City of Santa Fe Weekly Wrap
Highlights from the Week of September 27, 2021
There's a lot going on in the City Different!
City Offers Paid Leave for SFPS Volunteers
ON TUESDAY the City and Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) announced a program to grant four hours of paid leave per month to employees for the purpose of volunteering in the schools. The program is designed to help compensate for shortages of full-time teachers, substitutes, staff, and volunteers in the schools and the School District.
Grace Mayer, National Education Association (NEA-SF), President and Teacher, originally conceived of this program prior to the pandemic, which has exacerbated the need for volunteers.
“This collaborative effort between City employees and SFPS staff will ease some of the demands we are experiencing because of vacancies that have gone unfilled in our public schools,” says Mayer. “More importantly, the connections and relationships that adults will make with students will enrich their educational experience and foster a sense of community and belonging.”
"We really need the community to wrap around our schools right now,” says Kate Noble, President of the Board of Education. “It's been a tough time and our educators, families, and students need support."
SFPS Superintendent Hilario "Larry" Chavez says volunteers can support academic achievement and provide emotional support to students, as well. They also provide meaningful support to staff at all levels in a variety of ways. “We encourage every individual to at least try it,” he says.
MAYOR'S NOTE:
A Good Week for the Future of Santa Fe
This week we did a lot for people—a lot of different people, a lot to show what kind of people we are.
We partnered with the School District to help our kids—because they’re all of our kids. Our new volunteer policy encourages all City employees to take up to 4 hours/month of paid leave to volunteer in our schools. You’ll be helping our kids grow—and my bet is you’ll grow even more.
We're also partnering with the public schools to enable 50 of their people to get low-cost solar energy at home. Save money, save energy, save the planet.
On Wednesday night, the Governing Body approved a Resolution that I introduced in support of the successful integration of Afghan refugees who are coming to Santa Fe. These people are fleeing war, violence, religious persecution, and human rights abuses. We expect Lutheran Family Services to help locate 100 refugees here.
We’re helping people. That’s who we are. That’s what we do. We help people who need help.
Good work, everyone.
Santa Fe Homes Run on the Sun
A plan to "Solarize Santa Fe" kicked off Monday with a pilot project that is available to 50 homeowners who have solar energy installed at their homes. Solarize Santa Fe is a solar energy bulk-purchasing program that will accelerate the city’s progress toward carbon neutrality and has the potential to double or even triple the rates of solar adoption in Santa Fe. Sustainability Officer Neal Denton and the Environmental Services Division are spearheading the effort.
Let the Games Begin!
The City hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of six newly dedicated pickleball courts at Fort Marcy Park to accommodate the quickly growing local community of more than 450 players -- it's the fastest-growing sport in the country! Some 70 people attended the event.
Interim Parks Department Director Melissa McDonald and Recreation Manager Liz Roybal were recognized for their responsiveness and for getting the project done the right way.
New Cannabis Industry Rules
On Wednesday night, the Governing Body unanimously approved legislation designed to promote the new commercial cannabis economy while protecting public health, safety, and the general welfare of the residents of (and visitors to) Santa Fe. The legislation defines the various kinds of businesses that comprise the industry and sets limits for their locations, density and proximity to schools, daycare centers, and places of worship. Learn more here.
An Evening of Giving Back
Our non-profit partner Keep Santa Fe Beautiful is hosting their annual wine-tasting fundraiser at the Community Convention Center next Saturday, October 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy a selection of fine wines, filling hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction with items from local artisans and businesses, live music by High Altitude Band, and more! All proceeds go toward the non-profit's litter prevention, education, and beautification programs.
Original source can be found here.
