The Bernalillo community Wednesday celebrated the launch of something many hope is never needed. Dozens of people attended a blessing for the town’s first “baby box,” at the main fire station. The secure chamber is designed to provide a safe, anonymous place in which a parent can voluntarily surrender an infant up to 18 months […]
Rodd Cayton
Rodd Cayton is a senior reporter with nm.news covering local news and government.
Posted inGeneral Interest, Placitas
PREP opening 2026 schedule with insurance presentation
Placitas residents facing uncertainties about their homeowners’ insurance may be interested in next month’s Placitas Resilience & Emergency Preparedness Alliance (PREP) presentation. Melissa Robertson and Elouisa Macias of the New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance will host “Insurance Solutions for Wildfire-Prone Communities” Jan. 20. Macias is chief of OSI’s Consumer Assistance and Civil […]
Posted inLocal Gov., Placitas
Placitas land grant group takes early stand against development plan
Sandoval County commissioners on Wednesday approved what is normally a routine request, but not before several Placitas residents voiced their opposition to the project at its center. The Placitas Artists Series is seeking grant money for planning and design of a plaza-style outdoor space in the unincorporated village. The description in the agenda reads in […]
Posted inSandoval County
Sandoval County Commission approves new department
Sandoval County Commissioners Wednesday voted 4-1 to create a new county department. Sort of. The new General Services Department, County Manager Wayne Johnson told commissioners, is a continuation of a grant services office and intended as a support apparatus for other departments. He said no immediate hiring is anticipated, as the person chosen as the […]
Posted inBernalillo
Is economic development worth a sales tax hike? Bernalillo voters will decide in March
Bernalillo voters in March will decide whether economic development is a worthy reason for the town’s first sales tax increase in 15 years. The Town Council voted Dec. 8 to place a proposed one-quarter percent gross receipts tax increase on the ballot. That’s equal to an extra 25 cents on a $100 taxable purchase. If […]
Posted inLocal Gov., Town of Bernalillo
Bernalillo economic development sales tax up for final approval
A possible economic development sales tax returns to the Bernalillo Town Council Monday evening. Councilors are being asked to place a quarter-percent local increase to the gross receipts tax rate on the ballot for the March 3 local election. That means someone buying $100 worth of applicable goods would pay an extra 25 cents on […]
Posted inGeneral Interest, Town of Bernalillo
Historic Bernalillo church finalist in nationwide photo contest
A piece of Bernalillo history needs help, and a local group is on the cusp of making a dent — and asking neighbors to help out. The Santuario de San Lorenzo, at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Bernalillo, needs major repairs, church caretaker Ralph Chavez said. The roof of the 1867 building is falling […]
Posted inBernalillo
Bernalillo eyes new sales tax, major RV campground project
Bernalillo Town councilors want to hear more about a possible economic development sales tax and a proposed recreational vehicle campground. After hearing introductions of each item, councilors did not attempt to prevent further consideration of either. The tax proposal is expected to be brought back to the council on Dec. 8. If councilors approve the […]
Posted inSandoval County
Sandoval County Landfill offering free half-day Saturday
If the weather holds up, Sandoval County residents will be treated to a free half-day of dumping at the county landfill. From 8 a.m. to noon. Saturday, residents won’t be charged disposal fees at the landfill, 2708 Iris Road NE. Customers may make multiple trips, but are limited to dumping four tires, two TVs and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Sandoval County
Craft fair coming to Sandoval County HQ
Most New Mexicans know someone who appreciates handcrafted gifts. With the holiday shopping season approaching, the Sandoval County Employee Appreciation Committee (SCEAC) is hosting its seventh annual holiday craft fair in the lobby of the county administration building. More than 30 vendors will be offering items such as toys, jewelry, clothing and food delicacies at […]