Castner Heights Neighborhood Association- El Paso, Texas

06/03/2026

CHNA Early June Update

· CHNA’s America’s 250th Birthday event on Saturday, July 4, at Todd Ware Park starting at 9 am is a great way to start off your day. There will be decorations, food and drink, socializing, prizes, and more excitement. Please read through the attached flyer thoroughly for all the stirring details just like Ben Franklin is doing right now.
· U.S. News & World Report just ranked El Paso Best Big City to live in the US for 2026-2027. Read the attached short article to find out the many reasons why.
· The latest entire District 4 Newsletter is attached for your reading pleasure and it includes items on Reimagine Northeast, Sunset Amphitheater, YMCA, D4 Community Calendar/Meetings, and Camp Cohen + Sue Young Water Parks. Be sure to check out the latest Your City in 5 too (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyZlbxzbQdA).
· The Northeast Business Alliance (NEBA) recently received an official City Proclamation from El Paso City Council in honor of its ongoing 20-year contributions to the local economy and community by providing essential networking, job fairs, and support for local entrepreneurs in Northeast El Paso. A photo is attached.
· D4 has adopted a new Reimagine Northeast Logo. Contest background/selection and details are in the attached PDF along with the winning logo, runners up, and photos, to include one of CHNA Membership Officer “Holi” Hollifield and his wife, Mary Jo.
· Get the latest on the Sunset Amphitheater by attending a D4 meeting announced in the attached flyer. Note the change of location due to possible inclement weather.
· We sadly note the passing of Charlie Wakeem and his founding of, association with, and strong and active support for Frontera Land Alliance and its preservation efforts. Please read some in-depth background by Dr. Richard Teschner in the attached PDF, with more FLA news here.
· A bonus photo of our Mountain with a Rainbow is attached.
· The city officially finished our NIP project work and a composite photo of the new park bench canopy from two angles is attached.
· The latest Your City in 5 has news on inputting the city’s next budget (flyer attached) and using a budget simulator, providing input on data centers, a “Beautify our City” campaign, and summer pet safety among other topics.
· Here’s an opportunity to read and comment on the current draft Data Center policy at this link to help shape the final version.
Your BOD thanks all CHNA Members for your continued support.

05/25/2026

05/20/2026

Quick CHNA Memorial Day Update

· Big doings at Flags Across America/Old Glory Memorial (https://www.oldglorymemorial.org/) this Memorial Day weekend. Way too many items to list but the two attached flyers lay out all the stirring Friday through Monday events and activities.
And, while we’re here…
· NEBA (Northeast Business Alliance https://nebaelpaso.org/) is looking for guest speakers for their business monthly meetings that support the growth of our local business community. If interested, apply here or (877) 611-6322.
· Don’t forget CHNA’s plans for America’s 250th Birthday on July 4 at Todd Ware Park starting at 9 am. There will be decorations, food, socializing, prizes, and more. Check out the attached flyer with all the exciting details. We expect Ben Franklin to be present offering sage advice.
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Your BOD thanks all CHNA Members for your continued support.

05/16/2026

CHNA Mid-May Update
· Our very successful Justices of the Peace Forum was attended by 40 who also were briefed on a dozen CHNA news items and updates. GMM photos are at https://chnaelptx.wixsite.com/chna/m-photos.
· CHNA has plans for America’s 250th Birthday on July 4 at Todd Ware Park starting at 9 am. There will be decorations, food, socializing, prizes, and more. Check out the attached flyer with all the exciting details. Don’t pass up the opportunity to step back in time to 1776 and “meet and greet” Ben Franklin.
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· The most recent CHNA Treasurer’s Report is attached FYI.
· Two more newsletters are attached FYI: NEBA with news and events, and District 4 with information including the May calendar, June community meeting, YMCA/Camp Cohen update with video, District 4 construction projects, police and public safety, and an initiative call “Vision Zero” to increase roadway safety to which you can contribute by taking this survey.
· Frontera Land Alliance is offering free June Youth Desert Camps for ages 11-14 per the attached flyer. Sign up at this link and enjoy mountain hikes, educational projects, lunch, and snacks.
· Our District 4 Rep sent out an email on Property Tax Appraisal Protests. It’s attached in its entirety for your use.
· Neighborhood Services will be hosting an Advanced Neighborhood Leadership Academy (ANLA) which is designed to offer additional educational training for NLA program graduates through interactive, workshop-style sessions that emphasize active participation and engagement. For questions or additional details, please contact the Neighborhood Services team at 915-212-1681 or [email protected], and to register click Advanced Leadership Academy Form.
· Neighborhood Services is also soliciting volunteers to serve on a City Board. If interested in a City Citizen Board or Commission position, please consult the attached PDF for all information.
· Your City in 5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MAS0A-cMVA) has news on the northeast YMCA operating as a nonprofit (to be called the Carl L. Robinson HEAT [Health, Education, and Training] Retreat [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE94yPCZDaY]), Neighborhood Leadership Academy, Parties on the Plaza, and spray parks reopening. Check it out.
· Join in for NEBA’s upcoming Breakfast at the Clock and/or Dinner at the Archaeology Museum. Flyers are attached for each (https://nebaelpaso.org/).
· District 4 announced the unveiling of a new Reimagine Northeast Logo on May 21 at City Hall. The attached flyer has all the details.
· The new canopy has now been installed on the Todd Ware Park bench off Stahala Drive! Check out the attached photo.
Your BOD thanks all CHNA Members for your continued support.

05/15/2026

05/15/2026

Todd Ware Park Just Got Even Better 🌳

The new canopy installation at Todd Ware Park has officially been completed!

This beautiful upgrade was approved through the City’s Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) and is another great addition to one of the best gathering spaces in Castner Heights. Whether you’re stopping for a walk, watching the kids play, or just enjoying the view of the Franklin Mountains, improvements like this help make our park even more welcoming for everyone.

We’re proud to see continued investment in our neighborhood and thankful to everyone involved in helping make projects like this happen.

Now let’s all continue doing our part to help keep Todd Ware Park clean, beautiful, and enjoyable for everyone who uses it. Small actions from all of us make a big difference. 💙

— CHNA

05/07/2026

Did You Know?

The City of El Paso, Texas - Municipal Government Department of Community and Human Development, alongside El Paso Parks and Recreation, the Capital Improvement Department, and the Safety & Maintenance Department, is pleased to provide a status update on the progress of three Neighborhood Improvement Projects (NIP) in District 4.


🤟🏼

05/06/2026

CHNA Early May Update

· Our very successful Justices of the Peace Forum was attended by 40 who also were briefed on a dozen CHNA news items and updates. GMM photos are at https://chnaelptx.wixsite.com/chna/m-photos.
· CHNA has plans for America’s 250th Birthday on July 4 at Todd Ware Park starting at 9 am. There will be decorations, food, socializing, prizes, and more. Check out the attached flyer with all the details. And, in keeping with the spirit of 1776, there will be a special guest appearance by Ben Franklin himself!
· As the attached photo shows, work has started on the Todd Ware Park bench canopy on Stahala Drive.
· Old Glory Memorial is hosting several activities on May 9 to include music, food/drinks, car show, craft vendors, Mothers’ Day recognition/line dancing, and a raffle. Check out the attached 4-poster composite.
· Another reminder about Dog P**p (evidence photo attached).
Castner Heights – We Need to Do Better
After our GMM on Saturday, I went around picking up our meeting signs. Two of them were in Todd Ware Park, in areas we already know are problem spots. Just one week after we cleaned those same areas…they were covered in dog waste again. That’s disappointing. We all share this park. Families, kids, neighbors, and no one should have to walk around or clean up after someone else’s pet. There are waste stations with bags available throughout the park. It’s not a lack of resources; it’s a lack of follow-through. If you don’t have bags or need a roll to carry with you, reach out. I’ll make sure you have them. Let’s take pride in where we live and do our part. It’s a simple fix that makes a big difference.
— CHNA Vice President
· Your City in 5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwAozw77-qM) reports on solar panels at the airport, northeast YMCA and Camp Cohen pilot program, City fleet maintenance, and Vets’ Honor Flight.
· The new Citizen Collection Site on Stahala Drive for trash, bulky items, and household hazardous waste disposal is projected to be completed by the end of May 2026.
· The County has a new website and domain for its El Paso County Connects newsletter; here’s the latest video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NICDGppu1hw) on Vet ceremonies and parks. And do give the website https://www.epcountytx.gov/ a look where you can also sign up for the newsletter.
· Final reminder that Fort Bliss will be sponsoring an Armed Forces Day Parade on May 16 from 10 am to 2 pm. All information for attendees and participants is on the attached expanded poster. For questions call 915-588-8247, and the participant application packet is at: https://bliss.armymwr.com/application/files/6817/6963/9245/2026_Armed_Forces_Day_Applications_Packet.pdf. Click this link to access to Fort Bliss.
· According to the attached flyer, the Plaza Market (https://epmcad.org/experience-art/art-and-farmers-market/) will be offering up specials for Mother’s Day.
Your BOD thanks all CHNA Members for your continued support.

05/04/2026

Castner Heights – We Need to Do Better

After our GMM on Saturday, I went around picking up our meeting signs. Two of them were in Todd Ware Park, in areas we already know are problem spots.

Just one week after we cleaned those same areas… they were covered in dog waste again.

That’s disappointing.

We all share this park. Families, kids, neighbors, and no one should have to walk around or clean up after someone else’s pet.

There are waste stations with bags available throughout the park. It’s not a lack of resources, it’s a lack of follow-through.

If you don’t have bags or need a roll to carry with you, reach out. I’ll make sure you have them.

Let’s take pride in where we live and do our part. It’s a simple fix that makes a big difference.

— CHNA Vice President

05/02/2026

Castner Heights Neighborhood Association – GMM Recap

What a great turnout today for our General Membership Meeting—we had around 40 attendees come out and be part of the conversation!

Residents received important CHNA updates, and we had the opportunity to hear directly from candidates for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, along with additional local candidates who took the time to engage with our community.

Meetings like this are what keep Castner Heights strong—neighbors showing up, staying informed, asking questions, and being involved.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make today a success. This is how we continue building a better community together.

— CHNA