Rio Arriba County Noticias

Transcription

1 July 2012 Rio Arriba County Noticias Issue 5 Protecting What s Yours Rio Arriba County Commission Approves Resolution Prohibiting Open Burning On June 18 the Rio Arriba County (RAC) Commission held an emergency meeting, in which they passed Resolution No , enforcing a ban Fire Marshal, Jerome Sanchez, the resolution followed a state-issued executive order, which was passed by the State s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources - western part of the state, including RAC. These restrictions came into play as a result of warm temperatures, low humidity, high winds and a lack of precipitation, all which present extremely hazardous This is an attempt to protect our lands and the RAC Commission determines that conditions allow for such burning again. The RAC Fire Marshal s time. According to Sanchez, at this time, the Rio Ar- for any prohibited burning and forest patrols will be Fines will be in place for anyone caught burning. To view the New Mexico Administrative Code on Air Quality Environmental Protection and to view the Violation of New Mexico State Forestry Restrictions, go to To view the related RAC resolution, please go to For any questions regarding the (505) Rio Arriba County Manager Tomas Campos (far left) sits with RAC Commissioners Montoya, Trujillo and Martinez during ban resolution.

2 Congressman Ben Ray Lujan Visits RAC Detention Center Left to Right: Congressman Lujan s Field Representative Jennifer Manzanares, Congressman Ben Ray Lujan, DWI Program Director Louise Sanchez, Assistant County Manager David Trujillo and County Manager Tomas Campos. Discussions continue after Congressman Lujan has had a chance to speak to RAC Detention Center inmates about rehabilitation programs. On May 23, Congressman Ben Ray Lujan visited the Rio Arriba County Detention Center DWI Unit in Tierra Amarilla. The visit proved to for him, but also for the inmates at the Center. The Rio Arriba County s DWI Program works closely with the Detention Center, integrating the DWI Unit, which is a component concentrated on inmate rehabilitation through counseling and case management. Congressman Lujan visited and spoke to the inmates taking part in the DWI Unit. I come to you today because I am sincere in my concerns for the programs our state has to rehabilitate inmates, said Congressman Lujan. As the visit continued, DWI Unit participants went importance of rehabilitation. Several participants and keeping employment after incarceration, unaffordable drug-treatment programs and prevention efforts for teens. The Congressman then went on to During the Congressman s visit, he also got ideas and listen to their concerns about rehabilitation efforts. Feedback from the inmates concerning the current programs in place, displayed their appreciation for the DWI Unit Program in particular. Inmates reiterated that the program should continue as a vital option and personal testimony was attributed. These programs make a difference in the lives of these people, said DWI Director Louise Sanchez. We need to make sure that funding is available for programs like this so that those who participate in them have something available, which can help them not only address issues that may have put them into incarceration, but to help them learn how to function in society once they get out. For more information on the DWI Program, please visit Congressman Ben Ray Lujan listens to inmates at the DWI Unit in the Tierra Amarilla RAC Detention Center, as they criminal justice system.

3 Española Farmers Market Continues Strong Presence In the Community Local harvest at this year s Market. Many people don t know about the variety of different fruits and vegetables grown each year in know that there are some edible fruits and vegetables grown wildly, right here in Rio Arriba County. At the Española Farmers Market, people will not only be able to learn about those types of produce, but they may also have the pleasure of purchasing it as well. The Española Farmers Market and Cultural Center is located at 1005 North Railroad Avenue in Espaola and is open every Monday, 10AM-5PM, from June through October. According to Sabra Moore, the Farmers Market Marketing Manager, vending booths are available to anyone interested in selling their harvest to the public. Those who wish to participate as vendors will be charged a $10 booth fee each day. As an agricultural County, the Market has been an important staple to the local residents for many years. After the Market had relocated several who participate annually. The Farmers Market was to obtain 3.19 acres of land. Moore also added that this permanent foundation is kept and maintained by different farmers from throughout the County. This not only makes things more stable for the farmers who participate every year, but also provides convenience and familiarity for those who purchase from the Market every year. Rio Arriba Farmers not only maintain the property, but their loyalty to the Market goes yearround. There are about 30 core people that attend throughout the whole season to keep the market alive Farmers Market not only for economical reasons, but It s just a living heritage around here. People enjoy other people and the atmosphere. Moore said she hopes that the Farmers Market continues to grow stronger and more people get involved. Eventually, hopes are that the organization can structure a marketing building, which could conveniently include restrooms and a cold room for storage. For more information on the Española Farmers Market, go to where the public can also link onto Moore s blog, which posts related information consistently throughout the year. For more information on the Farmers Markets throughout the state, visit Española Farmers Market participant, David Garcia, tends to

4 Red Cross Honors Heroes Around New Mexico Student Union Ballroom was full of ordinary, everyday people, but amongst the crowd were real-life, local heroes, as volunteers, emergency responders, law enforcement and good Samaritans were all recognized at the 2012 Red Cross Real - during everyday efforts and emergencies. Amongst the heroes, was Rio Arriba County s very own Emergency Preparedness Director, Mateo DeVargas. The Rio Arriba County Fire and Response Team, which DeVargas represented at the event, was among the 39 entities being honored as Humanitarian Heroes for efforts made during the 2011 Las Conchas Fire, which was the larg- which burned more than 150,000 acres, started on June 26, 2011 and was not contained until August 3, DeVargas and his team were directly involved by collaborating on coordination efforts, nel to evacuate nursing homes and the Los Alamos Medical Center. It was a great honor to represent the County s Fire and Response Team, said DeVargas. I work with some amazing people and it was touching to see all the responders from around the state being honored in such a sincere and joyous manner. Among the special guests, was New speaker, Governor Martinez spoke to the audi- Las Conchas Fire and how she forged personal I have no doubt that our losses last year, during could see hope, I could see resolve, passion, and triumph, said Governor Martinez. True heroes are those who run into the disaster; those who take down the disaster and give us hope that everything Along with those being honored for the Las Conchas Fire efforts, awards were also given to 11 other individuals, who were recognized for heroic and outstanding deeds in their communities and during dire emergencies. These award recipients were To view Governor Martinez s entire speech and to view Las Conchas Heroes being recognized by the Governor, please go to and link onto the County s YouTube page. Las Conchas Fire; Los Alamos, NM Fire consumes downed fuels from the Cerro Grande Fire scar at American Springs on 6/29/11 Photo by: Kristen Honig/US Forest Service

5 Department Highlights Fire Marshal s Office No one can doubt that every county s Fire season. Rio Arriba County is no different, and as the County s Fire Marshal, Jerome Sanchez can time of the year. In each community throughout the emergency that comes up, providing a rapid and ef- role in providing the leadership and support to all emergency responders to reduce the loss of life, by assisting in responder coordination, equipment security and overall preparedness. Fire, which burned around 3.1 acres, and posed a - have included Chimayo, Alcalde and areas between Tierra Amarilla and Tres Pierdas. Among Sanchez s daily duties, which are causing conditions, he process requisitions, delivers ing permits when criteria of the land allows it and does equipment inspections to make sure everything is kept up and ready in case of emergencies. - minutes. As responders arrive, Sanchez, who is also to help coordinate crews as they attend to different - possible, while potentially battling harsh weather conditions, dry fuels and unpredictable factors, made up of hard workers, who focus in on securing scenes, while assuring the public is safely monitored and protected, he said. I am honored to be a According to Sanchez, the biggest cause of ily arson. Potential causes can be anywhere from throwing a cigarette butt to lightning strike in the middle of 90 degree weather on a clear-sky day. It s important to uphold the responsibility and accountability amongst the public to assist them in their needs, he added. departments, please visit

6 Message From the Manager s Office Once again it s budget time in Rio Arriba County (RAC) Government and as the County Manager, it is my duty to answer questions that RAC employees and the public may have concerning the budget. The most common questions I receive pertain to budget distribution when raises. As many people may not be aware, the County does not use nonrecurring funds or volatile revenues to create its budget for personnel. The County only uses stable funds reoccurring costs. This revenue can be traced back through the budget process as being used to replenish the Sheriff s years ago, this revenue dropped by 75 percent; had it been used for the purposes of employment, we would have had to lay off several staff members. chase of road equipment. With all this in mind, a large percentage of the County s revenue sources are used only for capital outlay. Another issue that the County is addressing is the method of operation when considering the consumption of energy in buildings and in transportation. We presently purchase only new vehicles that make 20 miles to the gallon or better and we will be reviewing the additional cost of hybrid automobiles versus non-hybrid automobiles. We are currently also reviewing photovoltaic cells versus wind generation of power to assist in the heating and cooling of our buildings. There are only a few ways to provide the revenue necessary for salary growth in our present equipment that assists us, will we be able to absorb employees and their salaries into the rest of the supplies, which eat into the revenues dedicated to employees. It is my hope that the County s efforts into transparency will be recognized and that outlining work especially hard to maintain a level of trust and faith amongst the public and it is my job to maintain this standard to my employees as we continue to make huge strides as an ever-progressing local government entity. Sincerely, Tomas Campos, Rio Arriba County Manager

7 Commissioner s Corner During my tenure as Commissioner of District 3, I have been honored to be a part of some of the greatest achievements that Rio Arriba County has accomplished. - to great heights. As I look around our beautiful County, I can t help but think of all the people it took to evolve this County into what it is today. I am very humbled that my constituents allowed me to be a part of that when they Amongst the projects that are in progress is the Tierra Amarilla Rio Arriba County Archive Center, which will house all County historical and future re- the treasurer, clerk and assessor. Another great project in the works is the Alcalde Infrastructure Project, which will accommodate a recreation center, a public works facility and space available for economic growth amongst other amenities. These projects will not successor will be a valuable tool in seeing them through. Thus far, the County s achievements include opening up a number of community and senior centers; implementing a number of programs which are designed to serve senior citizens; maintaining programs, which target drug and alcohol amongst youth; and securing grants that fund programs, grand opening events hosted by numerous local entities to show our support, such as the groundbreaking event for the new Alcalde Elementary School. The County has also hosted a number of town hall undergone construction as well, and now offers a direct method of accessing the County Management and the County Commission: another effort dedicated to assuring transparency and quality customer service. of Rio Arriba County, but more importantly, that I am proud to have worked with such a great team. much as I can to keep our beautiful communities thriving. It was a great honor to serve the residents of Sincerely, Felipe Martinez, Rio Arriba County Commissioner, District 3

8 Calendar of Events July North Railroad Avenue in Española August North Railroad Avenue in Espanola Take Note: questions at USDA has launched the StrikeForce Initiative, a cross-agency effort to accelerate assistance to Historically Under served groups. For more information, RAC is now in possession of the old Tierra Amarilla Elem. Complex and the old Canjilon Elem. Complex. Any and all activities pertaining to these information, please contact Rosemary Madrid at Register now For Reverse 911 (CodeRED) and receive important notices during emergencies at QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT OUR NEWSLETTER? Please contact Erika Martinez at elmartinez@rio-arriba.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Solid Waste Starts County Departments: - Animal Control (505) County Assessor (505) or (575) County Clerk (505) or (575) Detention Center (575) DWI (505) or (575) Emergency Preparedness (505) Finance (575) Fire Marshal (505) or (505) Fleet Maintenance - Grants and Contracts - Health Human Services (505) Housing (505) or (575) Human Resources (575) Indigent - Planning & Zoning (505) Probate Judge (505) Public Works (505) Receiving - Recreation (505) or (575) Risk Management (575) Senior Programs (505) (505) Treasurer (575) or (505) Vol. 1, Issue 5 A publication of Rio Arriba County : Commissioners: Barney Trujillo, District 1; Alfredo Montoya, District 2; Felipe Martinez, District 3 Tomas Campos, County Manager; David Trujillo, Asst. County Manager Contact Information: commission@rio-arriba.org; countymanager@rio-arriba.org; elmartinez@rio-arriba.org