Scott Elder says his time in Albuquerque Public Schools has been filled with victories and challenges. Elder, who officially retires June 30 as superintendent of New Mexico’s largest school district, issued a farewell letter to the community May 24, discussing his 33 years with APS and his plans going forward. Elder wrote that he’s “fascinated […]
Bernalillo County
Commissioners: Input wanted on ordinance to prioritize county behavioral health funds
This letter is provided as opinion/commentary from the authors. Commissioner Adriann Barboa represents District 3 which includes the SE heights, UNM, and the International District. Commissioner Eric Olivas represents District 5 including much of the NE Heights, Uptown, the Foothills and the East Mountains. You can submit your own opinion: editor@citydesk.org We have a homelessness […]
Violence Intervention Program manager charged with battery
A program manager with the city’s Violence Intervention Program has been charged with misdemeanor battery. According to court documents filed on May 8 in Metropolitan Court, a woman accused Angel Garcia of kissing and groping her without her consent while they were at a Cheba Hut on April 13. She told police that he pulled […]
Ultimate sacrifice: APD hosts law enforcement memorial on Civic Plaza
The Albuquerque Police Department hosted a memorial on Civic Plaza on Thursday to honor law enforcement officers who “made the ultimate sacrifice.” Leaders of state, federal and local law enforcement agencies — including those from surrounding counties — attended the annual memorial, which included a mention of the three officers who were killed throughout the […]
Joe Craig, newly elected Los Ranchos mayor, dies
Joe Craig, the mayor of the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, died Tuesday, May 22. Craig was known for leading the charge against high-density development in the village. Craig, 74, was a lifelong resident of Los Ranchos and was a long-time advocate for open space in Los Ranchos. He served as the chairman of […]
Demolition begins at Downtown’s unsightly pedestrian tunnel
Two projects that have been discussed for many years across multiple city administrations took a physical step toward reality Wednesday when demolition began at the pedestrian tunnel linking East Downtown under the railroad tracks to the Central Avenue corridor at First Street. The project also marks the first phase of construction for the highly-anticipated Rail […]
Neighborhood improvement grant applications open
Neighborhood associations within Bernalillo County, including those in Albuquerque, are eligible to receive up to $5,000 each under a neighborhood grant program. The program was created in 2010 to assist associations with outreach and encourage participation from their members. The county says strong neighborhoods are crucial to its uniqueness and quality of life, according to […]
Attorney: Officer with ‘history of abuse and deceit’ fatally shot man in mental health crisis
Loved ones of a man who was suffering from mental health issues when he was shot and killed by police late last year intend to file a lawsuit, alleging the officer who shot him had a “history of abuse and deceit” and the city had not done enough to hold him accountable. Pete “Jacob” Martinez, […]
Woodworkers build doghouses for those in need
Two Albuquerque city councilors teamed up with area woodworkers to help shelter dogs. Albuquerque City Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn and Dan Champine announced in a news release that they have teamed up with the Albuquerque Woodworkers Association (AWA) and the city Animal Welfare Department (AWD) to build more than 30 doghouses for people in need with […]
Who’s who in Westside government
Westside City Council Districts District 1: Louie Sanchez represents the mid-Westside district with boundaries that extend from Central Avenue to Paseo del Norte, then billow out west to the Petroglyphs. Sanchez was elected in November 2021. Here is a link to his City Council website. District 2: Joaquín Baca represents a small snippet of the […]