LADP Home - Los Alamos Daily Post

McQuiston: Not Texting Is A Start, But There’s More To Safe Driving

Submitted by Chris Clark on May 4, 2017 - 2:42 pm

By ALLEN MCQUISTON

The Jemez Agency

Many people have a limited definition of “distracted driving”: They think it only means texting behind the wheel.

There’s good reason for that, because texting requires visual, manual and cognitive attention – the same attention required for safe driving. But although texting is perhaps the most dangerous distraction, there are many others that can impact how you drive, whether you realize it or not. And they can be just as deadly.

How deadly? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and U.S. Department

Aspen School Hosts Australian Arts Night

Submitted by Chris Clark on May 4, 2017 - 2:23 pm

Students, families and staff gather for Australian Arts Night at Aspen School. Courtesy photo

Students play digeridoos around a campfire during Australian Arts Night in April at Aspen School. Courtesy photo

ASPEN SCHOOL News:

The students and families of Aspen Elementary School were treated to an Australian Adventure Wednesday night, April 19.

Under the capable direction of Aspen’s specials teachers, Britt Williams (art), Andrea Dowdy (music), Jeff Lloyd (library) and Mark Guider (P.E.), the hallways of the school became an awesome immersion into

Letter To The Editor: Just Say No To Rec Bond

Submitted by Chris Clark on May 4, 2017 - 2:11 pm

By BILL GENTILE

Los Alamos

When looking at the controversial Los Alamos Proposed Recreational Bond Project, I believe it is important to focus on the two big-ticket items in the proposal: the recreational center and the multi-generational pool.

These two projects account for 81 percent of the construction costs and 94 percent of the projected annual operations/maintenance budget.

The recreational center has two major parts; the gym and the ice rink. Regarding the gym, is anyone making the argument that we need more gym space than what is available at LAHS (main

Archbishop Wester Confirms 31 Catholics At IHM

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 4, 2017 - 2:06 pm

Archbishop John C. Wester anoints Los Alamos student Arthur Steinkamp, son of Mike and Madeline Steinkamp, with a type of oil known as chrism during the Sacrament of Confirmation, Sunday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. During the ceremony, 30 young people and one adult were confirmed into the Catholic faith. This was the Archbishop’s first visit to Los Alamos since his installation as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in June 2015. Photo by Pat Brug

Thirty young people and one adult gather with their confirmation sponsors for a group photo Sunday in the

New Mexico Second Best State For Nurses

Submitted by Chris Clark on May 4, 2017 - 2:06 pm

WALLETHUB News:

With National Nurses Week kicking off May 6, the personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2017’s Best & Worst States for Nurses.

In order to help newly minted nurses find the best markets for their profession, WalletHub’s analysts compared the relative attractiveness of the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 18 key metrics. The data set ranges from monthly average starting salary for nurses to health-care facilities per capita to nursing-job openings per capita.

The Nursing Market in New Mexico (1=Best;

Daily Postcard: Creatures Emerge In Warm Weather

Submitted by CSTadmin on May 4, 2017 - 1:18 pm

Daily Postcard: Insects are emerging around town with the onset of warmer weather. Photo by Corrina Hughes Read More

Bandelier Announces 2016 Economic Benefits: $12.5 Million Locally; $35 Billion Nationwide

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 4, 2017 - 12:47 am

Ancestral Pueblo cavate in Frijoles Canyon, Bandelier National Monument. Courtesy/NPS

Ancestral Pueblo village of Tyuonyi in Frijoles Canyon, Bandelier National Monument. Courtesy/NPS

BANDELIER News:

The National Park Service (NPS) had a big year in 2016. Besides being the Centennial of its establishment, parks nationwide broke records for visitation, with more people than ever going to these places that are often called America’s jewels. Having started with Yellowstone, there are now 417 areas, with at least one in every state.

A recent study brought to light the economic

Los Alamos Tennis Clinic Fundraising Event

Submitted by Chris Clark on May 3, 2017 - 9:59 pm

Recreation Bond Election: Questions & Answers

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 3, 2017 - 8:52 pm

Courtesy image

By Los Alamos Future PAC Executive Board:

James Chrobocinski, Tony Fox, Darren Meadows, Susan O’Leary

Over the past 18 months, we’ve worked with hundreds of people in our town to inform the decision making process that resulted in the upcoming bond election. We love Los Alamos and want to see it improve in ways that matter to the people who live here. We think the bond package resonates with many people for two key reasons: The process to get to this point has been incredibly inclusive and deliberative; and the projects included in the bond package are focused on tremendous Read More

Letter To The Editor: Investing In Our Children And Paying It Forward For Future Generations

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 3, 2017 - 8:51 pm

By JENNY and DAVID MCCUMBER

Los Alamos

We received our ballots in yesterday’s mail and voted FOR the county recreation bond.

Los Alamos has been a great place to raise our sons. The Aquatic Center in particular significantly benefits our family.

We want to continue to invest in our children and current Los Alamos students and also pay it forward for future generations of children in our community.

Thank you Los Alamos. Read More

Scenes From Los Alamos Police Ofc. Megan Nieto’s Swearing In Ceremony Tuesday Afternoon

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 3, 2017 - 8:38 pm

Megan Nieto’s swearing-in ceremony. Photo by Kateri Morris

Cpl. Gabriel Nieto pins a badge on his wife’s uniform during her swearing in ceremony Tuesday at the Los Alamos Justice Center. Cpl. Nieto has been an LAPD officer for two years and a dispatcher for the Department prior to that. Photo by Kateri Morris

Ofc. Megan Nieto signs her oath of office with Magistrate Judge Pat Casados. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

From left, Chief Dino Sgambellone, Cpl. Gabriel Nieto and Cmdr. Oliver Morris welcome Ofc. Megan Nieto to the LAPD family following her swearing

Letter To The Editor: In Support Of The Rec Bond

Submitted by Chris Clark on May 3, 2017 - 8:04 pm

By JOYCE ANDERSON

Los Alamos

I am writing in support of the Rec Bond election, which starts today, (May 2). I encourage all Los Alamos voters to send their ballots in.

My husband and I have chosen to make Los Alamos our home and to raise our family here. We support the bond as an investment in the future of Los Alamos. So much of the time the mournful refrain of Los Alamos is that we need to clean things up and make Los Alamos attractive to new residents and tourists.

Instead of going off the Hill to spend our recreational dollars, we’d like to spend them in Los Alamos. We’d

New Mexico Has New Democratic Party Leadership

Submitted by Chris Clark on May 3, 2017 - 8:02 pm

DPNM News:

The Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) elected a new leadership team Saturday to guide the Party into the 2018 election. Richard Ellenberg (Santa Fe) will serve as state Party chair, Naomi Martinez Parra (Lordsburg) will serve as vice chair, Katharine Clark will serve as secretary, and Robert Lara (Las Cruces) will continue to serve as Treasurer.

“Democrats are united and working hard to make sure we never have another governor like Governor Susana Martinez nor a disaster like Donald Trump,” said Richard Ellenberg, the newly-elected chair of

On The Job In Los Alamos: Fire Capt. Manny Pacheco

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 3, 2017 - 7:57 pm

On the job in Los Alamos: Fire Capt. Manny Pacheco at work last week is a member of the LAFD Technical Rescue Team. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com Read More

Letter To The Editor: Thank You County Council For Recognizing Donate Life Month

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 3, 2017 - 7:01 pm

By CATHY WALTERS

Los Alamos

I would like to thank the County Council for proclaiming April as DONATE LIFE MONTH in the county, following the proclamation of Governor Martinez in New Mexico. This month is set aside to highlight the dire need for more available organs, tissues, and corneas for transplants, to encourage all citizens, regardless of age or medical history to register as organ donors, and to honor all deceased donors, living donors, and their families.

Thanks also to the Los Alamos Daily Post for their articles, which brought about more awareness. Through my involvement

County Proclaims May ‘Mental Health Awareness Month’

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 3, 2017 - 6:54 pm

Accepting the ‘May Is Mental Health Awareness Month’ proclamation at Tuesday’s Council meeting, from left, John Whiteside, LAMC; Deni Fell, County; Carole Rutten, LANL; Christine Hazard, LAPS; Cindy Rooney, UNM-LA; Kim Gabaldon, County; Mary Beth Maassen, LAMC; Olivia Ortega and Kristy Ortega, UWNNM; Fire Chief Troy Hughes; County Councilor Rick Reiss, Police CHief Dino Sgambellone and Stephanie Koch, Mesa Vista Wellness. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost

UWNNM Executive Director Kristy Ortega speaks on behalf of the mental health awareness

Prior Felon Guilty To Violating Federal Firearms Laws

Submitted by Chris Clark on May 3, 2017 - 6:46 pm

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― Pilar Angel Lucero, 33, of Albuquerque pled guilty May 2, to violating federal firearms laws. The plea agreement included the recommendation that Lucero be sentenced to 48 months in prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.

Lucero was charged by criminal complaint July 7, 2016, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on June 16, 2016, in Bernalillo County, following a routine traffic stop by the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). subsequently was indicted on the same charge July 28, 2016.

Leonards Tie For Best Predictor In Weekly Pace Race

Submitted by Chris Clark on May 3, 2017 - 6:13 pm

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

SPORTS News:

Zachary Leonard and his son Erik tied at 2 seconds off their predicted time in the weekly pace race held on the Burnt Mesa Trail in the Bandelier National Monument.

Other accurate predictors were:

David Kratzer with a 6 second differential;
William Strother a 9 seconds off;
Jesse Woodroffe recording a 11 second difference; and
Ryan Smeltzer at 17 seconds off.

Diego Leonard, 7, was the top finisher in the 1 mile distance at 8:49. The fastest female was Roxana Candia recording a 11:41. The

Letter To The Editor: What Might Not Be Realized About Rec Bond

Submitted by Chris Clark on May 3, 2017 - 6:08 pm

By JESSICA CHIPERA

Los Alamos

I wish someone else had brought up these important notes on the recreation bond because I try not to get political. But I also think it’s irresponsible for me to leave these remarks unsaid.

It is disappointing to see Los Alamos county suggest a general obligation bond to pay for income-producing facilities. This essentially means that people in Los Alamos will be paying for the amenities twice if they vote yes. I don’t know about you, but I tend to only pay for purchases once.

The way this bond appears to be set up, the increase in property tax

LANB Brings 73 Santa Fe Students To Bradbury

Submitted by Chris Clark on May 3, 2017 - 2:58 pm

An Ortiz Middle Schooler enjoys the hands-on Nuclear Safeguards exhibit. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

BSM Educator Liz Martineau demonstrates the magnets display to some Ortiz Middle School students. Photo by KayLinda Crawford

BSMA News:

Los Alamos National Bank made it possible for 73 Ortiz Middle School students to travel to Los Alamos recently and enjoy the Bradbury Science Museum.

“I am so happy to have the students here! I was so glad to see the LANB transportation grant opportunity because our school does not have the resources to take many field trips,”