New Mexico Sun

News from March 2024


Stories & Music in the Sky Returns April 3

The Balloon Museum is gearing up for a week of exciting activities this spring break. From March 26 to March 29, visitors are invited to join in on the fun, with a special appearance by Science Girl on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.The museum will be hosting various events during this period, focusing on the theme of "Making Things Fly." Attendees can participate in activities from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on March 26, 27, 28, and 29 to learn more about the wonders of flight.In particular, on March 27, Science Girl will be presenting "Weather Science" at two different times:...


2nd Murder Suspect Turns Himself in for March 4 Shooting

A second murder suspect, Isaiah Siddell, has turned himself in to police in connection with the shooting death of Jacob Rivera on March 4, 2024. Siddell, 30, was arrested on Wednesday on charges of murder and other offenses. This comes after Gabriel Valenzuela-Greene, Jr. was arrested last week for the same murder, as well as another murder on March 13.The tragic incident took place near Central Ave. and Louisiana Blvd. where Jacob Rivera and another individual were shot. Rivera succumbed to his injuries after being shot nine times, while the other victim, a woman, was...


Quick online test determines diabetes risk

SANTA FE – Many people have heard of diabetes but may not know their own risk of developing the disease. The New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Diabetes Prevention and Control Program estimates here, in a state of just over two million people, around 255,000 New Mexican adults had diabetes and over 587,000 New Mexican adults had prediabetes in the years 2020 through 2022. Small lifestyle changes can help people delay or avoid diabetes or prediabetes and it begins with knowing your risks. NMDOH joins the American Diabetes Association in recognizing Tuesday, March 26...


Santa Fe County Encourages Residents to Join Great American Cleanup

Santa Fe, NM- The Santa Fe County Public Works Department and the Sustainability Office, in collaboration with Keep Santa Fe Beautiful (KSFB) for the national Great American Clean Up, have announced a free trash drop-off opportunity for County residents. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at all County Convenience centers.According to the announcement, the Great American Cleanup is a significant community improvement program aimed at ending littering, enhancing recycling efforts, and beautifying communities throughout...


Building a student to colleague pipeline: UNM attends Educators Rising State Conference

UNM sophomore and Elementary Education major Izzy Reeves posed a crucial question at the recent 9th Annual Educators Rising State Conference in Albuquerque, asking, “So just how worried are you all about going to college?” The conference session, attended by approximately 50 future educators from high schools across New Mexico, saw a mix of nervous laughter and anticipation as the UNM Educators Rising club aimed to instill confidence in the attendees.State Director of Educators Rising, Christine Reyes, highlighted the importance of the program in preparing students for...


NMSU Extension to host Biochar and Soil Health Field Day April 24

New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service will host a Biochar and Soil Health field day on April 24 at the Leyendecker Plant Science Center in La Mesa, New Mexico. The event aims to educate participants on the impacts of different management practices on soil health and crop growth, as well as provide a demonstration on how to prepare biochar.According to John Idowu, Extension Plant Sciences Extension specialist and Extension agronomist, "The event will demonstrate how to produce biochar from local wood wastes and discuss the impact of biochar on soil...


Santa Fe County Adjusts Nambe Convenience Center Schedule to Enhance Service Accessibility

Santa Fe County Public Works has announced changes to the operating hours of the Nambe Convenience Center, effective April 6, 2024. The convenience center, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, will now be open on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. This adjustment aims to improve access to solid waste services for residents during weekends.In a statement released on March 20, 2024, Santa Fe County Public Works expressed their dedication to the community, stating, "Santa Fe County is committed to providing reliable and sustainable waste management services to the...


Applications being accepted for Birthing Workforce Retention Fund

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has announced that applications are now open for the Birthing Workforce Retention Fund. The fund aims to provide financial assistance to Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) and physicians specializing in OB and Family Medicine who offer comprehensive perinatal care, including birthing services, and require support to cover malpractice insurance premium costs.Department of Health Secretary, Patrick Allen, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "This financial support to offset the cost of malpractice insurance is one...


Job Opportunity at ABQ BioPark for Education Facilitator

The ABQ BioPark is currently seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of Education Facilitator. The role involves a range of responsibilities within the education department at the Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanic Garden. According to the job posting, the Education Facilitator will be responsible for presenting ambassador animals, conducting education programs, and assisting with various activities across BioPark facilities.One of the key responsibilities of the Education Facilitator is to present formal and informal education programming throughout the BioPark...


Nusenda Credit Union Honored as Top Workplace in the United States

Nusenda Credit Union has been named a top workplace in the United States, receiving the 2024 Top Workplaces USA Award for the third consecutive year. The award, issued by Energage, celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have established positive and uplifting workplace cultures."Nusenda strives to be an employer of choice, and we know taking care of our team allows them to take care of our members," stated Nusenda President and CEO Joe Christian. "We are very grateful to be recognized by our employees as one of the best credit unions to work for locally...


Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Seeks Modification to Permit #1737

Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority has announced its request for a modification to Permit #1737. The utility authority stated, "Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority is requesting a modification to Permit #1737." The proposed modification involves revising the engine capacities on the two Emergency Engines at Lift Stations #13 and #14, as mentioned by the authority, "The permittee is modifying to revise the engine capacities on the two Emergency Engines at Lift Stations #13 and #14."The application for this modification has been assigned...


Poison Prevention Week: When to Make the Call

National Poison Prevention Week brings attention to the importance of knowing when and how to seek help in case of a potential poisoning emergency. Joseph Lambson, PharmD, DABAT, Director of the New Mexico Poison Center, emphasized the need for accurate information, stating, “With the age of technology and people looking up information online, the information you find is not always reliable.” The center, in collaboration with Medical Director David Gummin, MD, compiled essential information for the public on poison prevention and response services in New Mexico.Gummin...


Santa Fe County Issues Peregrino Preparedness for Annual Santuario de Chimayó Pilgrimage

The Santa Fe County Fire Department, Santa Fe County Office of Emergency Management, and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office have come together to ensure the safety and coordination of support for the annual Good Friday Pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayó. This pilgrimage, which draws over 300,000 pilgrims annually, is a significant event for those seeking spiritual renewal and healing.In preparation for the pilgrimage scheduled for Friday, March 29, 2024, Santa Fe County has collaborated with 29 participating agencies to guarantee public safety along the pilgrimage...


Possible Quorum for Citizen Police Academy Training on March 23, 2024

The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board has issued a notice regarding the upcoming Citizen Police Academy training session scheduled for March 23, 2024. The board has indicated that a quorum of its members may be present at the training, to be held at the Albuquerque Police Academy located at 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107.According to the board, while members may be in attendance at the Citizen Police Academy, they have clarified that no official board business will be conducted during the training session on March 23, 2024. The session is set to...


Give Your Pet a Spring Tune-Up

Amid the arrival of spring, the importance of ensuring your pet's health through vaccinations is being highlighted by the City’s Animal Welfare Department. The department stresses the significance of keeping pets' vaccinations up to date to protect their well-being.According to the City’s Animal Welfare Department, starting with a series of puppy and kitten shots and continuing with regular boosters throughout their adult life is crucial in safeguarding pets against preventable diseases.As the weather warms up, the urge to spend time outdoors with pets grows. However,...


Goldman Sachs Public Service in Health Care Award established with a $500,000 endowment

The Department of Economics and the School of Public Administration at the University of New Mexico have received a significant boost in providing career development opportunities for students. A $500,000 endowment has been established by Goldman Sachs Gives to support unpaid or low-paid internship opportunities through the Goldman Sachs Gives Public Service in Health Care Award.Patria de Lancer Julnes, director of the School of Public Administration, emphasized the importance of this endowment in supporting students who face financial challenges while pursuing career...


Workshop will delve deep into neuroscience

Students and teachers from various institutions are gearing up for the third annual three-day Neuroscience Workshop, hosted by The University of New Mexico (UNM) and coordinated by Mubarak Hussain Syed, assistant professor of Biology at UNM. The event is scheduled to take place from April 11 to April 13 at San Juan College in Farmington and the UNM campus in Albuquerque.Syed, the head of the Syed Neural Diversity Lab, expressed his excitement for the upcoming workshop, stating, "Building upon the success of previous years, this year's workshop promises to be an even more...


APD Arrests Two Suspects for Murder of Auto Burglary Suspect

APD detectives have made a breakthrough in a recent case, arresting two suspects accused of a heinous crime. Joshua Dominguez, 23, and Destiny Marquez, 21, have been apprehended for the murder of a woman in the early hours of Friday, March 15, in the vicinity of 1921 Broadway Blvd., N.E.Marquez revealed to detectives that she and Dominguez, her fiancé, were at their apartment on 310 Indian School Rd., N.E., near I-40, when they heard a car alarm. Upon investigation, they spotted a female allegedly burglarizing Dominguez's vehicle. Following a confrontation, the situation...


ABQ BioPark Seeks Assistant Aquarium Technician

The ABQ BioPark is currently offering a job opportunity for an Assistant Aquarium Technician. The position involves working with marine and aquatic species at the Aquarium under the guidance of the Assistant Curator of Fishes. The successful candidate is expected to have a passion for aquatic life and a strong desire to provide high-quality animal care within the Animal Care department.Applicants for the position must be at least 18 years old, possess a High School diploma or GED, and have basic computer skills. Additionally, candidates must be physically capable of...


Job Opportunity at the ABQ BioPark: Mechanic I

"The ABQ BioPark is offering a job opportunity for a Mechanic I, as reported on Mar 19, 2024. The role, which is full-time and limited to a two-year term, involves a variety of essential functions related to mechanical repairs on automobiles and heavy equipment.According to the announcement, the position is not directly employed by the City of Albuquerque but through a temporary staffing agency. The selected candidate will be based at the ABQ BioPark, which comprises the Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach.The job responsibilities include performing minor...