Backup Power For White Rock Is In The Works
COUNTY News:
With a mission to provide safe and reliable utility services, the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) maintains a high standard that includes backup plans in case utility services go down. Even with the best laid plans, however, the unexpected can still throw a monkey wrench, and that is exactly what happened when a backup electric transformer suddenly expired at 3:10 a.m. on Friday, August 8.
A little history
White Rock has one electric substation with two transformers. The community’s entire load is normally provided through Transformer #2. In early August, however, Read More
Aquatomics Waffle Breakfast Fundraiser A Sweet Success
Courtesy photo
COMMUNITY News:
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Aquatomics at the LAA Waffle Breakfast on Aug. 16! We had a fantastic turnout and raised a generous amount that will go toward new team gear for our swimmers.
The event was a true community effort, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to support us. It was especially wonderful to see so many of our swimmers volunteering their time and energy, giving parents a chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy a warm waffle. Great job!
While it took a team effort to make the event happen, we want to give special Read More
U.S. Small Business Administration Opens Nominations For 2026 National Small Business Week Awards
SBA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tuesday, Aug. 19, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards. National Small Business Week recognizes the contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses – which make up 99% of all businesses in America, create two out of every three new jobs, and employ about half of America’s workforce. Next year, National Small Business Week will take place May 3 – 9, 2026.
“During National Small Business Week, we honor America’s job creators and the vital role they play in making our country the greatest Read More
Atomicon 2025 Returns With New Lineup Of Comics, Costumes, And Interactive Fun At Los Alamos Public Library
Vendor Hall at Fuller Lodge 2024. Photo by Melissa Mackey
LIBRARY News:
The Los Alamos Public Library will host its fourth annual Comicon-style celebration, Atomicon 2025, on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Mesa Public Library and Fuller Lodge. The all-day event, from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., brings together comics, costumes, crafts, games, and a wide range of activities for all ages.
“Every year, we play with the format and try to change up the line-up based on community feedback,” Senior Librarian Eva Jacobson said. “This year, this is particularly true for the adult and teen portion of the event, where we Read More
Laguna Fire Weekly Update: Aug. 18, 2025
SFNF News:
Acres: 17,415
Start Date: 6/25/2025
Containment: 90%
Location: Located in the Coyote Ranger District, 8 miles north of New Mexico State Road 96 and west of the Chama River Canyon Wilderness.
Resources:1 engine | 1 water tender
Fuels: Oak brush, ponderosa pine, Piñon-juniper
Highlights: Updates will be provided once a week, unless significant activity or changes occur. The next Laguna Wildfire Weekly Update will be provided Monday August 25, 2025.
Over the weekend, the Laguna Wildfire transitioned command to a Type 5 Incident Commander. A Type 5 incident Read More
IAIA To Receive Historic Gift Of Coe Center Campus As Part Of Ralph T. Coe Center For The Arts’ Rehoming Program
Making History, Cara Romero (Chemehuevi Indian Tribe) ’03; the photograph was made at the Coe Center’s Project Space Building. Courtesy/IAIA
IAIA News:
The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is honored to announce that the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts (Coe Center) will transfer its physical campus building at 1590 Pacheco Street B, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to IAIA during the week of Dec. 15, 2025. This transformative gift is part of the Coe Center’s visionary Rehoming Program, created to ensure the long-term stewardship and purposeful use of the Center’s physical and programmatic Read More
Houck: Important Watchpoints For Buyers And Sellers
By DAVID HOUCK
Qualifying Broker
Atomic Realty
For Buyers – Don’t Let Your Broker Expose You to Liability
As the real estate market shifts, some brokers return to their full-time jobs, treating real estate as a side hustle. While they may be well-intentioned, they may not be fully engaged or focused on protecting your interests—and that could leave you exposed.
One common issue: When you, the buyer, request a home inspection, ask your broker if they will attend the inspection on your behalf. Some brokers simply unlock the door for the inspector and leave. If any damage occurs during that unsupervised Read More
Films Made By Students In PAC 8 Summer Film Intensive Program Showcased During Gala At SALA Event Center
From left, Isabella Friday Santistevan (film maker), Juliana Jordon (film maker), Bendt Dahl (instructor), Gaius Jaworski (film maker), David Daniel (Instructor), Kaylyn Nichols (film maker), Alex Baker (film maker), Jean Gindreau (instructor), C.J. Smith (film maker), Blue Engeman (film maker), and Christina Valdez (instructor). Courtesy/PAC 8
PAC 8 News:
The Summer Film Intensive held a gala Last week at SALA, showcasing the 5 films teens made in 3 weeks. The five films are “Birthday Dress” by Isabella Friday Santistevan, “Farm Wars” by C.J. Smith, “Monster” by Juliana Jordon, “Sasquatch” Read More
FBI: Mescalero Man Sentenced To Prison For Violent Assault
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A Mescalero man was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for a violent attack that left a victim seriously injured.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Nov. 2, 2022, Spencer George Klinekole, 41, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted Jane Doe with a baseball bat, causing serious bodily injury.
Upon his release from prison, Klinekole will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Read More
ABQ Man Sentenced For Violent Retail Robbery Spree

FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 22 years in prison for committing a series of armed robberies that targeted retail stores across the city in 2023.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, between July 11 and September 16, 2023, Demetrius Antonnie Bailey, 41, and an accomplice committed a series of armed robberies at Harbor Freight Tools, multiple Metro by T-Mobile locations, a T-Mobile store, a Verizon store, and a JC Penney. During the robberies, they brandished a BB gun, a toy gun, and, in one instance, a real handgun to threaten employees Read More
Regional Behavioral Health Plans Funding Process Begins

Karl Reifsteck
NMSC News:
SANTA FE — Financial assistance to support regional behavioral health planning is available through a planning funding announcement issued today by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
Up to $45,000 will be awarded to one local, tribal or quasi-governmental organization in each of the state’s 13 behavioral health regions to coordinate the development of regional plans for delivering behavioral health services.
“This funding will help each behavioral health region identify its priorities, engage stakeholders and create an implementation plan that Read More
Santa Fe Indian Market Announces 2025 Award Winners
Santiago Romero (Cochiti & Taos Pueblo). Courtesy photo
SFIM News:
SANTA FE — Santa Fe Indian Market is pleased to announce the 2025 Best of Show, Best of Classification, and Special Award winners. Since 1922, Santa Fe Indian Market, the world’s largest and most prestigious Native North American art market, has awarded Best of Show winners to exceptional Native North American artists in a variety of juried classifications.
Over 60 judges and 120 volunteers, experts in various media, convened Thursday, Aug. 14, to review, assist and critique this year’s entries and determine Read More
St. John’s College Brings World-Class Speakers To Santa Fe For Fall Dean’s Lecture And Concert Series
SJC News:
SANTA FE — St. John’s College has announced its fall Dean’s Lecture and Concert Series. On Friday evenings, members of the St. John’s College community gather in the Great Hall to hear a lecture or concert from visiting scholars, artists, poets, or faculty. Lecturers include members of the St. John’s College faculty (known as tutors) and professors from notable universities across the country. Each lecture is followed by a question period and an engaging discussion between the lecturer and attendees.
“We are proud to bring world-class thought leaders and major musicians to Santa Read More
LAPS Notice Of Possible Quorum Aug. 21
Kendal Chavez Appointed Deputy Secretary For ECECD
ECECD News:
SANTA FE — Monday, the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) announced the appointment of Kendal Chavez as deputy secretary, effective immediately.
Chavez joins the department’s executive leadership team to advance early childhood priorities and ensure that families across New Mexico continue to benefit from high-quality, accessible programs and services.
Chavez most recently served as policy advisor to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, where she led initiatives in early childhood education, food and agriculture, and child and family well-being. Read More
N3B Interns Showcase Summer Projects To Support Legacy Cleanup At Los Alamos
Seven talented N3B interns (left to right) Paul Alcazar, Sofia Enriquez, Erin Stucky, Samuel Gervais, Jaide Romero, Santiago Quintana, and Atalia Archuleta, shared their projects, lessons learned and future goals at their final presentations on Aug. 7.
LANL News:
Newport News Nuclear BWXT-Los Alamos, LLC (N3B) hosted its 2025 Summer Intern Presentation on Aug. 7, 2025, for N3B leadership and technical staff. Seven interns shared their experiences and insights gained during their time supporting N3B’s environmental legacy cleanup mission at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
The event Read More
Trujillo: Higher Education Endowments Are An Investment Worth Maturing
By Patricia Trujillo
Deputy Secretary, Higher Education Department
“New Mexico is making positive strides. But…”
It’s a familiar refrain. There always seems to be a “but.” Naysayers often have the loudest voice, highlighting surface-level challenges while minimizing the hard work of building new programs and giving them time to bloom.
Our state faces persistent shortages in critical fields, leaving too many without the services they need. Thankfully, New Mexico is exploring innovative solutions, including a $150 million investment in faculty endowments for teacher education, social Read More
Daily Postcard: Brace For It!
Daily Postcard: A brave boy braces for a major drenching at the splash pad on Sunday in White Rock! ‘Thanks to all at the County for providing this fun play area for our youngsters!’ –Ron Roybal. Photo by Ron Roybal Read More
Obituary: Charles L. Hollas March 1, 1942 – July 22, 2025
CHARLES LAWRENCE HOLLAS March 1, 1942 – July 22, 2025
Charles Lawrence Hollas lived a full life in Texas, Australia, and New Mexico. He passed away peacefully in Oakland, California, and was surrounded by family in his last days.
Charles was born in Cameron, Texas, second of four children of Leo and Milady Hollas. He excelled in school, loved science and at his mother’s suggestion to “Get yourself an education”, he completed a BS in Physics from the University of Texas in Austin and then, in 1971, his PhD in Experimental Nuclear Physics.
Charles felt privileged to enjoy a career in a field he loved. Read More
Scenes From 100+ Women Who Care 10th Anniversary Event
100+ Women Who Care Steering Committee Member Angie Bratton serving as emcee for the group’s 10th anniversary event Aug. 7 at Beef & Leaf. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
TechSource, Inc., was applauded for its generous sponsorship of the 10th anniversary event of 100+ Women Who Care on Aug.

































