Anami Dass, the chair of Albuquerque’s Human Rights Board, read a statement on behalf of her friend Levy, who couldn’t attend a June 22 public hearing on anti-homeless sentiment and discrimination. Dass said Levy tried to explain months ago what it was like to be discriminated against for being homeless to a case manager. “His […]
Albuquerque
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Animal Welfare Department tells pet owners to keep their furry friends on a leash
As summer brings pet owners and their dogs to parks and trails, the Animal Welfare Department is emphasizing the importance of keeping dogs leashed. With that in mind, the department sent out a news release this week telling residents to follow the leash laws in Albuquerque. “We love our furry friends here in Albuquerque and […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Education
Where are APS graduates headed?
Almost seven out of 10 graduates of Albuquerque Public Schools this year are heading for higher education — and most of them plan to remain in the city. According to a district survey of 4,249 graduates, 48.3% (2,053) are planning to attend four-year colleges or universities, with another 20.3% (862) heading for two-year or community […]
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Drive-thrus, tribal consultation and other changes to the city’s zoning code
At their eight-hour meeting Monday, city councilors voted on multiple zoning changes that could impact neighborhoods and businesses, including allowing tribes to comment on developments in certain areas, allowing drive-thrus in others and creating design standards around the Rail Trail. Tribes can now comment on land development: Passed Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn introduced an ordinance to […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Education
City offers ‘World’s Largest Swimming Lesson’ to adults and children
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department offered free swim lessons at the West Mesa Aquatic Center on Thursday, as part of the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.” The department offered lessons in floating for children ages three to five, floating and gliding for children ages six to 14, introduction to freestyle swimming ages six to 14 […]
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Board wants city to make attacks on homeless a hate crime
The city’s Human Rights Board is recommending that Albuquerque’s hate crimes ordinance be updated to include housing status — a reference to those experiencing homelessness or who are precariously housed. The recommendation comes after board members noticed a rise in hostilities toward the unhoused community. The board is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by […]
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Voters to decide whether City should lower threshold to win an election
After four hours of discussion Monday night, city councilors finally voted on a series of proposed changes to the city charter, including how many votes a candidate needs to win an election. The meeting — the last until Aug. 5 — wrapped up after 1 a.m. Three of the four amendments were approved and will […]
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Zoning to increase duplexes, overnight shelters fails at City Council
A push to reform the city’s zoning laws to allow more duplex construction has failed for a second year. An amendment to the city’s codes would have greenlighted conversions of existing single-family homes into duplexes in areas designated as urban centers, main street areas and those near mass transit. A measure to allow for new […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Courts, Justice & Safety
Hot town, summer in the city: APD expands resources Downtown
The Albuquerque Police Department will start increasing its presence Downtown this summer with specialty units, including horse mounted, tactical and traffic officers and those who are assigned to the Targeted Enforcement Active Monitoring (TEAMS) overtime program. According to APD, at the beginning of summer, they noticed an increase in people gathering Downtown. Officers since then […]
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Study links pollution to low birth weight in New Mexico
The authors of a new study say they have found a link between industrial air pollution in New Mexico and the state’s higher-than-average rates of babies with low birth weight. The study, conducted by a team that includes members from the University of New Mexico, found that the relevant emissions were largely concentrated in the […]