Future of Viva El Paso could be up in the air
The future of Viva El Paso is up in the air after KFOX 14 uncovers the association that puts on the show has plans to dissolve.
The recommendation comes after an informal study done by an attorney consultant.
"I'm not going to comment on that right now," said Luz Ramos, the president for the El Paso Association for the Performing Arts.
KFOX 14 spoke to Ramos briefly over the phone Friday afternoon. She wouldn't confirm she sent the e-mail.
"I would appreciate it if you would give us time to decide what direction we're going to take," said Ramos.
KFOX 14 was given an e-mail by an anonymous source. That e-mail was sent to board members and states the board will dissolve the EPAPA. The news isn't a surprise to everyone.
"In our conversations with EPAPA, even as recently as this week, we understand they're supposed to have a board meeting to discuss the future of the organization and how they're structured," said Brian Crowe of the El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Crowe and other community leaders were questioned by attorney consultant Frank Lopez. In the survey, they were asked their opinion of Viva El Paso.
"It's one of our star features of our summer series," said Crowe.
Crowe and all the others questioned agree the show must go on.
"Viva is presented mostly for local talent," he said.
Lopez's findings also include that all questioned agree the shows image has been tainted. KFOX 14 first told you Viva El Paso was having tax troubles in May. Then in June, KFOX 14 reported they lost their tax-exempt status after not filing taxes since 2002.
"Look at possibly different board members, I think there are roles for current members, but possibly get some new blood," said Crowe. "Folks that have a background in finance, people that have a background in public relations, backgrounds in marketing."
Crowe said what is happening behind the scenes will not affect the curtain going up.
"We've already confirmed Viva will be a part of our summer series this summer at McKelligon Canyon," said Crowe.
Ramos doesn't sound as confident.
"There's no plans not to have it," she said.
"We've already confirmed Viva will be a part of our summer series this summer at McKelligon Canyon. It's just a question of what name or what organization will be the presenter," said Crowe.
Crowe says should the EPAPA dissolve, no organizations at this point have come forward to take over the production of Viva El Paso. Ramos wouldn't comment on her future with the organization.
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Federal agents bust drug trafficking ring
Federal agents, with the help of local law enforcement agencies, arrested nine people on drug trafficking and money laundering charges.
The alleged drug trafficking ring was based out of a Pecan farm in Anthony, N.M., called Pettit Farms. Included in the federal indictment were the owners of the farm, Oscar L. Portillo and Sandra L. Portillo. Others indicted were Matthew Portillo 25; Oscar Portillo Jr., 29; Cesar Ramos, 32; Fernando A. Ramos, 40; Ruben Ortiz-Rivera, 46; and Natasha N. Coronado, 23. April Garcia, 35, a Horizon city code enforcement officer, is charged in a criminal complaint.
All charges stem from drug trafficking and money laundering.
Brenden Arenivar, who is not involved in the drug bust, lives on an isolated piece of property in the middle of Pettit Farms.
Thursday morning he was woken up to the sound of a nonlethal hand grenade and a knock at the door from federal agents. Arenivar said agents searched the entire farm property for about six hours.
He said it’s not the first time police have come to the farm.
"We have law enforcement here all the time serving for whatever reason,” Arenivar said. “My guess is they were not finding whatever they were looking for, but from all hours of the night we have law enforcement coming in here. As far as I know, it was domestic problems."
All nine suspects are being detained in Las Cruces, N.M., until their detention hearing on Tuesday.
If you have a story that you feel deserves media attention, contact Ric Dupont at ric.dupont@kfoxtv.com.
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Police: Man wanted in Socorro for sexual assault on child
Socorro police are looking for a
Police told KFOX14 they can not release details of the crime due to the victim's age.
Authorities are seeking Jose
If you know
He is described as 5 feet and 6 inches tall and drives a gray Malibu.
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Hanks High School grad nominated for Oscar
Gigi Causey-Bowler, a Hanks High and UT-Austin grad, is the producer of "Time Freak," a time-travel comedy that was nominated for an Academy Award on Tuesday. It's up for Best Live Action Short Film.
The film, written and directed by Causey-Bowler and her husband, Anthony Bowler, debuted in November 2010 at the AFI festival.
The Oscars will be handed out Feb. 26.
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Texas revs up to 75 mph on 1,500 miles of highways
Transportation officials have signed off on a faster speed limit of 75 mph for 1,500 miles of Texas highways.
The Texas Transportation Commission approved the change Thursday for segments of nine interstates where the current limit is 70 mph.
Stretches of road in El Paso that will change to 75 mph
Drivers must wait until the new limit is posted.
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