An alleged embezzlement has seen the Santa Fe Fiesta Council approach the Police Department for further investigation. The matter involves deposit of some $6,000 of the non-profit's money into the personal bank account of Deborah Leyba Dominguez, a committee member. She has resigned from her duties as the matter comes to light and repaid the entire amount. Leyba Dominguez is the wife of city councilor Carmichael Dominguez and the couple has a longtime association with Fiesta activities. No charges have been filed.
Good news from the New Mexico State Investment Council as they report returns of more than 13% for the fiscal year just ended June 30th. That represents almost double the target point for 2013. The New Mexico Permanent Funds will contribute nearly $750 million to funding our state’s public schools, universities and other government services in this new fiscal year. Such funding helps maintain low state income taxes with a savings on average of $1,000 annually for every New Mexico household.
Coming up at tonight's meeting of Santa Fe City Council is a proposal to have the city's Arts Commission move into space at downtown's Community Convention Center. Doing so requires an adjustment to the budget authorizing a transfer of $100,000 from cash balances for such a move. The Arts Commission is currently housed with other city entities in the Joseph Montoya federal building which the city plans to vacate in October as it relocates to the market station complex in the Railyard. KSFR will carry the city council meeting live beginning at 5PM.
Santa Fe County Commissioners have delayed action on a request for proposed amendments to the master plan for La Bajada Ranch. The 470-acre property was acquired by the County back in 2009 for $7 million. The master plan will soon expire and the County will now consider a five-year extension when it meets in September. One of the amendments put forth would have the county provide for the tract's water needs as opposed to dependence on wells.
The US Navy’s submarine named for our state has just successfully completed its inaugural six-month deployment. The Virginia-class attack sub, USS New Mexico, covered over 34,000 miles while conducting national security operations in the European region. The vessel is the Navy’s second named for New Mexico and bears the motto, 'DefendemosNuestra Tierra' (We Defend Our Land)."
Students throughout the Santa Fe Public Schools District begin the new school year today. Police plan a strict enforcement of public safety laws in all school zones. They remind motorists that fines within such zones are double the usual penalties. They also say infractions will result in a ticket as no warnings will be given.
Weather for Santa Fe – a 30% chance for afternoon and evening showers today under partly sunny skies, highs in the low 80s. Warmer for Thursday and Friday with highs in the mid-to-upper 80s and a 20% chance for precipitation.