Published September 30, 2022

CORRECTION: COVID-19 Omicron booster clinic on Monday, Oct 3 for ages 18+ only

In conjunction with Los Alamos County, Premier Medical Group (PMG) is holding a COVID-19 bivalent Omicron booster clinic scheduled for Monday, October 3. While previous notices indicated the clinic would be available for ages 12+, currently PMG is only able to provide the Pfizer Omicron booster for all eligible individuals, ages 18 years and up.

PMG clarified that the Pfizer Omicron booster for ages 12+ falls under the umbrella of a pediatric vaccine. Unfortunately, for this region they are unable to provide the Omicron booster for this age group on the October 3 event. They are, however, working on the ability to administer it at future clinics. 

PMG will still administering both Pfizer and Moderna Omicron booster vaccines for ages 18+ Monday, Oct. 3 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 2200 Diamond Dr., Los Alamos. Insurance and identification are not required. While walk-ins are accepted, appointments are preferred (see link below).

Other locations in Los Alamos are currently providing the Pfizer Omicron booster for ages 12+, including the Los Alamos Public Health Commons office and both senior centers.

Visit the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) vaccine webpage to schedule an appointment. After logging into the appropriate NMDOH profile to make an appointment, individuals are advised to select "schedule an appointment," enter "Los Alamos," and select either "First Baptist Church" for the PMG clinic, or “Santa Fe Public Health Office – Los Alamos Public Health Office” for the Health Commons clinic by clicking on the map. (No event code is needed). 

For those encountering problems scheduling an appointment, NMDOH is available any day of the week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1-855-600-3453 to assist. In addition, the Los Alamos Public Health Office is available at 505-662-4038 to help individuals schedule appointments. 

Visit the CDC website to see how you can stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccine. For more information on county-related issues regarding COVID-19, citizens can visit the county website at https://lacnm.com/COVID.  

Something for Everyone: Induction Stoves and Monsters

An upcoming event at the Nature Center is a two-fer promising a little something for both adults and kids. Offered jointly by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC), this event on Thursday, October 6, offers a panel discussion on induction stovetops for adults and the debut of the Monster Detective Collective for the children who may come along with them.



In the classroom, a panel of induction stovetop owners will discuss the pros and cons of the technology from real life perspectives. Induction technology has been a hot topic at DPU since the launch of the Induction Cooktop Loaner Program in July. So far, 31 DPU customers have taken a cooktop home to gain hands-on experience before considering their own permanent setups and another 57 are on the waiting list. The panel will be led by DPU Conservation Coordinator Abbey Hayward.

In the planetarium, PEEC educators will present the Monster Detective Collective, which is targeted at children ages 5 to 12. The program uses fun, hands-on activities and a gang of friendly monsters to demonstrate where electricity comes from and how it gets to DPU’s customers.

This event was scheduled in observance of Public Power Week and Energy Awareness Month. It will take place on Thursday, October 6, at 7:00 p.m.

While this event is free, participants should register in advance at ladpu.com/event.

County to hold three joint virtual work sessions to review draft Chapter 16 Development Code

Los Alamos County Community Development Department (CDD) and its consultant, Dekker/Perich/Sabatini (DPS) will present the final draft of the Chapter 16 Development Code to the Planning and Zoning Commission and County Council in three joint virtual work sessions October 12, 13, and 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. Both the October 11 County Council regular meeting and the October 12 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting are cancelled.

Chapter 16 Development Code is the County’s zoning code that defines how a property in specific geographic zones can be used and developed. CDD and DPS have incorporated into the final draft public feedback received during the Module 1, 2 and 3 review periods and input from the Code Update Steering Committee. Comprising County staff, the development community, design professionals, and neighborhood representatives, the Committee meets to review proposed revisions every other week.

Put it on your calendar now! Our next White Rock blood drive will be Friday, November 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Join us at Bryce Avenue Presbyterian Church, 333 Bryce Ave in White Rock. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also make your appointment now at this link: https://donors.vitalant.org/.../guest/phl/timeSlotsExtr...

White Rock trees to be trimmed

Tree trimming coordinated by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is set to start up again on Monday. Residents in White Rock may see Southwest Fire Defense & Tree Services professionals mitigating hazards and power outages by trimming tree branches growing around power lines.

Southwest Fire Defense & Tree Services is under contract with the Electric Distribution Division of the DPU. Department staff are responsible for identifying branches that need attention and will attempt to give residents advance notice via informational door hangers if tree trimmers need to enter their yards. Trees are trimmed only if they are in the right-of-way or on utility easements for power lines. While DPU’s list of hazard branches covers the whole county, While Rock locations are the current priority and other areas will be addressed in the future.

The tree trimming effort reduces the number and scope of power outages by removing branches and trees that are either too close to power lines or pose a risk of falling on power lines. This initiative, coupled with an aggressive operation and maintenance program, supports DPU’s Electric Reliability Plan.

It is important to note that not all lines above houses in Los Alamos and White Rock are electric power lines. The tree trimming effort focuses only on branches growing into power lines, not other types of cables that may be strung between poles.

Atomic City Transit Route 3 suspension of service to continue  

Atomic City Transit (ACT) will continue its suspension of Route 3 transit service until the completion of Canyon Road construction. While ACT officials initially believed services could be reinstated by Monday, October 3, transit operator vacancies continue to affect operations. 

Transit staff strategically decided to continue the suspension of Route 3 after concluding that this Route had the least impact on ridership since Route 1 could accommodate these same riders with thirty (30) minute service. 

Riders who typically utilize Route 3 are advised to instead use regular service Route 1- Central Avenue. Service to Entrada Dr., Bus Stop # 570 Entrada Dr and Camino Entrada, and Bus Stop # 571 Entrada and Camino Entrada will be serviced by Route 1 with on-request in the bus. Customers wishing a pick-up from these locations, please contact the administrative office (505) 661-7433. ACT staff will notify the Route 1 bus driver who will accommodate the pick-up request. ACT officials apologize for the inconvenience.  

For additional information, call (505) 661-RIDE (7433) or use the ACTracker to locate your bus route in real time. For the specific route service schedules, please visit the ACT website.

This Saturday, Oct. 1 is a Day of Arts & Culture! Check out the schedule below for the full list of activities, and visit CreativeLosAlamos.com for links to events that require pre-registration.