While some might see it as political revenge, Gallup District Judge Louis DePauli’s ruling that Democratic State Representative Sandra Jeff is off the Party’s Primary election ballot had to do with petition signatures. Or not enough of them. Jeff—from Crownpoint—needed 78 valid signatures, and turned-in 91, but Judge DePauli ruled 23 of them weren’t valid, meaning her re-election effort is over, at least for now. Jeff voted with Republicans on some key issues, and most notably, skipped the House vote to put a minimum wage increase constitutional amendment before voters this fall. Jeff’s absence on that issue came despite a phone call from Vice-President Joe Biden seeking her support on the measure, which failed.
Santa Fe police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing teenage girl. They say 15-year old Jessica Calles-Reyes, was last seen at the Santa Fe Plaza on April 12th. Police say Jessica's mother recently received a message stating Jessica is okay and may be in Albuquerque. The young lady is not believed to be in danger, but her family is concerned for her well-being due to the length of time she has been gone. If you know the whereabouts of Jessica Calles-Reyes, Santa Fe Police ask that you call them.
Santa Fe Police have identified a bicyclist who was killed when struck by a Rail Runner passenger train over the weekend. Police say 60-year-old Suzanne LeBeau of Santa Fe was killed late Saturday morning. Police say she was riding on a bike bath when she crossed the tracks and was struck.
There’s been another Albuquerque police shooting—this one early yesterday, when an officer shot and killed an auto theft suspect during a foot-chase. Police Chief Gordon Eden says the suspect was shot after she pointed a gun at the officer during a foot chase. It is the 23rd fatal shooting by Albuquerque police officers since 2010. Last month, The U.S. Department of Justice cited the police department for cited what it called a culture of abuse and aggression.
While the City of Santa Fe considers whether to restrict its downtown Plaza to motorized vehicles, the City of Las Cruces is aiming to build a civic plaza. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that the City Council in New Mexico’s second-largest city took a step in that direction on Monday, approving the addition of a plan for a plaza as a high priority. The City is reportedly eyeing the downtown Bank of the West property as a potential location.
While most of New Mexico remains in extreme drought, the Pecos River has water to spare. KSFR’s Mindy McGovern has the story. *****042114-PecosWater Std :33*****
Santa Fe County, the New Mexico Parks Division and the New Mexico National Guard are observing Earth Day today the hard way today—by working with volunteers to restore and enhance the wetlands and wildlife habitat at Cerrillos Hills State Park. The work goes on from eight-am until noon at the newest State Park, which is located 16 miles south of Santa Fe and three miles north of Madrid.
Santa Fe Weather: Partly sunny and breezy today, with a high near 74, and a slight chance for isolated showers and thunderstorms after noon. Tonight, mostly cloudy and breezy with a 20-percent chance for precipitation and a low down to 46. Tomorrow, mostly sunny and breezy with a high near 69.