Published November 25, 2022

County Council public hearing and presentation for Chapter 18 Nuisance Code update Nov. 29

The Los Alamos County Council will hear a request from the Los Alamos County Community Development Department (CDD) to amend the Chapter 18 Nuisance Code, with a comprehensive update through Ordinance 02-334 to be considered for adoption, during a public hearing and presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. Interested community members can attend in person at 1000 Central Ave., Los Alamos in the County Council Chambers, or join remotely using the following Zoom link.   

The nuisance code specifically addresses weeds, outdoor storage, dilapidation, refuse and rubbish, and other threats to public health, safety, and welfare on private property. This project is the first comprehensive update to this section within the Los Alamos Code of Ordinance Chapter 18 Environment Article II. The intent is to: 

• Clarify the existing standards, 
• Improve overall organization and structure of the existing code, 
• Prioritize and classify nuisances, 
• Clarify code enforcement goals of Los Alamos County, and 
• Align code enforcement procedures to County priorities. 

CDD and Dekker/Perich/Sabatini (DPS) have incorporated into the final version public feedback received during the review periods and input from the Community Development Advisory Board representatives and councilors. The public may provide up to three (3) minutes of public comment at the public hearing. The final draft of the Chapter 18 Nuisance Code is available for the public to review today. It is available HERE on the County Clerk's Notice of Ordinances page, or online at https://www.lacchp18update.org. This document will not change before the public hearing.

The Council Agenda for the November 29^th Public Hearing, with the final draft of the Chapter 18 Nuisance Code attached, will be available at least 72 hours before the public hearing.

For more information, interested individuals can visit the Chapter 18 Nuisance Code Update webpage or call CDD at 505.662.8120.

County Council public hearing and presentation for Chapter 16 Development Code Nov. 30

The Los Alamos County Council will hear a request from the Los Alamos County Community Development Department (CDD) to amend the Chapter 16 Development Code, with a comprehensive update through Ordinance 02-333 to be considered for adoption, during a public hearing and presentation on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. Interested community members can attend in person at 1000 Central Ave., Los Alamos in the County Council Chambers, or join remotely using the following Zoom link.

Chapter 16 is the County’s zoning code that defines how property in specific geographic zones can be used and developed. CDD and Dekker/Perich/Sabatini (DPS) have incorporated into the final version public feedback received during the Module 1, 2 and 3 review periods and input from the Code Update Steering Committee and the Planning and Zoning Commission. If approved by Council, the Ordinance will repeal and replace in its entirety the text of Chapter 16, “County of Los Alamos Development Code.”

The public may provide up to three (3) minutes of public comment during the public hearing. The final document is available for review online on the County Clerk’s Proposed Ordinances page https://www.losalamosnm.us/cms/one.aspx?pageId=6505257. Additional information about Chapter 16 is available at https://losalamosconnect.org/.

This comprehensive update to Chapter 16 through the County Council’s possible adoption of Ordinance 02-333 is a legislative act that will affect every parcel in the County.

For questions, contact Sobia Sayeda in CDD at Sobia.Sayeda@lacnm.us or DPS representatives at jessical@dpsdesign.org.

Get into the Holiday Spirit Dec. 2-4 with three days of family fun at WinterFest Weekend

Los Alamos, New Mexico—known as the gateway to three National Parks and the home of groundbreaking scientific discovery—invites locals and visitors to experience the wonder of the holidays in Northern New Mexico on December 2–4 at the three-day WinterFest Weekend celebration. Featuring a holiday light parade, arts and crafts fairs, visits with Santa Claus and Santa Paws, and holiday fun for all ages, WinterFest showcases the friendly charm of Los Alamos, as well as the vibrant community spirit and thriving local arts scene.

“Each year, Los Alamos MainStreet works to bring the magic, cheer and joy of the holiday season to life through our WinterFest celebration, and we encourage all to save the date and plan to attend,” said Los Alamos MainStreet Director, Jacquelyn Connolly. 

Presented by Los Alamos MainStreet and Los Alamos County, WinterFest will kick off on Friday, December 2 with a look at the December Night Sky at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium from 7–8 p.m. Also on Friday at 7 p.m., catch the opening night of Sugar Plum on “The Hill,” an original ballet presented by Dance Arts Los Alamos at the Duane Smith Auditorium. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 for seniors and $10 for students aged 4–18. Admission for children 3 and under is free. Additional showings take place on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. each day.

Following on Saturday, December 3 the Winter Arts & Crafts Fair at Los Alamos Middle School Gym will take place from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., featuring artists, live music, face painting, and food vendors.

The festivities continue on December 3 when Fuller Lodge transforms into Santa’s Workshop from 3:30–5:30 p.m. Participants can decorate cookies, make crafts, write letters to Santa, and take photos with Santa, before heading to Central Avenue at 6 p.m. for the 2022 Holiday Lights Parade with a theme of “There’s Gnome Place Like Home.” On Sunday, December 4, enjoy a visit with Santa Paws from 12–4 p.m. at Pet Pangaea, and capture a photo of your pets with Santa. ​

“Throughout the holiday season, people choose to visit Los Alamos for our unique, welcoming atmosphere and our festive events,” said Kelly Stewart, with Los Alamos County’s Economic Development Division. “From our quintessential winter weather to our vast array of family-fun activities and opportunities to shop for handmade holiday gifts, Los Alamos is the place to get into the holiday spirit this winter.” 

As additional events are still being added to the schedule, be sure to visit https://www.losalamosmainstreet.com/winterfest for updates. For more information on visiting Los Alamos, go to https://visitlosalamos.org.

Los Alamos Winter Classic, featuring the New Mexico Ice Wolves

Los Alamos County Community Services Department has partnered with the Los Alamos Hockey Association (LAHA) to bring a 3-day hockey event to our Los Alamos County outdoor ice rink: The Los Alamos Winter Classic, December 9 – 11, 2022.

The Los Alamos Winter Classic will host teams from El Paso, Amarillo, and Alamosa, ranging in age from Pee-Wee to High School. High School Varsity games are scheduled for each day during the event.

The capstone event for the Los Alamos Winter Classic is the NAHL hockey game featuring the New Mexico Ice Wolves® vs the El Paso Rhinos. This is a sanctioned NAHL game and is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Dec. 11th. The game will also be televised on the subscription service HockeyTV at www.hockeytv.com and locally on PAC8 in Los Alamos.

While the Los Alamos Winter Classic, is a free event; the NAHL game is a ticketed event and tickets are currently on sale for $15 on Eventbrite. Gates open at 1 p.m. on Dec. 11th for the NAHL game, handicapped parking will be available at the ice rink, however, due to parking limitations, attendees will need to park at Sullivan Field and then board a shuttle for the game. All ticket sales are to benefit the Los Alamos Hockey Association (LAHA).

The NM Ice Wolves are building on their record-setting 2021-2022 season that saw the team earn its first-ever NAHL South Division Playoff Championship title along with NAHL season honors in which NM Ice Wolves Head Coach Phil Fox was named 2021-2022 NAHL Coach of the Year and Team Owner Stan Hubbard was named 2021-2022 NAHL Executive of the Year. The NM Ice Wolves, who play out of the Outpost Ice Arenas in Albuquerque, NM, finished the regular season with a franchise record 38 wins followed by two thrilling playoff series wins and a berth in the Robertson Cup National Championships. In addition, ten NM Ice Wolves players have made NCAA D1 and NCAA D3 commitments during the 2021-2022 season. Phil Fox was also the head coach of the South Division team at the 2022 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament. The coaching and executive honors followed the team being named the NAHL South Division Organization of the Year with Forward Dillan Bentley named to the All-South Division Team. This was the second time in team history the NM Ice Wolves were named the South Division Organization of the Year honor after being given the honor in the team’s inaugural season in 2019-2020.

To learn more about the NM Ice Wolves please visit their NAHL Team Page or on social media on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram and the arena at www.outposticearena.com. Pocket schedules can be picked up at Outpost Ice Arenas and many other locations.

Deputy County Manager Linda Matteson and UWNNM Communications Specialist Megan Bucklin help kick off the start of the “Kindled Hearts for Warm Homes” campaign at the CommuniTree in the Municipal Building Lobby.

CommuniTree campaign helps northern New Mexico families impacted by wildfires

County and United Way of Northern New Mexico partner for “Kindled Hearts for Warm Homes” campaign Nov 22-Dec 31

Los Alamos County and United Way of Northern New Mexico (UWNNM) have partnered for the CommuniTree “Kindled Hearts for Warm Homes” drive from November 21 through December 31, 2022, to collect warm weather apparel and everyday essentials, as well as raise funds for families impacted by the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fires and subsequent flooding in Taos, San Miguel, and Mora Counties earlier this year.

The “CommuniTree,” located on the wall just off the Municipal Building Lobby across from the Customer Care Center (1000 Central Ave., Los Alamos), is decorated for the occasion, and includes the names of several non-profit organizations working hard in northern New Mexico to help in the recovery efforts following the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fires that burned 341,735 acres in the spring and summer of 2022, and destroyed at least 903 structures and damaged 85 more.

The drive will begin on Tuesday, November 22 and will end Friday, December 30. Interested individuals can make direct donations using the links provided, or simply scan the QR codes available for easy access (see the included flyer). For those who would like to donate goods, a collection bin is located at the CommuniTree, and a list of desired items is available below.

UWNNM Executive Director Monica Griego shared, “We hope the community remembers how fortunate we were this summer following the Cerro Pelado fire and considers opening their hearts and giving to our close neighbors who weren’t as fortunate.” Griego adds, “As you are out shopping this Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, don’t forget to extend your generosity into Giving Tuesday, and donate!”

Donations of goods can be made during regular business hours, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Municipal Building is closed on weekends, as well as November 24-25 for Thanksgiving and December 26 for the Christmas holiday.

Items Needed to Help Northern New Mexico Fire Victim Families this Winter

Please provide new, unopened items only. Please do not wrap items.

Drop off donations in the Municipal Building lobby at the CommuniTree. (1000 Central Ave., Los Alamos)

• Warm weather apparel – socks, mittens, jackets, hats, scarfs

• Toiletries – toothbrushes/toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, combs/brushes, razors, shaving cream, sunscreen, lotion, chapstick

• Clothing in various sizes for children and adults

• Non-perishable food items

• Towels and washcloths

• Diapers and wipes

• Blankets

• Books

Emmanuel Abeyta, Joseph Maestas, Katherine Hudspeth, Jerome Martinez, Wendy Parker

Community Art Tunnel receives award

Los Alamos County Community Services Department received the Arts and Humanities Award from the New Mexico Recreation and Park Association for the Community Art Tunnel, at its annual conference. The award is presented to agencies that have achieved excellence in providing the most innovative and effective arts and humanities program in the state.

The Community Art Tunnel was a simple idea that was brought forward by a Los Alamos County Employee who saw a construction space and potentially dull space, as a placemaking idea that could bring the outdoors and art community together.

The Community Art Tunnel is located on Canyon Rim Trail, connecting the trail under NM502. It provides a space for individuals of all talents and ages to create a piece of art within various size blocks, which are on display for up to one year. Potential artists only need to show up with their materials, scan a QR code on unused space, and sign up to begin. There is no need to talk with staff or pay a fee.

Canyon Rim trail is frequented by visitors, walkers, runners, and bikers on a daily basis, and the Community Art Tunnel provides exposure to local artists' talent in a space where it is not expected. The Community Art Tunnel has been praised by the community as a “brilliant idea” and has been extremely popular within its first six months. 

Lifeguard training

Staying in town for winter break? Are you 15 years or older? Then register for lifeguard training today! This course is designed to be flexible for the participants. Participants are required to complete work online prior to the start of each class. Half of the class is completed online at the participant's discretion, and half of the class is conducted at the facility for practice testing.

$240 per person.

Prerequisite: Lifeguard Training Pre-Course. (more information on the Los Alamos County Community Service Facebook Event Page)

Register in person at the Aquatic Center or online here: https://loom.ly/wbk_oyk

100 Days of Winter Activity Guide available now

Holiday events, various programs and activities, and outdoor ice skating – there’s no shortage of fun exciting things to do this winter in Los Alamos County. The 100 Days of Winter Activity Guide is now available! The guide provides information on activities for community members of all ages from November 27, 2022, to February 25, 2023. The Winter Activity Guide is packed with great information about facilities, organizations, programs, and events. You can get a hard copy at the Aquatic Center, Ice Rink, Golf Course, Mesa Public or White Rock Branch Library, or either Visitor Centers in White Rock or Los Alamos. You can also access the guide on your computer or phone by using the link here: https://issuu.com/laccsd/docs/2022-2023_winter_booklet_digital_-_final.