By New Mexico Sun | Mar 5, 2024
On March 5, 2024, New Mexico State University's Graduate School shines a light on the dedicated and accomplished Kari Bellavita, who has been an integral part of the administrative team.Bellavita's journey at NMSU began in April 2019 as a temporary customer service representative, eventually progressing to the role of senior administrative assistant. Reflecting on her career growth, Bellavita shared, "In August 2019, I was hired as a full-time customer service representative, and in March 2021, I was promoted to senior administrative assistant as admin to former Dean Luis...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 5, 2024
Osazda Energy, a solar technology startup company founded by Sang M. Han, a department chair and Regents’ professor of chemical and biological engineering at UNM, has been awarded $1.1 million in U.S. Department of Energy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II funding. The company will be developing a software platform aimed at optimizing the design of photovoltaic modules in the solar energy market.Han expressed his enthusiasm about the funding, stating, “We have been working to improve PV module efficiency, reduce precious metal usage and thus manufacturing...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 5, 2024
"The City’s Animal Welfare Department (AWD) has unveiled a new shelter data dashboard aimed at providing community members with a comprehensive overview of the shelter’s daily and weekly activities. The dashboard will showcase information on various aspects such as animal admissions, outcomes, euthanasia, foster care, Copper clinic surgeries, microchips, and Animal Protective Services officer calls.According to Carolyn Ortega, Director of Animal Welfare Department, "Transparency is very important to AWD." Ortega emphasized that the dashboard is designed to offer critical...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 4, 2024
Bernalillo County – This morning, Bernalillo County’s housing office cut the ribbon for their newly-remodeled housing units at their El Centro Familiar housing complexes in the South Valley. The updating of the housing units was made possible by a $1 million grant from the state’s Community Development Block Grant Program.In total, 75 units were upgraded to provide safety and quality-of-life upgrades. 21 of the units located on 2204 Centro Familiar were equipped with new sliding glass doors, exhaust fans, gutters, and thermostats. 54 units located on 2210 Centro Familiar...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 4, 2024
The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board (CPOAB) has announced a training session scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024. The training session is set to take place at the Plaza Del Sol Building, located at 600 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87103.According to the CPOAB, the purpose of the training is to provide CPOA Board Training with Independent Counsel. It is important to note that no Board business will be discussed during the training session.In a statement released by the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board, they stated, "A quorum of the Civilian Police...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 4, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque City Council has given its approval to the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency’s (MRA) 2023 Annual Report, showcasing the impactful projects and initiatives carried out throughout the year.Central to the report is MRA’s pivotal role in supporting changes to the statute governing Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas statewide during the 2023 State legislative session. According to MRA Director Terry Brunner, "This report not only celebrates our achievements but also serves as a testament to our ongoing commitment to driving positive change and...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 4, 2024
The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board has issued a notice regarding a potential quorum at an upcoming event. The notice, dated March 4, 2024, states that "A quorum of the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board may be in attendance at the Albuquerque Police Academy, 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107, regarding the Citizen Police Academy." The event in question is the Citizen Police Academy training scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m.It is important to note that, as mentioned in the notice, "No Board business will be discussed at...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 4, 2024
District 3 Councilor Klarissa Pena, along with Mayor Tim Keller and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, gathered with other officials today to break ground on the new Southwest Safety Center in Albuquerque. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of the construction of an innovative facility that aims to enhance public safety and improve emergency response times in the southwest area of the city.Mayor Tim Keller emphasized the importance of the new facility, stating, "When it comes to first response times, minutes matter, and our first responders will be able to get...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 4, 2024
An elephant-sized effort was put into helping Irene the elephant when she needed eye surgery. The ABQ BioPark partnered with many other caring professionals to assist with the procedure. The surgery was not without its challenges, as highlighted by the statement, "But there are plenty of risks when you anesthetize a 55 year old 7,600 lb patient."The teamwork and dedication involved in Irene's care is emphasized in the statement, "This is a moving story of teamwork and a behind the scenes look at amazing animal care." This collaboration among professionals showcases the...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 4, 2024
New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service is gearing up to hold the 2024 fruit growers workshop on March 15 at the Alcalde Community Center. The event aims to educate fruit growers on methods for orchard improvement, regardless of the size of their operation.Santa Fe County Extension Agriculture agent, Tom Dominguez, expressed, “This is an opportunity to enhance fruit growing knowledge and learn about new and upcoming varieties.”The workshop will feature a range of sessions covering various topics important to fruit growers. Attendees can expect to...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 4, 2024
Bernalillo County – BernCo’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Department is seeking public input on proposed updates to the department’s facilities master plan for the Paradise Hills Neighborhood Community Area. This is the seventh community meeting held so far and will take place at the Paradise Hills Community Center. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and provide their feedback on the future plans for parks, recreation, and open spaces in the Paradise Hills area. The department is eager to hear from the community to ensure that their needs and preferences...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 3, 2024
The New Mexico State University Board of Regents has announced that they will convene for a closed online meeting on Wednesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to deliberate on the finalists for the position of NMSU president. As stated by the announcement, "The meeting has been called to discuss the finalists for president of NMSU."During this closed session, the discussion regarding the candidates for the presidency will not be open to the public. This decision is in accordance with the provisions set forth in NMSA 1978, Section 10-15-1.H(2) (2013)....
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 1, 2024
The University of New Mexico Foundation has appointed Mary Wolford as the senior director of development for the School of Engineering, effective March 4. Wolford, an experienced fundraising professional, is returning to a familiar role within the university, having previously served as the senior director of development for the School of Engineering from 2012-2014.In a statement, Donna Riley, the Jim and Ellen King Dean of Engineering and Computing, expressed her excitement about working with Wolford, highlighting her past experience in academic fundraising at UNM. Riley...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 1, 2024
The Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site is currently undergoing its annual Spring cleanup, as announced by the site management. This effort aims to prepare the site for visitors keen on exploring the rich history and enjoying the serene surroundings, which now include newborn lambs.According to the site management, the staff is actively engaged in finalizing various interpretive and facility improvement projects, ensuring a more engaging and informative experience for visitors. The site operates from Wednesday to Sunday, welcoming guests from 10 a.m. to 4...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 1, 2024
APD Homicide detectives have charged Alexander Ortiz with the murder of Nicole Maldonado on Jan. 17, 2024, outside the Adam Market on east Central Ave, just six days after allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend, Alianna Farfan. According to the report, Ortiz was upset with Farfan on the day of the shooting, as revealed by friends and family who spoke to detectives investigating Farfan's murder.Detectives from the APD's Investigative Support Unit began searching for Ortiz following the murder of Farfan. It was during this search that Ortiz was identified as a suspect in the...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 1, 2024
Santa Fe County is set to host a Town Hall on Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Santa Fe Community College to address concerns related to Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) in the La Cienega and La Cieneguilla areas. The event aims to provide valuable insights into PFAS for residents, with key stakeholders participating in the discussion.Commissioner Bustamante highlighted the significance of the town hall, stating, "This town hall is an important part of the overall need to listen to community members so that we may collectively address the...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 1, 2024
The New Mexico Climate Investment Center (NMCIC) is in search of individuals to join its inaugural NMCIC Board of Directors. The center, established in October 2023, aims to tackle the challenges posed by climate change while promoting economic prosperity for low-income households and businesses.Albuquerque District 7 Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, a member of the board's nominating committee, expressed her enthusiasm for the NMCIC's mission, stating, "The NMCIC brings an unprecedented approach to diminish the impact of climate change for low-income households, small...
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 1, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE – APD detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Paul Arthur Lopez, 28, who is a suspect in Thursday’s shooting death of Marvin Riley at the trailhead of a popular hiking trail.Witnesses told detectives Riley, 37, was sitting in his car and watching the sunset from the parking lot of the Embudo Trailhead, located at 13921 Indian School Rd., N.E. Witnesses said Lopez fired a single shot, striking Riley. Riley collapsed and later died from his injury.Witnesses identified the green SUV that Lopez was driving as he fled the scene. Detectives...
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 29, 2024
Bernalillo County Treasurer Nancy Bearce is reminding property owners of the upcoming opportunities for the 2024 tax season. The Monthly Payment Program (MPP) sign-up for taxpayers will commence on March 1 and will run through August 31, 2024. Bearce emphasizes that automatic payments, also known as auto pay, are available for all property tax payments."With the Monthly Payment Program, taxpayers have the option to pay their property taxes in 10 monthly installments, starting June 1, 2024, to March 1, 2025," Bearce explained. She highlighted the convenience and...
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 29, 2024
The Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, DASO, has announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols will continue throughout the month of March. The initiative aims to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and deaths related to Driving While Intoxicated, DWI.According to the Sheriff's Office, the checkpoints will be set up in undisclosed locations and areas within Doña Ana County. Deputies will be conducting operations between the hours of 12 p.m. and 2 a.m., focusing on various violations with a particular emphasis on identifying intoxicated drivers.In a...
