Letters to the Editor

By CHRISTINE “TEENEY” BUSTOS
Española Valley

As a witness to the events of Thursday, September 28, 2023, I have come to a realization that the actions of one group can trigger events that have lasting repercussions.

I am writing this not as a Rio Arriba County employee, but as a person who spends a lot of time out in our community participating in community events.

When it was announced that the Statue of Don Juan de Onate would be placed at the County Annex, a few people called to protest. On Monday, September 25, 2023, a group of protesters calling themselves part of the “Red Nation” group held a press Read More

By BRANDON ZERBE
Los Alamos

I found reading Christine Bernstein’s letter “Let’s Practice Safe and Civil Community” (link) very bizarre and somewhat concerning. At face value, the title is something I believe every reasonable American can get behind; however, what I found alarming was the inconsistency between this title and specifically the latter half of text this letter.

I mostly liked where Mz. Bernstein started. She first discusses uncivil responses to her previous letter, in particular focusing on setting a good example for our children. While I am not privy to the details, modern parents Read More

By GANAPATHYSUBRAMANIAN GOPINATHAN
Los Alamos

For last few years, as an outsider I had been reading about the last minute compromises/adjustments between the Democrats and Republicans for avoiding government shutdown which necessarily does cost the exchequer heavily apart from misery to lakhs of Federal supported employees and federal contractors like LANL contactors.

It is really a puzzle why once and for all both the houses and financial experts sit together and ensure smooth sailing without threat of interruptions and actual shutdowns… however long it could be.

Of course the Read More

By KAREN HOLMES
Los Alamos

Lauren Coupland is easily the best choice for the District 3 School Board Representative. Having homeschooled my kids until the last two years, my personal experience with LAPS has been somewhat limited. However, I have not been disinterested in what’s been happening within the district. 

Any time I’ve had a question, expressed a concern, sought more information, or wanted an update on some event or policy, the person who has responded without fail every single time has been Lauren Coupland. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that voting Lauren onto the Read More

By BOB BOURQUE
Los Alamos

This is the only country that has such a gun culture, which is mainly due to the misinterpretation of the Second Amendment.

For example, etched in stone in the lobby of the NRA’s HQ are the words “…the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed”.  Excuse me, but isn’t this blatant cherry picking of the Second Amendment?

If they can cherry pick, so can I. How about: “A well-regulated militia, being necessary for the security of a free state…shall not be infringed.” Or, even simpler: “A well-regulated militia…shall not be infringed.” Read More

By ANTONIO R JAURIGUE
President
Los Alamos School Board

When I arrived in Los Alamos 9 years ago, I was pretty quickly approached by my son’s teachers asking me if I could volunteer in their classes. I was fortunate enough to be on shiftwork (if you can call that fortunate), which allowed me some days midweek where I could help. It wasn’t long before it became a habit for me to go help with an assignment or two for an hour a week. I was also encouraged and motivated by all of the other parent volunteers I saw. Not just in the classroom, but throughout the entire school. I’ve seen our community mobilize for Read More

By The Reverend Deb Beloved Church
Pastor
White Rock Presbyterian Church

White Rock Presbyterian Church (WRPC), where I serve as Pastor, recently experienced an act of vandalism.

In August 2022, we hung a “Pride Progress” flag on our sign near the sidewalk, wanting to communicate to passers-by that all persons are welcome here, and that WRPC is a safe space for those who identify as LGBTQIA+. And the flag remained there – until recently.

Courtesy/WRPC

On Sept. 5, 2023, I was shocked to see there was only a ragged edge left where the Pride Progress flag had hung for over a year.

Courtesy/WRPC

This Read More

By JENNIFER GUY
Superintendent
Los Alamos Public Schools

Thank you, Los Alamos!

I am grateful to the Los Alamos County Taxpayers. Los Alamos voters have supported the Los Alamos Public Schools for the past several decades. Tax dollars are important to the school district to maintain high quality learning environments where our students can learn and grow. School districts in New Mexico rely on tax dollars to fund necessary upgrades, renovations, and repairs to school buildings. This important funding also pays for most of the technology that our students use including the computers and software Read More

By Chair LAURA BURROWS
Vice Chair JAMES WERNICKE
Secretary LEE WEINLAND
Libertarian Party of Los Alamos

There are no words that can capture the depth of sorrow and pain that comes with the loss of a loved one, especially from violence. Thoughts and prayers mean little without action, and we have no greater responsibility than to protect the life and liberty of those we cherish. To that end, the Libertarian Party of Los Alamos expresses concerns about the recent Public Health Order by the Governor (Michelle Lujan Grisham) suspending the rights of our fellow citizens to carry firearms in public. Read More

By BOB BOURQUE
Los Alamos

Rush hour traffic to and from the Hill Apartments will average about one per minute, so I’m told.  

But that could mean 50 cars lining up in one minute and none for the next hour. The average is immaterial.  

I will not be surprised to see a traffic light installed there within a year. Read More