This is your weekly news roundup, which takes a quick look at some developments in government, politics, education, environment and other topics across El Paso. 

Public Hearing on Proposed Ordinance Changes for Aggressive Dogs Set

The El Paso City Council Tuesday took the first step toward amending its animal ordinance to include stricter penalties for residents who have aggressive or vicious dogs that attack other domestic animals and humans.

A hearing will be held Jan. 20 when the City Council will hear public comment on the proposed changes and vote whether to adopt them. The introduction of ordinance changes was originally set for November, but was postponed to allow the Animal Services Advisory Committee to first review the proposal.

LEARN MORE: City of El Paso weighs tougher animal ordinance for dog-on-dog, pet attacks

The current animal ordinance coincides with the Texas Health and Safety Code, which does not address penalties for dog attacks on other domestic animals or other dogs.

The potential changes include enforcement procedures, investigation procedures, owner notification, hearings and appeals, penalties and strict guidelines for how owners maintain and house the dog.

The second phase of the Eastside Sports Complex, 14380 Montwood Drive, was completed in June 2025. The complex
offers 16 lighted fields, including the championship-style field allowing for tournaments and major events. There is also a hike and bike trail, an inclusive playground built for children of all abilities, expanded parking and a covered picnic area with space for food trucks. (Courtesy city .of El Paso)

Eastside Sports Complex Renamed After Richard A. Castro

The Eastside Sports Complex, 14380 Montwood Dr., is being renamed as the Richard A. Castro – Eastside Sports Complex after the El Paso City Council approved the change Tuesday.

Richard Castro

An El Paso businessman and philanthropist who owns 35 McDonald’s franchises, Castro is a long-time youth sports supporter. Over the decades, he’s funded programs such as the McDonald’s Summer Basketball League, McDonald’s Summer Volleyball League, McDonald’s Fall Basketball League, Midnight Basketball Program, a Gus and Goldie Mini Basketball League and High School Senior Showcase,

“We are so proud of you as a community and we are so lucky to have you,” Mayor Renard Johnson said during the council meeting.

Castro, accompanied by several supporters at the meeting, said he was inspired by his abuelita to support education through the small school, or escuelita, that she built in front of her house to educate neighborhood children.

“She lit the fire for the understanding of the importance of education. I worked my way through college, working two jobs, so I know the value and what it takes for a lot of our kids to go to a university or college and get that education,” Castro said of starting his various scholarship programs. “I didn’t hesitate at all, and I intend to continue with all those efforts as long as I am able to.”

Castro serves as a board chair of Kids First of El Paso PAC, which is tied to the Council on Regional Economic Expansion and Educational Development, or CREEED.

The $24 million sports complex, which was funded by the 2012 quality of life bond as well as tax increment and public improvement zone funds, features 15 soccer and football fields plus a championship field, an all-ability playground and sheltered picnic areas on 80 acres on the city’s Far Eastside.

Have Limited Mobility or Functional Needs? Enroll in Emergency Program

The city of El Paso’s Office of Emergency Management and Department of Public Health encourage residents who need additional assistance during an emergency to enroll in the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, or STEAR, a free and voluntary program.

STEAR provides emergency responders with information to better assist people with limited mobility or functional needs during disasters. Enrollees’ information is confidential and only shared with authorized first responders and state agencies during a disaster.

People who may need additional help during a disaster include people with disabilities, medical fragility, communication barriers or other needs that require medical, personal care or transportation assistance.

“STEAR allows us to address specific health-related conditions affecting our most vulnerable community members during emergencies,” said City-County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza in a news release. “The data helps us develop targeted public health interventions and better prepare to meet their needs.”

El Paso residents can register over phone by calling 211, emailing a form to STEAR@dps.texas.gov or online at STEAR.tdem.texas.gov.

Staff will also be available for in-person enrollment at the following locations throughout January. All meetings are from 9 to 11 a.m.

Grandview Senior Center, 3134 Jefferson Ave., Friday, Jan. 9

Jessie M. Happiness Senior Center, 563 N. Carolina Dr., Monday, Jan. 12

Hilos De Plata Senior Center, 4451 Delta Dr., Tuesday, Jan. 13

Memorial Senior Center, 1800 Byron St., Wednesday, Jan. 14

Polly Harris Senior Center, 650 Wallenburg Dr., Thursday, Jan. 15

San Juan Senior Center, 5701 Tamburo Ct., Friday, Jan. 16

South El Paso Senior Center, 600 S. Ochoa St., Tuesday, Jan. 20

Wellington Chew Senior Center, 4430 Maxwell Ave., Wednesday, Jan. 21

The Beast Urban Park in El Paso’s Upper Eastside, 13501 Jason Crandell Drive. (Courtesy city of El Paso)

Eastside’s Beast Urban Park to Undergo Major Expansion

Construction on the next major expansion of the Beast Urban Park on the city’s Far Eastside is set to move forward after the El Paso City Council this week approved an $11.7 million contract to Gracen Engineering & Construction, Inc.

Phase II will expand the park by about 650,000 square feet, adding new athletic spaces, shade and various amenities. Construction will include four diamond fields with dugout shelters, 10 pickleball courts, two handball courts, two sand volleyball courts, and two basketball courts, along with bleachers and bike racks. 

Amenities will include new and expanded parking, food truck parking, walking paths, shade canopies and restrooms.

Community meetings on the expansion will be held in the spring before the start of construction, the city said in a news release. No completion date was provided.

The first phase of the 92-acre park at 13501 Jason Crandell Drive opened in 2021 at a cost of about $48 million, funded in part by the 2012 quality of life bond. It features a recreation center with a 50-meter pool, a water park and more.

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