New Mexico Sun

News from March 2024


Road Department to Apply Fog Seal in Mesilla Park

The Engineering & Road Department of Doña Ana County has announced plans to apply a fog seal on several roads in Mesilla Park starting Thursday, Mar. 14 through Friday, Mar. 22. The affected roads include San Bonifacio Arc, San Leonardo Court, San Pascual Street, Sanctuary Avenue, Santa Lucia Arcade, and Santanova Arc.According to the statement released, a fog seal is "an application of a specially formulated asphalt emulsion, or thin liquid oil to seal narrow cracks, restore some flexibility to the pavement surface and help preserve its underlying structure."In light...


Nusenda Credit Union Completes Acquisition of Western Heritage Bank

Nusenda Credit Union has officially finalized the acquisition of Western Heritage Bank, marking a significant milestone for both financial institutions. The acquisition was completed on March 12, 2024, following approval from the National Credit Union Administration.In a statement, Joe Christian, President/CEO of Nusenda, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "On behalf of our board of directors and entire team, I am pleased to welcome Western Heritage customers and employees to the Nusenda family!" Christian highlighted the alignment of values between...


Albuquerque Secures Needed Capital Outlay During Legislative Session

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller expressed appreciation for the progress made during the recent 30-day legislative session but emphasized that there is still much work to be done. Mayor Keller stated, “As the largest city in the state, we serve and care for people from all around New Mexico, which is why we need the state to step up and take care of the critical parts of the criminal justice and behavioral health systems for which they are responsible. We’ll take the wins we got and invest in a better quality of life for our families, but we will not stop pushing for the help...


Sandoval County Clerk Reminds Public of Candidate Filing Day for 2024 Primary Election

Sandoval County Clerk Anne Brady-Romero has issued a reminder to prospective candidates that the deadline for filing Declarations of Candidacy for the 2024 Primary Election is fast approaching. Candidates must submit their forms on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the County Administration Building in Bernalillo, NM.“To be on the ballot for the June 4, 2024 Primary Election, candidates must file on March 12, 2024,” emphasized Ms. Brady-Romero.Individuals interested in running for office in Sandoval County are encouraged to review the document...


City of Las Cruces Launches Realize Las Cruces Project to Update Land Development Code

The City of Las Cruces has announced a significant initiative to update its Land Development Code through the Realize Las Cruces project. According to a statement from the city, the project aims to regulate the use and development of land within the City limits and surrounding areas in certain cases.The project has reached a milestone as the initial draft of the revised development code is now available for public review and comment. The city has set the initial comment period to run until April 5, 2024, providing residents and stakeholders with an opportunity to offer...


Apex Amphibian: NM Museum of Natural History & Science Researcher Contributes to Discovery of Massive Prehistoric Carnivore

Albuquerque, NM – An international team of researchers, including a research associate from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS), has unveiled a groundbreaking discovery of a new species of carnivorous amphibian that roamed the Earth nearly 300 million years ago.Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, the Executive Director of NMMNHS, highlighted the significance of the finding, stating, “Not only does this discovery increase our understanding of life before the dinosaurs, but it also demonstrates the value of international collaboration in paleontology.” He further...


NMSU Physics graduate students host Physics Fun Day for families, local schools

New Mexico State University is gearing up to host an exciting and educational event titled “Physics Fun Day” on March 22. The event, organized by the Physics Graduate Student Organization (PGSO), aims to engage the public in hands-on physics experiments and demonstrations.“‘Physics Fun Day’ is the fusion of learning and laughter,” said Binisha Marahatta, president of PGSO. “Our physics fun day promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave attendees inspired and eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of the things around us.”The event will feature various...


ABQ BioPark's Rozie the Elephant Expecting a Baby

ABQ BioPark's Rozie the Elephant is expecting a baby in late 2024, much to the delight of the staff and community. "We’re thrilled about Rozie’s pregnancy," expressed Amber Alink, curator of elephants and primates. "Everyone at the BioPark is looking forward to a new calf joining our family and continuing our commitment to conserving this endangered species."The 31-year-old Rozie, who was born at the BioPark, is part of a herd that includes her mother, Alice. The pregnancy has been progressing well, with Dr. Bradford noting, "The pregnancy thus far has been healthy," and...


APD charges 2 for weekend murder at SE apartment

Albuquerque Police Department (APD) homicide detectives have charged a couple in connection with the robbery and fatal shooting of a man at his apartment in Southeast Albuquerque over the weekend.James Caleb Gonzales, 26, and Destiny Pacheco, 31, are facing multiple charges including murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit murder. The pair was arrested by New Mexico State Police at Villanueva State Park near Las Vegas following the incident.According to authorities, Gonzales and Pacheco went to the victim's apartment with the intention of robbing him. Gonzales,...


Teeter-Totter from U.S./Mexico Border Wall Installed at Albuquerque Museum

The Albuquerque Museum has proudly announced the acquisition of an award-winning pink teeter-totter previously installed at the U.S./Mexico border wall. The teeter-totter, a symbol of connection among citizens of both nations and societal change, has found a new home in the museum's permanent collection exhibition, Common Ground, which celebrates the artistic and cultural achievements of the U.S. Southwest.Albuquerque Museum director, Andrew Connors, expressed the museum's enthusiasm, stating, "The Teeter-Totter shook the world with its installation along the U.S./Mexico...


Construction of NE/SE Connector Road(s) Project Resumes After Winter Suspension

Construction of the Northeast and Southeast Connector Roads project in Santa Fe, NM is set to resume on March 18, 2024, following its winter suspension, as announced by Santa Fe County today."Construction will commence with road paving operations on the Northeast Connector east of Richards Ave. to existing Rabbit Road," stated the county announcement. Future phases of work will be disclosed as the project progresses.Despite the winter suspension from December 15, 2023, to March 18, 2024, some work continued, allowing for crucial drainage and concrete tasks to be...


ABQ 311 Launches Community Survey to Improve and Expand Services

In conjunction with National 311 Day, the City of Albuquerque’s 311 Community Contact Center is launching an effort to get feedback on the service it provides to residents and visitors with its annual Customer Satisfaction Survey. The survey, available online now through April 11, aims to gather valuable insights to shape and enhance the services offered by 311.Carrie Prothero, the 311 Division Manager, emphasized the importance of the survey, stating, "We use the survey to learn what we are doing right so we can continue to do it, and how we can improve to better serve...


Chalk the Plaza Call for Artists

Las Cruces, Mar 11 2024 - The City Art Board and Las Cruces Public Art have announced the upcoming Chalk the Plaza event set to take place at the ¡MIRA! Las Cruces spring festival on April 27. The event is a street chalk art competition scheduled from noon to 6 p.m.According to the organizers, participating artists or artist teams will have the opportunity to compete for the People's Choice Award and Best of Show. Prizes for the event are generously provided by Visit Las Cruces.Those interested in learning more about the event and submitting an application are...


NMSU Regents Vote to Launch New Presidential Search

The New Mexico State University Board of Regents convened in a regular meeting on Monday and unanimously decided to kickstart a new search for the university system's next president. Chair of the Board of Regents, Ammu Devasthali, expressed the reasoning behind this decision, stating, "After careful consideration, I do not believe that any of the current finalists fully meet the needs of New Mexico State University at this critical juncture." Devasthali emphasized the importance of finding the right leader for the university, noting that while the candidates presented...


City of Albuquerque City Council met Feb. 5

City of Albuquerque City Council met Monday, Feb. 5


City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Feb. 7

City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Thursday, Feb. 7


City of Santa Fe Mayor's Youth Advisory Board met March 6

City of Santa Fe Mayor's Youth Advisory Board met Wednesday, March 6


City of Santa Fe Mayor's Committee on Disability met March 6

City of Santa Fe Mayor's Committee on Disability met Wednesday, March 6


City of Santa Fe Quality of Life Committee met March 6

City of Santa Fe Quality of Life Committee met Wednesday, March 6


City of Santa Fe Economic Development Advisory Committee met March 6

City of Santa Fe Economic Development Advisory Committee met Wednesday, March 6