David Greenberg, the Community Director Las Cruces Public Schools, discussed with everyone what the Community Schools program does. Community Schools is a process that drives the work of the school and the community. It is a philosophical approach to education that draws on local assets to realize a grassroots vision for success. As a high school history teacher, David was given an inside look at the failure in schools. He personally saw the push for schools to develop a “McDonalds factory” model of education. At the National level, there was an effort to blame teachers, educators, and students alike for the challenges that are the outcome of social systemic failures. Education as a whole has looked pretty bleak for awhile but because of people in this community, Las Cruces is a leader in the country in the innovative things they’re doing with education. Las Cruces as a community has organized around a different vision for education. One that takes our neighborhood schools and create neighborhood hubs through community engagement, family engagement, social services and health services within the schools to help students overcome the barriers they face. This is what community schools done.
Lynn Middle School which opened in 2017 helped develop a vision and set priorities for the community. When it was discovered that kids were going to young park after school without supervision, they engaged a STEM outreach center and the Boys and Girls club created a satellite campus and they offer free after school programming three days a week. Dona Ana, McArthur, and Booker T Washington elementary schools have all voted to transition to community schools.
20 hours were added to the Lynn school schedule in extended learning. When they discovered that almost 50% of the students felt they didn’t have a trusted adult in their life, they launched four new mentorship programs such as: the HAZLO is a mentorship program that works with Cruces Creatives where students work with adults on different projects, The STARS mentorship program where high school kids work with them after school. They have also taken on student hunger, Lynn has the first dental clinic in the school, and mental health is in the curriculum. Healthy snacks in the family center and they have food drives for families, and plenty more.
What are some things that you can do to help community schools? School board elections and city councilors make a difference and it is important to particularly support progressive candidates because they make the difference! You can also call your representatives ask for additional funds for community schools’ programs.
For more information check out: http://www.lcps.net/operations-and-leadership/community-schools/
Unified Action – Protect the Promise
This month’s Unified Action is Action for Health Care – Protect the promise campaign. Jessica Stout articulated why programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are so critical for millions of Americans. The Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA) has lowered the cost of quality health care and strengthened these programs. The ACA has also helped prevent health insurance providers from rejecting or charging higher premiums due to “pre-existing medical” conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and asthma. Even though the ACA benefits millions of Americans, President Trump and his administration have tried to repeal the ACA which would disrupt 15 million people including 90,000 New Mexicans. This would cause steep increases in drug prices, disrupt access to free birth control, mammograms, and cholesterol tests.
She’s encouraging everyone to write letters to Senator Heinrich online to help keep the Affordable Healthcare Act intact. If you’re not sure what to say, please use the provided template and personalize it to make your voice heard.
Protect the Promise because the stakes are too high to be silent.
If you’d like to contact Jessica, feel free to email her at stoutrjessica@gmail.com
El Paso Electric Update
Allen Downs started off the meeting with an update about El Paso Electric’s proposed acquisition by Sun Jupiter Holdings. El Paso Electric filed an application on Tuesday, August 20th. According to the filing, if the acquisition is approved: El Paso Electric will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Jupiter. None of the costs of the acquisition will be passed on to ratepayers. Currently, shareholders are set to receive $68.25 per share. El Paso Electric’s status as a standalone, independently operated, locally managed public utility will not change and they will give New Mexico customers $4.2 million dollars in rate credits over the next three years. El Paso Electric will also contribute $5 million dollars per year for 20 years to a “Community Economic Sustainability Fund” to promote economic development in El Paso Electric’s territory and the acquisition should be completed before June of 2020.
This all sounds wonderful rights? But because of the acquisition case, El Paso Electric has been granted a delay in the filing date for the next rate case until three months after the acquisition is completed, so probably sometime late next year. And because we expect a rate reduction, everyday the rate case is delayed will cost us, the payers, money.
But the City, the County and Merrie Lee Soules are working hard for us trying to get the delay reduced. Allen asks that next time you see a City Councilor, a County Commissioner, or Merrie Lee, thank them for their efforts on our behalf.
Family and Mordor
Representative Nathan Small, House District 36, wanted to share two important words with PVA: Family and Mordor. He said when he thinks of family, he thinks of all the opportunities he has had thanks to people in his life and people in PVA. And that was before what we have today in New Mexico, before we had the best clean energy laws, before we passed the minimum wage increase different from the national minimum wage increase but better for our state, and improved access through the Affordable Care Act.
Nathan also shared that they are Marching on Mordor. America’s current administration brings out the worst in every single person and it is the worst and most dangerous style of leadership. Nathan is asking that we take this is chance to march arm-in-arm and conquer this election season to continue the type of work that PVA accomplishes.
His birthday was on August 28th, Happy Belated Birthday Nathan!
HB33
Brigitte from LCPS wanted to mention HB33 which is an item you will see on ballot on November 5th. HB33 is the public-school buildings tax which is an integral part to making building improvements in the school, purchasing band instruments and uniforms for the middle school students, as well as helping support technology in the school which is important for STEM programs and developments. It is a six-year levy and in six years, the schools will have more needs than they can imagine at this point with growing schools and class sizes as well as previously mentioned needs. She said she just wanted to mention so everyone starts recognizing it and hopes that everyone supports it for the sake our schools and children.
Triage Center
Earl, the Chosen One, announced he has asked that there be an investigation by the County Commission of the Triage Center. Going back to 2010, Ronald Gurly along with the National Association Mental Health created an idea that police officers should have a place to bring people with mental health issues for them to rest rather than placing them in jail.
The center was opened in 2013 and it cost $2 million to build it and shortly after it opened, they found difficulties with the contracts and service providers and it was a pretty big mess.
He is hoping they can get to the bottom of it to ensure it benefits the people it should.
Municipal Judge
Joy Goldbaum is running for Municipal judge I, presiding judge. She wants to implement a problem-solving court to make our communities safer with ideas like DWI courts, homeless courts that can help reduce incarceration and reduce costs to the public. She ran into fierce opposition within this current administration, so she wants to replace that administration.
Joy is currently a Muncipal Judge and has been serving New Mexico families for nearly 30 years. She believes that everyone is equal before the law regardless of wealth or status, incarceration should be the last resort, and lastly that judges should be ethical, compassionate, and respectful to the people who appear before them. She also is asking people to please push for the triage center for what is made for, those people don’t belong in jail.
For more information visit: www.JoyGoldbaum.com
Tessa for Two – Connection and Community
Frank, father of Tessa Stuve, shared that he has bumper stickers and window decals for Tessa at the meeting. He also apologized on her behalf for missing the meeting, but Tessa wanted to make sure she was out canvassing her district, District 2. He thanked everyone for their continual support and suggested talking to him if you needed more convincing!
For more information vist: TessaForTwo.com or Facebook/TessaForTwo
Or email her at: TessaForTwo@gmail.com
City of Las Cruces – Tree Steward Training
Craig is encouraging everyone to become a tree steward! What is a tree steward exactly? They plant, promote, and trim tress to create a better environment for everyone to enjoy and benefit from. It is 40 hours of volunteering with a 4-hour training session. They are only looking for 20 people to register so be sure to get in and grow, grow, grow!
It takes place on Wednesdays, October 2, 2019 through November 20, 2019, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM at the Frank Obrien Papen Community Center.
Registration is limited to the first 20 people and you can register here: https://www.las-cruces.org/1401/Join-the-Tree-Stewards
Door Knocking Connoisseurs and Dabblers Needed
Luis announced that he is helping Joy Goldbaum’s campaign and that he needs help knock, knocking on doors to help spread her message.
Feel free to contact himself or Cheryl if you would like to help Joy (no experience needed, they will teach you how to knock on doors).
Email them at: lgurreorps@gmail.com
Four Cheers for Ken Miyagishima
Ken is seeking reelection as Mayor of Las Cruces and he will be needing your help to do so. He asked and thanked everyone for their continued support.
Early Voting begins at the Doña Ana County Government Center on October 8, 2019 (Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and the Election will be held on November 5, 2019.
For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/ken.miyagishima
Check out this article: https://www.krwg.org/post/las-cruces-mayor-running-fourth-term
Ken for Mayor
Sharon Thomas encourages everyone to reelect for Ken Miyagishima. She said Ken changed the culture of the city council and was told that solar energy in City Hall was too expensive or “it wouldn’t work” but Ken helped them prepare to pitch a meeting with city staff and their recommendation for solar on city hall. Sharon feels that it wouldn’t have been possible without Ken and that he has helped create a bigger role for city councilors with ideas and Sharon personally thinks he made a huge difference by helping find the humor in situations and mellowing tensions in the meetings and discussions.
Labor Day Breakfast
Mona, Chair of the democratic party in Dona Ana County. While there was a lot of focus on the Municipal elections in November, she wanted to remind everyone that 2020 is coming. She asked that you help support the democratic party as well as it’s candidates, get out the vote in 2020, and keep New Mexico blue as possible.
She also announced the DPDAC Labor Day Breakfast on Monday, September 9th, at 9:00 AM at the Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. She said she would love to see everyone there but if you can’t make it, please consider donating.
She also shared that they will have a booth at the Hatch Chile Festival and the Southern New Mexico State Fair and encourages everyone to participate in the fun!
Tessa Tenorio Stands Up for ALL Kids
Tessa Tenorio is running for School Board district four in the upcoming elections in November. She is deeply invested and committed to her Las Cruces Public Schools
She has had interviews and meetings in Las Cruces Sun News and Bulletin for her education advocacy and activism. She was a UNM grad at the Health and Sciences center going out into the communities like Laguna and other rural communities, like Santa Rosa where she is from, to prevent diseases and create wellness initiatives.
For more information: teresa4lcps.com
To contact her: teresa4lcps@gmail.com
Wine with Antionette
Antionette Reyes announced that there will be a City Council D4 Meet and Greet on Friday September 6th from 5:30-7:30 PM at Amaro Winery (402 S Melendres). You can come support a local business and learn more about her. There will be a food truck at 6:00 PM, she will give a speech at 6:15 PM, and then there will be LIVE music at 7:00 PM.
For more information: AntoinetteReyes.com
Facebook/AntointteReyes4NM
As the co-chair, of Southern New Mexican Progressives, she announced there will be an event on Saturday, September 14th from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM at Sugie’s Diner (340 N Main St) where the discussion will be about Education in Las Cruces. Public Education Commissioner Pat Gipson, LCPS Community Schools Coordinator David Greenberg, NEA State President Mary Parr Sanchez, NM Senator Bill Soules (chair of Senate education committee) will be the speakers.
For more information: SNMNP.Org
Facebook/1SNMNP
Another event she announced was the KTAL Candidate Forum on Wednesday, September 25 from 8:00 AM-9:00 AM. You can listen on 101.5 FM or online at LCCommunityRadio.org
PACE Vote
Rocky is excited about solar! Solar is wonderful but access is limited to people with great credit, people who don’t have large mortgages, or they’re a business, etc. On September 10th at 9:00 AM, the County Commission will be voting on a city ordinance and hear about PACE. It must save people money who don’t qualify. Big banks don’t want this because of a greed issue but Rocky thinks our community can be 80% solar because solar is 50% of the cost of electric. Give clean energy a fair chance.
Economic Opportunities for Local Youth
Carrie Hamblen is running Senate District 38. But she wanted to focus on the other amazing women running at a local level. She also reminded everyone about rank choice voting on November 5th and to support local candidates as much as you can. For a bit of background on her, because Hatch Act she couldn’t run for office, so she achieved her Master’s in Public Administration, she graduated the Emerge class in 2015. She interviewed over 500 people in 15 years’ time used radio to help people learn more.
Congratulations to Carrie and her wife on six years of marriage!
Facebook/HamblenForSenate38
Margaret Wants Your Vote
Margaret Mendoza is running for School Board District 4. When she was a kid, it was her mom’s goal to see her graduate high school, but she took it further and went to college, got her bachelor’s degree, Masters, and got PHD. She spent time helping undergrad students apply to graduate schools, students have made a difference in her life as well as the community.
She wants to see community schools in District 4 and she wants to make change and she wants your vote!
To contact her: Majrmendoza@gmail.com
SWEC Office Warming Party
Kevin Bixby shared that SWEC’s office moved suddenly to 350 El Molina Blvd, Las Cruces (off of Alameda). They had a Office Warming Party on Wednesday, August 28th.
He also updated everyone with wildlife contract at the county commission, it seemed like an obscure issue but it had more to do with “nuisance” animals and killing them unnecessarily. Shannon Reynolds and Mandy Sanchez were champions on the issue with the coexistence of wildlife.
WildMesquite.org
Johana “Chingona” Bencomo
Abraham Sanchez threw his support behind Johana Bencomo, City Council candidate for district 4, who he feels is a chingona, or bad a** woman. She fights for justice and love. He shared that when speaking to Johana about his concerns and worries, that he felt seen for the first time, loved, and challenged. He said as a proud gay man, that Johana was the real deal and we need more “chingona” women in office.
Fundraiser for Ken Miyagishima
Pat Aguirre is encouraging everyone to reelect Ken again for his fourth term. She said he promotes team work, positivity, and happiness. Pat announced there was a fundraiser on Sunday for Ken and everyone was invited.
She wants you to volunteer! She had a sign-up sheet in the back of the room and she’s hoping people will help reelect Mayor Miyagishima.
Legislative Disabilities Concern Committee + Human Services & Behavioral Health
Joanne Ferrary, House district 37, announced that on October 8th there will be a committee meeting on the Legislative Disabilities Concerns and another on Human Services and Behavioral Health on October 11th from 9:00 AM-10:00 AM.
She shared that this is a great way to participate with legislators and make public comments, concerns, and opinions heard.
It will be at NMSU in the Barbara Hubbard room near the Pan Am center.
Huge counsel and caucus – Patty food banks, pantry, college students, and repackaging left over food from schools and senior centers.
Kim Needs YOUR Support
Kim Stewart came in asking for help on two items for a meeting that was this previous week. She had items on the agenda for her Undersheriff who receives less than 23 employees. She wants to raise his salary because it is a full-time job and he deserves it. She also wanted everyone to encourage the agreement with Magistrate Court stand.
PVA Safety
Ann shared why there was a security officer named Hope at this meeting. There were some concerns from a PVA member who felt that PVA might be a target after events such as the one that took place in El Paso. She wanted to let everyone know and see if members felt like security is a necessary precaution.
Please feel free to email her or let anyone in PVA know your stance on the issue:
RESULTS Action
Richard spoke to everyone about RESULTS Action and encouraged everyone to write or email Representative Torres-Small to urge her to co-sign house resolution 517 to support the global fund to Fight Aids, TB, and Malaria. The Senate Resolution will be in September as well.
He also announced that the next Global Fund Replenishment conference is on October 10th and we need Congress to continue strong American leadership to eliminate these three epidemics.
For more information visit: www.results.org
LCPS News Updates
Ed Frank also encouraged everyone to vote yes on HB33, musical instruments are important and he joked that most of them are older than him! He welcomed back Dr. Karen Trujillo, he feels that she will enable the school district to soar further and higher. He also shared that he will be running for reelection for the school board.
Congratulations to Frank and his wife who just celebrated his 55th wedding anniversary.
Canvassers for Johana Bencomo
Joana Bencomo is running for city council district 4, she said she leads with relationships and wants to lead through love. She genuinely loves having conversations about what makes her excited to help Las Cruces. Johana is looking for volunteers to help her canvass and if you don’t know how or if you are shy, she said she will train you to get excited and pumped for change! She is also looking for and encouraging donations because any bit helps, and she loves writing thank you notes too 😉
For more information: Johana4LC.com
PACE
Shannon Reynolds talked a little more about the clean energy bill that they’re trying to pass. Why? Because it is simply the best choice for everyone. Solar is a huge climb and he wants you to support it because EPE won’t lower the costs of solar. He asked that everyone imagine if every house was powered from solar what it could do to help the state, the country, and the world. He said we need to hold El Paso Electric accountable and create better opportunities for solar at a local level.
The Power of PVA
Luis Herdan calling for investigation to PRC- Valerie Espinoza – financial arrangements over the last few years – issue of PRC reform next year and keeping representatives accountable- warms his heart to see representatives and candidates at PVA.
Progress Now – eight candidates sought them out and they love the power to change and keep momentum going forward.
Xochitl Torres Small
Xochitl Torres Small shared that she was happy to be home finally. She said that she really understood how much representation matters from a Latina from Roswell, local intern from this area, and two Dreamers from Las Cruces spoke to her about how much it matters to them. She’s been to nine town halls, 6 congress, 19 counties in New Mexico, and she has met 90% of individual meeting requests in Las Cruces.
Martinez v Yazzie Ruling Importance
Rosemarie Sanchez announced an event that took place on Saturday, August 24 regarding the importance of the Martinez v Yazzie case in Albuquerque and what that means for New Mexicans. Dr. Trujillo spoke at the event at the Holy Family Church.
Surveys and Services
Kasandra Gandara, District 1, is running for reelection in November. She feels that Las Cruces is the best run and kindest city in the nation with great leadership. She founded the Resilience Leaders program to ensure safe childhoods, strengthened the Mano y Mano program that employs the homeless, founded the Suicide Prevention Taskforce, and much more!
She wants everyone to have Access to Basic Family Services which is why a Family Survey is out, in English and Spanish, they want you to know that your voice matters! To share your thoughts and experiences on access to basic family services like medical care, child care, job training, transportation, housing, and more please take the 10-minute survey to help them make life better for families in our country.
Please visit for the survey: http://bit.ly/dacfamilies
For her reelection campaign visit: Facebook/KasandraForLasCruces
KasandraForLasCRuces.com
Email her at: Kasandra4LasCruces@gmail.com
Gina Ortega for Mayor
Gina Ortega is one of six candidates, 2 of who are democrats. She shared that she enjoys talking to people about public safety and the community. She knew someone who died in the El Paso shooting and she shared that she’s afraid for public safety and her own because of the color of her skin.
She shared that many people in the community want to enjoy the entertainment options in Las Cruces but wants there to be more options than just downtown. She feels that Las Cruces is not family or business friendly and she wants to personally help change that for the community. She thanks everyone involved in her campaign and reminded everyone that rank choice voting is crucial and that it is important to keep Democrats as the majority.
Gill Sorg – Mayor part time – Monday Humanitarian day and Las Cruces was one of 13 on the list and
USA today recognized 12 individuals and us as a city
Asylum seekers on Tuesday trustees “save the children” came in Mark Schieder was very honored to be here