Heinrich Tours Upgraded Equipment At Carlsbad Police Department, Briefed On New Mobile Command Center
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich hears from Carlsbad Police Department how nearly $1 million he secured for a new Mobile Command Center and operational, upgraded radio and communications equipment will improve response times and emergency coordination. Courtesy photo
U.S. SENATE News:
CARLSBAD — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, took a tour with the Carlsbad Police Department to hear how nearly $1 million he secured for a forthcoming, new Mobile Command Center and operational, upgraded radio and communications equipment will improve response Read More
Secretary Of State’s Office Announces Modernized Online Business Portal, Refunds For Prepaid Account Holders
STATE News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) announced Friday that all business transactions with the SOS’s office beginning Nov. 12, 2024 will be conducted through its online business filing portal.
The SOS’s online filing portal, SOS Enterprise, has been the portal for Notary, UCC and Facsimile Filings for the past year. In November, all Business Filings will be a part of this portal, allowing for a more user friendly and updated environment. Customers will be able to register and maintain their businesses through this portal.
The SOS’s office is making this announcement Read More
Canceled: Oct. 23 Planning And Zoning Commission Meeting
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for Oct. 23, 2024, has been canceled because there are no applications for review. Read More
Lentini: City Managers Are Not Elected Officials
By CYNTHIA P. LENTINI
Española Resident/Community Activist
The Unsheltered Committee of the City of Española met Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. It’s sad when City representatives spend more time in denials and retaliation than on the business at hand: What to do for the unsheltered in the community.
The highlights of the meeting were not presentations of data, facts, reasonable arguments, and planning. Instead, the meeting spent an inordinate amount of time complaining about the alleged BS of social media and the City Manager’s verbal attacks against City Councilor Samuel LeDoux. Sitting back Read More
White House Approves New Mexico Cybersecurity Plan
STATE News:
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SANTA FE — A state plan for protecting critical water and wastewater systems from cyber-attacks has received high praise and approval from the White House.
The National Security Council, Environmental Protection Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency asked all states to prepare an action plan to mitigate cybersecurity risks in water and wastewater systems. The plan was submitted by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in August and received approval in late September. The plan details Read More
Española Mayor: No Excuses For Beautifying Our Valley
By JOHN RAMON VIGIL
Mayor
City of Española
The debate over banning single-use plastic bags is not just a matter of environmental concern—it’s a practical, necessary step to combat the growing litter issue in our Valley.
A significant portion of this litter is caused by the unhoused and unsheltered population, who often use these bags for temporary shelter or bedding. While this is understandable given their circumstances, the unfortunate result is that our streets, parks, and neighborhoods are becoming overwhelmed with discarded plastic bags, contributing to an already rampant trash Read More
NMED Enforcement Actions Generate Millions For New Mexican Taxpayers Statewide In FY 2024
NMED News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) enforcement actions generated more than $30 million across the state in fiscal year 2024, marking a major milestone in efforts to target polluters while improving water systems, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing environmental health.
The total amount of environmental fines collected by the department––$30.2 million–– exceeded the $25.5 million operating budget ($25.5 million) appropriated by the legislature for the department in FY 2024. This amounts to an 18.43% return on investment at no cost to taxpayers.
“I Read More
Skolnik: What ‘Else’ We Need In Our Elected Officials
By RICHARD SKOLNIK
White Rock
I thank Kevin Holsapple for his recent letter: “What I Wish For in Our County Councilors” (link).
All of the points Mr. Holsapple raised are fundamental.
However, they are not sufficient to ensure effective public service. For this, we need people who possess one additional trait:
The ability to focus unrelentingly on solving problems, in sustainable, cost-effective, and fair ways, despite the constraints to doing so.
This is in stark contrast, of course, to people who focus on telling us, often over and over again, “why problems can’t be solved”.
As someone who Read More
Sen. Heinrich, Colleagues Introduce Resolution To Designate Second Week Of October As National Wildlife Refuge Week
U.S. SENATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined his colleagues to introduce a resolution designating the week of Oct. 13-19, 2024, as National Wildlife Refuge Week.
“National Wildlife Week is an annual reminder of the important work to preserve the ecosystems that support and protect endangered species. I will continue fighting for policies that will conserve the full breadth of American wildlife, delivering on our moral responsibility to protect these wild places and species for future generations Read More
Community Celebrates Opening Of Los Alamos Reservoir
From left, Los Alamos County Council Chair Theresa Cull, Board of Public Utilities Chair Robert Gibson and Deputy Utility Manager for Gas, Water and Sewer Services Clay Moseley get ready to snip the ribbon and ceremoniously reopen the Los Alamos Reservoir Wednesday morning along with New Mexico Environment Department Watershed Protection Section Program Manager Kate Lacey Younge, Keystone Restoration Ecology President Steve Vrooman and Utility Manager Philo Shelton. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
A view of the newly reopened Los Alamos Reservoir Wednesday morning. Completing Read More
County Council Candidates Participate In LWV Forum
From left, Los Alamos County Council incumbent candidate Denise Derkacs, Council candidate James Wernicke, League of Women Voters of Los Alamos Chair Felicia Orth, Council candidate Ryn Herrmann, Council Candidate Beverly Neal-Clinton and incumbent Council candidate David Reagor participate in Monday’s LWV forum. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
The 2024 General Election day is just four weeks away and Los Alamos County Council candidates pitched why they believe they are the best selection on the ballot, during Read More
New Mexico Department Of Finance And Administration Files Response To Judicial Employee Leave Policy Lawsuit
DFA Secretary Wayne Propst
DFA News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) filed a response to the Administrative Office of the Courts’ (AOC) lawsuit against the agency. DFA’s response aims to protect the Legislature’s exclusive power over the expenditure of public funds and the constitutional authority of checks and balances, while respectfully requesting a fair tribunal.
The lawsuit stems from DFA’s declining paid time off (PTO) payouts on the grounds that the policy violates legislative restrictions on the expenditure of public funds. The decision Read More
Skolnik: New Mexico’s Healthcare Workforce – Clever Ads Are Not Healthcare Policy
By RICHARD SKOLNIK
White Rock
In September 2023, the Albuquerque Journal published an article I wrote called Dear Red State Physicians, Please Move to New Mexico (link).
Thus, I was pleased to see the Governor launch in August 2024 an advertising campaign along the lines of my article.
My article was written in a somewhat humorous style, since I understand there are a number of critical policy constraints that discourage physicians from wanting to practice in New Mexico. Unhappiness over a physician’s ability to practice in Texas or elsewhere according to the standards of care of her field will Read More
Public Meetings Scheduled On Fire Station 4 Site Selection
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Public Works and Fire departments have scheduled two additional public meetings regarding the site selection for the new Fire Station 4.
Scheduled for Oct. 15 and 21, both in-person meetings will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Fire Department Administration offices at 999 Central Ave., 3rd Floor.
Officials thank all residents who participated in the site selection survey, which closed on Oct. 7.
At the upcoming meetings, the County project team will review the survey responses for the three sites under consideration.
During the first public meeting, held Read More
Catch Of The Week: Hurricane Misinformation
By REBECCA RUTHERDORD
Los Alamos
For the Los Alamos Daily Post
In our digital age, we have access to pretty much anything online, which is great, but also…not so great when so much of what is available online are inflammatory posts on social media, meant to get clicks and views. Misinformation is running rampant.
Viral news is, well, viral. It’s like a bad stomach bug. Your kid gets it and throws up all over you. Before you know it, you’re throwing up all over the place, it gets all over your house, your other kids get it, your husband gets it, vomit everywhere. Yeah this literally happened when my oldest Read More
Heinrich Tours Bernalillo County Emergency Ops Center
Courtesy photo
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, toured the Bernalillo County Emergency Operations Center to see how the $750,000 he secured in Congressionally Directed Spending will make needed improvements and technology upgrades at the Center.
“I’m proud to have secured funding to enhance the Bernalillo County Emergency Operations Center. These improvements will directly support our dedicated firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical responders Read More
With Balloon Fiesta Underway, Sen. Luján Highlights Wins From FAA Reauthorization Bill To Protect Hot Air Ballooning
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:
Washington, D.C. – With the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta underway, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, highlighted key priorities that he secured to help protect hot air ballooning in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 that was passed and signed into law in May.
“The annual Balloon Fiesta is a vital part of New Mexico’s culture and economy that brings thousands of visitors to our state from around the world,” Sen. Luján said. “Over Read More
ADA Trail Construction Underway On Kinnikinnik Park
Map of Kinnikinnik Park trail closures during ADA trail contruction expected through November. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
Parks and Open Space has announced that ADA trail construction began Monday, Oct. 4 on the Kinnikinnik Park. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of November, though the timeline may be extended if weather conditions cause delays.
During this construction period, various trails within Kinnikinnik Park will be closed to the public. Signs will be posted by staff, and visitors are encouraged to observe all closures for their safety. However, trails leading Read More
Notice Of Possible Quorum: Grand Re-Opening Of Los Alamos Canyon Reservoir
COUNTY News:
Members of the Department Of Public Utilities board may attend the grand re-opening of the Los Alamos Canyon Reservoir at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 9, 2024.
A quorum may be present; however board members will not discuss any business and no action will be taken. Read More
Los Alamos County Government Offices To Close Monday Oct. 14 In Observance Of Indigenous Peoples Day
COUNTY News:
In observance of Indigenous Peoples Day, some Los Alamos County government offices and services will close or have modified hours on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024.
The County’s administrative offices, Atomic City Transit fixed bus routes, and the Environmental Services division are closed on Monday.
In addition, the following facilities will have modified hours:
White Rock and Mesa libraries – Open 1-5 p.m.
Aquatic Center – The entire facility will be open from 1-4 p.m.
Golf Course and Golf Shop – Closed
Environmental Services commercial/residential refuse/recycle services will Read More
