Leeser Defends City Council During State Of The City Luncheon + More Local News

Leeser Defends City Council During State Of The City Luncheon

Mayor Oscar Leeser is defending the City Council against critics of the way it operates. Leeser took some difficult questions about the council yesterday during the State of the City luncheon, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The mayor said critics are implying the city is moving in the wrong direction, something he says is "the farthest thing from the truth." Leeser praised raised voices at council meetings as part of a "healthy atmosphere," and said a pay raise for City Manager Tommy Gonzalez was necessary because of his value to the city.

Elderly Woman Struck By Mail Truck Dies

An elderly woman is dead after being struck by a U.S. Postal Service truck downtown. Police say Susana Nunez-Figueroa was severely injured Wednesday afternoon when she was hit in a crosswalk at the intersection of San Antonio Avenue and Oregon Street. Police said yesterday that the 91-year-old woman died from her injuries at University Medical Center. No charges have been placed against driver William Grizzard, though police are still investigating.

9/11 Remembered Today In El Paso

Several ceremonies honoring those lost in the 9/11 attacks will be held today around El Paso. The city police and fire departments and the county sheriff's office will hold a ceremony at 9 a.m. at Fire Station 18 on San Jose Road. A 9/11 memorial will be unveiled at a Patriots Day ceremony this morning at Fort Bliss. And Flags Across America has set up a field of American flags at Old Glory Memorial, with each miniature flag meant to represent one of those who died during the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Chihuahuas Face Elimination Tonight In Playoff Home Game

The El Paso Chihuahuas will have to win three straight games to make it the next round of the PCL playoffs. The Chihuahuas lost 5-4 last night in Fresno, giving the Grizzlies a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. El Paso will host its first ever home playoff game tonight at Southwest University Park, and will host game four Saturday night if the team can manage a victory.