Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Five stunning El Paso-area escapes when you’ve had enough holiday crowds

Be sure to catch Mrs. Doubtfire on the El Paso Patch calendar

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
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Good morning El Paso! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Five stunning El Paso-area escapes when you’ve had enough holiday crowds
  • How El Paso families can grab free tools to slash water bills
  • How one El Paso contractor’s schemes led to 25 years in prison

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in El Pasofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in El Pasofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Warm with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 73 and low of 40 degrees.
  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 72, low: 46.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and comfortable, with a high of 66 and low of 42 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Skip holiday rush: 5 scenic, historic spots to enjoy in El Paso (elpasotimes.com) — If holiday crowds aren’t your thing, El Paso offers plenty of scenic, historic escapes from Scenic Drive and Transmountain Road to Hueco Tanks, Mount Cristo Rey, and Concordia Cemetery. This guide walks you through photo-worthy overlooks, hiking tips, museum hours, and how to reserve park access. You’ll find ideas for quiet solo outings, visiting guests, and even a big March 2026 poppy festival.
   

2. Free tools and tips to help El Paso residents Cut water bills (kvia.com) — El Paso Water’s TecH2O Center is offering free tools and practical tips to help you cut your water use and lower your monthly bill. From five-minute shower timers to efficient showerheads and faucet aerators, staff emphasize small habit changes that add up across the community. The center on Montana Avenue is open weekdays and welcomes all residents, especially families with kids.
   

3. El Paso man sentenced for stealing thousands from widowed woman (kvia.com) — An El Paso man has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison for exploiting an elderly widow and defrauding multiple residents through deceptive construction and maintenance schemes. Prosecutors say he stole tens of thousands from a woman in her 80s and up to $300,000 total from 13 victims, underscoring local officials’ focus on protecting vulnerable residents from financial abuse.
   

4. Overgrown former East El Paso school draws concerns from nearby residents (ktsm.com) — Neighbors in East El Paso are frustrated by overgrown weeds, grass, and trash at the vacant Bonham Elementary campus, which the city bought to turn into a police regional command center. Residents say the property was maintained after the 2021 closure but has deteriorated recently, and they’re pressing the City of El Paso to address basic upkeep while long-term plans move forward.
   

5. Country singer Frank Ray speaks out after brother-in-law's detainment at El Paso airport (kfoxtv.com) — A Mexican national living legally in the U.S. was detained with his U.S.-citizen son at El Paso International Airport on Thanksgiving, prompting outcry from his brother-in-law, country singer Frank Ray. Ray, a former Las Cruces police officer, is using his platform to question how TSA, Border Patrol, and ICE handled the situation while officials have yet to fully explain the detention.
   

📸 Around El Paso

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in El Paso

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★ Featured events ★

    Saturday December 13
  • Mrs. Doubtfire
    The Plaza Theatre, 125 W Mills Ave, El Paso
    1:00 pm

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Other local events

📣 El Paso Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lost Dog
    Hello is this anyone’s dog? We found her in the sparks area of horizon on middle of the street. We called the vet number on tag but they don’t have… (Nextdoor Horizon Hills Estates)
  • Hey everyone I’m new here to El Paso I recently on Dec 1st moved here from Chesapeake Virginia and yea that was the longest drive ever it took me 36ish hrs to get here but I have to say the scenery was absolutely gorgeous.
    I’m disabled so I’m looking for some cool ppl to meet, I don’t really know anyone except my daughter n her husband but they are doing their own thing… (Nextdoor Olivas V Aoy Ave/St Vrain St)
  • Travel America / Petro - TA Operating, LLC posted a job opening for Porter - PT in El Paso. Apply here.
  • Grace Pointe Wellness Center posted a job opening for Housekeeper in El Paso. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near El Paso here.

Ok El Paso! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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