Jones: Discussion Over County ‘Fair Market Value’
By BECCA JONES
Realtor, Associate Broker
Los Alamos
I want to take a moment to discuss the recent property valuation notices (NOV) that include a new line item labeled “Fair Market Value”. In previous years, these notices typically displayed the prior year’s taxable value, the current year’s assessed value, and estimated property taxes. The addition of “Fair Market Value” can understandably raise questions about what this number actually represents.
As a licensed realtor, I believe it’s helpful to understand how this figure is determined per the County Assessor’s Office. The “Fair Market Read More
Virtual Public Meeting On Guaje Pines Master Plan May 14
View of Guaje Pines Cemetery at 901 Range Road. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County has partnered with Sloane Consulting Group to develop a comprehensive Master Plan for Guaje Pines Cemetery.
This plan will outline a long-term vision for the care, maintenance and development of the cemetery, ensuring it remains a peaceful and meaningful place for generations to come.
As part of the community engagement process, the County invites residents to take part in a Virtual Public Meeting at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, to share feedback and ideas directly with the project team. This meeting Read More
Bear Trouble
Scene this morning from bear overnight dismantling an unsecured trash can at a local playlot. Courtesy/Katie Bruell
By KATIE BRUELL
Los Alamos
Dear Los Alamos County,
Have you heard the phrase, “a fed bear is a dead bear?” I’m guessing yes, which is why I don’t understand how you persist in attracting the bears out of the canyon into our playlots with unsecured trash.
We citizens are doing our part by getting bear safe trash cans, keeping our trash inside our garages (if we have them) not feeding our pets outside, and doing all the other things your utility bill inserts ask us to. But it doesn’t matter Read More
Mesa Public Library Author Talk: Christina Vo May 15
Author Christine Vo
LIBRARY News:
The Los Alamos Public Library is hosting a special author talk from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Mesa Public Library. Christine Vo will share the story of her family, the personal relationship she has with her father’s birthplace, and the genesis and challenges of co-writing a book.
The dual memoir “My Vietnam, Your Vietnam” by Christine Vo and Nghia M. Vo weaves together the stories of a man who fled Vietnam in 1975, and his daughter who returns a quarter of a century later.
These narratives, just one generation apart, reveal how the shadow of war and the light of Read More
Los Alamos County Eco Station Services Halted Several Hours Following Radiation Detection Alert Monday May 5
Scene at the Los Alamos County Eco Station Monday afternoon at 3701 East Jemez Road following a Radiation Portal Detector alert after which LAFD and LANL were called to investigate. Courtesy/LAC
LAFD and LANL respond to the scene of a Radiation Portal Detector alert Monday afternoon at the Los Alamos County Eco Station at 3701 East Jemez Road. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Eco Station services were suspended at approximately 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 5, for the remainder of the day, when the Radiation Portal Detectors alerted Environmental Services staff to potential radioactive Read More
County 2025 Bike To Work Event Scheduled For May 15
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Public Works Department, along with the Transportation Board and Community Services Department, invites residents to participate in the “Bike to Work” event Thursday, May 15.
Cyclists are encouraged to visit the Energizer Station, 7-9 a.m. at the northwest corner of Diamond Drive and Canyon Road. Here, participants can enjoy refreshments, snacks and receive bike-related giveaways.
According to the League of American Bicyclists, nearly 40 percent of all trips in the U.S. are less than two miles, highlighting that biking is a practical and enjoyable mode Read More
County Assessor Clarifies Property Tax Of Common Areas
By County Assessor George Chandler:
Recently a citizen posted on Facebook information ostensibly derived from the Los Alamos County Parcel Viewer, the online feature of the Assessor’s Office that displays parcel maps and data on each parcel of land in the County.
Our office discovered the post, which referenced a large non-residential parking lot downtown and stated incorrectly that the lot was taxed at $2,853 (no tax year was stated).
Our office discovered the post, and we attempted without success to determine exactly how the citizen derived his incorrect information from the data on the Read More
Los Alamos Utilities Department Discusses New ‘Power Safety Power Shutoff’ Program To Minimize Risk Of Wildfires Caused At Powerlines
COUNTY News:
To minimize the risk of wildfires caused at powerlines, the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) has implemented a program for its electric customers called Power Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
While electric customers in Los Alamos are not PNM customers, the electricity that the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) delivers to Los Alamos enters the local system through PNM’s electric transmission lines.
DPU Power System Supervisor Nick Nelson wants to educate the community about PSPS and whether or not they might indirectly impact DPU customers.
“It’s possible Read More
Chamisa Elementary School Hosts A Wax Museum
A 3rd grader Raiden Allen as Abraham Lincoln in the Wax Museum in Chamia Elementary School Wednesday. The students chose a character from history, them researched then to write a bio about them which they used to recite to the visitors. They also dressed in a costume to look like the person. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Third grader Verdine Bloom as Maria Tallchief recites her Bio to the visitors. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Third grader Antonie Topia as Maria Martinez of the San Ildefonso Pueblo. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Ben Gurule as John Rockefeller recites Read More
County Community Services Dept. Earns Prestigious Award
The Los Alamos County Community Services is a finalist for 2025 National Gold Medal presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Los Alamos Daily Post file photos
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County Community Services Department earned an award that, in its profession, is equivalent to an Oscar or a Super Bowl trophy.
Not only is it a big deal to receive a Finalist Award in the 2025 National Gold Medal Award Program for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Read More
Los Alamos Police Department Invites Community To Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service 10 AM Thursday May 15
Deputy Chief James Rodriguez
LAPD News:
The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) will host its annual memorial ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 15, as part of National Police Week. The ceremony will take place in the north parking lot of the Los Alamos Justice Center at 2500 Trinity Drive.
National Police Week is a time to honor, remember, and support law enforcement officers, their families, and the communities they serve. This annual observance provides an opportunity for citizens and survivors to come together and pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Read More
Councilors To Host Booth At Farmers Market Starting May 22
COUNTY News:
Two Los Alamos County Councilors will host a booth 9-11 a.m. beginning May 22 on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Farmers Market at Ashley Pond Park, 2200 Trinity Drive.
Marketgoers are encouraged to stop by and chat about current issues, projects or other topics.
Summer 2025 dates Council will be available:
- Thursday, May 22
- Thursday, June 26
- Thursday, July 24
- Saturday, Aug. 2 – County Fair at Ashley Pond Park
- Thursday, Sept. 25
- Thursday, Oct. 23
The community is invited to connect with the County Councilors and discuss current issues. For information about Los Alamos County Read More
Fifth Public Input Session For Artificial Turf Study May 15
COUNTY News:
The fifth and final Public Engagement Input Session for the ongoing Artificial Turf Study is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15 at Fuller Lodge.
This session offers community members another chance to explore proposed field layout scenarios at the North Mesa and Overlook facilities, which feature a combination of artificial turf and natural grass fields. Attendees can ask questions and share feedback on the study’s progress.
A Zoom option is available for those who prefer to participate virtually.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83382900049
The Artificial Turf Study, Read More
Op-Ed: DPU Should Consider Shopping Local For Solar
By RICK NEBEL
Los Alamos
Several years ago, my wife Kathy and my son Dan worked for Carol and Tex Felts at Los Alamos Music. Like many small businesses they provided multiple services to the community. They gave music lessons. They sold new and used instruments. They did “rent-to-own” instruments for beginners. They repaired instruments. However, the real money-maker for that business was that Tex tuned pianos.
For many years, Tex had a contract with the County to tune its pianos. One year he put in his usual bid, and the County told him that they had awarded the contract to some outfit from Santa Read More
Sinkhole Appears Near N.M. 4 And Rover In White Rock
COUNTY News:
A sinkhole has appeared on the road near the intersection of N.M. 4 and Rover Boulevard in White Rock.
Water crews from the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) are responding, as are personnel from the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT).
The hole is under the right turning lane for eastbound traffic on N.M. 4, slightly west of the intersection.
Once a repair operation has begun, it is not expected to close the non-turning eastbound lane of traffic, however drivers are asked to pass the area patiently and cautiously.
So far no estimate for repair time has been Read More
2025 Los Alamos Summer Concert Line Up Video Is Here!
Check out the 2025 Los Alamos Concert Series Line Up Video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EMyPS5hGm/. Courtesy/Sancre Productions
By PABLO IRLANDO-WILDMAN
CEO
Sancre Productions
Ladies and Gentleman, the 2025 Los Alamos Summer Concert Series Line Up video is here! The best free summer concert series in the state runs every Friday from May 23 through Sept. 5 and this year’s 4th of July Spectacular and Drone Show presented by Merrick and SMSI is at Ashley Pond Park.
Special thanks to Sancre Productions, the Los Alamos County Community Services Department and all of the incredible Read More
Scenes From County’s Adopt-A-Road Community Cleanup Event
Volunteers prepare to take part in a community cleanup event in coordination with Los Alamos County’s Adopt-A-Road program and the County Public Works Department. Volunteers pitched in across the community to pick up litter and debris. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Members of the Los Alamos Daily Post news team spruce up a section of Central Avenue April 26 as part of the County’s Adopt-A-Road community cleanup event. Post news team members, from left, Photographer John McHale, Advertising Manager KayLinda Crawford, Graphic Designer Páya Pavlíková and Government Reporter Kirsten Read More
Public Workshop For Input On A County Fleet Conversion And EV Charging Plan May 12
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County’s Sustainability Division invites residents, business owners and other interested parties to participate in a public workshop to provide input on the development of a plan for electrifying the County fleet and expanding community-wide electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
The workshop will be held from 3:30-6:30 p.m., Monday, May 12, in Council Chambers. Participants may attend in person or join virtually via Zoom using passcode 971816.
The County’s consultants, Consensus Planning and Stantec, will facilitate the event and present project Read More
PAC 8 Community Media Center: May 9-15, 2025
PAC 8 News:
PAC 8 Community Media Center is available for recording events, transferring of old media, shooting and editing, live streaming and drone photography and videography.
For information, call 505.662.7228 or visit pac8cmc.com.
PAC 8 Television schedule for May 9-15 2025:
Friday, May 9, 2025
- 6 a.m. — Democracy Now! – Live
- 10 a.m. — The Thom Hartmann Program
- 11 a.m. — Budget Hearing Replay 5-06–25
- 3 p.m. — Democracy Now!
- 5 p.m. — PAC PAGES – Los Alamos County News Updates
- 6 p.m. — Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast – Legislative Update
- 7 p.m. — Fire Station 4 Replacement
Residents Invited To Share Reflections On Cerro Grande Fire
COUNTY News:
Twenty-five years after the Cerro Grande Fire, one of the most defining events in Los Alamos County’s history, officials are inviting community members to share personal memories, reflections, photos or short videos that highlight the unity, compassion and healing that followed in the fire’s aftermath.
Submissions can be made online at lacnm.com/CG2025 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, May 15. Selected contributions will be displayed during a public gathering 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in Room 110 of the Los Alamos County Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave. Light refreshments Read More
