County Releases FY25 ‘Budget In Brief’ Document Online
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County announced that it has released online a “Budget in Brief” document for the adopted fiscal year 2025 budget ahead of the complete, comprehensive FY 2025 budget book to be published next month.
This one-page document guide (front and back) gives citizens a high-level view of the budget adopted by the County Council last April 2024.
The “Budget in Brief”, complete with graphs and tables, outlines the total budgeted expenditures for FY 2025, categorized by department, and presents graphs for the total general fund budgeted revenues and expenditures. Also included Read More
Community Invited To Listening Session For Brewer Arena
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Parks and Open Space Division is seeking feedback from the community for the proposed Brewer Arena Renovation. Community members are invited to meet the team at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Please use this link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86031220930 to access the webinar.
The project is to evaluate the structure and ensure the facility meets the American with Disabilities (ADA) Title II requirements. This facility was identified in the Community Services Department’s Integrated Master Plan and the ADA Audit and Transition Plan.
Wilson & Read More
2024 Los Alamos County Fair & Rodeo – Roping The Dream
COUNTY News:
Join Los Alamos County and other partnering organizations Aug. 2-4 for exhibits, the Friday Night Summer Concert, parade, a fair at Ashley Pond Park, the Rodeo at Brewer Arena, and much more!
The County Fair exhibits, organized by the NMSU Co-operative Extension office will kick off the weekend from 3-8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2 at the Mesa Public Library. Then plan to head over to Ashley Pond Park for the Los Alamos Summer Concert Series, featuring Sim Balkey! The Summer Concert series starts at 6 p.m. with opening acts and runs until 9 p.m.
Saturday morning of Aug. 3 is full of activities Read More
New Mexico Economic Development Department Requests Public Input On Statewide Strategic Plan
EDD News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) requests public input to inform the statewide strategic plan.
As defined in Senate Bill 112, the purpose of the plan is to diversify the state economy away from reliance on natural resource extraction by bolstering economic growth, promoting proactive planning to ensure stable long-term revenues, and supporting the creation of high-quality jobs in renewable energy and other industries.
EDD worked alongside numerous state agencies, regional and local governments, community-based organizations, Tribes, Nations, Read More
Trench Repair Tuesday Through Friday On 43rd Street
Map of utility trench work to take place Tuesday to Friday on 43rd Street in North Community. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
A utility trench on 43rd Street in North Community will be repaired this week by Parker Construction, under contract with the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU).
Residents on the loop of 43rd Street and 44th Street off Urban Street are asked to drive cautiously near the work zone.
A small section of the road will be closed to through traffic between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
Direct questions or concerns about this work to the Los Alamos Customer Care Read More
LAPD Advises Public Of Rise In Catalytic Converter Thefts
Local catalytic converter thefts are on the rise. Courtesy image
LAPD News:
The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) would like to inform the public about catalytic converter thefts. In recent weeks the department has responded to about a half-dozen reports of catalytic converters being stolen from vehicles. North Mesa and Barranca Mesa neighborhoods have been targeted recently.
It has been a while since the community has experienced catalytic converter thefts at this rate.
LAPD would like to remind the community to remain vigilant of any suspicious activity or people in the area. Anyone Read More
Brewer Arena Grandstand Deemed Unsafe; Temporary Stands To Be Installed, Rodeo Activities To Proceed Aug. 3-4
Map of North Mesa Rodeo Grounds including Brewer Arena grandstand. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County officials regret to announce that the Brewer Arena grandstand has been deemed unsafe for public use and is closed as of today July 29.
Despite this closure, the upcoming rodeo activities scheduled for Aug. 3-4 will proceed as planned.
In response to the closure, the County’s Community Services Department (CSD) is arranging to bring in and set up temporary bleachers to accommodate rodeo fans. County officials are advising attendees to prepare for limited shade by bringing an umbrella Read More
DeVolder: Proposal For Reducing Plastics In Environment
By MARK DEVOLDER
Los Alamos
For years I have been picking up discarded nylon zip ties. Zip ties don’t cost much and are considered a “throw-away” item. Typically, zip ties are cut in two and are then discarded. I find many opportunities to reuse both short and long pieces of zip ties.
Some time ago, I began experimenting with zip ties. Zip ties have a little plastic or metal prong (tooth) that holds the zip tie together. I found that I can use a small jeweler’s screwdriver or a 1/16-inch wide piece of tin can stock inserted into the square portion of the zip tie to hold the prong away from the mating ridges Read More
Kids Having A Blast At Piñon Splash Pad In White Rock
Kids are having a blast and keeping cool at the Piñon Park Splash Pad at 10 Sherwood Blvd. in White Rock. The Los Alamos County Parks Division opened the splash pad to the public on June 1 for the summer season, which runs through Labor Day weekend and is scheduled to close Sept. 2. Photo by Joyce Wolff
Scene of kids having a blast at Piñon Splash Pad last weekend in White Rock. Photo by Joyce Wolff
Scene of kids having a blast at Piñon Splash Pad last weekend in White Rock. Photo by Joyce Wolff
Scene of kids having a blast at Piñon Splash Pad last weekend in White Rock. Photo by Joyce Wolff Read More
Hampton: Electrification Or The Caja?
By DAVID HAMPTON
Los Alamos
At last Monday evening’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) public meeting at Buffalo Thunder, hundreds attended, mostly anti-nuke advocates. Most who spoke wound up speaking against the third power line, the Electrical Power Capacity Upgrade (EPCU) project, which is planned to go into the Caja del Rio. No one spoke in favor.
NNSA acknowledged that they have received 23,000 public comments on the EPCU. I would imagine most if not all are against it. The third power line is necessary to support expanded LANL operations.
On Tuesday evening, we learned Read More
Atomic City Transit After School Express Routes Resume Operations Wednesday Aug. 7
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Atomic City Transit (ACT) has announced that its After School Express Routes including Route 7 – North Mesa, Route 8 – North Community, Route 9 – Aspen Area, Route 10 – Barranca Mesa and Route 11 – White Rock Area will resume operations beginning Wednesday, Aug. 7.
After School Express Routes are amended to meet the new Los Alamos Public Schools release times, which are 2:40 p.m. for the elementary schools and 3:30 p.m. for the middle school.
Express Routes Schedule:
- Routes 7 – North Mesa will depart at 3:35 p.m. from San Ildefonso Road and Hawk Drive.
- Route 8 – North
George Michael Reborn Rocks 2024 Summer Concert!
Robert Bartko, star of George Michael Reborn dazzles the packed crowd at the Summer Concert Friday evening at Ashley Pond Park. George Michael Reborn is a tribute band to George Michael & WHAM! The concert was sponsored by Plateau Property Management and Waterstone Mortgage. The Los Alamos Summer Concert Series is produced by the Los Alamos County Community Services Department and Sancre Productions. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
Friday’s Summer Concert sponsors from Waterstone Mortgage and their gorgeous dog pose with George Michael Reborn before the show. Photo by Nate Read More
Reconductoring Is Solution To Los Alamos Energy Needs
By JOHN BUCHSER
Chair
Northern Group of Sierra Club
Rio Grande Chapter
Over the last 10 years, new designs of wire for high voltage power lines have resulted in an over 85% capacity increase as compared to older wire design. This wire can be used to replace older wire at a cost 50% less than building new power lines.
If both power lines feeding LANL that cross the Rio Grande are reconductored, the total power capacity available to LANL will nearly double, without the disruption of a new power line that adds to the visual clutter across the canyon and traverses across a presently undisturbed section Read More
Video: County Council Chair Denise Derkacs Briefs Public On Tuesdays Work Session
Los Alamos County Council Chair Denise Derkacs briefs the public on Tuesday’s work session during an interview today at the Los Alamos Daily Post. Video by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com Read More
Andrus: Enhancing The Economic Vitality Of Los Alamos
By PAUL ANDRUS
Community Development Department Director
Los Alamos County
As a resident of Los Alamos County for over ten years, I am deeply aware of the various challenges our community faces in enhancing its economic vitality.
Today, we are at a critical juncture where our traditionally small, quiet community needs to modernize to support Los Alamos National Laboratory in fulfilling its mission.
To navigate this transition, I have assembled a team of professionals specializing in housing, local businesses, downtown revitalization and tourism. Let me introduce our team:
- Dan Osborn
Op/Ed: A Bit Of History Behind ‘The Boys Of The Pajarito Plateau’
By LIZ MARTINEAU
Los Alamos
Dear Community,
This week the Art in Public Places Advisory Board is scheduled to discuss a piece of artwork called “The Boys of the Pajarito Plateau.” This community treasures Fuller Lodge, which is one reason I think this subject has generated such interest. (As someone who believes in historic preservation this warms my heart!) However, I want to provide some background information about the Los Alamos Ranch School students and dispel some inaccuracies that I have heard circulating in the community.
- The subject matter of this painting is a group of Los Alamos Ranch
LAPD Announces New Deputy Chief Of Police James Rodriguez
Deputy Chief of Police James Rodriguez, left, receives a Police Chief’s Commendation for his work on LAPD’ s accreditation from Police Chief Dino Sgambellone. Post file photo
LAPD News:
The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) has announced the appointment of James Rodriguez as the new Deputy Chief of Police. Deputy Chief Rodriguez brings more than 20 years of dedicated service and experience to the position.
Deputy Chief Rodriguez began his career with the Las Cruces Police Department in February 2004 as a patrol officer. In October of 2005, Rodriguez was hired by the Los Alamos Police Department. Read More
Op/Ed: MRA And Tools In The Toolkit
By KEVIN HOLSAPPLELos Alamos
The current MRA discussion about adding another “tool” to the “toolkit” for encouraging development to satisfy community needs and desires and the call for citizen input prompted me to provide input to the County. Several friends encouraged me to share the input in an Op-Ed in our local media.
Three tools already in the County toolkit are the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA), the Los Alamos Creative District, and the White Rock MRA. All of these provide paths for the County to help projects that will help our community achieve our plans and goals without violation
Shin: Los Alamos Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Commission Necessary For An Open And Transparent Government
By LISA SHIN
Los Alamos Family Eyecare
On May 9, 2024, our County Council voted to approve the boundaries of a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA). Now, it is time for our Council to establish an MRA Commission which complies with the New Mexico Redevelopment Code. This Commission should not include County Councilors or County employees, but rather key members from the community with experience in commercial property development, affordable housing, finances/banking and environmental sustainability. Additionally, there should be representatives from the small business community Read More
County Parks And Open Space Division Invites Community To Second Listening Session For BMX Track Project Via Zoom July 31
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Parks and Open Space Division is still seeking feedback from the community as the planning process continues for the proposed BMX park on North Mesa.
The upcoming Listening Session, hosted by Action Sports Design will collect community input to assist Parks in understanding key community issues, priorities and goals related to the project.
This meeting will be similar to the in-person meeting held June 20, 2024.
The Listening Session will be held via Zoom 6-7:30 p.m., July 31, 2024.
Zoom Meeting Information:
Read More
