Council Moves To Make Los Alamos Part Of Bee City USA
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
A group of passionate community members’ efforts paid off to make Los Alamos a Bee City USA affiliate; County Council unanimously approved 6-0 to adopt a resolution to support the Bee City certification during its regular meeting Tuesday night. Councilor Keith Lepsch was absent.
Deputy County Manager Linda Matteson explained the resolution is one step in becoming an affiliate. The next step will be to apply to Bee City USA to finalize the County’s membership. Other steps, she said, include forming a committee, installing a Read More
Representatives Leger Fernández, Obernolte, Lieu & Sen. Luján Introduce Creative Workforce Investment Act
From the Office of U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wednesday, U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) introduced the Creative Workforce Investment Act in the House, a transformative, bipartisan piece of legislation aimed at empowering the creative workforce and expanding access to the arts across communities nationwide.
The companion bill was introduced in the Senate Wednesday by Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).
“In New Mexico, we know that our creative economy — the people who make the beautiful art we get to enjoy — have Read More
Senators Heinrich, Luján Support Amendment To Maintain Congressional Oversight On Foreign Military Assistance
SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in announcing an amendment to maintain the congressional notification requirement for all U.S. assistance to foreign militaries.
Specifically, the amendment would strike a provision in the proposed national security supplemental funding bill that waives oversight requirements for U.S. funding for Israel under the Foreign Military Financing Program. If passed, the amendment would preserve the congressional notification process for Israel, just Read More
Mark Roper Named State EDD Acting Secretary
Mark Roper presents at the Maxeon Solar announcement. Courtesy/EDD
EDD News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham named Mark Roper as Acting Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Economic Development Department.
Roper is a seventh-generation New Mexican with a long background in media, marketing, and public service, at both the state and community levels. He joined EDD in 2014 as a community, rural, and business development representative and was named Division Director for Economic Development in 2019.
In addition to his work in economic development, Roper was a licensed electrician Read More
Molly Swank Tapped To Lead Common Cause New Mexico
Molly Swank
CCNM News:
Molly Swank was named executive director of Common Cause New Mexico (CCNM) Jan. 1. CCNM is a non-partisan voting rights group dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy — equal access to the ballot and open, honest and accountable government.
Swank has a wealth of experience in community organizing and non-profit management. She served as community engagement director for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, directing field operations and electoral campaigns in a four-state area, including New Mexico. Previously she served as legislative Read More
New Mexico Teachers Urge Education Secretary Romero To Make Improvements For Student Success
Education Secretary Dr. Arsenio Romero
NMFA News:
A group of more than 200 New Mexico teachers and school personnel sent an Open Letter on Jan. 4 to New Mexico Education Secretary Dr. Arsenio Romero. In this letter, teachers statewide expressed concern about the persistently low academic achievement of New Mexico’s students. The teachers provided a list of eight ways in which the Public Education Department (PED) can help ensure student success.
New Mexico teachers are urging the PED to reduce class sizes in order to allow for more individual attention to be given to students. The teachers Read More
Sen. Leo Jaramillo Visits Los Alamos HS EcoClub – Offers Electric Bus If Electrification Resolution Passes Legislature
Los Alamos High School (LAHS) EcoClub members meet today with Sen. Leo Jaramillo and School Board President Antonio Jaurigue. Sen. Jaramillo offers to give the club an electric bus named after the club (if resolution is passed in February) and a grant writer to help the club! The club was so shocked with smiles all around the room and so excited for the new opportunity! Courtesy/EcoClub
Sen. Leo Jaramillo with presenters include Charlotte Butcher, Arianne Terrones, Samuel Carmer, and Ian Corey. Club sponsor is Christina Hum. Courtesy/EcoClub Read More
NM Environment Department To Offer Voluntary Testing For PFAS For Clovis Residents, Cannon AFB Personnel
Environment Secretary James Kenney
NMED News:
Contractor sought to administer testing program this spring
CLOVIS — This spring, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) will offer Clovis residents living near Cannon Air Force Base and Base personnel the opportunity to have their blood tested for specified per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) free of charge.
NMED issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a contractor to administer the PFAS blood testing program and is seeking to host two events where up to 500 adult volunteers residing within four miles of Cannon Air Force Base Read More
Field Work Completed For Key Cleanup Project At LANL
Cleanup of the Middle DP Road Site in Los Alamos included removal of more than 5,917 cubic yards of waste and debris for disposal. Courtesy/EM-LA
EM-LA News:
The EM Los Alamos Field Office (EM-LA) and Newport News Nuclear BWXT Los Alamos (N3B), the legacy cleanup contractor at Los Alamos National Laboratory, have completed field work at the Middle DP Road (MDPR) Site.
The project is important to local officials, who plan to develop the area in Los Alamos.
The completed field work involved investigation and excavation of contaminated material for packaging and shipment to an offsite licensed Read More
Reminder: County Seeks Applicants For Probate Judge
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County officials wish to remind citizens that it is not too late to express interest in filling the position of Probate Judge, to be vacated Feb. 2 when the Honorable Michael Redondo resigns.
In this important post, this individual oversees proceedings and renders decisions regarding cases presented in the Probate Court System.
Interested Los Alamos residents at least 18 years of age are encouraged to email a letter of interest to the County Manager at lacmanager@lacnm.us. Letters should be one to two pages long, detailing the reasons for applying. All letters must Read More
Nuisance Code Implementation Review Task Force: Jan. 12
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Nuisance Code Implementation Review Task Force will meet at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12 at 1000 Central Ave., and virtually on Zoom.
This meeting is open to the public.
Find the agenda to this meeting here.
Find the link to this meeting here.
Webinar ID: 816 7772 2686 Read More
Independent Redistricting Commission Boosted By Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission Endorsement
Fair Districts For New Mexico New:
Voters should choose their legislators; legislators should not choose their voters.
This is the principle for a Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) sponsored by Sen. Leo Jaramillo and Rep. Natalie Figueroa.
On the same day as the filing, Jan. 5, 2024, the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission endorsed the joint resolution. Executive Director Leonard Gorman of the commission, has a been a key member of the team that developed the resolution, along with community and policy advocates.
The SJR, if passed by both Legislative chambers, will put the question of creation Read More
County Planning And Zoning Commission To Meet Jan. 10
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10.
This meeting will be held in person at the Council Chambers at 1000 Central Ave. and virtually on Zoom.
This meeting is open to the public.
Find the agenda to this meeting here.
Find the link to this meeting here.
Webinar ID: 818 8570 6651 Read More
County Parks & Recreation Board To Meet Jan. 11
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Parks and Recreation Board meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11 in the Los Alamos County Council Chambers at 1000 Central Ave. and virtually on Zoom.
This meeting is open to the public.
Find the agenda for this meeting here.
Find the link to this meeting here.
Webinar ID: 814 9520 6609 Read More
North Mesa Workforce Housing Project Moves Forward With Joint Effort Of County And Los Alamos Public Schools
COUNTY News:
On Dec. 18, 2023, the Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) Board and Los Alamos County Council took a pivotal step toward making attainable workforce housing a reality in the community. Both entities jointly approved the North Mesa Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), paving the way for a comprehensive review and development plan for the LAPS-owned property on North Mesa.
The MOA sets in motion a collaborative process involving a consultant/partner who will:
- Assess the North Mesa site: A thorough review of the land, current market conditions, and any existing planning work will be conducted.
Poll: New Mexico Voters Support Smaller Elementary Classes, Well-Rounded High School Graduation Requirements, Enhanced Training, Transparency For School Boards
THINK NEW MEXICO News:
A new poll of New Mexico voters found broad, bipartisan support for education reforms including capping the size of elementary school classes at 20 students; enhancing the training and transparency of local school boards; and ensuring that the high school curricula include a diverse array of required courses.
The poll of 403 registered voters in New Mexico was commissioned by Think New Mexico and conducted Nov. 13-20, 2023 by BSP Research, overseen by UNM Professor Dr. Gabriel Sanchez, a nationally recognized expert in New Mexico politics and policy.
The poll found Read More
Heinrich Calls For Funding Of U.S. Leadership In AI Innovation
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging the inclusion of initial funding of $10 million to establish the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (USAISI) in the Fiscal Year 2024 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, or any other relevant funding opportunities.
U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Read More
Chandler And Gonzales Discuss 2024 Legislative Session
Dist. 43 Rep. Christine Chandler takes part in the League of Women Voter’s legislative preview forum Thursday night on Zoom. Screenshot/LADP
New Mexico Sen. Roberto Gonzales takes part in the League of Women Voter’s Legislative Preview Forum Thursday night on Zoom. Screenshot/LADP
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
It might be a short legislative session kicking off Jan. 16 but it will be a busy one. Dist. 43 Rep. Christine Chandler and Sen. Roberto Gonzales, who both represent Los Alamos, discussed the upcoming 30-day session during the League of Women Voter’s Read More
League Of Women Voters ‘Lunch With A Leader’ To Feature Deputy Utility Manager Clay Moseley Jan. 18
Deputy Utility Manager Clay Moseley
LWV News:
The League of Women Voters (LWV) has announced that Deputy Utility Manager Clay Moseley, over Gas, Water, and Sewer Services at Los Alamos County, will be the Lunch with a Leader speaker noon until 1 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Unitarian Church.
This event is open to the entire community.
Moseley is responsible for operation of the natural gas distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and water production and distribution systems. He joined DPU’s engineering division in 2000 to bolster the post-Cerro Grande Fire recovery program team.
He has Read More
Los Alamos School Board To Meet Tuesday Jan. 9, 2024
LAPS News:
The Los Alamos School Board is scheduled to meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 in the School Board Room at the Administration Offices, 2101 Trinity Drive, Suite V.
The meeting is open to the public.
To submit comments for items not on the agenda, see email address in item 6 below. For comments during the meeting, please use: public.comments@laschools.net 1.
To Join Zoom Meeting:
- https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5056632222?pwd=ODd1d3h0Z1dGd1ByT0lVNGU3T2dFQT09&omn=8503415 9887
Meeting ID:
- 505 663 2222
Passcode:
- j45K8H One tap mobile +12532050468,,5056632222#,,,,*656843#
