City addresses safety for weekend event after Las Vegas shooting

The tenth annual Chalk The Block Public Arts Festival will be adding some color to Downtown El Paso sidewalks Friday, but with the recent shooting in Las Vegas concerns over safety at public events has come up.

We asked the City of El Paso what security precautions were planned for the event. The El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department organized the three-day festival.

Spokeswoman Erin Ritter said she cannot disclose specifics on security, but added that the appropriate precautions have been taken.

“Safety for all attendees and participants is a priority at all MCAD festivals and events,” said Ritter. “Staff coordinates with EPPD, EPFD and both contracted security and onsite EMT to ensure Public Safety is safeguarded.”

Crystal Ruiz was in Downtown El Paso Friday afternoon as staff was setting up for Chalk The Block, we asked her what she thought about safety and public events.

“It is scary to be in the public eye now,” said Ruiz. “I think we all feel like that. You never know. People are planning things.”

Many streets in the downtown area have been closed off, and have roadblocks, from Santa Fe to Stanton, and from Missouri to Mills.

San Jacinto Plaza is equipped with surveillance cameras that police monitor.

Chalk The Block artist Scott Cohen said he feels safe, and ready for the festival.

“The Arts Council has really taken all the precautions necessary to make sure that this is a good, safe event,” said Cohen.