New Mexico and Washington no longer will be the only states offering drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants. The governors of Oregon and Maryland have just signed bills making the licenses available in their states. Lawmakers in Colorado approved a similar measure a few days ago. Other states considering such a law are Connecticut and Rhode Island, in addition to Washington D.C.
The drought has claimed a Santa Fe landmark. It's one of two very old horse-chestnut trees on the site of the El Zaguán on Canyon Road. The New Mexico reports it may have been planted during the time of Abraham Lincoln. That would make it about 150 years old. Experts say horse-chestnuts generally live about 75 years.
Santa Fe Greehouses may have closed last summer but its catalog business is destined to live on. The mail-order and online catalog has been bought by a Vermont-based company that also has a plant and seed catalog business. David Salman started Santa Fe Greenhouses decades ago. The Journal North says he will stay on with the new company to develop new plants.
The Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners meets tomorrow and among items to be considered are two ordinances focused on renewable energy. One addresses the installation of renewable energy technologies on county-owned facilities to reduce utility costs for taxpayers. The other is in support of solar energy initiatives which would have the county work with the City, electric utility PNM and the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission to implement a county-wide solar program.
Coming up tomorrow at Santa Fe City Hall is a review of that much-discussed ban on the use of most plastic bags at retailers within city limits. Such action has been discussed for years and Tuesday's meeting of the City Business & Quality of Life Committee could soon send the matter to a final vote by city council. As previously discussed, shops would have to charge for paper bags and/or offer re-usable bags.
The Curiosity rover now traversing the surface of Mars will be the subject of a free seminar and discussion in Santa Fe tomorrow. It will be hosted by LANL scientist Roger Wiens, the principal investigator for the rover's ChemCam which zaps rocks with a laser and then analyzes their composition. The event is set for 7PM at the James A. Little Theater on Cerrillos Road.
A 74-year-old Albuquerque woman is said to be in stable condition at UNM hospital after being struck in the head by a falling bullet. Merced Estrada was hit as she left church services Sunday afternoon. The bullet caused a wound to her temple as it was apparently in free fall after being fired from some distance away. Authorities believe the incident was random and unintentional.
Bike to Work Week kicks off today in Santa Fe. Local shops will be offering a series of workshops throughout the week, offering information on safety and maintenance. A community ride is set for Saturday. It will begin and end at the Railyard.
Weather for Santa Fe – mostly sunny today and tomorrow with highs in the upper 70s. Overnight lows around 50. A 10% chance for an afternoon shower Tuesday, increasing to 20% on Wednesday. The remainder of the week expected to be dry and warm with highs near 80 degrees.