Highlights from the Week of December 13, 2021
There's a lot going on in the City Different!
Christmas-time Handover of Fire Department Leadership
CHRISTMAS EVE will be Fire Department Chief Paul Babcock's last day on the job, as he embarks on a well-earned retirement. Assistant Chief Brian Moya takes over as Chief on Christmas Day. 

Chief Babcock began his career with the department in 1990 and was named Fire Chief in 2018. His notable achievements include the development and expansion of the emergency medical services (EMS) division, including the creation of the Alternative Response Unit. He expanded case management services for behavioral health needs, championing the City’s Code Blue Program, which deploys fire crews to do wellness checks, distribute sleeping bags, and transport unsheltered people to shelter during frigid temperatures.

Chief Babcock says: “I am as humbled today as I was on the day I accepted the position. The Fire Department’s greatest asset is its personnel, as they are the frontline in providing vital services to the community.” 

Chief Brian Moya is part of a fire service family. His father, Steve Moya, is a retired Assistant Fire Chief with Santa Fe County Fire Department; his mother, Jean Moya, is currently the Fire Chief of Galisteo Volunteer Fire Department; his wife, Melissa, is currently employed with Santa Fe County Fire Department. He joined the department in 2002.

"I am looking forward to working alongside the exceptional men and women of the department and continuing the vision laid in front of me by my predecessors," says Chief Moya.
MAYOR'S NOTE:
Stay On Guard
Against COVID
Last week we suffered the tragic loss of two members of our City family. Sadly, that brings to three the number of deaths we’ve experienced. Each loss brings pain and each loss is hard. Together we join to send our heartfelt condolences to the families of these valued co-workers.
 
In this moment of spiking cases and shared concern, we cannot let our guards down. We've taken the pandemic seriously since its onset. We've implemented policies and procedures designed to keep you and our community as safe as possible, while continuing to provide critical operations.  
 
Vaccinations, boosters, screening, disinfecting, masking, testing—these remain our basic tools to defend against a virus that keeps coming back in more contagious variants. 
 
Let’s remain vigilant. Even the joy of family, friends, and the holidays can’t turn into opportunities for infections. Let's honor the memories of those we’ve lost to COVID and those who have suffered through it by keeping one another safe in this sacred season and savoring this fragile gift of life. Please be safe and enjoy the blessings of the season. 
Couldn't make it to our Rapid-hire Job Fair last week?
No worries – you can still easily apply for open positions online.(And yes, we are still offering $1,000 hiring bonuses!)
Video: Technology for Sustainability
Santa Fe's progress toward a sustainable future utilizing smart technology is featured in this video by Amazon Web Services as part of their new "Climate Next" docu-series. The short video highlights the partnership between the Environmental Services Division and their technology partner, Rubicon, as they've worked to redesign Santa Fe's waste and recycling operations to be more efficient, provide better customer service, and reduce carbon emissions – moving the city one step closer to carbon neutrality by 2040. Stay tuned for more in 2022!
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City Hosting DOH Vaccine Days
Public health officials advise that full vaccination, including booster shots, is a defense against severe illness. Yesterday 203 Santa Feans received vaccinations at the Midtown Public Safety building. On the remaining Thursdays in December – Dec. 23, and Dec. 30 – people age 18 and older are invited to receive Moderna vaccinations at the Midtown Public Safety Building. Those who received their initial vaccinations with the other vaccines can take a Moderna booster. Find details here.
Arts, Planning Commissions Seek Members
The Arts Commission and the Planning Commission are seeking applicants to serve as commissioners. These volunteer advisory boards make recommendations to the government about spending priorities and policy. Find details about the Arts Commission here and the Planning Commission here. Note that the openings on Planning are for residents of Districts 3 and 4. Deadlines for both are in mid-January.
Farolitos and Free Posole
Sunday at Midtown!
The Midtown site comes alive on Sunday evening, December 19, when the City sponsors a Posolada and Farolito drive-through from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The event is part of the ongoing commitment to gather community input on the future of Midtown in unique and fun ways. Mayor Webber and other officials will make brief remarks at 5:30. Find the details here and enjoy the festive decorations and free posole.
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