March 27, 2025
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**Mark your calendars for next month’s meeting on April 24th. We’re inviting all the local legislators to tell us about the legislative session.
Featured Presentation
This month, the featured presentation focused on the work of NM CAFe and we welcomed Sylvia Ulloa, the Executive Director for NM Comunidades en Acción y de Fe. She thanked PVA for the opportunity to learn what CAFe is focusing on in these turbulent times. And she also thanked this community for supporting immigrants who were being turned away by the Ben Archer health clinics, when clients did not have proof of citizenship. That action was a huge success and all the calls people made compelled the New Mexico Attorney General to open up an investigation. CAFe continues to work with the NM Attorney General on a settlement with Ben Archer. Sylvia hopes their campaign will result in shifting the services at Las Cruces Public Schools from Ben Archer to La Clinica. The LCPS board will vote on this change on Tuesday, April 1.
As many know, CAFe has been organizing in Las Cruces and southern New Mexico since 2009. It’s a faith-based, community organizing, non-profit that organizes in local churches and faith institutions as well as secular spaces. In the past two years, CAFe has started doing youth organizing (high school and NMSU students). CAFe organizes and builds power with directly impacted people, including low income, immigrant, queer and trans, youths, and people of color. But Sylvia has been weighing on the chaos of the past two months and in meeting with members across CAFe’s faith in action, Sylvia and members saw that there were no allies (later in the Q&A, Sylvia defined an ally as one who stood beside you, not in front of you). In meeting with members from across CAFe’s faith-in-action network, they began talking about directly impacted people and allies and how to activate all those people to push back on what’s happening.
How do we unite and combine our power in ways that fight back against tyranny? CAFe has working groups on immigration, housing, mental health, gun safety. And when it comes to immigration they’re hosting “know your rights” sessions that directly impact people. CAFe also hosts “know your rights” training for allies. When you exercise your rights, other people feel they can exercise their rights. It makes ICE know that they have to follow the rules. CAFe is also working with the Border Serving Corps, and a coalition of other organizations to offer family emergency planning workshops so that kids don’t go home to an empty house.
Sylvia concluded by naming several “asks” that PVA may consider and act on:
1. Can CAFe organizers do a presentation to PVA?
2. Will this community donate continuing funds to CAFe to support organizing in this community?
3. Attend a peace vigil that is organized by youths, not by Sylvia, nor by CAFe organizers. It was scheduled for Friday, March 28. We hope it was a powerful experience for all.
Unified Action
Cheryl Frank gave a brief update about the past month’s unified action, which occurred throughout January and February; we asked you to be a part of the legislative response team. Twenty-five emails were sent to anyone on the legislative response team throughout those two months. A total of 1,182 bills went into the legislative session: 559 from the Senate and 623 from the House. Of those 1,182, 194 passed through both the House and the Senate, which Cheryl thought was a pretty good number, given that they have to go through committee after committee and then to the floor and then to the other side. Some bills we supported died, but many passed. Here’s a brief list of the bills that passed: Community Benefit Fund; Solar Access Fund; Strategic Water Reserve Fund; Oil and Gas Royalty Rate Changes; Lobbying Activity Report; and, Slot Canyon Riverland State Park passed. Yeah!
There were some bills that died, including the Immigrant Safety Act, Statewide Public Health and Climate Program, Internet Privacy and Safety Act, Clear Horizons and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Those are some of the ones we called about but we don’t know what happened with all the bills that died. Next month, the Representatives and Senators will have more time to report on successes and challenges.
Need for Electrification in Indigenous Communities
Rocky Bacchus reported that he spent almost the entire two months at the 2025 legislation session, and he observed two important things. First, Rocky noticed a new legislator who became the most improved legislator this year. This legislator is a fresh[woman]. She became a candidate at the last minute when someone else had to drop out. At the beginning of the legislative session, Rocky saw her in action and, phenomenally, she got on two of the most important committees in the House: Appropriations & Finance and Taxation & Revenue. She started out needing help on how exactly to make a motion or many other aspects of being a Representative. By the end of the session she was a star and did a phenomenal job.
For a fresh[woman] to get a bill all the way through the legislative process was incredible. Rocky said, “So if you’d give a big hand to Representative Sarah Silva, that’s who I’m talking about.”
Second, Rocky addressed an urgent issue, namely, the need for electrification in Indigenous communities. He noted the 1939 Act brought rural electrification but the bill excluded the Indian tribes. The Navajo Nation has 10,500 homes and families who have never had electricity. The lowest education levels in the state are those kids. And if you don’t have access to a shower, or the internet, and have no lights at night, it’s a big burden. Rocky is deeply committed to addressing this problem by working to get electrification by using off-grid services. If anyone can reach out or if they have any connections on the Navajo Nation or other tribes, native, indigenous people that need help, contact Rocky.
Rocky can be reached at rockybacchus@gmail.com.
Representative Sarah Silva’s Legislative Recap, in two minutes
Sarah thanked Rocky for his warm praise for her impact in her first year as a Representative, and discussed the bills she worked on. She was really proud to sponsor Senate Bill 480, the Student Graduation Reporting Act, which creates a list of students who haven’t graduated in four years so that public schools and career technical programs can give them a call or send them a letter. She’s excited because there are three community colleges in House District 53 that could boost enrollment.
Sarah reported that House Bill 214 passed, which is the Doula Credentialing Act that expands doula care to Medicaid recipients. Sarah hopes this will improve maternal health all across the state. Sarah was also working very hard to get the Otero County Public Safety Facility built in Chaparral. The largest unincorporated community in the state of New Mexico didn’t have a sheriff’s department in the town, a volunteer fire station on the Otero side, and no animal control. She and others involved were able to raise $4 million from capital outlay and get a million in the state budget for it.
Finally, Sarah’s ask is to call the governor (505-476-2200) and ask her to sign House Bill 143, the Lobbyist Activity Report. “Took us 15 years to do it. I’m so proud to be part of Senator Steinborn’s campaign to get it done.”
Sarah can be reached at sarah@newmexicansforsarah.com.
Act Now to Support the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (including PBS & NPR)
Dinah Jentgen said that probably everybody at the March PVA meeting has been affected by the amateur hour that is going on in Washington, D.C. right now. As you know, Marjorie Taylor Greene and her friends in Congress are busy killing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) which includes PBS and NPR. Dinah explained that KRWG FM receives 20-25% of its operating funds annually from the CPB. So if you love Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me or the latest Ken Burns’ documentary, or Voice of the Public (which includes talking with candidates for elections), Dinah suggests that you contribute to KRWG. Also, KRWG hires local people who contribute to the programs but they spend their money in the local economy. You may have noticed the recent fund raising event and it’s not too late to send your donation to krwg.org (click on donations).
Dinah can be reached at dinahj@zianet.com.
Join the Nationwide Peaceful Protest: 50501 (50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Movement)
JoAnn Lopez announced a nationwide protest that will be held on Saturday, April 5 from noon-2pm at Albert Johnson Park (at the intersection of Main and Picacho, in front of the library). “Join the protest with or without signs to hold up the Constitution and end executive overreach!” said JoAnn. More on the 50501 movement can be found here.
JoAnn can be reached at joann.lopez999@gmail.com.
Thank you and thank them!
Gayle Eads has a thank-you gift for those who wrote postcards to get out the vote for Blue CD2 during the 2024 Elections (federal and state). If you didn’t receive your gift for writing postcards, please contact Gayle. The second thing Gayle wanted to share was a positive action that people can do as soon as possible. Gayle made a handout for contacting our three congressional members, the two senators and Gabe. “Give them a call, she said, “And tell them that you’ve got their back.”
Senator Martin Heinrich: 202-224-5521
Senator Ben Ray Lujan: 202-224-6621
Representative Gabe Vasquez: 202-225-2365
Gayle offered some instructions. After the switchboard closes, call and leave a brief message. The staffers will count them tomorrow. Let them know we’re down here and we’re paying attention!
Gayle can be reached at gayle.s.eads@gmail.com.
Separating Church and State in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County Events
Jim Hoerst is an advocate for separation of church and state, and a member of a group called Las Cruces Nones. He explained that they are fighting two different battles.
Battle 1: Las Cruces. Last year on National Day of Prayer, the Las Cruces mayor and police chief held a rally at the flagpoles for National Day of Prayer. In Jim’s mind, it was a state-sponsored, city-sponsored religious event. This year, his organization will be holding a National Day of Reason rally at the same place on National Day of Prayer. That’s May 1st. Jim hopes to see you there.
Battle 2: Doña Ana County. Jim said, “We are trying to get rid of the opening invocation at County Commission meetings. Invocations are religious prayers, religious actions. They don’t belong in government meetings.” His suggestion is that everyone sign up to do the invocation; and, if you do sign up to do the invocation, you have the option of doing a moment of silence, which is much more conducive to separation of church and state. Doña Ana County Commission meets on the second and fourth every month at 9am. To sign up, call Doña County Clerk at 575-525-5802.
Jim can be reached at seattletags@gmail.com.
An Update about the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium
Mary Martinez-White is with the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium and wanted to update everyone on where they are with their efforts. Mary explained that they tried to get the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act included in the latest continuing resolution. It was almost in there and got kicked out by the Republicans, specifically by Speaker Mike Johnson. Last year, they got beyond a supermajority on House Bill 3853. This year, Mary believes they have similar votes in the Senate and they have the votes to pass it in the House. The only thing holding it back is Speaker Mike Johnson.
So: Speaker Johnson’s phone number is 202-225-4000. Tell him, “Pass the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to expand it to include New Mexico.”
Mary also let us know that their feature film, “First We Bombed New Mexico,” is still making its way around the country. Last, it was shown in Durango and in Phoenix, Arizona at the World Wide Women’s Film Festival. There, it got four awards: Best Feature Film, Best Directing, Best Social Awareness Film, and Audience Choice. It has been shown three times in Santa Fe to give legislators an opportunity to see it, thanks to NM Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia-Richard. This last weekend, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury was with them in Carrizozo to give a dedication at their museum dedicated to downwinders.
Mary can be reached at mwhite9409@gmail.com.
A couple of things from Rep. Joanne Ferrary
Joanne followed up Mary Martinez-White’s update on the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, and announced a house memorial for the downwinders. This memorial will have a special dedication and a plaque that will be near the Trinity site. A rest stop area and a place for people to have shade is in the works and will offer a respite when they come to the Trinity site. July 16th will mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic site explosion, and Joanne expressed her support for all of our friends in the Tularosa Basin and also for the uranium mine workers who are suffering the health and cancer problems from being exposed.
“Our hearts and condolences also go out to the families and friends of those who were killed in the mass shooting on March 21.” Joanne and other legislators were wrapping up their last full night at the session, and heard about what had happened. They had already passed House Bill 12, which is an extension/ improvement of the red flag law. She added, “So we also need to help youth with getting the proper behavioral health, in the schools, and different programs that we have ready to go and are available.”
On another note, Joanne quickly mentioned news about guardianship and/or conservatorships, PFAS, and the Per- & Poly-Flouroalkyl Protection Act.
Rep. Ferrary can be reached at rjferrary53@gmail.com.
What’s Going on at Memorial Medical Center?!
Charlotte Lipson reminded us that in December 2023, Las Cruces Yolanda Diaz, in an Albuquerque Journal guest column, exposed Memorial Medical Center’s practice of turning away indigent cancer patients and even some who had insurance. Apparently this is still going on. This provoked the visit of an NBC financial journalist, Gretchen Morgenson, here in February of 2024, more than a year ago, who spoke at PVA.
Morgenson spoke in multiple venues, including at NMSU and local radio stations about the predatory practices of private equity firms, which take over hospitals and medical offices and squeeze them dry to the detriment of patient care and staff. National publicity TV and print ensued, as did promises from local and state elected officials to hold MMC accountable to the provisions of its lease with the city. “So,” Charlotte asked, “what is going on? It has been more than a year.”
For example, has MMC ever revealed its financial statements as required by the terms of the lease? Charlotte said that if this bothers you, too, ask your legislator, counselor, county commissioner, and of course, AG Torres, who promised an investigation, if anything is happening.
Charlotte can be reached at lipson@zianet.com.
Reflecting on Words that Hurt
Ed Frank was a teacher for 39 years and when he heard a particular word, he would turn off the movie or stop students from using it. He wants you to think back to a movie called “Whiplash.” This movie was about a music academy. He didn’t get to see much of this movie, but the major character was a man named Terrence Fletcher, who was the music director. The kids weren’t playing very well one day, and he called them a “bunch of retards.” And that’s when Ed immediately stopped the movie. That’s his rule. He’s been doing this for about 40 years. “The minute I see that word–retard or retarded–used in some inappropriate way as a slur or as an insult, I stop reading the book. I turn off the movie.”
But apparently there’s not too much of an outrage because the actor J.K. Simmons, he ended up winning an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA for his role in this movie. Ed knows it’s probably not his responsibility, but he feels he could have spoken up.
Maybe you can join Ed and just have no tolerance for this word when it’s used inappropriately.
Ed can be reached at lascruceslalo@gmail.com.
Update on the City’s Implementation of EPA’s New Lead and Copper Rule
Lynn Moorer provided an update on the city’s implementation of EPA’s new lead and copper rule, which requires property owners to replace their lead pipes that bring drinking water to their property. Lynn is disappointed by that lack of progress on this project. The city convened a town hall on March 4th, but the presentation was by a consultant who bears no responsibility for implementation of the rule. As a regulator, the city invited a representative from the state which does not have regulatory authority for New Mexico’s implementation of the rule because it doesn’t have primacy.
They’ve now revamped the online inventory map, scanning it makes clear why the city doesn’t want to talk about city-owned pipes. For many properties, the information listed is obviously incorrect or missing. The inventory says the basis for designating numerous properties as non-lead is that the piping was installed after the lead ban which occurred in 1986. But the inventory indicates that these installations actually occurred before the lead ban. 1961, 1973, 1979, for example.
The city has done this for piping at Las Cruces High School, Mayfield High School Complex, J. Paul Taylor Academy, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, four parks, one sports complex, the Community of Hope, and numerous residences and businesses. Plus, nowhere in the inventory of the thousand properties I’ve reviewed does it indicate that any of the piping material has
been verified. At the town hall, the director of Las Cruces Utilities said that they will continue working on the inventory regardless of what the Trump administration does. Lynn says she’s sorry we don’t have better news at this point.
Lynn can be reached at LMOORER3045@gmail.com.
Be Careful What You Sign!
Beth Bardwell spoke about Realize LC, the update to our land development code and zoning code. Twice PVA has done unified actions, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, in support of its passage. Beth explained that “on February 18th, City Council listened to you and the many others who believe Realize Las Cruces is a win for our community and voted 6-1 to adopt “Realize Las Cruces.” But no good deed goes unpunished and using a provision under the City Charter, the Coalition of Conservatives in Action have filed a petition to reconsider and repeal Realize Las Cruces.” The city charter gives the CCIA 30 days to obtain 3000+ signatures. They tried to collect the signatures and they were not successful. But, the charter gives them a second chance; and, they are out there now collecting signatures. Beth said that she urges you not to sign the petition and to tell your friends and neighbors not to sign the petition. The petition is misrepresenting the facts.
The City asked many times for public input into Realize Las Cruces since 2021. It helps provide more housing for families and seniors that can’t afford to live in high end housing. The new code allows homeowners, and homebuilders to build a mother-in-law unit or casita in the backyard. Homebuilders now have the flexibility to build a duplex in an existing single family neighborhood on vacant lots of the average size of 7000 square feet. Realize LC recognizes and promotes walkability in neighborhoods with less reliance on vehicles and allows for limited commercial amenities where people can come together like small grocery stores and cafes in residential areas at intersections with boulevards or avenues. So, Beth advised, “be careful what you sign and don’t be duped. Realize LC is a win for our community.”
Beth can be reached at betbardwell@gmail.com.
Train to be an ally
Catharine Walkinshaw said she took the first ever Border Servant Corps training on New Mexico family emergency planning. “I want to encourage all of you to consider taking that,” said Catharine, “It is something that Border Servant Corps is doing as a way to reach out and train us all to not only be allies, but also to also be prepared for our own emergencies.” The training will be every Thursday, except for the last Thursday of the month. The person to contact is Kristi at Border Servant Corps: kristi@bscnm.org.
This training helps people prepare for emergencies, families, and like we heard earlier, especially for immigration emergencies. We were told today that ICE is throwing a huge net, as you know, and they are not only just taking people who they say have criminal records, but anybody.
Catharine can be reached at catharinewalkinshaw@gmail.com.
Chief Story’s comments under scrutiny
Lucy Silva expressed concern for Chief Story’s comments; she thinks they reflect an attitude towards the people he serves that may influence the way officers interact with the public.
During the press conference about the mass shooting at Young Park, Chief Story cast blame for the mass shooting on the NM population for their general disregard for law enforcement.
“I don’t want to call them if I have a problem because they might think I’m one of those people,” she said.
Lucy can be reached at (520) 204-4318.
Help finding Latino immigrants victims of abuse by their partners
Bea Ade, NMSU faculty and mental health practitioner, is looking for help finding people willing to participate in a confidential focus group interview for a research project. They are looking for Latinx people who migrated to the US for at least one year who have experienced violence or abuse from an intimate partner.
Bea can be contacted at jade7@nmsu.edu and at (708) 769-4259.
Parkinson’s Support Group invite
Lynn Austin reminded attendees that the Parkinson’s Support Group of Southern New Mexico is very active. Once a month, people with the condition, caregivers and people who live with somebody with Parkinson’s hold a meeting with activities (including pickle-ball and line dancing) and camaraderie.
Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday (at 9am) of every month at the Holiday Inn Express on Telshor.
Lynn Austin can be reached at laustin@interserv.com.
In defense of Chief Story
With respect to Ms. Silva’s concerns, Randy Himelgrin pointed out that Chief Story apologized and said that what he had meant was that there were lawbreakers with contempt for the law.
Randi Himelgrin can be reached at rhimlegrin@gmail.com.
Volunteers Needed to Help Families of Victims
Shirley Cohen requested volunteers on behalf of the Medical Reserve Corps, a volunteer organization through the Department of Health that provides help during disasters. In response to the mass shooting, they opened a family center and need medical and non medical volunteers to support families through the process.
On behalf of the Black Nurses Association of New Mexico and El Paso, Cohen invited attendees to the presentation on Birth Trauma on May 1st from 5 to 7 at NMSU.
Shirley Cohen can be reached at smcohen97@gmail.com and (505) 377-1999.
Lobbying Transparency has arrived
NM Senator Jeff Steinborn brought a short update of the last legislative session. He felt it was personally productive and he recognized newly elected Rep. Sarah Silva as a tremendous partner and a sponsor of the lobbying transparency bill.
“Our number one epic win, I’ve been talking to you about it for a decade. Lobbying transparency has arrived,” said the Senator. “A David vs Goliath win: Every Republican voted against it.”
Senator Steinborn asked people to call the Governor’s office and ask for House Bill 143 to be signed into law as lobbyists will be swarming the governor trying to persuade her to kill it. The governor has until April 11th to sign bills.
Jeff Steinborn can be reached at jeff.steinborn@nmlegis.gov.
Good News for Animal Advocacy
Diane Starbuck, a local animal advocate, requested help to call or email the governor’s office to ask that four bills in support of animals rights are signed into law:
- SB 70 adds dog fighting and cock fighting to the list of violations of racketeering crimes.
- HB 113 Gives funds as grants and contracts for animal welfare services and programs.
- HB 284 promoting the humane management of free roaming horses.
- SB 5 game commission reform will modernize wildlife management using science based methods.
Diane also requested support for the upcoming Animal Welfare Ordinance that will be voted on by the Las Cruces City Council on April the 7th.
Diane Starbuck can be reached at deendrewribaudo@gmail.com
Family Center open in temporary location
Kasandra Gandara spoke about a newly created 100% Family Center, to connect families with essential services from housing and food assistance to behavioral health and legal support.
They opened Friday at their temporary location on 2100 N Main St. Ste 2.
Kasandra said that community based solutions that address trauma early, especially in children, can disrupt cycles of violence that often persists across generations.
Kasandra Gandara can be reached at kasandra4lascruces@gmail.com and (575) 640-6344.
Indivisible Las Cruces on the Rise
Bill McCamley invited everyone to the Indivisible Las Cruces meetings and other upcoming activities.
- April 5: Supporting the nationwide protest at the Branigan Library, 12 pm.
- April 6: Indivisible Las Cruces meeting at First Christian Church, 2 pm.
- April 17: Roundtable with legislators at the DACC Auditorium, 6 pm.
- April 22: Presence at LCPS School Board meeting against book bans.
Indivisible meets every other Sunday, their Facebook group is: Indivisible Las Cruces.
Bill McCamley can be reached at billmccamley14@gmail.com.
Radio is community talking to itself
Peter Goodman urged everyone to donate to KRWG and also KTAL Community Radio 101.5 FM, the Las Cruces community radio station. He also talked about again presenting to the Las Cruces City Council the idea that they should have a Citizens Police Oversight Committee.
Peter Goodman can be reached at namdoogretep@gmail.com and you can support community radio by donating at https://www.lccommunityradio.org/donate.html.
Calls for NM to create its own health insurance plan
Davena Norris is a local pharmacist, she has major concerns about private equity taking control of healthcare facilities and supports legislative efforts to provide oversight to acquisition and mergers of healthcare facilities.
She was in support of Senate Bill 14, but it got killed in the Senate Judiciary when Senators Cervantes and Maestas voted against it. Later it reemerged as House Bill 586 and ended up passing both the House and Senate and is waiting to be signed by the governor.
Davena said it’s time for New Mexico to set up its own health plan and ensure that all New Mexicans have healthcare. To find out more, check out the Health Security for New Mexicans campaign. Davena is excited to be part of the movement to pass the Health Security Act in 2027.
Davena Norris can be reached at davena.norris@gmail.com.
Doctors leaving NM
Sherry Hulsey said the doctor drain in NM is becoming a real problem for everybody at every level, every kind of doctor there is. She thinks doctors and legislators need to be pressed into listening to each other’s point of view. She encouraged the audience to talk to legislators and doctors and ask them to listen to each other.
It’s very complicated but we need to do this now, Sherry said.
Sherry Hulsey can be contacted at sherryhulsey1@gmail.com and (527) 621-1122.
PVA Meets Again: Thursday, April 24, 7pm
Munson Senior Center