El Paso Public Forum

El Paso Public Forum

Welcome to El Paso Public forum. A weekly half hour Public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso for over 20 years. Featuring local news and interviews of interest to our listeners in West Texas and southern New Mexico. All views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the host and guest, and not necessarily those of iHeartRadio management. If you, your organization or event would like to be featured on an upcoming program, please email to EPforum@iHeartmedi.com. This  program was pre-recorded at the studios of iHeartRadio El Paso. . El Paso Public Forum airing on all local iHeart radio stations every Sunday morning from 6-6:30am on Power 102.1, Sunny 99.9 and 96.3 KHEY Country, and from 7-7:30am on 93.5 HOT FM, News Radio 690AM and Fox Sports 1380AM.. No radio? No problem! Use the free iHeart app and listen in on Power 102.1, 96.3 KHEY Country, Sunny 99.9, 93.5 HotFM, NewsRadio 690AM or Fox Sports 1380AM anywhere and on the go! . #iheartradio #iheart #elpaso #womeninradio #iheartcountry #elpasostrong #radio #communityprogramming #eppf #elpasopublicforum #elpasocommunities #nonprofit #iheartcommunities

  1. 1d ago

    EPPF 6-14-26 El Pasoans Fighting Hunger & El Paso Center for Diabetes

    Segment 1: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, covering El Paso, Culberson and Hudspeth Counties . Did you know that food insecurity in our region is 40%, which is DOUBLE the National average and DOUBLE the amount of any city of comparable size in Texas? Local food insecurity doesn't just affect the homeless, it affects your neighbors, friends, teachers, etc. . Amber Banda talks with veteran Kris Yagel, Interim CEO, and Candice MacBlain, Chief Development Officer for the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank. They talk about the logistics of how the food is acquired, sorted and distributed, how they work with other local organizations, why monetary donations are prefered and how they can help combat food insecurity, when and where you can volunteer and/or obtain food for yourself, and more. . They are having their "Reverse Gala" on September 24th and are looking for sponsors and partners. Follow them on social media @El Pasoans Fighting Hunger or visit elpasoansfightinghunger.org . Special thanks again to the kids from ITAV Enrichment centers for asking some pretty amazing questions and being guests at the iHeart station. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: FREE Diabetes Youth Camp for kids ages 5-12 living with Type 1 Diabetes at the El Paso Center for Diabetes, formerly El Paso Diabetes Association. . Amber Banda talks with Sandra Gonzalez, CEO, and Maria Orozco, Nutritionist, for the El Paso Center for Diabetes. Learn how you can get your free HbA1c and glucose testing, and what resources they have available to you including what to do after a diagnosis, cooking classes, Diabetes Self-Management, and more. . Nutritionist Maria Orozco will also be hosting their FREE Diabetes Youth Camps July 15-17 for kids ages 5-12 living with Type 1 Diabetes. Register at El Paso Center for Diabetes | Diabetes Now What | Home . Follow them on social media @El Paso Center For Diabetes.  NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

    34 min
  2. Jun 7

    EPPF 6-7-26 El Paso Child Guidance Center & Paso Del Norte Community Foundation

    Segment 1: El Paso Child Guidance Center . If you are looking for a place that specializes in therapy, psychiatry and case management for children, listen up! The El Paso Child Guidance Center offers affordable and free support to help children with their mental health. . Amber Banda talks with Cathy Gaytan, CEO of the El Paso Child Guidance Center. The center offers many free and income-based support systems for kids and their families. Listen in to learn how to apply for help, the differences between therapy, psychiatry, and case management there, and more.  . For more information go to epcgc.org or find them on social media! _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: Paso Del Norte Community Foundation . The PDN Community Foundation is well known for "El Paso Giving Day," and this year the theme is Lucha Libre! Amber Banda talks with Kellie Burns- Franco, Director of Partnership and Outreach with the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation. they talk about the upcoming dates and deadlines for El Paso Giving Day, including early giving week and all the summer workshops available to help non-profits maximize their fundraising potential. . iHeart also had some special student guests from ITAV Enrichment Centers in the building to ask our guests their questions. It's a good one! . For more information go to pdnfoundation.org or elpasogivingday.org You can also find them on social media @PDNCFoundation or El Paso Giving Day  NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

    32 min
  3. Jun 1

    5-31-26 EPPF Ft. Bliss MWR & City of El Paso

    Segment 1: For the first time ever, the Sun City brings together Ft. Bliss and Destination El Paso to celebrate the United States of America turning 250 years old this Independence Day!  . Amber Banda talks with Roberto Medina, aka "Chico," Director of Ft. Bliss DFM-MWR, and Alexandria Acosta, Strategic Marketing Manager for Destination El Paso. . Saturday June 27th: Pop Goes the Fort from 5-10pm at Biggs Park. Bring your own lawn chair and snacks and arrive early to enjoy vendors, games, and live music from a variety of genres including the 1st Armored Division Band, El Paso’s own hip hop artist Krystall Poppin, rock band Hot Chelle Rae, and country music star Chris Young. . July 4th: America's 250th Birthday Celebration at San Jacinto Plaza from 5-10pm. FREE and family friendly with family activities, vendors, live entertainment including the Randy Rogers Band and El Paso's own Julian Kalel, and more. . This 8-day long celebration is full of family-friendly events for America's birthday celebration in between as well! Go to visitelpaso.com/america250 for a list and schedule of all of the events, information and more. Follow on socials as well on socials. @visitelpaso on Instagram and Facebook, and Ft Bliss MWR on Instagram and facebook. . Get your visitor's pass using this link: Pre-Registration | Gvt.US __________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: City of El Paso, TX is El Paso's official government account. . Did you know our Ascarate Park is a county park, not city park? Do you know the difference between El Paso City and El Paso County? Did you know that Paisano Highway is a state-maintained road? What about ALL of the free events available to you courtesy of the different  organizations within the City of El Paso? . Amber Banda interviews Ricardo Isaias, Communications Officer with the City of El Paso, and Diana Cepeda, Sr. Special Events Coordinator for El Paso Parks and Rec. . Listen to find out and learn more about our city, especially free events this summer including free Movies in the Park, America's 250th Birthday Celebration at San Jacinto Plaza, and more . Reminder that our city's 10 spray parks are now open 10am-8pm for this summer, including the Pavo Real spray park which is dog-friendly. Bathing suites not required, so go out and cool down and have fun! . For more information go to elpasotexas.gov or go to liveactiveep.com. . Find them on Facebook at El Paso Texas Municipal Government or Instagram @Iam_elpaso.  NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

    36 min
  4. May 24

    EPPF 5-24-26 CASA & El Paso Center for Children

    Segment 1: CASA; Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) . Amber Banda interviews Mia Reza, Volunteer Recruitment Training Lead and Anna Carillo, Marketing and Venets Coordinator for CASA of El Paso . You can make a big difference in the life of an abused or neglected child. Listen to learn how you can support these children either by becoming a CASA or donating to their cause. Learn the process of becoming a volunteer, how CASA has helped kids who need courtroom representation, and more. . Find them on Instagram and Facebook: CASA of El Paso or visit their website at www.casaofelpaso.org __________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: El Paso Center for Children . The El Paso Center for Children has been serving children and families through free services and programs for over 100 years! They offer parent cafes, victims of crime services, young adult rental assistance, counseling and life skills, and so much more. Now, they offer respite care for foster families! . Amber Banda interviews Beatrize Marin-Olivarez, Youth Outreach and Housing Division Director at the El Paso Center for Children. They go over these various free programs, services and resources the center offers for the community with a focus on the new Youth Shelter for Adoptive Family Respite Care. It's a temporary shelter created in collaboration with Heart Galleries of El Paso where kids ages 11-17 in foster care can stay. . Find more information or to donate, find them on their Instagram and Facebook @ElPasoCenterforChildren or visit their website at www.epccinc.org If you need services, you can also call (915) 330-9513. Address is 2200 N Stevens  NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

    29 min
  5. May 17

    EPPF 5-17-26 Rescue Re-Shot Project & Reconnecting with the Disconnected with Reckers Outreach

    Segment 1: Rescue Re-Shot Project, helping animals get adopted using professional photography! . Amber Banda talks with Lilian Blanco and her husband Jaime Blanco, co-founders of Rescue Re-Shot Project. Lilian also serves as the president of the organization, and Jaime is not only the treasurer but the actual photographer! They work with local animal welfare agencies to help get the best side of the animals to help get them forever homes. They have special skills under their belts that are specifically for animal photography, and have their own business doing animal portraits. . They've done many successful events to help these fur babies, and you can help support by becoming a volunteer or donating. Plus, they may be adding reptiles into their portfolio soon...stay tuned! . Follow them on Instagram @rescuereshotproject to stay updated on some PAWsome upcoming events or call them at 915-704-7922 for more information.  _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: Reconnecting with the Disconnected with Samantha Recker . Amber Banda interviews Samantha Recker, Founder of Reconnecting with the Disconnected, a non-profit empowering youth with second chances. Having been in the system growing up herself, Samantha knows what it is like having an unsteady home life and how that can affect school attendance. She works with schools and truancy courts and has created programs to help kids stay in school, give them opportunities to be active in the community, and see more of their potential.  . Her son had the idea for Reckers Outreach, which is also Samantha's organization. They help rebuild the lives of veterans by offering them a place to stay, employment resources, and a supportive environment. Being active military, it is easy to see why she created these two organizations and have Reckers Outreach feed her non-profit to help disconnected youth.  . If you'd like more information on getting these programs in your school to help truant and struggling students, if you are an organization that has opportunities for these kids to volunteer, you'd like to support Reckers Outreach through donations, or you'd like more information, you can go to reconnectingwiththedisconnected.com or reckersoutreachllc.com Find them on Instagram @RWTD_2026 or Facebook @ Reconnecting With The Disconnected  NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

    33 min
  6. May 10

    EPPF 5-10-26 EP Strive Now & Make A Wish El Paso

    Segment 1: Strive Now EP; Empowering the Sun City youth to find their purpose and become leaders in our community . Amber Banda talks with Israel Castro, Executive Director, and Raul Garcia, Program Coordinator, for Strive Now in El Paso. This relatively new non-profit exists to empower young people to build character, clarity and leadership by connecting values to real-life at school, at work, and in their communities. . But what exactly does that mean? EP Strive Now uses mentors in their fields to inspire and teach kids what to expect in various careers and jobs. they have classes and seminars to teach kids how to communicate outside of their electronics, the importance of disconnecting from social media and technology, and also how to use it to succeed. They have had presentations and events at various local spots such as La Nube, high schools, and now, UTEP! . Their UTEP Summer Camps begin June 8th and will fill up fast! These camps will be organized into ages and grade levels, and focus on important life skills like how to channel anxious energy, how to speak in public, every day communications skills, meeting new people, and more. Classes will be a week long and food will be provide, limited spots available. Visit www.epstrivenow.org or find them on Instagram @epstrivenow and Facebook @Strive Now _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: Make A Wish in El Paso-Grab a tissue for this one! . You've heard of Make A Wish and sending kids with oftentimes terminal illnesses to Disney, but did you know that happens right here in El Paso?  . Amber Banda interviews Malissa Arras, Senior Development Manager for the El Paso Make-A-Wish Office. Yes, Disney is an often-requested wish, but Malissa opens up about the first wish she helped grant, and how the local car community came together to make one boy's dream come true. Amber also talks with Malissa about how doing this kind of volunteer work has changed her since becoming a new mom.  . They are having their 2026 Walk & Run 5K for Wishes May 17th at the Shoppes at Solana. The event is free to attend, the 5K is $30-$35, and the proceeds go to helping make wishes come true for sick children, from Disney to new bedrooms and so much more. Listen to learn how you can make a difference and be a part of their Walk & Run for Wishes event staring at 8am! . For more information visit www.walkforwisheselpaso.org and find them on Instagram @Make A Wish NT or see the event on Facebook @Walk For Wishes El Paso  NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

    36 min
  7. May 3

    El Paso Public Forum 5-3-26 Lumbre and Gangsters for Jesus & Paso Del Norte Center for Hope

    Segment 1: Lumbre Motorcycle Club partners with "Gangster for Jesus" Ministry to raise funds for the Opportunity Center for the Homeless in El Paso. . The Opportunity Center for the Homeless provides emergency and permanent housing options, food and other assistance to over 2,000 individuals on average each year. "Gangster for Jesus" ministry has their Church in the Alley right next to the Opportunity Center for those wanting to find hope and faith, whatever your background. Lumbre MC is a non-profit motorcycle club and a member of the El Paso Motorcycle Coalition and have done various events to support local organizations including chidlren's sports events, child welfare agencies and homeless shelters. . Amber Banda talks with Angie "Foxy Rider" Villamil, Original member of Lumbre MC, Aileen Grajales, Lumbre MC Family Member, as well as Robert Ortega and George Loya, pastors for "Gangster for Jesus" ministry. . Support their efforts at their Benefit Run on Sunday, June 7th. Registration starts at 11am at The Don Ramen restaurant inside Fox Plaza. Cost is $10 which includes raffle tickets and a meal ticket for the final stop. The 1st stop is at El Ruedo located at 1407 Overland, and final stop at La Havana where they will have raffles, food, music, auctions, and more! . This is a family friendly event, open to the community, no matter if you drive on 2 wheels, 3, 4, or more! . For more information go to Lumbre Castaneda or Gangsters for Jesus on Facebook, or visit gangsterpreacher.com ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: Paso Del Norte Center of Hope . The PDN Center of Hope helps victims of sex trafficking and exploitation HERE in El Paso. Victims are being trafficked in OUR city, by immigrants and Americans alike. Sadly, the average age of victims they are currently seeing is 14.  . Amber Banda talks with Nicole Schiff, Executive Director for Paso Del Norte Center of Hope, about their growth, their impact, and the origins of the center. They are still very much looking for supporters, donors, volunteers and help from the community to keep the center functioning and able to provide services and hope to the children and adults that are being or have been trafficked.  . Their Phantom of the Opera gala on May 8th is sold out; however they are still accepting sponsors and donations for raffle items to help support the center. They have also teamed up with the non-profit Plant A Seed and will be the recipients of donations from the 5K Run & Walk for Hope.  . For more information find them on Instagram and Facebook @PDNCenterofHope and go to pdncoh.org  NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

    35 min
  8. Apr 27

    EPPF 4-26-26 Plant A Seed & Assistance League of El Paso

    Segment 1: Plant A Seed . Plant A Seed is no stranger to the El Paso Public Forum. Founded by Wendy Gamillo and her husband Miguel Gamillo, Plant A Seed has done many projects with various organizations and vulnerable populations in the border city. From their "Generations of Kindness" program that connects youth to seniors, their "My Quince" program which gifts a lucky girl a quince she would otherwise not be able to afford, their work with children's hospitals and so much more, Plant A Seed has been progressing quickly in their short time of being founded. . Amber Banda talks with Wendy Gamillo, Plant A Seed President and Founder, and Cassandra Tinoco, Director of Operations and sponsor for Plant A Seed, about their current projects while focusing on their upcoming 5K to benefit the Paso Del Norte Center of Hope, their "Race Against Human Trafficking 5K Run & Walk." This event will be May 17th from 8am-11am at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino and have live music, vendor booths, fun activities, and is pet friendly! . Cost is $35 for 18+, $30 for under 18 or military, and the Fun Walk is free. There will also be a "Kids Lollipop Run" for children 10 and under.  . Find more information at plantaseed.org _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: Assistance League of El Paso . The Assistance League of El Paso is a group of volunteers that work with many different organizations through various projects all over the city. The El Paso Chapter is the 50th Chapter out of 95 nationwide and has over 100 volunteers! . Amber Banda talks with Lisa Miertschin, Public Relations Chair for the Assistance League of El Paso, about their 4 main projects; Operation School Bell where they give brand new school clothes to 2,500 local children in grades 1-5, their PASO Bear Program for 1st responders, their ASK Program, (Assault Survivor Kits) to assist the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence, and their WHO Program, where they work with La Posada Home, which also encompasses their HATS program to create decorated caps and beanies for cancer patients, and the SOL Porgram where they make blankets and quilts for those in need. . They're having their 2nd Annual "A Taste of 5 Points" 1 mile walk May 2nd. Tickets are $30 and include various food samples from various eateries in the 5 Points Area, where their Thrift Shop is located at 2728 E Yandell. Tickets on sale through Monday 4.27/26 so hurry and get them while you can! . For more information and to purchase tickets or donate, go to assistanceleague.org  NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

    37 min

About

Welcome to El Paso Public forum. A weekly half hour Public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso for over 20 years. Featuring local news and interviews of interest to our listeners in West Texas and southern New Mexico. All views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the host and guest, and not necessarily those of iHeartRadio management. If you, your organization or event would like to be featured on an upcoming program, please email to EPforum@iHeartmedi.com. This  program was pre-recorded at the studios of iHeartRadio El Paso. . El Paso Public Forum airing on all local iHeart radio stations every Sunday morning from 6-6:30am on Power 102.1, Sunny 99.9 and 96.3 KHEY Country, and from 7-7:30am on 93.5 HOT FM, News Radio 690AM and Fox Sports 1380AM.. No radio? No problem! Use the free iHeart app and listen in on Power 102.1, 96.3 KHEY Country, Sunny 99.9, 93.5 HotFM, NewsRadio 690AM or Fox Sports 1380AM anywhere and on the go! . #iheartradio #iheart #elpaso #womeninradio #iheartcountry #elpasostrong #radio #communityprogramming #eppf #elpasopublicforum #elpasocommunities #nonprofit #iheartcommunities