September 25, 2025

Featured Presentation

Ashley Echavarria, who is the chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces, spoke to us about the exciting move to the new facility (the building that was the Allen Theaters Video 4). They hope to break ground in January. Ashley explained how the Allen family made the building available for a very generous price, and the City of Las Cruces was also a big help. They recently received a historic gift of $1.5 million from Nusenda Credit Union. Once they move they will be able to serve three times as many kids, and the new facility will have a culinary arts space, a performing arts space, a gym, a woodworking shop, and more. “Our kids deserve a place that’s not just safe, but where we can really prepare them for the future, and that’s the goal.” Read more about it here. Do you have the urge to donate to the Boys & Girls Club? Ashley emphasized that any amount of donation is helpful.

Unified Action: Reaching out to people about the upcoming election

We enjoy the respect of many people who share our values and respect our opinions. These people make up our Personal Influence Network (PIN). We can have a profound positive effect on the outcome of the upcoming election by 1) reminding friends and family of the upcoming election, 2) sharing what we know about the candidates and bond issues, and 3) telling them how we ourselves plan to vote. Helpful information for building your own PIN communication is available here.

For more information, contact Don at donkurtz7@gmail.com.

Be on the radio!

Peter Goodman asked us to support KTAL LP Community radio. You can listen on your radio at 101.5 FM, or check out their website and listen online. Peter’s show is on Wednesdays from 8am-10am, and you don’t want to miss it (lots of interesting candidate forums). But if you do miss it, you can listen to the archive! Finally, there’s an upcoming information meeting to discuss the inner workings of hosting a show or working behind the scenes.

KTAL LP Information Session
Monday October 13th, 6 or 6:30 PM
KTAL station at 121 Wyatt Dr. #9

For more information, contact Peter at namdoogretep@gmail.com.

Las Cruces = A welcoming city

City Councilor Becky Corran said she hopes you will include her in your Unified Action/Personal Influence Network emails. She is running for reelection for District 5. You can check out her campaign website here. She explained that she has been working with Mayor pro tem Johana Bencomo on a new and improved Welcoming City Resolution and the council will be considering this at the October 6 City Council meeting at City Hall at 1pm. This resolution strengthens protections for the immigrant community. Becky hopes you will go to the meeting and express support.

City Council Meeting
Monday, October 6, 1pm
Las Cruces City Hall

For more information, contact Becky at corranforlc@gmail.com.

Remember his name

Maria Flores announced that there is going to be a new show on KTAL LP called “Onda Tejana.” It will air on Saturdays from 10am-12pm, starting (hopefully) on October 11.

Maria also told us that 16 people have died in ICE custody, including DACA recipient Ismael Ayala-Uribe. “Why is this happening? Just like you remember George Floyd and Brianna Taylor. We have more names to add to this list. Remember his name, Ismael Ayala Uribe.” said Maria.

For more information, contact Maria at maflores54@gmail.com.

Maybe it’s not too late?

Steve Fischmann said we can still influence decisions made about Project Jupiter. “Let your commissioners know that we need to see environmental and economic details before bonds are issued.”

For more information, contact Steve at stephen.fischmann@gmail.com.

Isaiah Tellez, running for City Council, District 3

Isaiah Tellez said among his reasons for running for City Council are to enrich our youth, make sure families have access to affordable housing, and protect immigrants. In addition, “we need to stop the violence,” said Isaiah, who also announced a march through the Saturday Farmer’s Market on October 11 at 9am, starting at Amador Live. You can check out his campaign website here.

For more information, contact Isaiah at tellezlc3@gmail.com.

Become a friend of the library

Sandy Katayanagi is now the membership chair for the Friends of Branigan Library. She has a few important points for us:

Buy books
Donate books
Volunteer
Become a member
Shop at the bookstore (the hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm)
Go to your district’s community meetings and advocate for library renovation

Library Book Sale Hours:
October 23: 2-4pm
October 24 & October 25: 10am-4pm
October 26: 1-3pm

For more information, contact Sandy at stkataya@yahoo.com.

Make sure KTAL is on your radio dial (or listen online!)

Maribeth Hulsey insists that we need more KTAL in our daily lives. Listen to KTAL and check out their website! That is it!

For more information, contact Maribeth at maribethulsey@gmail.com.

Support for Becky Corran’s reelection

Sherry Hulsey praised City Councilor Becky Corran. “She is qualified, competent, experienced, as well as just a really good person.” Sherry hopes you will turn out on November 4 and vote for Becky, if you live in District 5. Also, talk to your friends!

For more information, contact Sherry at sherryhulsey1@gmail.com.

Disappointed by the Project Jupiter vote

Beth Bardwell gave many reasons she believes Project Jupiter should have been voted down. She feels there was a lack of good governance and transparency. She doesn’t understand why one of the poorest counties in the country is giving massive tax breaks. Beth is also very worried about the greenhouse gas emissions that the data center will produce. She feels that it “all had the appearance that the commissioners [who voted yes] were more concerned about serving corporate interests and politics as well as preserving power and positions than representing their constituents and our values. I hope that all of us in this room remember this moving forward and I hope all of us demand better next time.”

For more information, contact Beth at betbardwell@gmail.com.

Support for Michael Harris for City Council

Jon Delgado said he is supporting Michael Harris for City Council because “Michael is the kind of guy who should be in government! He is honest, a good listener, and knows all about the internal workings of the city.” Here is Michael’s campaign website.

For more information, contact Jon at jonathandpolitics@gmail.com.

Pro Choice Las Cruces

Margot Vos said she wants to prevent our society from becoming the Handmaid’s Tale. “Womens rights are at risk,” she said, explaining that a group of volunteers provides practical support for women coming to the two abortion clinics in Las Cruces. She welcomes more volunteers to assist, if you are interested. By supporting reproductive health in southern NM, you will escort patients safely into clinics, provide resources to those who travel here for care, and fundraise to provide clinic supplies.

Margot also welcomes us to march with Pro Choice Las Cruces in the October 4 Gay Pride parade.

March with Pro Choice Las Cruces
Saturday, October 4 at 2:30
Corner of Church Street & Griggs

For more information, contact Margot at prochoicelc@proton.me.

Inequality and its consequences

Jorge Aguirre spoke passionately about wealthy interests promoting “development” that involves local communities subsidizing those interests’ costs, while the development itself does overall harm to the community and its members. He related this to the current situation where wealthy interests are coming for immigrants, trans people and other vulnerable communities now and eventually all of us. We can’t let that happen.

For more information, contact Jorge at jorgeluis.aguirrebaez@gmail.com.

Vote Yes on the Bond and Mill Levy for Las Cruces Public Schools

Ed Frank urged us to vote Yes on the LCPS bond and mill levy, explaining that bond funding is the only way public schools can pay for capital expenditures, like building and maintaining the schools themselves. He also noted that the bonds and levy will not result in an increase in taxes. And, while he was at it, Ed urged us to vote for school board candidates Patrick Nolan, Pamela Cort and Bob Wofford.

For more information, contact Ed at lascruceslalo@gmail.com.

How to re-elect our current school board members

Bob Wofford announced an opportunity to canvass door to door for our current school board members seeking re-election in November. He asked us to join other canvassers for coffee at Picacho Roasters in Mesilla Park at 9 am on Saturday, October 11 before heading out to remind voters of the upcoming election and the importance of re-electing Patrick Nolan, Pamela Cort and Bob himself to the Las Cruces School Board.

For more information, contact Bob at woffordbob@hotmail.com.

Join Patients Primero in advocating for quality healthcare

Shirley Armstrong urged us to email Governor Lujan Grisham to ask her to put the Interstate Compacts back on the agenda for the legislative special session starting on this coming Wednesday, October 1. She also urged us to visit the Patients Primero Facebook page to learn how we can work with others to address New Mexico’s continuing loss of physicians and the general shortage of health care providers in our state.

For more information, contact Shirley at shirmike7@gmail.com.

Update from Representative Small on proposals and achievements

Representative Nathan Small touched on a proposed land swap in the Tortugas Mountain area between the Mescalero tribe and the State Land Office, the effort to continue services provided by Planned Parenthood and other agencies targeted by the federal government, a new tool to let New Mexicans see local government finances, and assistance provided by state government to impressive Las Cruces efforts to provide housing that is affordable for more residents.

For more information, contact Nathan at nathan.p.small@gmail.com.

Michael Harris, running for City Council, District 3

Michael Harris brought us up to date on his campaign for City Council in District 3. A graduate of Las Cruces High School and with a master’s degree from NMSU, Michael has over 13 years of business leadership experience, advocacy on community issues and service on a variety of commissions and boards for the City of Las Cruces. He thanked us for the support so many of us have extended to his campaign, and reminded us that we can find information about him and his policy positions, upcoming campaign events and a link to make contributions on his campaign website.

For more information, email Michael at michael@harris4LC.com

Anthony Police Chief promotes safety for all

Vanessa Ordoñez, the police chief of Anthony – the second safest city in New Mexico! – shared with us her heartfelt commitment to protecting the safety and rights of all she serves, regardless of immigration status. A first generation American who worked as a child in the fields of Doña Ana County, Vanessa insists on a humane approach to law enforcement, through building trust, emphasizing prevention and trauma-informed policing.

For more information, email Vanessa at i_vlara@yahoo.com.

Indivisible hard at work on restoring our democracy

Phil Valdez reported in on Indivisible, reminding us that the group meets on the second and fourth Sundays of every month from 2 to 4 pm at the First Christian Church, 1809 El Paseo. Among the many events and activities they sponsor will be:

No Kings October Mobilization
Saturday, October 18, 9 – 11:30am
Albert Johnson Park (in front of the library)

The No Kings rally is expected to be the largest peaceful protest in American history! Visit the INDIVISIBLE LAS CRUCES Facebook page for updates on this rally and a wide variety of other activities sponsored by the group.

For more information, email Phil at philvaldez49@outlook.com

Strong endorsement of new candidates for city council

Terry Miller spoke of her deep admiration and support for city council candidates Michael Harris in District 3 and John Muñoz in District 6. Terry pointed to their administrative skills and readiness for office as well as their many contributions over the years to our local community, In addition to creating and guiding a computer technology company over the last dozen years, Michael has served on the Las Cruces COVID-10 economic recovery board, the city’s redistricting community, and transit advisory board. As to John Muñoz, Terry said that over the 20 years she has known him, John has been deeply involved in community service, including serving as the president and CEO of the Downtown Las Cruces Partnership and testifying as a business leader in support of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in front of a U.S. Senate hearing in Washington.

Terry also offered us an opportunity to help these two candidates by hand addressing over 4,000 neighbor-to-neighbor letters that will go out to Las Cruces voters– to participate or for further information, email Terry at terrymiller575@gmail.com.

Senator Steinborn weighs in on the issues of the day

State Senator Jeff Steinborn reminded us that, whatever our thoughts about Project Jupiter, the elected officials involved are good people who want to do good things for the county. One of Jeff’s chief concerns about the approval was its lack of transparency, a transparency that he has been fighting for in the legislature the entire time he has been in office. He is also concerned about the high level of carbon emissions and cost to ratepayers from Jupiter’s usage of gas generators, and he proposed adding addenda to the county agreement and working with the state Public Regulation Commission to protect ratepayers require Jupiter to utilize zero carbon generation resources.

Jeff also gave a shout out to District 6 City Council candidate John Muñoz, reminding us of John’s active support as a business leader for a public bank in New Mexico and the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument; as well as a shout out to State Representative Sarah Silva who recently received the First Amendment Freedom Award from the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government.

For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@jeffsteinborn.com.

Parkinson’s support group ready to provide help and community

Lynn Austin reminded us that there are resources and a large supportive community available to those affected by Parkinson’s, including for those who have been living with Parkinson’s themselves, caregivers, and those recently diagnosed. To find out more about the wide range of activities and resources available, go to the Parkinson’s Support Group of New Mexico website.

For more information, contact Lynn at laustin@interserve.com.

Make a difference locally with climate policies

Allen Downs asked us to consider joining the Las Cruces Utility Board. This board oversees water, sewer, gas, and electric services to all Las Cruces residences and businesses. For instance, is it prudent to extend natural gas lines for new home development or to make those homes all electric as a more climate-friendly policy? These are the types of decisions the Las Cruces Utility Board can influence. He’s encouraging anyone interested in being a part of this board to contact him.

For more information, contact Allen at biz.lifeisgood2@gmail.com.

When government gets it right

Rocky Bacchus thanked State Representative Nathan Small, State Senator Michael Padilla, Lt. Governor Howie Morales, and Dir of Communications, Tim Farrell, for all they did to appropriate $70 million this past session for grid modernization, 20 million of which will go towards solar. This process would normally have taken years to accomplish, but these folks made it happen this year! Especially a huge benefit for Las Cruces public schools and other schools across the state as they will be able to save millions of dollars with State and Federal investment for modernization and solar power. Bids will go out soon and he hopes many school districts apply.

For more information, contact Rocky at rockybacchus@gmail.com.

John Muñoz, running for City Council, District 6

John Muñoz said he has enjoyed talking with people in his district and listening to their concerns and ideas. He thanks Steve Fischmann for encouraging him to run for office in the early 2000s. And, he’s impressed with current Las Cruces Councilors like Becky Corran and would consider it an honor to work with them to continue improving life in our city. He is asking for your vote (if you live in District 6), your help volunteering for his campaign, and/or your financial contributions. For more information, visit his campaign website.

For more information, contact John at johnpmunoz@comcast.net.

More discussion on Project Jupiter’s decision making & Downwinders news

Mary Martinez White spoke about two issues:

First, State Representative Micaela Lara-Cadena, who had to leave early from the PVA meeting, wanted folks to know that she and State Representative Angelica Rubio plan to hold a community meeting to discuss the ramifications of decisions made to push Project Jupiter through. For more information, contact Rep. Cadena at micaela.cadena@nmlegis.gov.
Tularosa Downwinders Finally Get Compensation! Mary, a member of the Tularosa Downwinders group, is meeting with many groups in the region to discuss how they can apply for the one-time $100,000 compensation for 19 cancers tied to the Trinity Nuclear Bomb Test, recently approved by Congress as an expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). Her presentations are focused on striking a balance between the needs of patients who have been harmed, the needs of attorneys to charge fees, and the need of the greater population to have access to medical care. She speaks to any group regardless of partisan focus as cancer affects everyone equally. She has information on how to apply as well as how to listen to online training by the Tularosa Downwinders and US Rep Teresa Leger Fernandez.

For more information, contact Mary at mwhite9409@gmail.com.

NM legislation needed to keep doctors

Charlotte Lipson echoes earlier comments about the need to pass legislation in New Mexico to keep medical practitioners from leaving our state. The most critical need is to modify the State’s malpractice insurance requirements. Even if NM can attract new doctors, they won’t stay if they have to pay thousands of dollars more for malpractice insurance than any other state. She cautioned against misleading advertising being done to defeat this effort by an organization called Safety Over Profits or SOP, recently fined by the NM Ethics Commission for deceptive practices. She encourages you to tell your state legislators to pass malpractice reform and interstate compacts so we can keep and attract good medical practitioners.

For more information, contact Charlotte Lipson at lipson@zianet.com.

Support for Becky Corran’s reelection & Compassion for immigrants

Jennifer Kreie says she fully supports Becky Corran for Las Cruces City Councilor, District 5. Becky has worked diligently on important issues like affordable housing, flexible/updated zoning codes, and animal services/welfare. She checks all the boxes for Jennifer and she hopes you will vote for Becky as well if you live in District 5.

Also, Jennifer has been attending Immigration Court in El Paso as a compassionate witness and encourages anyone to consider doing this or visiting immigrants in detention in the Otero Detention Facility outside Chaparral. Volunteers receive training and do not need to drive to Otero or El Paso nor do you go alone. Training and transportation for these support activities are provided through Holy Cross Retreat Center. Please help our immigrant neighbors and become a compassionate witness and visitor for them. The next training is Tuesday, September 30 (info below). For more information and/or to register, contact cfmassey@proton.me or brjbach@holycrossretreat.org.

Compassionate Accompaniment Training
Tuesday, September 30, from 6-7:30pm
Holy Cross, 600 Holy Cross Rd, Mesilla Park, NM 88047

For more information, contact Jennifer at jenniferkreie@gmail.com.

Support for Michael Harris

Jane Asche supports Michael Harris for Las Cruces City Council, District 3. She said he will usher in a new era of hope and progress for our city with his youthful energy tempered by wisdom gained from being a successful small business owner, serving on many citizen boards/committees, and listening to the needs and ideas of constituents in his district. You can find out more about Michael on his campaign website.

For more information, contact Jane at janeasche4@gmail.com.

Let’s all get along

Jim Hoerst says most folks won’t vote in the upcoming municipal election since it’s an off year and a lot of people work or go to school. He recommends we encourage our friends (or you might say your Personal Influence Network) to register to vote by mail so that it’s super convenient for them to vote and they do not have to show up in person. October 7 is the last day to register to vote by mail and ballots must be mailed by October 28 or dropped off at a variety of secure locations by election day, November 4. For how to get an absentee ballot, go to: https://www.donaanacountyelections.com/.

Jim also asks that regardless of what our feelings were on the Project Jupiter decisions, we should all work to get along, especially if we are progressives. He argues that it hurts our cause if we accuse each other just because we disagree.

For more information, contact Jim at seattletags@gmail.com.

Mike comes with the numbers

Mike Cook encouraged us to vote for the Las Cruces School District Bond, which will be on the ballot for this upcoming election. Let your friends/neighbors know this $65 million bond is not a property tax hike and is badly needed. There are 41 buildings Las Cruces Public Schools maintain from Las Cruces to Doña Ana to White Sands Missile Range. Mayfield High School is especially in need and Principal Eric Frost hopes this bond along with matching funds will begin this necessary renovation. Mike said this is LCPS’ 26th bond issue since the district was established in 1954.

Mike also hopes that Patrick Nolan (District 1), Bob Wofford (District 3), and Pamela Cort (District 2) are reelected for School Board. He said they have done an excellent job and need to stay in office so we can continue the progress being made for our schools and community.

For more information, contact Mike at goodguymwc9269@gmail.com.

Canvass for school board candidates

Cheryl Frank said that “LCPS school board members Patrick Nolan, Pamela Cort, and Bob Wofford need to be reelected. Period.” The three are looking for volunteers to knock on doors on the following Saturdays: October 11, October 18, and October 25. Cheryl insists that the canvassing lists are doable and you will be making a big difference!

Canvass for Patrick, Pamela, and Bob
Saturday, October 11, 9am
Meet at Picacho Coffee Roasters (yup, they’ll buy you a cup of coffee!)
200 W. Conway Ave. Unit A, Las Cruces

For more information, contact Cheryl at cherella75@gmail.com.