Public Safety - Los Alamos Daily Post

McQuiston: How Insurance Companies Actually Determine Auto Rates

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 20, 2025

By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963

Most people assume a car insurance quote is simple: plug in a few details, get a price.

In reality, that number is the result of thousands of data points, probability models, and assumptions layered on top of one another.

Understanding how quotes are actually produced makes one thing clear: two people with nearly identical cars can receive very different prices—and it has less to do with the car than most people think.

Here’s what’s really happening behind the scenes.

1: You’re Placed Into a Risk Pool (Not Priced Individually)

SFNF Issues Pile Burn Update

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 20, 2025

*Ignitions on Tesuque piles in the Española Ranger District. Courtesy/SFNF*

SFNF News:

Recent winter weather created favorable conditions to implement pile burns across the forest. Santa Fe National Forest fire managers will continue hazardous fuels reduction work throughout the winter as weather conditions allow, pending all required approvals.

Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews with the aim of reducing flammable fuels.

The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including snowpack, air quality, ventilation, Read More

Seasonal Road Closures On Santa Fe National Forest

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 20, 2025

SFNF News:

- - - - Use caution while driving on forest roads in the winter

SANTA FE — Due to winter weather conditions, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will close some forest roads susceptible to damage to protect public health and safety, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Seasonal road closures generally occur between December and May because of winter weather and hazardous road conditions. The closures prohibit the use of motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles, on restricted roads when gates are closed, locked or posted with a closure sign.

Current and Read More

Dannemann: Lawyer-Legislator Interferes With Health Care Access

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 20, 2025

By MERILEE DANNEMANN
Triple Spaced Again
© 2025 by Merilee Dannemann

Katy Duhigg blew up the interstate compacts discussion. Again.

This was a few weeks ago, and the latest news reports indicate that the discussion is back on track. But one critical question is, who put Duhigg on the committee?

The interstate compacts I’m referring to are related to access to healthcare for New Mexicans. Medical professionals, including physicians, can legally practice their profession only in a state where they are licensed. For a doctor licensed in another state to do anything professional in New Mexico, Read More

Catch Of The Week: Have Yourself A Merry Little Phishmas

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 20, 2025

By REBECCA RUTHERFORD
Los Alamos
For the Los Alamos Daily Post

The holidays are supposed to be about twinkling lights, cookies, time with family, and pretending you are not checking work email (the server room is on fire?? It will be ok till next year right?). Unfortunately, cyber criminals do not take time off; the holidays are one of their busiest seasons of the year!

While you are shopping online, traveling, and clicking through “great deals” … scammers are busy trying to slide into your inbox, texts, and DMs like an uninvited guest at a potluck.

Holiday-themed phishing emails, texts Read More