News from April 2024

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 19, 2024
The City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department is currently seeking feedback on the revised Food Service and Retail Ordinance (FSO). Stakeholders and interested individuals are encouraged to review the ordinance and accompanying rules document in order to provide their input.According to Dr. Mark DiMenna, the Environmental Health Department Deputy Director, "We want to make sure that people who feel like this impacts them have an opportunity to weigh in on the ordinance before it’s finalized." The department is working closely with food service providers to...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 19, 2024
Today, the Biden Administration announced a significant step in land protection by safeguarding over 4,200 acres of New Mexico's Buffalo Tract and the Crest of Montezuma.

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 19, 2024
The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) and the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board have upheld new clean car standards, rejecting a challenge by franchise dealerships.

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 19, 2024
Mayor Tim Keller, First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller, and the Albuquerque Volunteers Advisory Board recently hosted the ninth annual Mayor’s Day of Volunteer Recognition in Albuquerque. The event aimed to celebrate the exceptional efforts of individual volunteers and volunteer groups who have contributed significantly to the betterment of the community.Michele Montoya, Chair of the Albuquerque Volunteers Advisory Board, expressed her admiration for the volunteers, stating, “I am honored to be a part of recognizing such outstanding volunteers in the Albuquerque. Their...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) has announced its competitive Internship Program, which awards internships to students pursuing technology programs. According to LCU, the program leads to a career in various fields of operation within the organization.The LCU Internship Program provides a range of benefits to participants, including financial support for tuition and eligible fees, annual payments for educational costs, biweekly stipends, and opportunities for work experience. The program also offers full-time employment opportunities after graduation in technology-related...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and City Councilors have announced a new initiative called "Constructive Conversations," aimed at fostering dialogue between residents and city leaders to shape the future of the built environment in Albuquerque. The series of community meetings seeks to bridge the gap between community aspirations and funding realities, with a focus on investments that enhance the city's infrastructure, placemaking, and quality of life.According to Mayor Keller, the meetings will feature nine sessions exploring planned development in each Council district...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Lincoln Historic Site in New Mexico has unveiled nine new building signs in an effort to help visitors navigate the historic town. The signs highlight the buildings and landmarks of the area, known for its rich history dating back to the 1870s and 1880s during the Lincoln County War.“These signs will greatly aid our guests in orienting them through the historic town of Lincoln. We are hopeful that they will encourage guests to learn more about the architectural history of the area and the people who made Lincoln a community,” said Dr. C. L. Kieffer Nail, New Mexico...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Four undergraduates from The University of New Mexico Department of Nuclear Engineering showcased their talents and expertise at the 2024 American Nuclear Society (ANS) Student Conference, hosted at Penn State University. Lauren Bailey, Alexandra Martinez, Courtney Mace, and Michael Trombetta were recognized for their outstanding contributions at the event.Lauren Bailey, Alexandra Martinez, and Courtney Mace presented their capstone senior design project titled "Model Development of a Hydrogen Cooled Multi-Pin Particle Bed Reactor." Their hard work and dedication paid off...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
The Albuquerque City Council has introduced a new bill aimed at improving the city's stormwater infrastructure. The bill, identified as Council Bill O-26-6, includes amendments to the Complete Streets Ordinance of the Revised Ordinances of Albuquerque.Council Bill No. C/S O-24-6, also known as Enactment No. O-2024-008, is sponsored by Council members Fiebelkorn, Grount, and Rogers. The proposed ordinance focuses on enhancing green stormwater infrastructure within the city.The ordinance aims to amend Chapter 6, Article 5, Part 6, Section 5 of the Complete Streets...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
"Today, the City Council is pleased to announce the introduction of Council Bill No. O-24-3, sponsored by Joaquin Baca and Klarissa J. Pena.""In a unanimous decision, the Council has passed Enactment No. O-2024-007, designating the Central Avenue Bridge crossing site as a city landmark.""The ordinance, titled ORDINANCE DESIGNATION OF THE CENTRAL AVENUE BRIDGE CROSSING SITE AS A CITY LANDMARK, marks a significant step towards preserving our city's rich history and heritage."

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
The Parks & Recreation Department (PRD) is on the lookout for 50 enthusiastic individuals to fill summer lifeguard positions at its various pools by June 1, 2024. The department's Aquatics Division offers lifeguards the opportunity to learn essential lifesaving skills, effective communication, and leadership qualities. It also provides the chance for year-round work and flexible scheduling."Our associate director started with us as a lifeguard and worked her way up," shared PRD Director Dave Simon.Applicants for the lifeguard positions must possess a current American...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Albuquerque, Apr 18 2024 - UNM political science professor, Jessica Feezell, has been actively engaging with the Albuquerque community to educate them on digital media literacy. Feezell's collaboration with Albuquerque Oasis, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational programs for learners of all ages, has allowed her to share her expertise beyond the confines of the university setting.In her interactions with members of Albuquerque Oasis, Feezell expressed her admiration for the diverse backgrounds and knowledge of the community members, stating, "The...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Nearly 202,000 New Mexicans have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to The American Diabetes Association (ADA). On top of that, an additional 53,000 New Mexicans do not even know they have diabetes. It’s estimated the statewide cost for people to treat diabetes is $2 billion each year.Amy Bachyrycz, PharmD, emphasized the importance of raising local awareness about diabetes and offering support, especially to residents in Albuquerque’s International District facing various health-related challenges. Bachyrycz, an associate professor and the director of community...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department made an arrest on April 18, 2024, that has put a notorious shoplifter behind bars. Celina Cordova, 39, a known offender on the Top 10 Shoplifting Offenders list, was apprehended by detectives from the Organized Crime Unit.According to reports, detectives located Cordova at a Walmart along Menaul Blvd. NE, a location she was known to frequent. Witnessing her leaving the store with unpaid items, the officers took action. Cordova was observed pushing a cart filled with merchandise she had not paid for and then loading these...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
The City of Albuquerque has embarked on a new initiative to promote the intersection of affordable housing and environmentally friendly practices. In partnership with the International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology (ICAST), the city is taking significant steps towards achieving its sustainability goals by focusing on energy efficiency improvements in affordable housing properties.Deputy Director of Housing, Joseph Montoya, highlighted the importance of this endeavor, stating, “Utilities can be one of the highest expenses for households.” He emphasized...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
The New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service has unveiled a new game aimed at enhancing knowledge and practices related to food safety among young individuals. Developed by the media production team from NMSU’s Innovation Media Research and Extension and Learning Games Lab in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, "Theme Park Kitchen" focuses on educating middle school youth on various aspects of food safety.According to Matheus Cezarotto, Educational Technology Extension specialist with Innovative Media Research and Extension,...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Tiffany Santos, the Curator of the Zuhl Collection at the College of Arts and Sciences, has been dedicated to her role for over a decade. Responsible for managing a collection of petrified wood, fossils, and minerals, Santos has overseen significant growth and improvements within the museum."When taking on this position, the Zuhl Collection had no budget," Santos explained. "I have been able to grow the budget which has allowed me the ability to hire students and teach a museum internship class. I have also spearheaded an addition to the museum as well as a remodel."A...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Southwest Airlines' generous donation of 34 e-tickets valued at over $13,000 allowed El Puente Research Fellows to elevate their graduate school experiential trip to new heights, as reported on April 18, 2024.Alejandro Mendiaz-Rivera, the program director for El Puente Research Fellowship, expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by Southwest Airlines, stating, "It was nice to fly because it removed the stress of having to worry about driving out to Phoenix during inclement weather." He also highlighted the significance of this gesture for some students who had...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 18, 2024
Santa Fe County has recently expanded its open spaces with the acquisition of new lands, enhancing trail access for outdoor enthusiasts. The acquisitions, approved by the Board of County Commissioners, have garnered excitement and gratitude from various stakeholders.Karen Yank, President of the Turquoise Trail Regional Alliance, and Mike Madden, Co-founder of the East Mountain Regional Trails Council, expressed their enthusiasm for the newly acquired 160 acres of piñon-juniper forest near Golden, NM. Yank and Madden highlighted the significance of this addition, stating,...

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 17, 2024
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is set to showcase a new traveling exhibition that celebrates the conservation legacy of media mogul Ted Turner through the lens of his son, Rhett Turner. The exhibition, titled "Conserving America’s Wildlands: The Vision of Ted Turner," will open on Saturday, May 11, featuring stunning photography capturing the beauty of America's wild places.NMMNHS Executive Director Dr. Anthony Fiorillo expressed his admiration for Rhett Turner's work, stating, "Rhett Turner’s stunning photography captures some of America’s wildest...