Opinion

Los Alamos National Community SurveyTM Closes Sept. 6

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COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County officials extend their gratitude to all residents who have completed the National Community Survey™ (NCS). This survey aims to provide a comprehensive picture of citizens’ perspectives on community livability.

Officials also remind those who have yet to take the survey that it is not too late to provide County leadership with feedback.

The survey closes for everyone (the Valid Sample and the Open Participation groups) 10:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6.

Valid Sample Group

A random sample of Los Alamos County residents were invited to participate via postcard with Read More

Gessing: Handing Governor Speaking Slot Disqualifying

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By PAUL GESSING
President
Rio Grande Foundation

I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member. Groucho Marx.

Since President Biden left the presidential race his replacement Kamala Harris has been vague about her policy ideas. In a few areas (like abortion) we know her positions clearly. And in a few isolated cases she has made detailed statements ($25,000 payments to first-time home buyers and not taxing tips).

But, the best way to know someone is by the company she keeps. At the recently-completed Democratic National Convention, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was given a prime Read More

Hampton: Support Vote For RECA On House Floor

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By DAVID HAMPTON
Los Alamos

Downwinders are the residents of the Tularosa Basin, who have experienced, and continue to experience to this day, high levels of cancer, infant mortality, and other ailments, since the world’s first nuclear weapon was detonated near their homes in July 1945. These ailments appear to be associated with the effects of nuclear fallout and exposure to plutonium, and are similar to those experienced from the detonations at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as sites associated with nuclear weapons production.

In spite of their suffering, they were initially excluded Read More

Martz: Regarding Detection Of Plutonium Contamination In Soils Around Los Alamos

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By JOSEPH MARTZ
Los Alamos

Recent new stories regarding detection of plutonium contamination in soils around Los Alamos have received considerable attention. I have a quite personal interest, as I spent nearly 50 years in Los Alamos, and grew up playing in these canyons. The studies report only the levels measured and leave the most important question unanswered: are these levels a hazard? 

As I could find no reporting discussing the actual hazard of this level of contamination, I took the liberty of using the provided data to see if these levels are something I should be concerned about. A bit Read More

DeVolder: Reducing Plastics In Environment – Part II

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By MARK DEVOLDER
Los Alamos

Reference: US Environmental Protection Agency (link).

I am trying to determine if plastic bags and containers are friend or foe.

When I was growing up, my lunch sandwiches were typically wrapped in waxed paper. Sometimes the bread dried out. However, even a dried-out sandwich was a treat for a hungry kid like me. Image the thrill when plastic sandwich bags came on the market and my sandwiches stayed nice and fresh.

As time went on, plastic containers and bags supplanted metal, glass and paper containers. I thought this was an improvement because metal containers got Read More

Op/Ed: Response To Mr. Hanson On Draft Climate Action Plan

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By BARBARA SMITH
Los Alamos

I was reading Mr. David Hanson’s Op-Ed published July 14 in the Los Alamos Daily Post (link) and would like to comment and dissect his points. As Mr. Hanson pointed out, we should all read and put forth our comments to the County Council on the CAP document before August 6 when it is presented to the Council. Otherwise it will be forced upon us whether we like it or not.

(1) “The focus of the plan on CO2 tracking and reduction will provide no benefit to Los Alamos residents unless the rest of the world participates with us. It distracts our attention and consumes funding that could Read More

Glass: I Am So Grateful For Kind Attention By LAMC Staff

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By GEORGE GLASS
Los Alamos

As a result of a near collapse trying to get from one part of Los Alamos Medical Center to another today (July 24, 2024), I found myself approached by a member of the radiological station offering assistance.

I immediately found myself very secure and in helpful hands. A wheelchair was immediately secured by another staff personnel who brought me to my car some distance into the parking lot.

This letter is to publicly express my very grateful appreciation for what these alert, professional and kind staff of LAMC did from me, including giving water and snacks to sustain Read More

LAF&SF Hosts Lecture By Dr. Roy Hill At 6 p.m. Today

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Dr. Roy Hill

LAF&SF News:

Dr. Roy Hill will be the guest speaker during the Los Alamos Faith &  Science Forum’s (LAF&SF) lecture series today at SALA Event Center.

A light meal will be served at 6 p.m. and the lecture will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Hill’s talk, “Psychology and the Near Death Experience”, will discuss how near death experiences are a means to glimpse who we are in God by first-hand accounts of the spiritual realm.

Although there is some empirical support for near death experiences, there is no objective proof of their existence. Rather, those who are predisposed to be interested Read More

Op-Ed: Homage To Educators

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By MARVIN BLAIR
Los Alamos

As we approach the first week of school, we must pause and recognize the educators, assistants, custodians, and administrators who wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to caring for our children. While we go about our daily routines—it is work, errands, rest, or family responsibilities—they tirelessly nurture young minds. Teaching children gratitude and appreciation is a precious gift that transcends ethnicity, values, gender, and socioeconomic status. Although we often hear about combating racism, promoting justice, and ensuring equity, we sometimes Read More

Hampton: Electrification Or The Caja?

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By DAVID HAMPTON
Los Alamos

At last Monday evening’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) public meeting at Buffalo Thunder, hundreds attended, mostly anti-nuke advocates. Most who spoke wound up speaking against the third power line, the Electrical Power Capacity Upgrade (EPCU) project, which is planned to go into the Caja del Rio. No one spoke in favor.

NNSA acknowledged that they have received 23,000 public comments on the EPCU. I would imagine most if not all are against it. The third power line is necessary to support expanded LANL operations.

On Tuesday evening, we learned Read More