Latest News
Update on Closure of Crisis Triage Center
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 8, 2024
Doña Ana County, NM - In response to the concern and urgency surrounding the closure of the Crisis Triage Center (CTC), officials in Doña Ana County are actively working to address the situation and are exploring options to reopen the center promptly.Residents are reassured that despite the closure of the CTC, help is still readily available for those in need. The public is encouraged to reach out to the national crisis hotline, 988, where individuals can connect with trained counselors for immediate support and referrals to local service providers. This service is...
Santa Fe County Announces Temporary Closure of Rabbit Road for NE/SE Connector Road(s) Project
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 7, 2024
Santa Fe, NM– The Santa Fe County Public Works Department has announced a temporary closure of Rabbit Road for the NE/SE Connector Road(s) project. The closure is scheduled for Monday, March 11, 2024, to facilitate the installation of a 12-inch waterline at the Rabbit Road intersection of the Northeast Connector.During the closure, a segment of Rabbit Road will be closed from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with traffic being rerouted through a temporary detour. The contractor working on the project will be responsible for providing adequate traffic control measures and advance...
City of Las Cruces Releases 2024 Annual Action Plan for Public Comment
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 7, 2024
The City of Las Cruces Housing & Neighborhood Services Section has prepared the 2024 Annual Action Plan. According to a statement from the department, "The City of Las Cruces Housing & Neighborhood Services Section has prepared the 2024 Annual Action Plan." This proposed plan outlines the City’s intended use of HUD funding. The department further clarified, "This proposed plan details the City’s proposed use of HUD funding."The 2024 Annual Action Plan will be available for public comment for a period of 30 days starting from March 11, 2024, until April 10, 2024. Residents...
BernCo Housing Unveils $1 Million Renovation of Low-Income Units
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 4, 2024
Bernalillo County – This morning, Bernalillo County’s housing office cut the ribbon for their newly-remodeled housing units at their El Centro Familiar housing complexes in the South Valley. The updating of the housing units was made possible by a $1 million grant from the state’s Community Development Block Grant Program.In total, 75 units were upgraded to provide safety and quality-of-life upgrades. 21 of the units located on 2204 Centro Familiar were equipped with new sliding glass doors, exhaust fans, gutters, and thermostats. 54 units located on 2210 Centro Familiar...
Paradise Hills Community Center Hosts Public Meeting on Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 4, 2024
Bernalillo County – BernCo’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Department is seeking public input on proposed updates to the department’s facilities master plan for the Paradise Hills Neighborhood Community Area. This is the seventh community meeting held so far and will take place at the Paradise Hills Community Center. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and provide their feedback on the future plans for parks, recreation, and open spaces in the Paradise Hills area. The department is eager to hear from the community to ensure that their needs and preferences...
Santa Fe County to Host PFAS Town Hall for La Cienega and La Cieneguilla Areas
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 1, 2024
Santa Fe County is set to host a Town Hall on Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Santa Fe Community College to address concerns related to Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) in the La Cienega and La Cieneguilla areas. The event aims to provide valuable insights into PFAS for residents, with key stakeholders participating in the discussion.Commissioner Bustamante highlighted the significance of the town hall, stating, "This town hall is an important part of the overall need to listen to community members so that we may collectively address the...
Treasurer Reminds Taxpayers of the 2024 Options: Monthly Payment Plan and the Auto Pay
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 29, 2024
Bernalillo County Treasurer Nancy Bearce is reminding property owners of the upcoming opportunities for the 2024 tax season. The Monthly Payment Program (MPP) sign-up for taxpayers will commence on March 1 and will run through August 31, 2024. Bearce emphasizes that automatic payments, also known as auto pay, are available for all property tax payments."With the Monthly Payment Program, taxpayers have the option to pay their property taxes in 10 monthly installments, starting June 1, 2024, to March 1, 2025," Bearce explained. She highlighted the convenience and...
Sobriety Checkpoints to Continue Through March in Doña Ana County
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 29, 2024
The Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, DASO, has announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols will continue throughout the month of March. The initiative aims to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and deaths related to Driving While Intoxicated, DWI.According to the Sheriff's Office, the checkpoints will be set up in undisclosed locations and areas within Doña Ana County. Deputies will be conducting operations between the hours of 12 p.m. and 2 a.m., focusing on various violations with a particular emphasis on identifying intoxicated drivers.In a...
BernCo Fire and Rescue Achieves International Accredited Status
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 28, 2024
Bernalillo County – BernCo Fire and Rescue (BCFR) has received internationally Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). It is one of more than 300 agencies to achieve this status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), Inc."The department’s approval yesterday by the CPSE accreditation commission at the 2024 CPSE Excellence Conference in Florida culminates four years of hard work to earn this standing."
Treasurer’s Office Warns and Discourages Taxpayers from Using Third Party Online Bill Payments Like DOXO
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 27, 2024
The BernCo Treasurer’s Office has issued a warning to taxpayers, advising against the use of third-party online payment platforms such as DOXO for property tax payments. The office emphasizes that these digital wallets, including DOXO, are not affiliated with BernCo and have attempted to create an association by mimicking the county's website and logo.According to the Treasurer’s Office, using third-party digital wallets can lead to issues with the timely receipt of payments and the accurate transmission of necessary information such as addresses or parcel numbers. This,...
City of Las Cruces Seeks High School Students for Developing Youth Leaders Academy Program
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 27, 2024
The City of Las Cruces is calling on high school students aged 14-18 to participate in the upcoming 2024 Developing Youth Leaders Academy Program. According to Catrina Godinez, the Community Engagement Manager, the program aims to provide a hands-on approach for students to learn about City government and its operations.Godinez stated, "Participants will take field trips to various City facilities while exploring career options within City government. They will also earn Certificates of completion for their commitment to the program."The Developing Youth Leaders Academy...
Safeguard Santa Fe County: Residents Called for Input on Hazard Mitigation Strategy
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 27, 2024
Residents of Santa Fe County are being called upon to provide their input on the Hazard Mitigation Plan update. Fire Chief Jacob Black emphasized the importance of public engagement in the planning process, stating, "Public engagement is critical to the success of hazard mitigation planning." He also highlighted that the upcoming public meetings present an opportunity for residents to learn about the County's emergency management, mitigation, and response efforts.The County has scheduled three public meetings in March to gather input from constituents. The meetings will...
Bernalillo County Public Safety Division Provides Improvement Plan for Youth Services Center
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 26, 2024
Bernalillo County – In response to an incident on December 25, 2023, at the Youth Services Center (YSC), in coordination with the county manager and at the request of the commission, the Public Safety Division has developed an Improvement Plan to increase safety for residents and staff at YSC. The plan includes both immediate steps and upcoming measures to address safety concerns."In response to an incident on December 25, 2023, at the Youth Services Center (YSC), in coordination with the county manager and at the request of the commission, the Public Safety Division has...
BERNALILLO COUNTY MANAGER JULIE MORGAS BACA ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 26, 2024
Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca has announced her retirement to the county commission. Ms. Baca, who assumed the role in 2015, has decided to step down from her position. The news of her retirement was met with appreciation and recognition from her colleagues."I would like to thank Julie for all her hard work and know that we will continue to carry out many of the initiatives she started," expressed Commission Chair Barbara Baca, acknowledging Julie's dedication and contributions to the county. Barbara Baca also emphasized the importance of collaboration on...
Bernalillo County Commissioner Calls for Public Involvement in Selection of New County Manager
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 26, 2024
Bernalillo County – Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada extends his deepest appreciation to County Manager Julie Morgas Baca for her outstanding dedication and service to the community over the past nine years."As Bernalillo County manager, Julie Morgas Baca has played an instrumental role in guiding our county through various challenges and successes, leaving an indelible mark on our collective progress," says Commissioner Quezada.Commissioner Quezada recognizes the need for a seamless transition to ensure the continued prosperity and effectiveness of Bernalillo...
BernCo Hosts Public Meeting to Discuss Fourth Street Road Diet Reconstruction Project
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 26, 2024
Bernalillo County staff will host a public meeting to discuss a road diet reconstruction project along Fourth Street on Feb. 27 at the Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center, 9800 Fourth St. NW. This meeting aims to gather input and feedback from the community regarding the project.Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting and share their thoughts on the proposed road diet reconstruction project. The County staff will be present to provide information and address any questions or concerns that the attendees may have.The reconstruction project on...
Paid Family Medical Leave Act dies in New Mexico House
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 21, 2024
The New Mexico Senate Bill 3, also known as the Paid Family Medical Leave Act, failed to pass in the New Mexico House of Representatives. This development has been perceived by many as a political upset. Critics of the bill argued that it would excessively increase taxes, leading to its defeat in the House with a vote count of 36 against and 34 in favor.
29 Couples Say "I Do" at Doña Ana County Government Center
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 20, 2024
A total of 29 couples tied the knot during the Doña Ana County Clerk’s annual event, “Romance at the Rotunda” on Valentine’s Day at the Doña Ana County Government Center building. Chief Deputy County Clerk Caroline Zamora expressed her joy about the event, stating, "At our office, we are a small part of critical moments in an individual's life, and this includes marriage and obtaining a marriage license. Our Romance at the Rotunda event is such a joy. Sharing the experience with loving couples and families is lovely and one of my favorite days of the year. I want to thank...
New Mexico legislature faces criticism over public participation restrictions
By New Mexico Sun Report | Feb 17, 2024
The New Mexico House Judiciary Committee is facing criticism over alleged public participation restrictions at its public hearings on gun-related bills last month.
Road Closure Notice: County Rd B-010 in La Mesa, NM
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 16, 2024
The Elephant Butte Irrigation District (EBID) has announced the temporary closure of County Road B-010 in the La Mesa area for road repairs starting on Monday, February 26, 2024. The closure is expected to last until March 1.According to the announcement, the road will be closed to through traffic during this period. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to reach their destinations. Detour signs will be displayed to guide traffic through San Miguel and Royce Roads."We understand that this closure may cause inconvenience for some motorists, but it is necessary...