The Rio Rancho City Council unanimously approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Rio Rancho Police and Communications Association on Thursday, authorizing $950,390 in additional funding for fiscal year 2026 to cover enhanced benefits and pay increases. The contract, which runs from Sept. 22, through June 30, 2028, affects 187 bargaining unit positions within […]
Westside Albuquerque
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety
New Mexico woman’s gun show protest triggers constitutional case after arrest
A 70-year-old woman filed a civil rights lawsuit Monday against the City of Moriarty and Torrance County after being arrested and detained for three days while peacefully protesting outside a gun show in February. Jill Gatwood, an Albuquerque resident represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, alleges in the lawsuit that she […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque
Santa Fe court launches mental health diversion program for arrestees
The First Judicial District Court has announced a new program designed to divert people with severe mental illness away from the criminal justice system and into treatment services. The competency diversion pilot program will serve individuals charged with misdemeanors, excluding DWI and nonviolent felony offenses. It marks the fourth such initiative established by New Mexico […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
The future of rubbish
Sandoval County commissioners are taking an efficiency-focused approach to landfill affairs. At their Sept. 10 meeting, commissioners voted to adopt a new fee schedule for the current county landfill, as well as volume-based discounts intended to maximize use of the site before its shutdown in 2036. Of the latter, Public Works Director Mark Hatzenbuhler told […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho council approves controversial Chamisa Hills development after community outreach
The Rio Rancho City Council unanimously approved the Chamisa Hills master development plan Thursday night, marking a dramatic turnaround for a project that faced fierce opposition just four months ago. The six-member council’s affirmation came after extensive community outreach efforts by developer Steve Chavez and his team, who revised their original proposal following harsh criticism […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque
THE BLOCK to celebrate first anniversary with day-long festival
THE BLOCK, a Rio Rancho food hall, will mark its first anniversary Saturday with a celebration featuring live entertainment, face painting and roaming magic shows. The anniversary event runs from noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 13, with activities scheduled throughout the day for families and community members. Face painting will be available from noon to […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho council set to vote on controversial Chamisa Hills development plan
The Rio Rancho City Council will consider final approval of the contentious Chamisa Hills Master Plan during its regular meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m., marking the third time the governing body has weighed the controversial development proposal. The council will vote on Resolution R47, which would adopt the master plan for the 281-acre mixed-use […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque
Former Sandoval County detective sentenced to 6 years for child exploitation crimes
A former Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office detective was sentenced Friday to six years in prison after pleading no contest to charges related to child sexual exploitation material. Robert Strand, 42, was sentenced by Judge Christopher G. Perez in the 13th Judicial District Court on charges of possession of child sexual exploitation material and three counts […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
SandCo commission to consider bonds, landfill rate increases
Sandoval County Commissioners on Wednesday will consider $12.5 million in bonds to pay for the construction of a new animal shelter and emergency telecommunications tower. The $7.5 million for the animal shelter would go toward new construction, equipment and other improvements, according to the agenda. The $5,000,000 for the telecommunications project would go toward land […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque
Sandoval County launches free Narcan, gun lock vending machine
Sandoval County officials launched a vending machine Friday that provides free Narcan and gun locks to residents and visitors at the county’s Health Commons facility. The machine, located in Building B of the Sandoval County Government Campus at 1500 Idalia Road, operates during business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. County […]