Acting City Manager: Aaron Smith
“I believe that if you take care of your employees, they will take care of our residents and that’s the thing that is most important to me,” said Acting City Manager Aaron Smith. He transitioned to this new role on November 1, 2025
Bravery on the Job: City Crew Rushes to the Rescue
By Monica McDaniel
The quick thinking and brave actions of two City of Odessa employees helped save a man’s life.
“Odessa Fire Rescue is grateful for their support and proud to have them representing the City of Odessa,” said Assistant Fire Chief Cody Ritchie.
Chief Ritchie calls them “heroes.”
Deston Crane and Oscar Alvarado, both with the City’s Traffic Division, were working on a line near 2nd Street and Dixie on the morning of August 20, 2025.
They heard someone yelling and noticed smoke nearby. Without hesitation, they rushed toward the scene to help the man in distress. Their courage and immediate response made all the difference that day.
To recognize their heroic actions, Deston and Oscar will be honored at an upcoming City Council Meeting. Chief Ritchie nominated them for a Quality Service Award for their lifesaving efforts.
Frightfully Fun: Pumpkin Competition
By Leslie Muniz
The Activities Committee brought some spooky fun to City Hall this month with our Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. City employees dropped off their creative pumpkins at Municipal Plaza, and the designs did not disappoint.
Winners were recognized for their festive flair: Most Adorable Pumpkin, Silliest Pumpkin, Funniest Pumpkin, Scariest Pumpkin, Most Creative Pumpkin, and Best Overall Pumpkin.
This year’s Best Overall Pumpkin went to Marina Rodriguez, from our Public Safety Communications Dispatch Department for her eerie design featuring a realistic eye socket. Winners were announced following the always-popular Bingo game. A big thank you to our judges Abby Bugarin and Paula Davis with the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, and Randy Ham with Odessa Arts for lending their time and creativity to help make the contest a success.
Building Awareness: City Staff Prepares for the Worst
By Leslie Muniz
The Odessa Police Department conducted a C.R.A.S.E. (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) training with the Municipal Court staff This training is designed to prepare us in the event the worst should happen. To ensure staff across our organization are better prepared for emergency situations, the City’s Risk Management Department has asked OPD to provide training to all city departments.
Jane E. Scarborough, Deputy Court Clerk, shared that the training gave her a clear plan of action.
“It prepared us to be aware of exits, to act differently than everyone else, and to think outside the box,” she said.
Scarborough added that moving forward, she believes her team will implement a plan and be ready for anything. OPD officers certified through Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) began offering C.R.A.S.E. training to the public in 2018 following the Sutherland Springs, Texas, church shooting.
In addition to training City staff, OPD continues to provide this valuable program to the community to promote awareness and preparedness.
Sanchez Succeeds In Waste Department Role
By Thomas Bingham
Jose Luis Sanchez Jr. has served as a City of Odessa Solid Waste Department worker over the past year and found the right place for his professional career.
“Probably the people,” Sanchez said of what he enjoys most about his job. “They're pretty cool here ”
Sanchez recognizes that having reliable and compatible colleagues help him succeed when he's faced with difficult tasks and situations.
“I would say it's pretty tough,” Sanchez said of some days at work. “There's some stuff that could probably injure us pretty easily.”
“We [also] mainly pick up trash and pick up after people,” he added. “Sometimes that can be a challenge. We'll take care of it. I like to keep things clean.”
Sanchez expected a challenge when he accepted his job offer, so he was generally prepared for what he was stepping into.
“I was expecting hard labor,” he said. “That's probably one of the reasons why I joined. Personally, I like to lift heavy things. Now, it’s kind of is what it is.”
Even with Sanchez's pre-employment expectation, there was still a learning curve. But he still succeeded quicker than he originally thought.
“I didn't really expect for me to just hop on the machinery doing this and that, and getting good at it,” he admitted.
Due to the high importance of his dayto-day job, Sanchez likes to escape during his off time away from work.
“When I'm not at work, I either go to the gym or home,” he said. “[I also] relax, play some video games, read a little bit, and hang out with friends.”
Sharpened By Service
By: Gabryel (Gabe) Ybarra
Ryan Chavez has been a part of the Solid Waste team with the City of Odessa for a little over a year, and helps keep our city clean and running smoothly.
His day-to-day work can vary from picking up designated dumpsters and collecting trash bins to handling bulk items like couches and mattresses. Whatever the task, Chavez takes pride in doing his part to serve the community he calls home.
Born and raised right here in Odessa, Chavez is a proud Class of 2022 graduate of Permian High School
When asked about the best part of his job, Chavez didn’t hesitate
“It’s the people,” he said. “A lot of the people I work with are really interesting They make every day enjoyable.”
Outside of work, Chavez has some unique interests. He’s a talented singer. He also enjoys a fencing swordsmanship called Kendo in his spare time. It’s a discipline that requires focus, balance, and patience.
We’re proud to have team members like Chavez who bring dedication, character, and enthusiasm to their work every day.
Walking in the Shoes of the Unsheltered
By Odessa Links
Odessa Links recognizes the City of Odessa and its employees for its generous support and partnership during Walking in the Shoes of the Unsheltered on October 11, 2025.
This city-sponsored community walk brought together over 200 participants to raise awareness about homelessness in Odessa
Thanks to the City’s involvement and the community’s heart, Odessa Links exceeded its goal of funding winter care bags for the unsheltered.
The walk followed the same path many unsheltered neighbors take each day, from the Ector County Library to Jesus House, and served as a visual reminder of both the challenges and hope within our city.
Director of Community Development Naira Enriquez talks with Odessa Links’ Resource ManagerJulia Cole before the walkers arrive.
Walking in the Shoes of the Unsheltered
By Odessa Links
Parks and Recreation staff served as the Stage and Tech Crew and featured Rey Gallardo,
Walk escorts from our Police Department included Miguel Guerrero, Frank Olivera, Michael Stewart,Rusty Martin.
Council membersCraigStoker and Greg Connell with event MC Isabella Garriga.
Daniel Bejarno, Hector Rayos, and Mannie (Rocky) Garza.
Celebrating Teamwork: Activities Department Honors
By Monica McDaniel
The City of Odessa’s Activities Department recently recognized the Communications Department for its outstanding support and collaboration!
Communications Staff
The Communications team stays busy with its various roles, responsibilities, assignments and events. The department also uses its voice to support the City of Odessa' s initiative and direction, and was recently recognized by the Activities Committee for still finding the necessary time to promote community events and share important news with local citizens.
“I’m truly grateful to the Activities Committee for recognizing our department,” said Gabryel (Gabe) Ybarra, Public Safety Communications Manager. “It means a lot to be chosen and appreciated for what we do every day.”
The honor highlighted the department’s dedicated display of teamwork, storytelling, and public engagement, and its overall promotion of the City of Odessa
“After being present when other departments were recognized, it felt really nice for it to be our turn,” said Leslie Muniz, City Events Manager. “Taking a few minutes out of my day to spend time with the Activities Committee makes me happy and reminds me how much I enjoy being part of such a thoughtful and supportive team.”
The Lopez Way
By Gabryel (Gabe) Ybarra
Danny Lopez is the Warehouse Supervisor in the City of Odessa’s Purchasing Department. He has proudly served the city for nine years, and brought dedication, leadership, and a strong sense of teamwork to his role.
Lopez began his career with the City in Solid Waste and later moved to Household Hazardous Waste before stepping into his current position overseeing the warehouse. He manages inventory, handles orders and deliveries, and ensures departments across the city have the materials they need to operate smoothly.
When asked what he enjoys most about working for the City, Lopez shared, “Everyone I’ve worked with has treated me like family. It’s a great place to work, and that’s what keeps me motivated every day.”
The Lopez Way
By Gabryel (Gabe) Ybarra
For Danny Lopez, working for the City is truly a family affair. His wife, Cindy Lopez, has worked for the City for 32 years in Physical Affairs for the Odessa Police Department. Their daughter, Adrianna Hernandez, also works at the Police Department as a Police Resource Specialist, and their stepson, Gabriel Hernandez, is part of the Solid Waste team.
Danny Lopez first joined the City after running his own construction business. When his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, he sought a stable job with good benefits. Thankfully, Cindy Lopez beat cancer, and today the Lopez family continues to serve the Odessa community together.
“The opportunities the City has given me is to work in diverse fields, gain job security, and benefits.”
-Cindy Lopez, OPD Physical Affairs
given me opportunities to connect, learn, and make a real difference in people’s lives ”
-Adrianna Hernandez, OPD Police Resource Specialist
“It's a good place to work. You get to meet a lot of good people, bosses, everyone. ”
-Gabriel Hernandez, Solid Waste team
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
NOVEMBER
11-7 First Friday - Odessa Arts
11-8 Be Thankful 5K Run
11-11 Council Work Session/Meeting
11-15 Take Me Fishing
11-25 Council Work Session/Meeting
11-25 OPD Neighborhood Watch
11-27/28 City Offices Closed (Thanksgiving)
DECEMBER
2-4 Starbright Village Tree Lighting
12-5 Starbright Village
12-5 First Friday - Odessa Arts
12-6 Parade of Lights
12-9 Council Work Session/Meeting
12-13 Jingle All The Way 5K Run
12-24/25/26 City Offices Closed (Christmas)
Happy Holidays!
