The Rio Rancho Players Community Theatre is gearing up for a summer return with a new production. To kick things off, the Players will host two new membership/pre-audition workshop recruitment meetings. These meetings will be held on Saturday, June 14 and Saturday, June 21, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at their rehearsal/performance space, located […]
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Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Chamisa Hills plan faces hurdles in Rio Rancho
The Rio Rancho City Council voted unanimously to delay action on the Chamisa Hills master plan after a packed meeting filled with resident opposition. The plan would rezone the former Club Rio Rancho golf course for more than 300 homes, commercial space and business parks — transforming the private course into a dense, mixed-use community. […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho residents praise city’s quick homeless encampment cleanup
By Jesse Jones Shortly after Homelessness in Sandoval County: A hidden crisis was published in the Sandoval Signpost, the city quietly cleaned up a Rio Rancho encampment and fixed damaged property, earning praise from nearby residents who had raised concerns. The swift cleanup came after City of Vision resident John Pierce spoke out about safety […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque
Sandoval County reports first measles cases
By Kevin Hendricks The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has confirmed the first measles cases in Sandoval County, involving an adult with unknown vaccination status and an unvaccinated child under the age of four. Potential public exposures have been identified at several locations in Rio Rancho, Albuquerque and Cedar Crest. According the NMDOH, the […]
Posted inWestside Albuquerque
Revved up for hockey
This story was originally published in The Paper. By Michael Hodock It isn’t exactly a quick drive from Albuquerque to the Rio Rancho Events Center, the city’s largest entertainment venue located on the far west end of the metro area, but residents are willing to make the drive for concerts and other special attractions. Historically, […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Westside Albuquerque
Shoplifting in Rio Rancho soars
By Jesse Jones Most crimes in the City of Vision are down, with shoplifting being one of the few exceptions. According to the Rio Rancho Police Department’s 2024 Annual Report, shoplifting cases have increased by 13% since 2022, likely due to economic pressures and city growth. “Shoplifting is something that we’re always after,” Mayor Gregg […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho retains March elections and Voter ID after ordinance fails
By Kevin Hendricks March municipal elections and voter identification requirements will remain in place in Rio Rancho after the Governing Body voted against eliminating them and opting into statewide elections at its May 8 meeting. Ordinance 13 failed in a 3-3 tie vote following public opposition. The power of the people was on full display […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Westside Albuquerque
Motor vehicle thefts fall 27% in Rio Rancho in 2024
By Jesse Jones In Rio Rancho, car thefts and break-ins have dropped, likely due to police crackdowns. The City of Vision has seen an 11.4% decrease in property crime as a whole over the past two years. Motor vehicle thefts fell 27.5% and thefts from vehicles dropped 56.5%, according to the Rio Rancho Police Department’s […]
Posted inNew Mexico Legislature #nmleg, Statewide News, Westside Albuquerque
Rep. Cullen champions crime reform and education bills
By Jesse Jones Fresh off her first 60-day session, Rio Rancho Republican Rep. Catherine Cullen is highlighting legislative wins focused on empowering communities, cracking down on crime and improving New Mexico schools. Cullen, a former Rio Rancho Public Schools board member and associate real estate broker, sponsored or co-sponsored 25 bills during the session, with […]
Posted inCourts & Justice, Westside Albuquerque
Falling Crime, Rising Population
By Jesse Jones Crime in Rio Rancho has dropped by just over 16% over the past two years, even as one of the state’s fastest-growing municipal populations continues to grow. According to the Rio Rancho Police Department’s 2024 Annual Report, the number of reported offenses fell from 8,681 in 2022 to 7,283 in 2024, marking […]