Public Safety

National Park Service’s Pueblo Parks Group Implements Stage II Fire Restrictions

NPS News:
 
JEMEZ SPRINGS Due to the increased risk of wildfire in the region, the Pueblo Parks Group, which includes Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve, Pecos National Historical Park and Fort Union National Monument, will enter Stage II fire restrictions 8 a.m., Friday, May 4, 2018.
 
These restrictions are necessary to help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires.
 
Under Stage II restrictions:
  • All fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves,
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Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Recommend Candidates To Fill Two Vacancies On US District Court

U.S. SENATE News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Honorable Robert C. Brack announced his intention to assume senior status in November 2017, after 15 years of distinguished service on the federal bench.
 
Judge Brack’s announcement, effective July 25, 2018, will create a vacancy in Las Cruces, for a U.S. District Judge for the District of New Mexico.
 
Dec. 26, 2017, the Honorable Christina Armijo announced her intention to assume senior status after 16 years of distinguished service on the federal bench, including over five years as Chief Judge for the District. Judge Armijo’s announcement,
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FBI: Carlsbad Woman Pleads Guilty To Federal Wire Fraud Charge Arising Out Of $800,000 Embezzlement Scheme

FBI News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, and Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage announced Wednesday that Lori V. Whitaker, 54, of Carlsbad, entered a guilty plea in Federal Court in Las Cruces, to a wire fraud charge.  
 
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Whitaker is required to pay $816,630.36 in restitution to her former employer, the victim of her crime. Whitaker also faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment at sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled.
 
Whitaker
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Damon Martinez On World Press Freedom Day

Courtesy/en.unesco.org

From the Office of Congressional Candidate Damon Martinez:

ALBUQUERQUE – In recognition of World Press Freedom Day, Damon Martinez released the following statement Thursday:

“On World Press Freedom Day, we honor those who have devoted themselves to holding up the light. Truth and freedom are the twin pillars that anchor just societies, and those like President Trump who mock truth – who belittle and suppress it – do so because they fear it. 

“Today, we salute those who have sacrificed their lives in pursuit of truth, and we recommit ourselves Read More

Sheriff’s Attorney Files Brief In Advance Of Hearing At Los Alamos Justice Center May 10

By MAIRE O’NEILL
Los Alamos Daily Post

Sheriff Marco Lucero’s attorney Blair Dunn filed his response in First Judicial District Court Thursday to Los Alamos County’s brief in support of a restraining order, preliminary injunction and permanent injunction against Lucero. A hearing on the case is slated for 10 a.m., May 10 at the Los Alamos Justice Center before Judge Francis J. Mathew.

Los Alamos County Attorney Alvin Leaphart maintains in his April 29 brief that Lucero has unlawfully exceeded the limits placed on his elective office by the citizens of Read More

Hearing On Sheriff’s Suit Against Attorney General Slated For May 15 In Los Alamos

By MAIRE O’NEILL
Los Alamos Daily Post

First Judicial District Judge David K. Thomson has slated a hearing in a suit filed by Los Alamos County Sheriff Marco Lucero against Attorney General Hector Balderas and his records custodian Patricia Salazar for 11 a.m., May 15 at the Los Alamos Justice Center.

Lucero’s suit, which was filed by his attorney Blair Dunn, accuses Balderas of withholding a 2016 memorandum containing an opinion or evaluation of the ongoing dispute involving the Los Alamos County Sheriff’s duties. Dunn is a candidate for Balderas’ position in this Read More

County Cautions Residents Of Recent Bear Sightings In Area … Provides Tips For Living With Large Predators

As shown in this photo taken within the last week, bears have been sighted near the road leading up to the recently re-opened LA Reservoir. Hikers and bikers in this area – or using any of the nearby trails around Los Alamos and White Rock – are urged to take extra precautions. Hike with a bear bell or make noise while hiking and be aware of your surroundings and signs of wildlife along the way. Surprising a bear when out on the trails – especially a mother bear protecting a cub – could place you in a dangerous situation. Review the guidelines to keep you and your property safe from wildlife Read More

Letter To The Editor: Opposition To Proposed Flow Trail Location

By CAROL BRONISZ
Los Alamos
 
I am writing in regard to the proposed flow trail. A flow trail is a high speed, no-stop trail. The proposed flow trail crosses and closely parallels (within 3 feet) existing high-traffic trails.
 
Hikers (including children), joggers, runners, dog walkers and horseback riders currently use the Bayo canyon trails. Adding high speed, no-stop bicycles is an accident waiting to happen.  
 
As it is, mountain bikers use these trails, but they are generally courteous and will stop and wait for other trail users if necessary. Even so, I personally
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Letter To The Editor: Legitimate Safety Concerns

By LYNN HANRAHAN
Los Alamos

Probably 20 years ago or so I remember reading a letter to the editor of our local paper written by a prominent citizen who was moving away. He was happy to be moving on but ambivalent, too, writing that he would miss Los Alamos because it was maybe the only place where something as insignificant as the moving of a crosswalk could lead to social unrest.

It was a place where little things mattered — a lot. Yesterday an old friend called and wanted to meet for a walk. We are the last two members of the Walnut Street Playgroup, which disbanded last spring after almost twenty Read More

County Council Declares May 13-19 Police Week

Los Alamos County Council issued a proclamation Tuesday evening declaring the week of May 13-19 as Police Week and May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day in Los Alamos. The proclamation was presented by Councilor Susan O’Leary to Chief of Police Dino Sgambellone. Chief Sgambellone thanked the Council for the proclamation helping to honor and remember those officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and their families. He announced that LAPD will hold a short ceremony at 10 a.m. May 15 at the Department and the community is invited to attend. The proclamation noted that nearly Read More