The left half of each point is shaded a darker color, giving the star a three-dimensional appearance.

[1] The sun is on a maroon (officially "red-purple") field, representing fellowship, warmth, and shelter.

On the ribbon is the text "CITY OF EL PASO" in maroon capital Arial-type font.

Connecting these ribbons is a thin white border, forming the outer edge of the olive leaf ring.

[2] The emblem on the flag was created around 1880, and was enclosed in a cornerstone at the old El Paso City Hall in 1899.

[2] Following the Girl Scouts' discovery, the city administration decided to redesign the flag, which would be more authentic historically.

[3] A 2015 El Paso Times opinion piece called on the city to redesign the flag, even providing an alternative, with the yellow sun centered on a blue field, with a blue five-pointed star in the middle.