Published February 2, 2024

In this newsletter...

Upcoming County Events | News Releases | Reader Poll

Living with Wildlife | Parks & Recreation | Public Safety News

Trash Talk | Healthy Community Highlight | Arts & Culture

The next County Council Regular Session is on February 6

Tuesday, February 6, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Council Chambers, 1000 Central Ave., Los Alamos

The agenda includes the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Entered into by and between the County and the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) for FY2024, introduction of Ordinance No. 727 authorizing the sale of property commonly known as 110 Entrada Drive (Lot 6B-2), discussion and possible action to implement Food Waste Composting at the Eco Station, and more. To view the full agenda documents, visit the County Legistar page.

Meetings are held in person and on Zoom. For more information on the County Council, visit the County Council web page.

It's the beginning of the month, which means several meetings are on the upcoming schedule! Be sure to check the Los Alamos County calendar for all public meeting information.

Ballroom Dancing on Mondays

Next Date: Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 | 7 to 9 p.m.

Betty Ehart Senior Center, 1101 Bathtub Row, Los Alamos

This program is composed of beginning and experienced dancers, and the main focus is to have fun, while learning and practicing to dance better. Waltz, Tango, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Rumba, Foxtrot, Quickstep have been some of the dances classes have focused on, with the possibility of more on the horizon.

Generally this group spends one or two months focusing on one particular dance. The evening includes a mix of lessons, dancing practice, good music and a generous helping of laughter.

For more information, visit the event page here.

Property tax exemptions clinic for Veterans Feb. 6

Representatives with the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services and Los Alamos County Assessor's office are holding a clinic for military veterans and unmarried widows of veterans on Tuesday, Feb. 6, in Los Alamos. Veterans are encouraged to drop in between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 1000 Central Avenue, Suite 210, Los Alamos, for assistance identifying property tax exemptions that may significantly reduce the taxable value of their primary residences. 

To read the full news release, click here.

Tax Help Offered by AARP Tax-Aide at the Los Alamos Senior Activity Centers

The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) is happy to announce they will again work with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide organization to provide free tax services to the Los Alamos community.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. The services provided by volunteers from the community are intended primarily for older adults and lower income taxpayers.  

With exceptions for a few days, appointments will be taken for Mondays and Thursdays at The Betty Ehart Center and Fridays at the White Rock Center beginning Monday, February 5 through Friday, April 12. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (505) 662-8920.

County Events Directory

Have you checked out the Events Directory on the new website? Events are listed in chronological order, searchable, and updated daily! Check it out!



Congratulations and Thanks are in order...

Los Alamos County would like to welcome our new Probate Judge, Honorable Perry Klate, who was sworn in this week in a small ceremony with Klate's family.  

The County also extends our sincere thanks to former Judge Michael Redondo for his dedication and service to the position this past year.

DPU Seeks Future Leaders

The Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is conducting an essay contest for high school students as part of an effort organized by Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS). A local student may receive sponsorship to attend a summer leadership camp and scholarship program in Idaho called the ICUA Youth Rally. 

To read the full news release, click here.

Urban Trail Phase I & II Multi-use Trail Project construction activities the week of Feb. 5

Los Alamos County Public Works, in partnership with contractor Hasse Contracting Company Inc., will be continuing construction activities for the Urban Trail Phase I & II Multi-use Trail Project at five different locations downtown and off Canyon Road during the week of February 5.

Weather permitting, areas impacted include:

Work Zone Area 1: Within the Fuller Lodge grounds adjacent to Central Ave. and heading north towards the Romero Cabin

NOTE: The majority of the construction is complete in this area; however, it will remain closed until the weather allows for final cleanup and grass restoration.

Work Zone Area 2: 20th St. from the Youth Activity Center Driveway, north to the main access to 475 20th St.

Work Zone Area 3: Within the wooded area by the Canyon Road Tennis Courts

NOTE: The tennis court and wallboard are closed. Alternatives for tennis and wallboard can be found at Urban Park, Myrtle Tennis/Pickleball Courts, Piñon Park, and Barranca Mesa Park.

Work Zone Area 4: Within the Fuller Lodge grounds starting at the Romero Cabin and continuing north to Nectar Street

**NEW** Work Zone Area 5: Peach and Ponderosa streets

To read the full news release, click here.



We want to hear from you...

Last week's poll results...

What County facility would you like to know more about?



30% - Animal Shelter

22% - Aquatic Center and Leisure Lagoon

13% - Betty Ehart and White Rock Senior Centers

1% - Golf Course and Shop

6% - Ice Rink

0% - Los Alamos and White Rock Youth Activity Centers

13% - Los Alamos Nature Center

7% - Mesa Public and White Rock Branch Libraries

3% - Teen Center

4% - All of the Above

Visit the Los Alamos County website today to learn about our three recreation facilities. Watch for direct links and more detailed information about specific facilities in future newsletters!

Living with Wildlife...

Animal of the month: Coyote

Late January through early March is the mating season for coyotes and they become more active during this time. Take action to prevent conflicts with coyotes with these actionable tips:

Protect pets: Dogs should always be supervised and on a leash. During the breeding season, coyotes become very active marking and defending their territories to protect their pack from other coyotes.

Remove food sources: Coyotes will utilize whatever food is available, including small animals, insects, and fruits, as well as artificial sources such as garbage, pet food, and compost. 

Hazing: If you see a coyote in your yard, you should aggressively “haze” it by chasing it out of the yard, making loud noises, and throwing small objects, if needed, ensuring not to harm the coyote. Repeated hazing helps teach coyotes they are not welcome there.

Don’t be intimidated: It’s important to note that negative encounters with coyotes are rare, and attacks on people are even more rare. Do not be fearful of them.

Seek help if appropriate: Coyotes can be active at any time of day; however, if you encounter a coyote with concerning behavior like approaching leashed pets, closely following people, or not running off when hazed, contact NM Game & Fish for assistance.

To learn more about the coyote and living with other wild and large predators, visit the NM Game & Fish website at www.lacnm.com/NMGF.

Woodland Trail Open Again

The Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) treated a sewer overflow that occurred over the weekend on the Woodland Trail behind Fire Station #4 near the corner of Diamond Drive and Range Road. The trail has been reopened. A sewer lift station in the vicinity suffered a power trip and triggered the overflow.

Thank you, Utilities!

Parks addresses challenges with county-owned parks and sports fields

The Los Alamos County Parks division is committed to ensuring the safety and usability across all County parks and sports fields, including those at Overlook Complex. So when citizens began to express concern over the presence of gophers and their potential hazards, Superintendent Wendy Parker ramped up her already aggressive approach to address and mitigate these challenges.

To read the full news release, click here.

What a beautiful sunrise on the first day of February, captured by our own Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker at the Pajarito Cliffs Site.

LAPD to conduct DWI enforcement over the next several months

The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) will be conducting several roadblocks and saturation patrols over the next several months to combat crimes related to driving while intoxicated, underage drinking, and open container violations.

These operations will be funded by the Local Driving While Intoxicated (LDWI) grant program. Citizens are encouraged “drink responsibly” and find alternatives to driving when consuming alcoholic beverages. We ask that the public also report any poor driving behavior by calling our Consolidated Dispatch Center (CDC) at (505) 662-8222  or dialing 9-1-1.

Adopt-a-Pet: This week at the Shelter...

Check out the Petfinder website to find all you need to learn about the animals available for adoption and how to get to know them better. To learn more about the Los Alamos County Animal Shelter, visit the County website.

Did you know?

Citizens may now dispose of their unused and unwanted prescription medication in this drug collection box in the front lobby of the Los Alamos Police Station (2500 Trinity Dr., Los Alamos). The box is under 24-hour surveillance.

The drop-off collection at the Police Department is for pills only. No sharps, liquids, aerosols, ointments or creams are accepted. Household generated sharps can be brought to the Eco Station for proper disposal. The Eco Station cannot accept any other type of pharmaceutical waste.

Watch for information about National Drug Take Back events that occur annually in April and October.

For more information call 662-8163 or email solidwaste@lacnm.us.

SUP Yoga Every Monday

Next date: Monday, February 5, 2024 | 11 a.m. to Noon

Aquatic Center, 2760 Canyon Road, Los Alamos

Take your fitness routine to the mat -- a floating mat! Stand up paddle board (SUP) Yoga is a combination of paddleboarding and yoga practice. It challenges you to find another level of balance and focus your mind, all while floating atop the water. Think it sounds hard? Take a deep, centering breath; it's easier than you think, and perfect for both yoga and paddleboarding newbies. 

Instructor – Dorothy Stradling

$8 per participant

For more information, visit the event page here.



Summer Concert Series Update

In 2023, Los Alamos County brought on board some incredible data tracking tools to find out just how many attendees the 2023 concerts drew.

It is estimated that 88,500 concert-goers came to the 15 summer concerts in 2023, with Billy Bob Thornton and the Blue Ventures drawing 11,500 and 8,500 respectively as the largest concerts. In addition, the 2023 Los Alamos 4th of July Spectacular in White Rock drew an additional 11,500 attendees with the help of the Kiwanians Fireworks Display; totaling 100,000 attendees for the Los Alamos County Community Services Department events, in partnership with contractor Sancre Productions.

In addition to the awesome tracking technology, the Los Alamos County Community Services Department (CSD) conducted a season-long digital community survey which yielded some fascinating results.

The survey explored likes and dislikes of our community's concert series musical genres and asked for band suggestions. CSD was able to deduce that many attendees wished the Friday night concerts to be shorter in length and have the headliner come on earlier in the evening.

Based on this feedback, CSD and Sancre Productions will change the schedule slightly for the upcoming 2024 season:

6 p.m. - Announcements and Anthem

6:15 p.m. - ‘Entertainment’ - A new feature which will include our communities' and regions’ brightest stars from a house DJ to acoustic performers, magicians, comedians, dancers, talent shows, etc.

7 p.m. - Headliner

9 p.m. - End of Show

The 2024 Los Alamos Summer Concert Series will run every Friday from May 24, 2024, to August 30, 2024, with a great line-up that will be revealed over the next several months. Visit the Concert Series website or Facebook page to watch for more information!

Los Alamos Concert Association Hosts Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

Saturday, February 10, 2024 | 3 p.m.

Duane W. Smith Auditorium, Los Alamos High School, 1300 Diamond Drive, Los Alamos

The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ) is one of the most multifaceted groups in any genre. The LAGQ, comprised of four uniquely accomplished musicians, Bill Kanengiser, John Dearman, Matt Greif, and Douglas Lora, brings a new energy to the concert stage with programs ranging from Bluegrass to Bach. They consistently play to sold-out houses world-wide. Their inventive, critically acclaimed transcriptions of concert masterworks provide a fresh look at the music of the past, while their interpretations of works from the contemporary and world-music realms continually break new ground. Programs including Latin, African, Far East, Irish, Folk and American Classics transport listeners around the world in a single concert experience.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the Los Alamos Concert Association website.

Do you know about our other newsletters?

Subscribe now to stay in the know!

• Public Library System - Monthly News, Events, and Program Information
• The Bottom Line - Monthly Economic Development News for Los Alamos County
• The Cone Zone - Weekly Road Construction News during construction season (April-November)

Los Alamos County is hiring! With numerous openings in a variety of areas, we’re sure to have a position that’s right for you. Come join our team! Apply today at www.losalamosnm.us/jobs