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Pedestrian Dies in Santa Fe Crash; DUI Suspected in Driver’s Arrest

Juan Oliveros
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Pedestrian Dies in Santa Fe Crash; DUI Suspected in Driver’s Arrest

A pedestrian died after being hit by a vehicle in an early-morning crash on Saturday, April 19, prompting authorities to arrest the driver for suspected driving under the influence.

The Santa Fe Police Traffic Unit said the crash incident happened around 2:05 a.m. near the intersection of Agua Fria Street and Cottonwood Drive in Santa Fe. Officers from Patrol Team C and the DWI Unit immediately responded to reports of an incident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Upon arrival at the scene, police and paramedics found the driver of the vehicle and an injured pedestrian.

Paramedics of Sta Fe Fire Department rushed the victim to a local hospital, but the victim later died from injuries sustained in the crash. Authorities said they did not divulge the victim’s identity pending notification of next of kin.

The driver, identified as Ana Reyes, 23, of Santa Fe, did not have any injuries and remained at the scene. Police said responding officers observed signs of impairment and suspected Reyes was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Following an investigation, the police arrested Reyes and charged her with homicide by vehicle for allegedly driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.

Traffic investigators and crime scene personnel processed the area for evidence. Officers investigating the crash continue to conduct interviews related to the case.

Following the incident, authorities closed Agua Fria Street from Dominguez Lane to Cottonwood Drive for a traffic investigation. The road was reopened later to normal traffic.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing. The police urged anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Detective Andrea Gonzales at (505) 955-5330.

Santa Fe Fest Keeps Lifelines for Immigrants Strong with Monthly Giving

Juan Oliveros
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Santa Fe Fest Keeps Lifelines for Immigrants Strong with Monthly Giving

Building sustainable resources for immigrants grabbed the spotlight as local businesses partnered with Contigo Immigrant Justice (CIJ) to host Todos Juntos Fest. The event brought together community members who explored local vendors, accessed immigrant support resources, and joined music-filled activities led by a live DJ.

Held across venues including Zendo Coffee, Side Track Brewing Company, and Flyby Provisions on Saturday, the fest, a grassroots initiative, aims to link neighbors to support services and sustained giving opportunities.

At the heart of the initiative is a push for predictable, monthly contributions that, according to organizers, are key to sustaining legal aid and other essential services for immigrants, particularly those with limited access to support systems.

“Knowing how much money we have every month is really helpful in creating sustainable resources for immigrants in the community,” said Ben Rose, community engagement manager of Contigo Immigrant Justice. “It’s about building a strong community in support of immigrants.”

The organization officially rebranded from Santa Fe Dreamers Project to Contigo Immigrant Justice in 2025. It has spent over a decade advocating for immigrant communities, with programs focused on legal assistance, education, and grassroots organizing.

What the Future Holds: Students Learn More About Careers 

Gregg Morgan
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What the Future Holds: Students Learn More About Careers 

Curious about future careers? Cibola High School students just explored them.

More than 320 ninth graders turned out for Cibola’s inaugural Freshman Career Fair on April 15. The school held the career fair in its concourse. It partnered with Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce as part of the Albuquerque Public School’s (APS) Freshman Academies initiative. 

“This is our third and final Freshman Academies Career Fair of the year,’ said Melodee Saiz, APS Business Community Liaison for Career and Technical Education and Career Connected Learning. “We started the year with Highland High School, then went on to Manzano, and now we’re at Cibola.” 

Saiz said she was hired to “build new relationships, get our community involved … and truly build those partnerships.” She has been with APS for two and a half years. 

Freshman Academies are designed to move away from traditional classroom models toward team-based, career-oriented environments for ninth graders. Programs currently operate at Cibola, Highland, and Manzano high schools. APS plans to expand the initiative to six additional high schools next year.

Inside the Career Fair

Cibola’s Freshman Career Fair featured a diverse mix of community businesses and organizations. Participants include UNM Colleges of Engineering, Pharmacy, and Architecture & Planning; Presbyterian Hospital; Sage Truck Driving Schools; and even Por Vida Tattoo.

Erik Contreras, Director of Community and Business Development for the Hispano Chamber of Commerce, enthusiastically highlighted the importance of community initiatives.

“The Hispano Chamber has over 1,400 members, and we focus on education and economic development,” he said. “We thought we’d help make an impact for the schools. It’s really about helping the kids early on to get on a career path.”    

Presbyterian Hospital offered one of the most popular career options. Table organizers led an interactive activity for freshmen. Organizers arranged six CPR manikins in a circle as a team leader guided students through CPR compression exercises.  

The Career Expo focused on careers of the future. For Cibola freshman Michael Jaramillo, it was an opportunity to add another practical skill, like CPR, to his current toolbox.

“It’s nice to know that, in case something happens to somebody you know, you can help them because now you know how to do it,” he said.

Trail Town Pride: Santa Fe Earns IMBA Nod; Governor Commits to Expanding Outdoor Opportunities

Juan Oliveros
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Trail Town Pride: Santa Fe Earns IMBA Nod; Governor Commits to Expanding Outdoor Opportunities

Santa Fe is one of 28 communities across 20 US states to receive the inaugural “Trail Town” designation, the International Mountain Bicycling Association announced. The designation marks a national recognition of the city’s leadership in trail development and outdoor recreation.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham hailed the designation. The governor pointed to Santa Fe’s more than 500 miles of world-class mountain biking trails. Sta Fe, she said, has the reputation as a year-round destination for riders and outdoor enthusiasts.

Lujan Grisham reiterated her administration’s commitment to expanding outdoor opportunities for all New Mexicans. She emphasized that increased access to trails, parks, and open spaces helps create healthier communities, stronger environmental awareness, and a more inclusive outdoor recreation economy.

The designation honors communities with strong trail infrastructure, active local trail organizations, sustained funding, and a culture of community engagement. These criteria, IMBA said, promote healthier lifestyles, environmental stewardship, and broader access to outdoor spaces.

“IMBA Trail Towns represent communities that understand the powerful role trails play in shaping vibrant places to live, work, and play,” said Jillian Olson, IMBA Community Progress Manager. Olson said such investments also help attract visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen community ties.

The IMBA recognition comes as the US outdoor recreation sector continues to grow. In 2024, the outdoor recreation sector generated $1.3 trillion worth of economic activity, supported 5.2 million jobs, and accounted for 2.4 percent of the country’s GDP.

IMBA said the Trail Town honorees are setting the bar on how trail systems can drive sustainable growth, boost local economies, and enhance quality of life.

Santa Fe Deputy Shoots and Kills Armed Man at Dawn

Ruben Reyes
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Santa Fe Deputy Shoots and Kills Armed Man at Dawn

New Mexico State Police say a Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputy shot and killed a 36-year-old man after he fired at the deputy.

According to NMSP, the shooting happened April 18 after a deputy tried to stop a motorcycle for speeding near Agua Fria and San Felipe at around 4 A.M.

The police say the motorcycle fled. Later, the deputy saw the same motorcycle on a bike near the Vista Linda Apartments at 6332 Entrada Del Milagro.

Investigators say the rider went into the apartment complex parking lot and tried to get away through a corridor toward Paseo Del Sol.

The deputy turned on emergency lights, got out, and chased him on foot, got out and chased him on foot.

State police say the deputy caught up to the rider and pushed both him and the motorcycle to the ground.

During the encounter, investigators say the man pulled a gun and fired at the deputy but missed. The deputy strike back and hit the suspect.

Response and Investigators

Backup deputies gave aid until emergency crews arrived, according to NMSP. They say the man died from his injuries despite lifesaving efforts.

The police identified him as a 36-year-old Randall Brian Lopez.

Meanwhile, the deputy was not hit by gunfire however he got burns to the face that were consistent with muzzle flash, according to investigators.

According to them, someone stole Lopez’s gun, and Lopez had a lengthy and violent criminal history that included prior charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, concealing identity, and resisting or evading an officer.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is still investigating and won’t disclose the deputy’s name at this time.

Citizens are Now Closer To Lawmakers, New Legislative Office Opens in Albuquerque

Ruben Reyes
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Citizens are Now Closer To Lawmakers, New Legislative Office Opens in Albuquerque

A new legislative office opened in Albuquerque, giving unpaid lawmakers a place to meet people to hear concerns about the community.

The grand opening of the office received great support as New Mexico is the only state in the country that does not pay it legislative members.

The new office gives people a place to meet lawmakers and talk about their concern in their respective community.

Rep. Yanira Gurrola says this office and dozen others around the state gives legislators a chance to connect with people.

“It’s a close place. We work in Santa Fe one time a year and then nobody knows where we are. So this is where they can come find us,” said Yanira Gurrola.

People can find Gurrola and Eleanor Chávez at the new office is on Albuquerque’s Westside at 201 Unser Boulevard NW.

New Information on Active Shooter Arrest in Bernalillo

Ruben Reyes
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New Information on Active Shooter Arrest in Bernalillo

Editor’s note: This case has been updated multiple times. For more information of the case, you can read these first article and its update.

Authorities have identified the man who carried out the active shooting near Bernalillo High School last Tuesday morning, urging a town-wide lockdown during the height of the morning rush.

According to the police, Paul Mendez, age 57, shot three people sitting inside a truck near the Rail Runner Park and Ride just before 5 A.M.

Fortunately, the bullet struck only the truck and shattered its window, and no one was injured.

The shooting set off a large law enforcement response and brought much of Bernalillo to a halt for hours as authorities searched for what they believed was an active shooter.

The Shooting Leads Police to a High School

Investigators say Mendez fled the Park and Ride after the initial shooting and officers later located him near Bernalillo High School, where they exchanged gunfire with him in a wooded area behind campus.

Bernalillo Police Chief Chris Stoyell said the terrain prevented officers from obtaining a clear view of the suspect.

According to Stoyell, when shots were exchanged, they really didn’t have a good visual on the suspect because he was in a wooded area, so they backed out and asked for additional manpower.

“Once the shots were exchanged and they didn’t really have a good visual on the subject because he was in a wooded area, they backed out and asked for additional resources,” Stoyell said.

Chief Stoyell says the officers immediately contacted Bernalillo Public Schools once the suspect was believed to be behind the high school.

Schools and Businesses on Pause

The district initially announced a two-hour delay, but later decided to close all schools for the day.

Chief Stoyell said the incident occurred between 4:30 and 7:30 A.M., making the decision urgent.

“Especially being behind the school, it makes it an even bigger deal. At that point we had staff coming in, students arriving,” Stoyell said.

“We wanted to lock down that area.” he further added.

Police confirmed that some school personnel were already on campus when the alert went out.

“Our school resource officer said there were personnel starting to arrive on scene,” Stoyell said. “I think there were actually some people in the cafeteria area as well.”

Bernalillo Public Schools resumed normal operations the following day. The district did not respond to questions about how staff inside the building handled the situation or how leaders decided to move from a delay to a full closure.

The shelter-in-place order extended beyond schools. Authorities closed businesses across town, including gas stations, for safety.

Victims Reminisces Being Shot At

One of the men inside recalls the terrifying encounter.

“In the parking lot where we just pulled out, we saw a man standing there with a firearm drawn — walking toward us and shooting at our vehicle,” he said. “I saw the muzzle flash.”

The men were not injured, but the accident damaged their truck.

Multiple law enforcement bodies, including the FBI, responded as officers flocked the area searching for Mendez.

Officers delayed the Rail Runner service, students stayed home, and residents waited anxiously for updates.

A local business owner shared that the announcement of lockdown caused everything to close down, particularly her business which was right by the high school.

Suspect Found Without Incident

In the end Police found Mendez lying in a ditch and took him into custody without further confrontation.

Police reported he had two handguns and loose ammunition on him.

Stoyell said he was not confrontational at that point and they took him into custody without any issues.

“He was not confrontational at that point and was taken into custody without any incident,” Stoyell said.

Mendell is facing 13 charges, including assault with a deadly weapon on five officers, shooting at or from a vehicle, and having a stolen gun.

A judge will see him within the next 10 days to determine if he will stay in jail until his trial.

The Relief After

By Tuesday evening, the situation around Bernalillo High School has calmed down and businesses began reopening.

Chief Stoyell also addressed questions about why some residents received emergency alerts, and others did not. Dispatch officials send alerts using GPS location data within the incident’s established perimeter.

Snowpack Collapse Puts Rio Grande at Risk of Running Dry — Again

Juan Oliveros
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Snowpack Collapse Puts Rio Grande at Risk of Running Dry — Again

Some sections of the Rio Grande, including the stretch through Albuquerque, are moving toward another summer of drying due to a collapse in winter snowpack, US water managers warned.

The 2026 operating plan of the Bureau of Reclamation for the Rio Grande and the Pecos River mirrors the earliest snowmelt, among the recorded lowest snowpack levels, and reservoir storage is already drying up.

“Being faced with a third dry year in a row is a big challenge,” said acting Albuquerque Area Manager John Irizarry, adding that the agency is coordinating with stakeholders to stretch limited supplies.

Reservoirs near empty

Most reservoirs along the Rio Chama and Rio Grande are already holding less than 15 percent of their capacity. Heron Reservoir is at 11 percent; El Vado Reservoir, 13 percent; and Elephant Butte Reservoir, 13 percent. With these reservoirs near empty, there is little buffer left for the months ahead.

If monsoon rains fail, Elephant Butte could drop to around 2 percent by late August, which is lower than 3 percent in 2025, the Bureau said.

Early drying, dangerous conditions

Irrigation releases from Elephant Butte are scheduled to begin on April 28, and from Caballo Reservoir on May 29. Authorities cautioned that parched channels downstream of the dams may suddenly surge with water, which may result in unpredictable and dangerous conditions.

Upstream, drying in the San Acacia began March 27 — the earliest recorded in 30 years. The Bureau is already working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to rescue endangered fish trapped in shrinking pools.

The Rio Grande ran dry in Albuquerque in July last year. Officials say 2026 is on track for a repeat.

Pecos River outlook worse

The situation along the Pecos River is even more critical. As of March 31, snow water equivalent across the basin fell to 0 percent of the median. Projections from the Natural Resources Conservation Service have placed some 9,000 acre-feet of inflow into Santa Rosa Reservoir. But the snowpack melted before it reached the reservoir.

Any additional inflow will depend largely on rainfall.

Limited hope from monsoon

The National Weather Service is forecasting above-average precipitation during the summer monsoon. This offers possible relief, but forecasters expect hot, dry conditions to persist through May.

Snowpack far below normal

As of mid-April, snow water equivalent stood at only 4 percent of the median in the Rio Chama basin and 13 percent in the upper basin of the Rio Grande. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains registered slightly over one-fifth, or 21 percent, while snow in the Jemez Mountains has already fully dissipated.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service forecasts Rio Chama inflow into El Vado Reservoir at nearly one-fourth, or 24 percent of average. With a third straight dry year unraveling, water managers warn that water supplies for farms, ecosystems, and cities will once more face significant stress this summer.

After a Nationwide Search, New Mexico Tech Names Michael Jackson to Lead the University

Juan Oliveros
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After a Nationwide Search, New Mexico Tech Names Michael Jackson to Lead the University

The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) has named Dr. Michael Jackson as its 19th president, ending a nationwide search in the pool of more than 45 candidates, the Board of Regents announced.

The search began on January 14 and ended with Jackson’s appointment after months of leading the institution in an acting and interim capacity. Jackson has served as acting president since July 2025. And he was designated interim president in September 2025.

Jackson earned his Ph.D. in Physics from New Mexico State University. He was provost and vice president for academic affairs at New Mexico Tech.

The new president previously held senior academic and administrative roles at Central Washington University, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, and University of Pennsylvania. It was in Pennsylvania where he focused on student success, research development, and institutional stability.

“Dr. Jackson has provided exceptional leadership during a critical time for New Mexico Tech,” David Lepre, chairman of the Board of Regents, said. “He has demonstrated a strong commitment to our students, staff, researchers, and the broader campus community, with a deep understanding of the institution’s mission.”

Jackson said he will prioritize strengthening the student experience and expanding, at the same time, the opportunities in education and research. “It is a privilege to continue serving New Mexico Tech,” he said. “Together with our faculty, staff, and community, we will build on our strengths and advance our impact as a premier STEM institution for New Mexico and beyond.”

The Board also thanked the search committee —composed of representatives from executive and administrative offices, human resources, campus police, and the district attorney’s office—for shortlisting the candidates to five finalists.

Deal Denied—Trump Administration Pushes to Take New Mexico Trust Land

Juan Oliveros
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Deal Denied—Trump Administration Pushes to Take New Mexico Trust Land

Donald Trump’s administration seeks to seize seven acres of state trust land along the US-Mexico border in New Mexico. The federal action has escalated a dispute after state officials rejected an earlier attempt to purchase the property.

The New Mexico State Land Office said the White House had informed them of plans to take control of the area, which is located along the international boundary. State officials had previously rejected Washington’s offer to buy the land, prompting the latest move, which could set up a legal confrontation between state and federal authorities.

Unauthorized use of trust land

Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard said the pushback comes after what she said as years of unauthorized use of state trust land in Luna and Doña Ana counties. The commissioner sharply criticized the administration’s actions. She described the planned seizure as a ” historic overreach ” and warned of its impact on public school funding, which relies in part on revenues generated from trust lands.

Garcia Richard said she is now reviewing possible legal remedies to challenge the move. “I do not take this brazen seizure of New Mexico’s lands lightly,” she said. Her office has been exploring “all forms of recourse” available to resist the federal action, she added.

Not the first

Garcia Richard isn’t the first land commissioner to clash with Washington over border projects. In 2018, her predecessor, Commissioner Aubrey Dunn, planted a “no trespassing” sign after federal agents built a road and fencing without securing a right‑of‑way — a flashpoint during Trump’s first term.

“Border security is important, but so are our kids; and they have a right to collect the money earned from the lands they own,” Dunn said then.

Both Dunn and Garcia Richard raised alarms with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over trust lands in Luna and Doña Ana counties. The federal government set up steel bollards, fencing, roads, and equipment depots, without proper clearance.

The White House has yet to publicly detail the legal basis or timeline for the planned seizure of the state trust land.

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