Time to take down Cesar Chavez Border Highway signs
A portion of Loop 375 stretches highway infrastructure along the Rio Grande between the United States and Mexico and is titled, the Cesar E. Chavez Border Highway. One of our city’s busiest arteries of flowing traffic with thousands of commuters still bears the name of a now controversial figure.
The New York Times brought to light allegations of sexual abuse against Chavez, sparking swift statements and actions from Chicano populations expressing messages of support for victims while still honoring a vision of continued posterity for the movement he led. Chicano institutions have held the figure head fully accountable.
Yet this freeway with thousands of eyes upon it holds two signs honoring his name. As a Chicano dominant city this is not just a missed opportunity to display leadership among other metropolitan Chicano communities but a collective failure in the male dominated system of our city’s infrastructure and transportation.
This revelation was painfully disorienting, and deeply personal within the community which held Chavez as a symbol of our identity. Now, however, there must be a shift in the paradigm of progress we have historically embraced. Honoring history means that we cannot be unchanged by it. Our public spaces should reflect both truth and accountability
It is time to take down the signs.
Melissa Martinez
West El Paso
Earth Day is opportunity for meaningful change
Earth Day highlights the urgent need for evidence-based solutions to the climate and ecological crises. But what most people don’t realize is the biggest impact we can make as individuals starts on our plates.
Extensive research shows that animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and freshwater depletion. In contrast, plant-based food systems require significantly fewer natural resources and generate lower emissions, making them a more efficient and sustainable way to feed a growing global population.
Adopting plant-based meals — even incrementally — can substantially reduce one’s environmental footprint while supporting a more resilient food system.
This Earth Day, let’s align our daily choices with science. By choosing more plant-based foods, we can actively contribute to climate mitigation, resource conservation, and a healthier planet.The data is clear — and so is the opportunity for meaningful change.
Ryan Gillbert
East El Paso
El Paso Water, provide clear billing
I’m a resident of El Paso, concerned about rising water costs and lack of transparency. Many residents, including myself, have seen higher bills from El Paso Water despite little change in usage. As the cost-of-living climbs, unclear charges place real strain on families. Reports show residents could face a 12% increase, about $10/month and as one official admitted, “we do understand … customers being frustrated.”
El Paso Water must provide clear billing, explain rate changes, and engage the community. Detailed billing, notice of rate increases, and public forums would benefit both residents and the company.
Our community deserves transparency and accountability. I urge El Paso Water to act now for the people of El Paso.
Eduardo Hernandez
East El Paso
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: LETTERS: Time to take down Cesar Chavez Border Highway signs
Reporting by El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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