Weekly News & Updates From Los Alamos County | | |
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In this newsletter...
It's County Fair Time! | CONE ZONE | Back to School Reminders Bear Month | Last Chance for CAP Feedback | ...and much more!
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Los Alamos County Fair & Rodeo - Roping the Dream
Friday, August 2 - Sunday, August 4
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The County Fair Kicks Off TONIGHT, August 2, with Sim Balkey at the Summer Concert Series!
August 2 │ 6-9 p.m.
Ashley Pond Park
We are excited to present Sim Balkey, who will help us kick off the Los Alamos County Fair & Rodeo weekend TONIGHT. Sim is an up-and-coming country music artist from New Mexico, who has infused a modern twist into traditional country music, creating his own unique sound. Don't miss it!
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County Fair Exhibits
August 2 │ 3 - 8 p.m.
Mesa Public Library, Los Alamos
The NMSU Co-operative Extension office organizes the County Fair exhibits. Exhibits will include:
- Clothing
- Knitting
- Crochet
- Needlework
- Quilts
- Baked Goods
- Preserved Foods
- Hobbies & Crafts
- Fine Arts
- Photography
- Horticulture
- 4-H Projects
County Fair Parade
August 3 │ 10 a.m.
Central Ave., Los Alamos
Get ready to enjoy the highlight of the Los Alamos County Fair and Rodeo weekend - the local parade! It's a wonderful opportunity for both residents and visitors to come together in downtown Los Alamos and celebrate the western roots of our community.
This year's Grand Marshal is former County Manager Steve Lynne, who recently retired after working for Los Alamos County for 28 years.
Festival & Fair Events
August 3 │ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ashley Pond Park
County Council Booth
Visit with the County Council and Board of Public Utilities folks, learn about the latest housing and development projects, meet the new Economic Development Administrator, find out about the National Community Survey launching August 2, and more!
County Clerk's Mobile Voting Unit
Check out the NEW MVU! It will be set up at Ashley Pond Park and ready for the public to tour. Along with the unveiling of the new design, find out about the 2024 General Election Sticker Design Contest, open to all youth grades pre-K to 12. Information and entry forms will be available inside the MVU!
County Rodeo
August 3 │ 2 - 5 p.m.
August 4 │1 - 5 p.m.
Brewer Arena, Los Alamos
The members of this year's Royalty Court are Queen Belita Martinez, Princess Jewel Jaramillo, Sweetheart Lilyanne Montoya, and Junior Sweetheart Ashleigh Enriquez.
Cowboy Dinner & Dance
August 3
5 - 7 p.m. – Dinner
7 - 9 p.m. – Dance
Los Alamos Sheriff's Posse Lodge, Los Alamos
Stroll the Stables
August 4 │ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
North Mesa Stables, Los Alamos
Enjoy a walk around the stables with your family as part of the Los Alamos County Fair and Rodeo! Meet the animals up close and learn about horses, goats, chickens, geese, and lamas, as well as various types of riding. Lots of fun for all ages, and afterward, stay for day two of the Rodeo!
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Gymkhana (Horse Play Day)
August 6 │ 6 – 8 p.m.
Brewer Arena, Los Alamos
$10.00 per day entry per participant
$40 for the series
Gymkhana events often emphasize children's participation and in most of the western United States, the phrase means "games on horseback”. The Gymkhana will include timed speed events such as barrel racing, keyhole race, flag race, pole bending, and on or off-horse roping.
Find more information about this event here.
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The next County Council Regular Session is Tuesday, August 6 at 6 p.m.
Council meetings are held at the Municipal Building in Council Chambers (1000 Central Ave., Los Alamos). Meetings are at 6 p.m., and a Zoom option is offered for remote participation (Zoom Link).
View the published agenda packet. Some items of interest include:
- Citizen Petition regarding an April 10, 2024, meeting between Los Alamos County Staff and Columbus Capital representatives to discuss Columbus MariMac Village
- Consideration to award a contract for the permanent repairs to the ice rink chiller
- Discussion and possible action regarding Trinity Drive roadway improvements (between Oppenheimer and Knecht)
- Possible Approval of Financial Support to the City of Espanola Regional Capital Projects
- Consideration of an Inclusivity Task Force
For more information on the County Council, visit the County Council web page. For more information, please contact the County Manager's office at 505.663.1750.
Be sure to check the Los Alamos County calendar for all public meeting information, or visit the County's Legistar page.
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Community invited to the Brewer Arena listening session
The Los Alamos County Parks and Open Space Division is seeking feedback from the community for the proposed Brewer Arena Renovation. The project is to evaluate the structure and ensure the facility meets the American with Disabilities (ADA) Title II requirements. This facility was identified in the Community Services Department’s Integrated Master Plan and the ADA Audit and Transition Plan. Wilson & Company will be there to listen to input regarding design improvements to the Brewer Arena grandstand, announcer’s booth, parking, restrooms and ADA compliance.
Community members are invited to meet the team Wednesday August 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Please use this link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86031220930 to access the webinar.
For more information on the planning process, please visit the Project Page, or contact Wendy Parker at wendy.parker@lacnm.us or call 505-663-1771.
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FINAL Movie in the Park: Elemental
August 7 │ 7 p.m.
Ashley Pond Park
FREE
Enjoy a summer evening in the park with a fun, family-oriented movie. Bring your blankets, pajamas, and snacks to watch a movie under the stars!
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White Rock Family Films Presents: Kung Fu Panda 4
August 10 | 2 to 4 p.m.
White Rock Branch Library
Every second Saturday of the month, White Rock Branch Library is showing a family-friendly film. Come to the library at 2 p.m. to get started on a movie-themed craft with the whole family. Movie showtime is at 2:30 p.m. and we invite you to sit back with free snacks and enjoy! Crafts are best suited for ages 4 to 10, but the whole family can join in. Kids 5 and under will need a grownup to help them.
Check this out in the Library event calendar.
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Find more in the Summer Activity Guide, available digitally!
Download it now here!
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County Events Directory
Visit the Events Directory on the new website! Events are listed in chronological order, are searchable, and are updated daily!
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Cone Zone Updates for the Week of August 5
Visit the Cone Zone page on the My Commute web page for all the latest information!
Get all the latest updates for projects, road construction, and special events. Find active projects and learn how they are progressing and if they will impact you! Active projects will be updated weekly.
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Brewer Arena grandstand is closed
Los Alamos County officials regret to announce that the Brewer Arena grandstand has been deemed unsafe for public use and is closed as of July 29. Despite this closure, the upcoming rodeo activities scheduled for August 3 - 4 will proceed as planned. In response to the closure, the County's Community Services Department (CSD) is arranging to bring in and set up temporary bleachers to accommodate rodeo fans.
For more information, read the full news article here.
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Clerk’s Office to Unveil State-of-the-Art Mobile Voting Unit Aug. 2
The Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office invites you to the official unveiling of the new Mobile Voting Unit (MVU), a cutting-edge trailer designed to enhance and improve the voting experience for all residents by making the voting process more accessible, convenient, and efficient. The grand reveal will occur this weekend, Friday, Aug. 2, at the Summer Concert Series and again on Saturday, Aug. 3, for the Los Alamos County Fair in downtown Los Alamos at Ashley Pond Park (2200 Trinity Dr.). Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the innovative new facility and speak with the County Clerk.
For more information, read the full news article here.
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Budget in Brief available online
Los Alamos County announced that it has released online a "Budget in Brief" document for the adopted fiscal year 2025 budget ahead of the complete, comprehensive FY 2025 budget book to be published next month. This one-page document guide (front and back) gives citizens a high-level view of the budget adopted by the County Council last April 2024.
For more information, read the full news article here.
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Snapchat Video Contest for Teens and Young Adults
Representatives from Los Alamos County Social Services, Courts, Los Alamos Public Schools, and JJAB invite teens and young adults to submit a 10-minute video explaining the "Ins and outs of Snapchat for parents." The video must be uploaded using Google forms at lacnm.com/Video-Contest by August 16. The winner will receive a $100 gift card, and their video will be showcased and discussed in an educational workshop for parents and adults.
For more information, read the full news article here.
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County Clerk Announces 2024 General Election Sticker Design Contest
The Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office is excited to announce the 2024 General Election Sticker Design Contest. Open to students in grades pre-K through 12, this contest aims to inspire creativity and communicate the importance of voting and civic participation. Students should submit their designs no later than September 2, 2024. Digital designs can be emailed to clerks@lacnm.us with the subject line: Sticker Design Contest. Hand-drawn designs can be mailed or dropped off at the Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office.
For more information, read the full news article here.
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Invitations mailed to select households for the National Community Survey
Los Alamos County, in partnership with Polco, an independent consultant and civic engagement company, is kicking off its biennial community survey – The National Community Survey™. More than 2,500 postcards will be sent via mail on Friday, August 2, to randomly selected households throughout Los Alamos and White Rock. Recipients are invited to participate in this survey online or, if preferred, request a paper copy. The survey aims to provide a comprehensive picture of citizen perspectives on community livability.
For more information, read the full news article here.
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LAPS NEWS: Back to School This Week!
Los Alamos Public Schools would like to remind all drivers that the first day of school is Wednesday, August 7. This means that over 3,700 students will be walking, biking or riding the school bus.
Drivers are reminded that it is against the law to pass a school bus when the red lights are flashing, and the stop arm is out.
“Last year, we recorded over 190 incidents of cars passing school buses when the red lights were flashing and the stop arm extended,” said Keith Rosenbaum, LAPS Director of Transportation. “While this is a decrease from the previous year, even one incident is one too many. We don’t want to see any student get hurt while getting on or off a school bus.”
He added, “We need the public to cooperate and follow the safety rules to keep our students safe this school year.”
Here is a list of the school bus safety rules:
- STOP for a school bus with the red flashing light and the stop arm extended. All traffic is required to stop, even in both directions of a two-lane road. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, so proceed with caution.
- DRIVE SLOWLY and look for children waiting at the bus stop, walking or riding their bicycles to school.
- BE ALERT when pulling up to a bus stop because children might be running out to the bus.
- OBEY all school zone speed limits, look for students in crosswalks and NEVER pass a bus on the outside of a turn.
- DO NOT STOP in crosswalks.
- NEVER PASS a vehicle stopped for pedestrians or a school bus.
“We encourage everyone to follow these rules and look forward to a safe school year,” Rosenbaum said.
If you have any questions about school bus stops or school bus safety, please contact the Transportation Department at 505-663-2255 or check out the LAPS Transportation webpage.
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Atomic City Transit After School Express Routes Resume Wed., August 7
Atomic City Transit is pleased to announce Express Routes will resume operations beginning Wednesday, August 7 in conjunction with the start of school.
Express Routes are amended to meet the new Los Alamos Public Schools release time:
- Elementary Schools 8:10 a.m. - 2:40 p.m.
- Middle School 8:40 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Please call Atomic City Transit at (505) 661-RIDE (7433) for additional information, or use the ACTracker to locate your bus route in real-time.
For the specific route service schedules, visit the Atomic City Transit Routes Schedules website.
For more information, read the full news article here.
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We want to hear from you... | |
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Summer Arts & Crafts Fair
August 10 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Fuller Lodge East Lawn
The summer arts and crafts fair hits the calendar right at the peak of our tourist season! Once again on the lawn at Fuller Lodge, enjoy the great summer weather!
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County Council proclaimed August as Bear Month in Los Alamos
Available to accept the Proclamation from Councilor Ryti was Donna Casados with the Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation and Casey Lundberg and Ashleigh Lusher with the Pajarito Environmental Education Center. They invited the community to join them for a variety of fun-filled bear activities at the Bear Festival on August 24. Visit the PEEC events website for more details: https://peecnature.org/events/
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Animal of the Month: Black Bear
Bear month is finally here! Over the next few weeks we will get to know this beautiful, large predator, and learn how we can live with it safely and sustainably. Here are some important tips when living in bear country:
If You Encounter a Bear:
- If a bear comes near your home, camp, or picnic, scare it away by making noise from a safe distance: yell, clap hands, bang pots together, use an air horn.
- Never try to get closer to a bear for a photo.
- Don’t corner a bear; give it an escape route.
- Alert your neighbors or people in the area.
Outdoor Safety:
- Hike in groups and stay together, especially kids.
- If you see a bear, watch quietly from a safe distance (at least 50 yards or 10 car lengths for black bears).
- Never approach.
- Never run from a bear.
- Carry bear spray (if permitted) and know how to use it.
Bears and Dogs:
- Keep dogs on non-retractable leashes at all times. Don’t force a bear to defend itself.
- Don’t let dogs bark at, harass, chase, or corner a bear.
- Store pet food inside and feed dogs inside, if possible. Never leave food/water bowls outside.
- If your dog gets into an encounter with a bear, don’t try to rescue it. You will get injured. Use bear spray; it works from 30 feet away.
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Wildlife Education Plan Mid-year Update
The Wildlife Education Plan launched on January 1, 2024, jointly with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, Pajarito Environmental & Education Center, and Los Alamos County’s Communication & Public Relations Division.
Educational messaging is shared weekly via social media posts, articles in the County Line and traditional news media sources, displayed on the county website and the televisions in the Municipal Building. Ads are also included in the monthly utility bill inserts and seasonal activity guides.
After six months from the Plan kick-off, organizations have confirmed it has resulted in positive outcomes. NMDFG reports a significant increase in communications from citizens in the community responding positively to the educational information provided and asking questions. The increase in communication with the public has helped NMDGF identify wildlife issues, determine problem areasin the community, and log incidents.
NMDFG maintains that active feeding is the largest problem in Los Alamos County currently and leads to traffic accidents, predator encounters, diseased deer, and injured animals in the vicinity of the feeding locations.
The main actions impacting wildlife interactions in the first six months of 2024 include:
- Incidents are being logged differently, providing a clearer view of wildlife impacts within the community.
- An NMDGF officer was designated to Los Alamos County at the beginning of the year, providing the ability to respond to and investigate issues in a timely manner.
- Educational messaging is providing increased awareness and attention by the public to wildlife issues.
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Eat like a Bear and Learn About Local Wildlife at Bear Festival
Los Alamos’ iconic celebration of local wildlife—Bear Festival—returns to the Los Alamos Nature Center this August. To celebrate the official state animal of New Mexico—the black bear—along with additional area wildlife, Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation (LEWF) are hosting the annual Bear Dinner and Bear Festival August 23–24.
For more information, read the full news article here.
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To learn more about living with wildlife, visit the NM Game & Fish website at www.lacnm.com/NMGF. For information on how to contact NM Game and Fish, visit the Contact Us page on their website.
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Public Awareness About Catalytic Converter Thefts
The Los Alamos Police Department would like to inform the public about catalytic converter thefts. In recent weeks the department has responded to about a half-dozen reports of catalytic converters being stolen from vehicles. North Mesa and Barranca Mesa neighborhoods have been targeted recently.
It has been a while since the community has experienced catalytic converter thefts at this rate. The Los Alamos Police Department would like to remind the community to remain vigilant of any suspicious activity or people in the area.
If you notice someone that appears to be suspicious, please call the non-emergency dispatch line at 505-662-8222.
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Furry Friend Friday! Meet REX
Have you seen our adoptable furr-ever friend Rex? He is so friendly and playful and sweet. Check out the website today, or stop by and visit the Los Alamos Animal Shelter (226 East Rd., Los Alamos). All adoptions include spaying and neutering, FELV/FIV and heartworm tests on cats, heartworm tests on dogs, microchips, and all vaccinations.
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Last week to provide your feedback on the DRAFT Climate Action Plan!
Provide your feedback today to participate in developing the first-ever Los Alamos County Climate Action Plan!
Visit https://losalamosCAP.konveio.com to leave your comments. Need assistance? We've recorded some instructions on how to leave your comments here.
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Los Alamos County Social Services Holds Evening Office Hours at the Library
Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
Alternating between library branches every week
Los Alamos County Social Services Division is offering convenient evening hours at both Mesa Public Library and White Rock Branch Library to better assist people who may not be able to meet during regular business hours. Community members who need assistance with housing services, utility payments, food instability, or connections to other resources in the county are encouraged to stop by for a one-on-one meeting to learn how Social Services may be able to help. No appointment is necessary.
Find the schedule and locations here.
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BioBot Wastewater Surveillance
BioBot Analytics has modified its reporting on its wastewater surveillance program to include regional (rather than individual county) data for COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza. Therefore, Los Alamos County is adding weekly BioBot data for the Los Alamos and White Rock wastewater treatment plants to our wastewater monitoring webpage. You can find it here: https://www.losalamosnm.us/Health-and-Public-Safety/Community-Health/Wastewater-Monitoring.
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Parks & Recreation Highlights | |
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Joint Graffiti Removal Effort
Los Alamos County Parks Division and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) partnered together to remove unsightly graffiti on the parking lot wall near the Ice Rink during the week of July 22. The space is shared by LANL as an access point and used by the Los Alamos County Ice Rink as overflow parking. During the summer months, teens and young adults like to hang out in the parking lot, and the wall becomes a space that is commonly tagged. With the darker paint applied to cover up the old graffiti, there is hope that it will deter any future vandalism.
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Los Alamos Art Council and Fuller Lodge Art Center Exhibit Opening: Plein Air Painters of New Mexico
Friday, Aug. 2 | 5 p.m.
Fuller Lodge Art Center (2132 Central Avenue)
Light refreshments will be served. The show will be in the gallery the entire month of August.
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Pajarito Bird Bash
Saturday, August 3 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
After the Los Alamos Rodeo, come on up to Pajarito, beat the heat and enjoy music on the patio with beer and more! Stephanie Hatfield and Trinity Soul, along with craft brewers on the deck. The lift will be open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. for biking and hiking. Learn more at pajarito.ski, or click to get a sneak peek of Trinity Soul! https://bit.ly/birdbash2024
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Los Alamos County is
hiring for a range of fields!
With numerous openings in various areas, we’re sure to have a right position for you. Join our team! Apply today!
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Do you know about our other newsletters?
Subscribe now to stay in the know!
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Public Library System - Monthly News, Events, and Program Information
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The Bottom Line - Monthly Economic Development News for Los Alamos County
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DPU Utility Bill Inserts - Monthly News and Highlights from the Dept. of Public Utilities
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