Posted inLocal Gov., 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 Gov., 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 Gov., 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 […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque

Sparklight launches campaign to support Rio Rancho food pantry

Internet provider Sparklight announced Monday it will donate money to a local food pantry through a new customer referral program that rewards both existing and new customers. The “Connections That Give Back” campaign, which runs from Sept. 8 to Oct. 6, will give $50 prepaid cards to both the referring customer and their friend when […]

Posted inPueblos, Westside Albuquerque

Santa Fe School Board member announces run for state House

Santa Fe Public Schools Board of Education member Sarah Boses announced her candidacy Monday for the New Mexico House of Representatives, seeking to represent District 50. Boses, a registered nurse who lives in Galisteo with her family, is launching what she described as a grassroots campaign focused on listening to constituents and addressing community challenges. […]

Posted inWestside Albuquerque

Sandoval County Extension offers fall programming on gardening, food preservation

The Sandoval County Cooperative Extension Service has announced a series of educational programs scheduled for September and October focusing on gardening, food preservation and composting techniques. The programming kicks off Sunday with the Placitas Garden Tour, according to Bethany Abrahamson, Extension Agriculture Agent for Sandoval County Cooperative Extension Service. “We provide the people of New […]

Posted inWestside Albuquerque

Sandoval County honors 18th-century veteran with plaque

A plaque honoring an 18th-century soldier and civic leader was dedicated Thursday at the Sandoval County Administration Building, recognizing what organizers say is the oldest veteran in the county’s recorded history. The marker honors Don Anacleto Bernardo Miera y Pacheco, a Spanish colonial soldier who served 25 years at the Santa Fe Presidio and later […]