June 26, 2025

Featured Presentation

Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart gave us a glimpse of what it’s like to be a border sheriff. She spoke about the now militarized border. This past March, a general showed up, claiming the military would only be occupying the border for surveillance purposes. Kim responded to this, “We like help, but we want the help to be organized.” And unfortunately, it seems that what is going on at the border is anything but organized. In April, there was a terrible accident involving Border Patrol vehicles and about 10 rental cars carrying military personnel (rental cars for the military?). One of the cars went off the road and crashed, killing two of the three occupants. So, who’s case is this accident, asked Kim? Military police, Border Patrol, the County Sheriff’s office? It’s all a little confusing and even Homeland Security Intelligence admitted that they don’t know how to handle such situations. “They don’t know what’s going on! They told me they have no orders, except to put up signs.” said Kim. No wonder our sheriff’s office is concerned about this military presence! Kim did give a shout out to Senator Ben Ray Lujan, who is the only elected official to call her and offer support.

Sheriff Stewart went with the Christian Science Monitor to the border–here’s the article they wrote. And here’s what local journalist Heath Haussaman wrote, after his visit to the border.

Parkinson’s support group

Lynn Austin wanted to remind us that there’s an active support group for people living with Parkinson’s disease, as well as their caregivers. The Parkinson’s Support Group of Southern New Mexico was formed in 2009; they have regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month. There are also activities such as exercise groups, Qigong, boxing, laughter yoga, pickleball, and line dancing. For more information, check out the website.

Lynn can be reached at laustin@interserv.com.

The City asks for a little more time…

Jim Wilcox spoke about his ongoing, err, discussion with the City of Las Cruces, regarding the definition of noxious weeds. He wants something like Albuquerque has–they codified which plants are noxious or invasive and which ones are native. Jim says the City staff know who he is now, and have basically just asked for more time to accomplish this task. Jim has also inquired with the City about an Active Transportation Coordinator, but the City, you guessed it, needs just a little more time to put together a job description. We’ll be waiting for an update at our next PVA meeting (August 28)!

Jim can be reached at jimwilcox@comcast.net.

When you need something hopeful (don’t we all?)

School Board member Ed Frank reported that things are going great at the Las Cruces Public Schools. Specifically, Ed said, “Why are things going great? Well, first of all, we have an amazing staff. But a staff needs leadership. It starts with the Board of Education. And we have an amazing Board of Education. This board, they are dedicated. They’re bright. They’re experienced. They know how to make education work.” Ed added that in addition to a great staff, and Board of Education, you need a great superintendent. He said that we’ve got the right superintendent in Las Cruces. “This superintendent gets the key element to make things work. And that is: he’s focusing on instruction; he’s looking at improving student engagement. It’s changing the model from the sage on the stage to a student-centered classroom.” Finally, Ed reminded us that there’s an important election for board members in November.

Ed can be reached at lascruceslalo@gmail.com.

Your moment of silence

Jim Hoerst spoke about the invocation that is done at County Commission meetings. He reminded us that anyone can give an invocation. You just have to call the County Clerk at 575-525-5802. Jim asks that if you do sign up to do the invocation, make it a moment of silence. He hopes to get 50 people to do a moment of silence. Check out the Las Cruces Nones website here.

Jim can be reached at seattletags@gmail.com.

Rep. Doreen Gallegos’ rep

Adam Sommers is Representative Doreen Gallegos legislative district aide. He announced that he is here to serve anyone in District 52 with their needs related to government services.

Adam can be reached at Adam.Sommers@nmlegis.gov.

Horses have a home for life

Jennifer Kreie spoke about needing to do things that make her feel good. She told us about volunteering for Dharmahorse Equine Sanctuary. This is a safe home for abused and neglected horses and mules. Jennifer assured us that volunteering here is very satisfying! Check out this beautiful PBS video.

Jennifer can be reached at jenniferkreie@gmail.com.

The safety of your drinking water

Lynn Moorer spoke about lead in drinking water. She explained that the new federal Lead and Copper rule requires all water systems in the U.S. to replace all lead piping within 10 years. In addition, water systems (such as Las Cruces Utilities) are required to offer to sample the tap for lead for any consumer with a lead, galvanized line, or unknown service line. Lynn encourages you to call Las Cruces Utilities, or whoever you receive your water from, and request that they sample your tap. Afterward, let Lynn know what happened!

Las Cruces Utilities can be reached at 575-541-2111. Lynn can be reached at lmoorer3045@gmail.com.

Really cool KTAL fundraiser

Peter Goodman announced a great way to support KTAL Community Radio. They are sponsoring an album release party for local musician and longtime radio host Teresa Tudury, at 7pm, Saturday, June 28 at the Rio Grande Theatre to celebrate her new album, Perhaps You’ve Heard of Me.

Tickets for the concert are $25 including a copy of the new album and $15 without. Buy tickets through the Rio Grande Theatre at https://www.riograndetheatre.org/.

Peter can be reached at peter@pgoodmanphotos.com.

Parking lot health fair

Shirlee Cohen announced a health fair, with free health screenings and information on diabetes. They will be doing weight checks, giving information on obesity, fitness and eating habits, and there will be games, prizes, and food. And it’s free! The fair will be held on July 18, at 1557 Monte Vista.

Shirlee can be reached at smcohen97@gmail.com.

Interested in criminal justice?

Michael Stout said that he is involved with the Doña Ana County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. The purpose of the group is to improve the local criminal justice system. Michael further explained, “If you have any ideas about criminal justice, whether it has to do with supporting victims, whether it has to do with drug abuse, mental health or any issue, if you’d like to join us in a conversation about improving criminal justice then we ask you to join us.” Michael finished up his two minutes with a comment about religion and the separation of church and state. “It’s a mistake to insult people of faith. I think in fact we need to join people of faith if we’re going to advocate for separation of church and state because freedom of religion goes hand in hand with separation of church and state and so I think we need to get those pastors and those other believers on board whether you’re a believer or not.”

Michael can be reached at michael@mlstoutlaw.com.

80th anniversary of the Trinity Atomic Bomb

Mary Martinez White spoke about the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, a group that has been working for over 18 years to get New Mexico covered by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act which was passed in 1990.

At 5:20am on July 16, 1945, the first atomic bomb was detonated at the Trinity Site, in the Tularosa Basin. Residents living downwind, later known as “downwinders,” were exposed to radioactive fallout without warning. Many experienced rare cancers, chronic illnesses, and intergenerational health effects linked to radiation.

On July 16, 2025, at 11am, a commemorative marker will be placed at the Stallion Gate. The marker will commemorate people who were harmed by the bomb. Later that day, there will be a mass, a dinner, and a candlelight vigil. Click here for more information.

Mary can be reached at mwhite9409@gmail.com.

Infrastructure suggestions welcome!

City Councilor Becky Corran announced that on August 11th, at 1pm, at City Hall, there will be a work session related to new infrastructure projects. She said, “My priorities as of now include library infrastructure, pedestrian and bike and neighborhood calming, traffic infrastructure and fixing up where the firefighters actually live. So for me those are things that I know we need to spend that money on and I’m going to be advocating for; I hope that you might come and share your inputs or collectively start thinking about things that you might want to see from your city government in terms of infrastructure that we invest the GRT in.” Becky also made a pitch to speak to your neighbors about not shooting off personal fireworks during the July 4th holiday, as many dogs are very disturbed by the noises. Sometimes dogs run away and end up at the shelter. This is not a good solution for either the dogs or the dog owners.

Becky can be reached at beckycorran@gmail.com

Blue CD2 hard at work

Gayle Eads said that she is happy to report that 1,200 postcards will be going out to voters in Congressional District 2. There are some new stats that indicate that these postcards do help with getting Democrats to the polls. Gayle also explained that Shirley Davis will be taking the lead on this effort, so contact Shirley if you want to participate.

Shirley can be reached at s_davis_mass@yahoo.com.

Fundraiser brunch for Stephanie Garcia Richard

Israel Chavez announced he’s hosting a brunch for Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, who is running for Lt. Governor. Check out the flyer:

Bring water, signs, and dress for hot weather

Pam Hett, who is with Indivisible Las Cruces announced the next protest dates:

Humanize Don’t Militarize
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 9am-11am
Ave Casas Grandes & Ave Delicias, Santa Teresa, NM

Good Trouble Lives On
Thursday, July 17, 8am-10am
Lohman & Telshor, Las Cruces, NM

Pam can be reached at hettagency@gmail.com.

Bereavement Support Group

Jonathan Schultz announced a bereavement support group that takes place at 5:30pm, the first Wednesday of the month at Ambercare (3870 Foothills Road, Las Cruces).

Jonathan can be reached at rustbeltrefugee@gmail.com.

Doña Ana County Go Bond approved for November ballot

County Commissioner Shannon Reynolds is hoping voters will support the County Go Bond. Read more about it here. Shannon also noted that Res. 2018-25 Prayer in County Meetings needs to be rescinded.

Shannon can be reached at Shannondr@gmail.com.

Spent nuclear fuel facilities

Lynn Moorer said the Supreme Court just handed down a decision that has implications for us in New Mexico. The Supreme Court ruled, 6 to 3, in favor of the license the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued to Interim Storage Partners for a consolidated interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel just over the state line, in Andrews County, Texas.

She reminded us that Holtec International has also received a license from the NRC for a spent nuclear fuel facility–this one for a site in Lea County that’s more than four times larger. Both facilities would be located over the Permian Basin’s oil.

For more information, contact Lynn at lmoorer3045@gmail.com.

Singing Out concerts

Don Kurtz announced the Singing Out Las Cruces concert Chosen Family: United by Harmony and Love, which will be at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Check out the flyer below. Performances by the Singing Out Las Cruces LGBTQ+&Ally choir are always beautiful, moving community-affirming experiences.

Don can be reached at donkurtz7@gmail.com.