Summer 2024 in Albuquerque is on track to be one of the hottest on record — adding to a string of high temps in recent years that have packed a punch. But heat in the metro isn’t evenly distributed — it tends to be most intense in historically underserved areas, in part due to an […]
Communities
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Second phase of Albuquerque Rail Trail begins
The Rail Trail project has been years in the making and the first phase of construction broke ground in May at the Alvarado Transportation Center in Downtown Albuquerque. The city currently has $40 million in funding for the trail but Terry Brunner, director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency, said another $40 million will be needed.
Posted inAlbuquerque, Courts, Justice & Safety
Councilor asks law enforcement board to investigate APD chief for not turning on body camera after crash
After failing to secure a vote of no-confidence against police Chief Harold Medina last spring, Councilor Louie Sanchez is now asking a state board in charge of suspending or revoking an officer’s law enforcement certification to investigate him. On Friday, Sanchez submitted a misconduct report — called an “LEA-90” — to the Law Enforcement Certification […]
Posted inEast Mountains
Going Dry…
Nearly everyone living in the East Mountains worries about access to water, especially since hotter and drier years means frequent fires and lower aquifer levels.. That’s exactly what users of the Tranquillo Pines Water Users Co-Op are experiencing. Dozens of co-op members and other concerned residents showed up to a crowded meeting on Thursday August […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
From bonds to balloons: retired county manager has a new job
Recently retired Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca has a new job. She will start Tuesday as executive director of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta — about a month before the annual event kicks off. “Leading the Fiesta is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Morgas Baca said. “I am honored and delighted to begin this […]
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City brings back routine food inspections
Inspectors with the Albuquerque Environmental Health Department are back at ensuring the city’s diners aren’t getting dangerous vittles. The department had scaled back its efforts and conducted only pre-opening and complaint-based inspections while a new food safety and retail ordinance was put into place and inspectors were trained on the new rules. Routine inspections were […]
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How one ABQ student got the city’s attention over pedestrian safety
Sometimes it may seem that public concerns brought to city officials go willfully unheard. But one University of New Mexico student’s persistence and determination on pedestrian safety got her a scheduled meeting with city development heads. Like most students with busy schedules, Jackie Davis risks jaywalking across Central Avenue near UNM. After noticing hundreds of […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Bernalillo County manager contract approved
Bernalillo County officially has its next manager. Cindy Chavez will start in the job Nov. 13 after county commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to approve her employment contract. Chavez will make $230,000 a year to start, with possible annual merit-based pay increases. She replaces Julie Morgas Baca, who retired at the end of June. Chavez will […]
Posted inCommentary, Sandoval County
Opinion: Competency vs. Incompetency
Barbara Romo is district attorney for the 13th Judicial District, which includes Valencia, Sandoval and Cibola counties. The recent special legislative session was of particular interest to me and my office for its purported emphasis on public safety issues. Since the session only lasted five hours, however, in the end there was not much to […]
Posted inPlacitas
Plant Aficionados Flock to Placitas for the Annual Garden Tour
The 8th Annual Placitas Garden Tour will welcome visitors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, showcasing some of the community’s finest gardens. This year’s theme, “Seeding for Sustainability,” highlights Placitas’ eco-friendly gardens, with the tour featuring seven gardens that blend sustainable practices with local artistry. “We try to be protective of our […]