effort will bring in more revenue and fair competition among local businesses.
Now for a look at today’s weather: We’re waking up to partly cloudy skies and seventy-four degrees, on our way to a high near ninety-six. Keep in mind, Saturday and Sunday will push close to one hundred degrees, so stay hydrated and watch for outdoor event updates if you have plans around the Civic Center Plaza.
In community news, the El Paso Zoo welcomes back its beloved Galapagos tortoise, now resting comfortably in an upgraded habitat. Zoo staff say this gentle giant’s return is already drawing crowds, and local kids have a chance to submit names as part of a summer contest.
Meanwhile, students across El Paso are getting ready for the upcoming school year. At Western Hills Elementary, parents are invited today for an afternoon open house and a welcome session for new families. The district is highlighting a new elementary innovation program, setting the stage for more hands-on learning this fall.
On the music front, the Plaza Theatre is tuning up for a weekend jazz series, featuring El Paso talents and a special tribute to legendary saxophonist Richie Garcia on Saturday night. Local music fans can snag free daytime tickets at the box office downtown.
For sports fans, the El Paso Chihuahuas fought hard last night but dropped a close one to the Express, who put up five runs in the bottom of the eighth for a six-to-four comeback. The series continues tonight at Southwest University Park on Santa Fe Street, with first pitch at seven.
In public safety, police are investigating a deadly stabbing incident in the downtown area late last night. One person is in custody and detectives are speaking with witnesses. Also, officers stopped a speeding driver on I-10 after he posted a video clocking over one hundred miles an hour, leading to an arrest and renewed warnings about highway safety. On a positive note, customs agents seized a large shipment of meth at the nearby I-25 checkpoint thanks to a routine traffic stop.
Rounding out our feel-good stories, a local dental student has launched the Smiles for All initiative, offering sensory-friendly care for kids with special needs. This innovative approach is already making a difference for families across the city.
Thanks for tuning in this morning. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss your daily El Paso updates. This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quie