By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – For Mikee Riggs, making toys was never supposed to become a career. Fifteen years ago, he was working at GNC, sketching characters between customers and wondering what came next. “I’m not the kind of person that should work at a GNC, so I was very miserable, and I was […]
Sara Atencio-Gonzales
Sara Atencio Gonazales is a features reporter for nm.news and The Paper. She is a native of Albuquerque.
Posted inAlbuquerque
City Launches “Operation Cooldown” as triple digits hit ABQ
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – With triple digit temperatures expected across Albuquerque this week, the City is once again rolling out Operation Cooldown, an initiative designed to help residents cool off by activating sprinklers at neighborhood parks. The Parks and Recreation Department will turn on park sprinklers from 1 to 1:30 p.m. each day […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
Longtime Shriners Hall closes its doors; but for some, a window remains open
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – After serving Albuquerque for decades as a gathering place for community events, fundraisers and professional wrestling shows, the former New Mexico Shriners property in Albuquerque’s International District is entering a new chapter. The City of Albuquerque has purchased the property at 6600 Zuni Rd. SE and has already issued […]
Posted inThe Paper.
Local documentary series looking for stories of New Mexicans overcoming challenges
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – A new documentary series celebrating stories of hope, healing and resilience in New Mexico has released its first trailer and is inviting residents from across the state to share their experiences. “Through the Fire” will feature New Mexicans telling personal stories about overcoming life’s challenges, including family struggles, relationships, […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
Say Cheese: Local expert named Best Cheesemonger in America
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – For Hanna Lee, winning the title of Best Cheesemonger in America was not a surprise in the moment. It was the culmination of years of hard work, competition and determination. Lee is a cheesemonger at Mouse Hole Cheese Shop in Downtown Albuquerque, the city’s only cut-to-order cheese shop. While […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
Orpheum Community Hub closes its doors (for now)
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper – The Orpheum Community Hub is temporarily closed as Homewise begins a major renovation project aimed at expanding its office space while preserving one of Downtown Albuquerque’s most historic buildings. Community programming has temporarily moved to Fourth & Barelas, and the organization expects to reopen the Orpheum in 2027. Before […]
Posted inNM.news
Quelab makerspace builds itself a new home
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – After months of renovations and settling into a new home, Quelab is inviting the Albuquerque community to celebrate the grand reopening of its expanded makerspace. The nonprofit organization has spent the past year transforming its largest home yet into a collaborative space where artists, engineers, hobbyists and makers can […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
Albuquerque Museum takes a road trip along The Other Route 66
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – For many people, Route 66 conjures images of classic cars, roadside diners and the nostalgia of the open road. But a new exhibition at the Albuquerque Museum invites visitors to look beyond those familiar images and discover a more complex history. The Other Route 66: 100 Years of People, […]
Posted in+Arts & Culture
Dr. Shelle Sanchez, longtime City arts director, leaves Albuquerque’s art scene in good hands
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – After more than 30 years of serving New Mexico through arts, culture and education, Dr. Shelle Sanchez is closing one chapter and looking forward to the next. Sanchez recently retired as director of the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture after leading the department for eight and […]
Posted inAlbuquerque
Route 66 is in the frame at The Rest is Drag art show
By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – As Route 66 approaches its centennial, a new exhibition at 516 ARTS invites audiences to look beyond the familiar myths of the Mother Road and consider the communities, histories and identities that have shaped it. Curated by Olivia Amaya Ortiz, The Rest Is Drag examines Route 66 as more […]