New Mexico Sun

News from June 2024


Albuquerque adds Manuel Maestas to Metro 15 list

ALBUQUERQUE - 26-year-old Manuel Maestas has been added to the Metro 15 List. Maestas has an active felony warrant for Child Abuse Resulting in Great Bodily Harm.


Doña Ana County sees decreased voter turnout in primary election

Approximately 15.58% or 14,770 ballots were cast by eligible voters in Doña Ana County for the 2024 Primary Election on June 4th. This turnout was less than the previous Primary Election in 2022, which saw 16.41% or 15,499 ballots cast. The turnout for the 2024 Primary Election was also less than the 2020 Primary Election, which saw 29.29% or 26,055 ballots cast.


Albuquerque authorizes issuance of $1M short-term lodgers’ tax improvement revenue bonds

Council Bill No. O-24-20, sponsored by Klarissa J. Peña, has been enacted as Enactment No. O-2024-014. The ordinance authorizes the issuance and sale of the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico Short-Term Lodgers' Tax Improvement Revenue Bonds, Taxable Series 2024. The aggregate principal amount for these bonds will not exceed $1,000,000.


Finalists announced for American Indian Student Services director position

The search committee for the position of director for American Indian Student Services has announced three finalists who will each participate in open forums next week. UNM students, faculty, and staff are invited and encouraged to attend these candidate forums. The forums provide an opportunity to learn about each candidate’s experience and engage in dialogue regarding their interest in the position.


HUD increases income limits expanding eligibility for rental assistance

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently increased the area median income (AMI) limits, which the County uses to determine eligibility for rent and utilities assistance.


New Mexico History Museum to host free movie to celebrate Pride Month

The New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe will be hosting a free PRIDE Movie Night this month to mark Pride Month. It will feature the film "Word is Out—Stories of Some of Our Lives."


County partners with NMDOT for road safety improvements

The guardrail on the south side of a bridge over Garfield Canal on Two Counties Road was damaged a couple of years ago. When County Engineer Mo Moabed looked into repairing it, the cost was prohibitive and the original build plans were not available.


Pandemic-themed exhibition opens at South Broadway Cultural Center

A new exhibition at the South Broadway Cultural Center titled "The Post Covid Bomb" reflects the resilience required to endure the pandemic shutdown. This exhibition features a diverse collection from more than 30 artists who exhibited their work between 2020 and 2023. Showcasing both previously displayed and new works, the exhibition highlights the unique experiences of creating and presenting art during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhibition opens with an artist reception on Thursday, June 13 from 5 to 7 p.m.


Santa Fe launches summer safety campaign ahead of Zozobra centennial

Santa Fe, NM – To enhance public safety and curb the occurrence of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in the community, the Santa Fe County DWI Program is launching its Summer Bar and Restaurant Campaign. This year's campaign commemorates the 100th Burning of Zozobra in partnership with the Kiwanis Club, whose image is designed by Firestik Studios. Each summer, the DWI Program releases a unique safety campaign that features its message across bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and coffee shops throughout the county.


18 new AFR paramedics graduate from EMS academy

On May 10, 2024, 18 members of the Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine’s Emergency Medical Services Academy (EMSA) paramedic program. The cohort underwent a 10-month journey to attain the highest level of training in pre-hospital medical care, which included over 1,000 hours of didactic and lab instruction. Students also completed clinical rotations in local hospitals and field internships to apply their skills in dynamic situations.


Rabbit Road officially opens as part of NE/SE Connector Roads Project

Santa Fe, NM – The Santa Fe County Public Works Department (SFCPWD) has announced the official opening of Rabbit Road, a significant milestone in the NE/SE Connector Roads Project. The road will open to the public on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 9:00 AM.


First-year student joins research program aimed at transportation equity

Dimitri Kittrell, a first-year student at the University of New Mexico (UNM), is set to participate in the Research for Inclusivity and Driving Equity Research Experiences for Undergraduates (RIDE REU) program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst this summer. Kittrell, who recently completed his freshman year in the Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, will join other students in community-engaged research aimed at improving transportation for underserved communities.


Scale Up NM celebrates completion of second 2024 cohort's Pitch Deck Sprint

The Scale Up New Mexico program, partially funded by the United States Economic Development Administration and based at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, recently celebrated the completion of its second 2024 cohort's Pitch Deck Sprint accelerator program.


Albuquerque adopts comprehensive sustainability plan aligned with Climate Action Plan

ALBUQUERQUE – Mayor Tim Keller signed the Sustainability Resolution today, which was unanimously passed by City Council. The resolution replaces multiple decades-old sustainability resolutions with modern initiatives aligned with the City’s 2021 Climate Action Plan.


NM WRRI announces upcoming Animas and San Juan Watersheds Conference

The New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute (NM WRRI) will host the 2024 Animas and San Juan Watersheds Conference, themed “Water Without Borders- Four Corners, Three Rivers,” on June 12-13 at the San Juan College Henderson Fine Arts Center in Farmington, New Mexico. The event will also be accessible online via Zoom.


UNM launches training program for future clinical researchers

The University of New Mexico's Health Sciences Center is addressing the national shortage of clinical research professionals (CRPs) through a new initiative by its Clinical and Translational Sciences Center (CTSC). The program aims to recruit underrepresented students from across the state into the field.


Albuquerque updates sustainability measures with new city council resolution

Today, Mayor Tim Keller signed the Sustainability Resolution, which was unanimously passed by the City Council. The resolution updates several decades-old sustainability measures with contemporary initiatives aligned with the City's 2021 Climate Action Plan.


NMSU Foundation appoints Patrick E. Stewart as VP of philanthropy

The New Mexico State University Foundation has appointed Patrick E. Stewart as its new vice president of philanthropy and alumni relations, effective July 29.


Santa Fe County opens applications for home rehabilitation and energy efficiency grants

Santa Fe County is now accepting applications for its Home Rehabilitation and Energy Efficiency (HREE) Program. The HREE Program offers a one-time grant of up to $50,000 to fund needed home rehabilitation projects for qualified households. To qualify, applicants must:


UNM alumnus Demetrius Gloster honored with 2024 New Mexico TRIO achiever award

Demetrius Gloster, a Student Support Services-TRIO (SSS-TRIO) and Ronald E. McNair alumnus, was recently honored with the TRIO Achiever award at this year’s TRIO New Mexico conference. The award is given annually to a distinguished TRIO alum who has made notable civic, community, and professional contributions.