El Paso Public Forum

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149

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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

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August 23, 202633 min

EPPF 8-23-26 Vision for El Paso & El Paso Period Project

Segment 1: Power 102 Mixer Class Reunion to support Vision for El Paso! . Amber Banda interviews Mike D, Director for Vision for El Paso. Vision for El Paso is a non-profit that helps people with visual impairments in the local community with resources, funding, and others various support. . If you grew up in El Paso, you are most likely familiar with Power 102.1 radio station and all the DJs and on-air talents that kept you moving and grooving over the years, Mike D included. They're coming back for a fun and nostalgic event to benefit Vision for El Paso; The Power 102 Mixer Class Reunion! Hear their never before told stories and enjoy their music in this once-in-a-lifetime event. . Power 102 Mixer Class Reunion Saturday Sept. 5th- 6pm SRB Events Space: 11501 Cedar Oak $35 Proceeds benefiting Vision for El Paso . Get your tickets now before they sell out! Go to eventbrite.com Follow on Instagram and Facebook @Power102 or @Mikedee __________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: El Paso Period Project . Periods....tampons...blood...condoms... . If you're like me, you grew up in a household where menstruation and periods were not an open conversation. Menstruation and reproductive health is often still a taboo subject with a lot of misinformation, shame and awkwardness when bringing it up. Well, the ladies from the El Paso Period Project are here to help! . What started as a college initiative has grown into a community resource, but they need your help! . Amber Banda interviews Rachel Molina, President, and Melissa Castaneda, Outreach Coordinator for the El Paso Period Project. These 2 college students are on a mission to help people feel comfortable talking about menstrual and reproductive health. They align themselves with experts in these subjects to be able to provide education, resources, and items such as period packs for those in need. . Whether you're a single dad trying to navigate the tampon aisle or an older female like myself on the end of her period journey, they can help. And so can you! They are looking for people to donate items such as condoms, tampons, heating pads, give workshops, etc. . Contact them on Instagram @elpaso.projectperiod. 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!

August 16, 202631 min

EPPF 8-16-26 Family Service of El Paso & Big Brothers Big Sisters Dance for Kids Sake

Segment 1: Family Service of El Paso. . Family Service of El Paso is one of El Paso's best kept secrets, which shouldn't be so unknown! They deliver mental health services and provide resources for adults and children wanting to improve their mental health and wellbeing. . Amber Banda interviews Alejandra Sanchez, LPC and new Sr. Executive Director, as well as Linda Gonzalez-Hengsen, Former Board Chair and current Consultant for Family Service of El Paso. . For more information on their resources and services, both in person and virtual, find them on Instagram and Facebook @Family Service of El Paso, or go to familyerviceofelpaso.org ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: Big Brother's Big Sister's Dance for Kid's Sake! . It's back! El Paso's version of "Dancing With The Stars' to benefit local youth. Amber Banda talks with Rebecca Romero, Development Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso. Having been a past participant and judge for this event, Amber talks about her experience and about this year's participants! . There are so many ways for you to support! Of course, you can go to the event which is the best and most fun way! Make a night of it. Cheer on your favorites, agree or disagree with the judges, see fantastic performances from participating volunteer dance schools, and shop at one of the vendor tables. There will also be a silent auction, cash bar, live music in between and more. . Dance for Kids' Sake August 29 at the Plaza Theatre 6pm GA $50 Get your tickets now at BBBSEP.org Instagram and Facebook @BBBSEP 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!

August 9, 202634 min

EPPF 8-9-26 Amigo Airsho & EPISD Council of PTAs

Segemnt 1: The Amigo Airsho is BACK! . Amber Banda talks with Vianey Esparza, Director of Marketing for the Amigo Airsho. They talk about what's new this year including various seating and ticket options, the theme, how you can volunteer, their othr STEAM initiatives and much more! . The Amigo Airsho happening Oct 24-25 at Biggs Army Airfield. For tickets and more information go to aimgoairsho.com and follow them on social media @amigoairshoep on Instagram and @Amigo Airsho on Facebook. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: EPISD Council of PTAs....Not just for EPISD!! . Amber Banda talks with Alejandra Ramirez, VP of Communications, and Ana Diaz, VP of Advocacy, for the EPISD Council of PTAs. they talk about their mission, the importance of family engagement, volunteerism and advocacy through PTAs, the difference between PTAs and PTOs, and how YOU can make a difference no matter what school district you're in. . They're having a Partners & Vendors Resource Fair from 11-2 on Saturday, August 29th at Texas Tech (130 Rick Frances, across from UMC) for everyone wanting to know more about being a part of or forming a PTA. Join them for invaluable resources and information to help you support your child's school and make a real difference. . They are still open for vendors! Vendor fees go towards supporting High School senior scholarships. . For more information, go to Home | EPISD Council of PTAs Follow them on social media @El Paso ISD Council of PTAs on Facebook and @episdcouncilpta on IG. 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!

August 2, 202631 min

EPPF 7-2-26 GOC Sun City anti-bullying 2026 with Doc

On this special anti-bullying episode of the El Paso Public Forum, Amber Banda talks with Doc, President of Guardians of the Children, Sun City Chapter, (GOC). . GOC is an international non-profit motorcycle rganization focused on child advocy, incuding supporting children who have to testify in court against an abuser, participating in community events that promote child welfare, and giving anti-bullying presentations. . In this segment, Amber and Doc talk about bullying and going back to school; What is bullying? Signs of bullying? How you can work with your kids at home to empower them to stand up for themselves and others. . Listen to this special segment and practice these words at home with your kids. . Visit them at GOCsuncity.com and follow them on social media @Guardians Of The Children Sun City 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!

July 26, 202631 min

EPPF 7-26-26 Day of Remembrance and You Rock Girls Camp

Segment 1: 7th Annual Day of Remembrance . It's been nearly 7 years since the tragedy that hit our city August 3rd, but we will never forget. . Amber Banda interviews Joel Lara, Manager for the Center for Resiliency which was created as a direct result of the August 3rd tragedy, as well as Mark Chavez, Outreach Coordinator for United Way of El Paso, County. They talk about special name reading happening this year August 3rd at 10:38am, and about the annual "Day of Remembrance" events happening on Sunday, Aug 2nd at Ascarate Park, including a sound bath in the morning at 10:30am and the main events beginning at 6:45 pm at the Healing Garden. . Joel and Mark talk about the significance of 10:38am on August 3rd, the impact these type of events have on our community, and the importance of keeping the memory of our fellow El Pasoans alive. Listen to learn how you can volunteer and be a part of these events and what will be happening that evening. . For more information visit unitedwayelpaso.org or find them on social media @United Way El Paso #ElPasoStrong ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: You Rock! Summer Camp and the "Because Of You" Fund . El Paso musician Jim Ward and co-founder of the "Because Of You" Fund, (under the El Paso Community Foundation), bring you the "You Rock!" Summer camp for girls ages 9-17. The camp is in it's 4th year, and helps to empower girls and gender expansive youth through music, creativity, and self expression. . They will also be having more events throughout the year, aiming to help the youth on our community feel empowered through music. Jim talks about how the camp has helped many young girls overcome personal struggles using music, and tells us a story about one girl in particular. Amber also asks him his views on the receding presence of fine arts and electives in school, and if being a part of this camp has changed his music writing at all. . To donate and support the "Because Of You" Fund, and to find out more information, follow them on Instagram @YouRockEP and visit yourockep.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!

July 19, 202628 min

EPPF 7-19-26 Early Matters El Paso & Immunize El Paso

Segment 1: Early Matters El Paso . Are you overwhelmed when it comes to finding childcare? Do you want more options but don't know where to start? Are you unsure about Pre-K for your child? Then this is the segment for you! . Amber Banda interviews Stephanie Otero, Executive VP of the El Paso Community Foundation, and Ambar Calvillo-Rivera, Founding Executive Director of Early Matters El Paso. Listen to find out how Early Matters El Paso and the El Paso Community Foundation are working together to help change the landscape for working parents to be able to find and afford childcare, how businesses can be a part of this change, and how you, the working parent, can empower yourself with more options that work for your family. . If you have a 3 or 4 year old, now is the time to enroll them in Pre-K to have a better chance at success in school! Not sure what Pre-K programs are available to you? Go to earlymatterselpaso.net . You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook @Early Matters El Paso ________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: Immunize El Paso . School is almost back in session so it's that time of year again....time to get your kids' school vaccines! Immunize El Paso provides vaccines and other testing at no cost or low cost to you, and it's much faster than waiting at the Dr's Office. . Amber Banda interviews Ivan Luna, Director, and Cristina Arevalo, Clinic Administrator, for Immunize El Paso. Listen to learn more about their services, cost, and how you can schedule an appointment. . They've extended their hours as well just in time for the school year: M-F both clinics will be open 8am-6pm, and Saturday their eastside clinic will be open from 9am-3pm. For more information and to book your appointment visit immunizeelpaso.org . Follow them on social media @Immunize 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!

July 12, 202635 min

EPPF 7-12-26 Scales and Tails Animal Rescue & Gilbert and Sullivan El Paso

Segment 1: Scales and Tails Pet Rescue: Reptile and Exotic Pet Rescue . Did you know that El Paso has a reptile and exotic animal rescue? Amber Banda talks with Erika Pasieczny, Founder & President of Scales and Tails Pet Rescue. They talk about where Erika's love of reptiles came from, how the rescue is run and how it works, and some of the events they have been a part of and have coming up. Amber also talks about her personal connection with the rescue, having adopted 2 snakes for herself and her daughter. . Scales and Tails even has a special program for veterans currently in therapy. Listen to learn more about this exotic pet rescue and these often-misunderstood animals. . For more information follow them on social media @Scales and Tails Pet Rescue EPTX or go to scalesandtailsrescue.org . Segment 2: Gilbert and Sullivan Company of El Paso . Founded in 1969, the Gilbert and Sullivan company of El Paso functions to educate and present the works of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, famous Victorian-era theatrical partners known for their comic operas that revolutionized musical theater. . Amber Banda talks with Artistic Director Brittany Monique Williams about their upcoming 57th season of "the Gondoliers." This comedic opera, set in Venice in 1750, starts when 2 gondoliers find out one of them is the rightful king of Barataria. However, due to a childhood mix-up, they rule together until the true heir can be identified. They are also newlyweds which complicates the story even further but makes for great comedy! . The show will be performed at the NM State University Atkinson Recital Hall July 18th, and at the Univesity of Texas Fox Fine Arts Hall July 24-26 and July 31-Aug 2. The shows will not only be performed in both recital halls at the University but will be accompanied by orchestra and piano this year. . For tickets and more information visit GSElPaso.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!

July 6, 202631 min

EPPF 7-5-26 Extreme Weather Task Force and International Museum of Art in El Paso

Segment 1: Extreme Weather Task Force . It's getting HOT in El Paso and there are certain groups of people that are more vulnerable to heat related illness including the elderly, very young, and those with certain medical conditions. There are also programs in El Paso in place to donate fans and cooling stations around the city. . Amber Banda talks with Grace Ortiz, Extreme Weather Task Force Chair, and William Dozal, Co-Chair for Extreme Weather Task Force in El Paso. Listen to learn about their fan donations, how you can qualify for free fan or AC help and how you and your company can donate, signs of dehydration, tips to stay cool in the summer, and more. . Call 211 for fan requests, find them Facebook @Extreme Weather Task Force, or drop off your fan donation to any local fire stations in El Paso. For more information on EWTF go to elpasotexas.gov . Cooling Centers Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Galatzan Recreation Center - 650 Wallenberg Dr Marty Robbins Recreation Center - 11620 Vista Del Sol Dr Valle Bajo Community Center - 7380 Alameda Nations Tobin Sports Center - 8831 Railroad Chalio Acosta Sports Center - 4321 Delta Segment 2: International Museum of Art Goes Mobile! . Amber Banda has board member Cynthia Horton back on to talk about what's new at El Paso's International Museum of Art! They talk about the building itself being designed by Henry Trost who also designed local buildings such as El Paso High School, various UTEP Buildings, the Mills Building, and much more. . Learn about their current and upcoming showcases, guided tours, events, and about their brand-new Mobile Museum! Cynthia also talks about some of her favorite pieces from the museum. Follow @AmberBanda915 on Instagram or Facebook to see pictures of various items from the museum and see if you can guess what they are! . For more information follow them on Instagram and Facebook @IMOAEP or visit internationalmuseumofart.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!

June 28, 202632 min

EPPF 6-28-26 Reach For A Star & Senior Citizens Annual Holiday Event and Food Drive Fundraiser

Segment 1: Lucha for a Cause! . Reach For A Star has been helping grant wishes for critically ill children in and around El Paso since 1982. This year they are teaming up with Three Nations Brewery in Socorro, TX and Lucha League Wrestling for their biggest fundraiser yet! . Amber Banda talks with Reach For A Star President Elizabeth Torres, Rick Razo, owner of Three Nations Brewery, and Lobo and Lobito, the current Lucha League tag-team Champions about how they all have come together for this event! Listen to learn more about Reach For A Star and their past events, how you can help, and how you can also support these children and families in need! . Don't miss their first "Reach For A Star; Lucha Under The Stars" presented by Lucha League Wrestling. Saturday July 18th at Three Nations Brewery located at 10179 Socorro Rd in Socorro TX, 79929. There will be wrestling, music, food trucks, vendors, and more. Funds go towards helping grant wishes to critically ill children in and around the Sun City. . Follow them on Instagram and Facebook @Reach For A Star El Paso _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: Senior Citizens Annual Holiday Event and Food Drive Fund. . There is a local underserved population fighting food insecurity: senior citizens. Amber Banda talks with Deanna Nasser, Chairperson for the Senior Citizens Annual Holiday Event and Food Drive Fund, ( the Senior Fund) , a fund that is supported by the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation. . What started as an annual dinner and dance for senior citizens by Deanna's father and godfather almost 60 years ago at their church, has turned into ongoing assistance thrughout the year for senior citizens who are facing food insecurity. Most of these senior live in public housing, and there are some that are event taking care of their grandchildren. . Because of this, the Senior Fund is able to participate in the " Nourish the American Dream " fundraiser, a campaign of the Alberton's Companies Foundation. Albertsons, among others, has been instrumental in helping the Senior Fund fight food insecurity among low-income seniors locally. July 1-7, you can bid on pantry items signed by celebrities. funds raised will go towards helping fight child hunger. You can go to Home | NourishtheAmericanDream.org Senior Fund will also be participating in El Paso Giving Day October 15. . If you would like to donate or volunteer or find out more information, find Deanna on Instagram and Facebook @Deanna_Nasser 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!

June 21, 202629 min

EPPF 6-21-26 Fatherhood EFFECTS Program & FBI El Paso

Segment 1: Fatherhood EFFECTS Program . Calling all dads and father-like figures. The El Paso Center for Children has a Program just for you called the "Fatherhood Effects Program." Listen as Amber Banda talks with Gabino Meza and Ron Long, dads and Program Specialists for the Fatherhood Effects Program. . Learn about their classes and support groups, the importance of men mentoring men, and how the program has changed the lives of so many dads. Having a male-only support group for dads has a huge impact, and how you can be a part of it. . They are having a "Health Fair for Dads" June 27 from 10-12pm on location at 2120 N Stevens. Take advantage of free health screenings, resources, family activties for the whole family, and meet other men on a mission. . Find more information by going to Fatherhood Program | Services for Fathers and Father Figures | El Paso, TX Follow them on social media @ElPasoCentreForChildren _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Segment 2: FBI El Paso is having a Special Agent Recruiting Event . The FBI of El Paso is back in the station talking about their annual "FBI Special Agent Recruitment Event" happening June 26th from 9am to 5pm. . Amber Banda talks with Special Agent in Charge Jarod Brown and Special Agent Alex Bustillos, Community Outreach for FBI, El Paso. They talk about how the FBI works with local organizations, the various jobs and departments within the FBI, and how the community can be a part of the FBI, from teens all the way to adulthood! . Follow them on social media @FBIElPaso for more information on their upcoming Special Agent Recruitment Event. You can also go to FBIjobs.gov to see all the differents careers available with the FBI. 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!