Columns

Marshland: White Rock Canyon Petroglyphs

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Someone has added a modern-day message on this rock that has held a petroglyph of Kokopelli for the last few hundred years in White Rock. Courtesy/Susanna Marshland

By SUSANNA MARSHLAND
Intermittent resident
White Rock and Kensington, Calif.

As you can see on the above photo, someone has added a modern-day message on a rock that has held a petroglyph of Kokopelli for the last few hundred years.

I have been hiking the Red Dot Trail most of my life, and in the past few years have observed a proliferation of new additions, some likely done with a Dremel tool, some perhaps created by hand. In some places, Read More

All Shall Be Well: Make Us Instruments Of Your Peace

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Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, The Rev. Lynn Finnegan, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill, Pastor Nicolé Raddu Ferry and Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

By Rev. Lynn Finnegan
Associate Rector
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith

“The Peace Prayer” or the “Prayer of Saint Francis” is a well-known prayer of unknown origin. Whether the iconic Saint Francis, known best for his love of animals and all of God’s creation, wrote it or not, its symmetry and simplicity has universal appeal. “Make me (or “us” depending on the version) an instrument of your peace,” Read More

McQuiston: 5 Steps To Create Home Inventory Checklist

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By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963

After a fire, burglary or another event in which you lost possessions from your home, it may be difficult to remember the details of every one of the belongings that you have accumulated over the years. In this situation, having a current inventory of your possessions, including make and model numbers, may help you with any potential insurance claims. Taking the time to document your belongings now can help you recover faster after a loss.

Here are some steps to help build a home inventory checklist:

  • Step 1: Take the time to
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Richins: Get Prepared For Respiratory Virus Season

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By JOYCE RICHINS, BS, RN, CIC
Infection Preventionist
Los Alamos Medical Center

As a member of the Los Alamos County Health Council, I would like to help prepare you for the 2024-2025 Respiratory Virus Season. Influenza, RSV and COVID are just around the corner.

Predictions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-qualitative-assessments/php/data-research/season-outlook24-25/index.html) suggest this season’s peak hospitalization rate will be similar to or lower than last year. Of course, there is still a risk of a higher peak rate.

Respiratory Read More

An Open Book: From Iceland With Love

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By DAVID IZRAELEVITZ
Los Alamos

Our boys were in their mid- to late teens when we decided they were old enough to appreciate a family trip to Europe. Aside from experiential learning about Italian and Spanish sights and culture, we wanted to instill in our three children a sense that foreign travel was something they could enjoy and should do as the opportunity arose. We learn so much about ourselves and our world when we can compare our living circumstances to how others live.

To make this life lesson as obvious as possible, we decided to travel with just our backpacks, stay at a range of accommodations Read More

Pawlak: Chocolate & The UNM-LA Bond

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By JOHN PAWLAK
Advisory Board Member
UNM-Los Alamos

Seriously, who doesn’t love chocolate? If chocolate were on the ballot, there’s no question as to whether it would pass. Rich in antioxidants, it can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of clotting. It’s a valued asset to our bodies and our culinary delights.

So why discuss chocolate? Well, it does get one’s attention and that’s what we need to remind us that UNM-LA  is a valued asset for our students and our community delights!

Well, maybe this analogy stops at the fondue table. But in all seriousness, voting YES on the UNM-LA Bonds Read More

Saenz: A Call For Change In Los Alamos County Leadership

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By ALLAN SAENZ
Los Alamos

My name is Allan Saenz, and I’ve been a business owner in Los Alamos for 26 years. I operate two local businesses—SALA Los Alamos Event Center, which has been a part of this community for two years, and Los Alamos Network, which has been providing high-speed internet for over two decades. Throughout this time, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of doing business in this county. And now, after many years of witnessing the same patterns, I feel compelled to share my concerns and call for change in how Los Alamos County operates, especially with the upcoming election Read More

Mead: Our Election System Is Biased

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By WILLIAM C. MEAD
Los Alamos

The 2024 Presidential election is a critical one in the life of our country, for several reasons: the outcome will lead to considerable chaos and possibly violence, no matter who wins. For example, if Trump wins, he has promised mass deportations of illegal aliens and severe punishments for election workers that he considers to have “cheated”. If Harris wins, Trump has already planted seeds for contesting the election and his rhetoric might inspire violence from “MAGA” supporters—possibly worse than January 6th.

Sadly, this election will occur under the rules Read More

Reagor: Stop The Solar Reimbursement Bait And Switch!

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By DAVID REAGOR
Los Alamos County Councilor

Facts:

        • Solar is the only abundant energy source in Los Alamos County.
        • The county cap is to not go past 6 MW total in home solar production.
        • Individual homes are capped at enough solar power to cover their needs.
        • For homeowners solar is a good investment.
        • Many homeowners invested significant amounts of money by assuming higher retail payment rates.

Our local producers of home solar have been given a new payment schedule. It essentially pays wholesale for the solar power generated. This is after many people invested tens of thousands of dollars into systems. Read More

Posts From The Road: Sally Overlook On Piedra Ice Fissures Trail In Colorado

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Sally Overlook View: A view from Sally Overlook in the San Juan Mountains north of Pagosa Springs, Colo. of the expansive valley to the east. The overlook is a pie shaped ledge that provides views in several directions of the valley and mountains in the area. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

Piedra River Valley: Looking toward the southwest from Sally Overlook gives viewers a great view of the Piedra River flowing to the southwest through the Piedra River Valley and meadows. The elevation at the overlook is just over 8,400 feet and the elevation along the river is about 7,500 feet, a 900 foot Read More