On Saturday, June 3, 2017 there will be a “Stand for Duranguito” solidarity march where organizations, including Paso del Sur, the Border Farmworkers Center, the Association for Applied Borderlands History, the Lincoln Center Conservation Committee, MEChA, Familias Unidas, La Mujer Obrera, and Father Rafael Garcia of Sacred Heart Catholic Church will join the residents and small vendors of Duranguito to say “Barrio Duranguito, you are not alone! We are with you!” The march will begin following the press conference that is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Firemen’s Memorial Park, 316 W. Overland and Leon Streets.
This Tuesday, May 30, several plaintiffs appeared before Travis County Civil District Court in Austin, presided over by Judge Amy Clark Meachum to challenge the City of El Paso’s assertion that they are proceeding with the arena legally and that the Duranguito site is uncontestable. Among the plaintiffs are four residents of Duranguito who are represented by Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, one member of Paso del Sur who is appearing pro se, and an architectural historian represented by attorney Frank Ainsa. The hearing has been scheduled for July 17-18.
We learned yesterday that one property owner has received permits for five demolitions in Duranguito, including several historic buildings. This is an immediate threat to the neighborhood and the residents. This is the same landlord whose employee has been harassing and threatening residents for several months, offering them a “City of El Paso” contract and telling them they must sign or lose the money he is offering. He has gone so far as to knock on residents’ windows after dark.
The “Stand for Duranguito” solidarity march is a call to all El Pasoans to support our oldest neighborhood that is the historic and cultural patrimony of all of us.
Duranguito is not the only El Paso neighborhood facing threats to its existence. Other Southside neighborhoods are confronting school closings, demolition, gentrification, and dangerous environmental conditions. When we “Stand for Duranguito,” we stand for all the barrios.
Paso del Sur invites all media to our press conference Saturday at 4 p.m. at Firemen’s Memorial Park, 316 W. Overland.
Media contacts: Dr. David Romo (915-630-9502) or Dr. Yolanda Leyva (915-449-2853).