Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Thursday, August 14.

We are waking up to sunny skies but can still see traces of yesterday’s wild weather. Last night, West El Paso, especially areas along Mesa Street, saw some of the heaviest flooding in months. More than a dozen cars were stranded after a flash downpour, and emergency crews along with neighbors stepped up to help push vehicles and clear debris. Firefighters and good Samaritans made sure everyone and even their pets got out safely. Thankfully, the waters have started to recede, and by sunrise, most major roadways are open again. For today, we are expecting partly cloudy conditions with a high near 97 degrees, and only a slight chance of afternoon showers. Remember to stay hydrated and check in on those who may still be cleaning up from the flood.

Turning to city hall, the El Paso Board of Adjustment is revisiting a controversial special exception request for a property on Prestwick Road. Residents in the area have voiced concerns, so the board’s decision could affect property values and neighborhood traffic. Meanwhile, there are calls from residents and city officials for long-term drainage solutions after last night’s flooding disrupted Westside commutes once more.

Jobs and education are in focus this week. The El Paso Chamber is hosting its State of Education and Workforce Summit today at the Hotel Paso del Norte. Business, education, and community leaders will be tackling ideas to grow job opportunities locally, address teacher shortages, and discuss how the expanded school property tax exemptions could ease the tax burden for about 40 percent of homeowners this year.

In real estate, local agents report stable home prices, with the median El Paso sale sticking close to 235 thousand dollars. There is still strong demand, but last night’s floods serve as a reminder to check flood zone maps before buying. On the business front, the city welcomed two new restaurants this week along Yarbrough and on the Lower Valley side. But the ongoing AC outage at Casa Barranca Apartments remains unresolved, leaving dozens of families struggling with the heat. Management says repairs are in progress, but residents are asking the city to step in if needed.

Our weekend is shaping up to be lively. The UTEP Miners women’s soccer team kicks off the season with their opener on Friday night at University Field. Downtown, the El Paso Museum of History debuts its new Military Women of Paso del Norte exhibit this Saturday, honoring the service of women from our region. For outdoor lovers, the next Live Active El Paso Hike-A-Thon is set for Palisades Canyon Loop at 7:30 Saturday morning. Remember, if you complete four hikes, there are prizes waiting for you.

Safety-wise, El Paso police report a mostly quiet night, aside from the flooding incidents and a car parts theft in Canutillo totaling about 14 thousand dollars in losses. Officers also confirmed the arrest of a local fugitive in Tulsa wanted on smuggling, kidnapping, and assault charges. As always, if you see anything suspicious, reach out to law enforcement.

On a feel-good note, El Paso’s Rainbow Room is calling for donations to support local families in need as back-to-school season ramps up. And a big congratulations to the El Paso teen chosen to represent Texas at the Teen United World pageant this month—we wish her the best of luck.

That wraps up our local pulse for today. Thanks for starting your morning with us and be sure to subscribe. This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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