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Healthier School Meals for Students? APS Cafeteria Teams Gear Up

Gregg Morgan
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Healthier School Meals for Students? APS Cafeteria Teams Gear Up

Parents and guardians need not worry about whether their children are eating healthy at school. Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) plans for the major shift in school meal preparations on the first day of the school year. Starting August 7, APS will prepare more than half of the school menu items from scratch.

This development paved the way for the Food & Nutrition Services team to undergo hands-on cooking lessons at APS’ central kitchen. About 60 APS staff, including area managers, site supervisors, and cooks, participated in scratch-kitchen training led by chefs from Brigaid. 

The New Mexico Public Education Department’s Student Success and Wellness Bureau sponsored the recent training. It aims to help school districts prepare for the scratch cooking requirements of the state’s Healthy Universal School Meal Program.

“This is the first of hopefully many training opportunities with Brigaid,” said Marie Johnson, executive director of APS Food & Nutrition Services. “They’re here to really work with our team side by side, hands-on, boots on the ground, helping us adapt what they know so we can successfully transition to scratch cooking.”

Johnson said there will be lots of training over the summer so the team is fully equipped by August. “All of our menus will be 51% scratch or more.”

Mastering Measurements and Menus

During the training, participants practiced foundational culinary skills such as knife techniques, reading recipes, measuring ingredients accurately and building flavor. The chefs guided teams in preparing dishes that will appear on school menus. They included sloppy Joes, calabacitas, cornbread, pico de gallo, and pancakes with a cinnamon swirl.

One key focus was teaching staff the difference between measuring by weight and volume. This skill is critical when cooking large quantities.

“We want them to know how to read recipes and understand weights and measures,” Johnson said. “There’s a distinct difference between weight and volume, so we really want them to get that dialed in so recipes are executed properly and there’s no confusion.”

APS will continue preparing some meal components at its central kitchen, while staff will handle many fresh ingredients directly at schools.

“Veggies, fruit and things like that will be done at the school site,” Johnson explained. “The main dish will come from here.”

The Training Experience

Longtime APS Cook and Baker Francisca Segura said  the training felt familiar in the best way.

“I love it,” Segura said. “We are learning a lot, and it’s a good idea. This will be healthy for the children. I hope they like the flavors.”

Segura, an APS cook for 20 years, said scratch cooking reminds her of the way school meals were once prepared.

“When I started cooking and baking, it was like that,” she said. “I started cooking beans, meat and all this stuff. I like it.”

Johnson said the training is also about building confidence among staff as they prepare for the transition.

“We really want to break down the barriers and let our team know they can do this,” she said. “It just takes a little bit of tweaking in the skills they already have. We’re going to do just fine. We’re just trying to knock off the fear.”

Additional Trainings Eyed This Summer

The team plans more training opportunities throughout the summer and schedules additional sessions before the school year begins.

Students will also see some new menu items inspired by the shift toward scratch cooking. Johnson is especially excited about one dish, the “Southwest Joe,” a New Mexican twist on the classic sloppy Joe.

“In our variation, there is red chile,” she said. “It will offer a quarter cup of red-orange vegetables, and it’s delicious. I think the kids are really going to like it.”

“The kids who have tried it have said yes,” Johnson said with a laugh. “I think we’re going to get famous on that.”

More Rain are Expected to return to New Mexico This Week

Ruben Reyes
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Rain showers will lessen tonight across New Mexico, with warmer and drier weather returning Wednesday. However, chances of precipitation may increase again late this week, with storms possible heading into the weekend.

Few showers and thunderstorms developed Tuesday across New Mexico, only a couple of isolated showers sticking around right now and will end overnight.

Skies will be visible as drier air moves in, setting up a warmer Wednesday with just few sprinkles near the mountains.

On Thursday, even warmer air moves with westerly winds, while a slight increase in moisture brings another chance for isolated showers and storms.

By Friday, low pressure off the California coast will pull in with deeper moisture, leading to more widespread showers and thunderstorms Friday afternoon while temperatures stay warm; the best moisture is coming on Saturday morning.

The timing of an much more rain will determine storm coverage and the later arrival favors more thunderstorms, some capable of small hail, while an earlier arrival would bring more steady rain.

Expect cold fronts moving through on Sunday, bringing cooler temperatures and isolated showers to western, northern, and central New Mexico.

Drier air returns early next week, although rain chances may linger across southern Colorado

To Serve Underserved Areas: State Grants Student Loan Relief to Eight Rural Veterinarians

Gregg Morgan
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To Serve Underserved Areas: State Grants Student Loan Relief to Eight Rural Veterinarians

Serve rural communities and get student loan relief? Eight veterinarians in New Mexico are doing just that. 

The New Mexico Higher Education Department has awarded thousands of dollars in student debt relief to eight rural veterinarians. The aid comes through the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program . 

Lawmakers established the initiative during the 2025 legislative session. It provides up to $80,000 in financial assistance to veterinarians who commit to rural practice and food animal care for four years.  

The loan repayment program awards veterinarians $15,000 for the first two years of service in the state. It offers up to an additional $25,000 for each of the following two years. 

The program aims to address the critical shortage of food animal veterinarians in New Mexico. It supports the care of livestock raised for food, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry. The effort protects the state’s agricultural industry and directly supports New Mexico’s rural, frontier and tribal communities. 

Helping Address Veterinary Care Shortages

Many rural and frontier areas in New Mexico face significant challenges with access to veterinary care. These challenges can adversely affect the health of local livestock and food production.   

“Access to veterinary services remains a challenge for many New Mexicans in rural communities,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “This program will strengthen food animal health, protect our food systems and support rural economies statewide while reducing student debt for those who chose to serve the state.” 

Jovani Armendariz, Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program awardee, said he applied for the program because rural eastern New Mexico urgently needs accessible food-animal veterinary care. He said building a mobile mixed-animal practice in such an underserved region requires significant personal investment.

“This support will allow me to reinvest directly into herd health services, emergency response, and affordable care for local producers, strengthening both animal health and food security. I’m committed to serving these communities long-term, and this program helps make that possible,” Armendariz said. 

Dr. Samantha Holeck, New Mexico State Veterinarian, earlier said the program is a great first step in supporting the rural veterinary community. “Veterinarians are crucial to the health of our animals and the security of our food supply. This program will support the recruitment and retention of veterinarians in areas of dire need.” 

The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program accepted applications from October 1 to November 1 of last year. 

New Mexico offers a variety of loan repayment programs, scholarships, and other higher education opportunities to support the community. The state also recruits and retains highly trained professionals in critical fields to provide support to under-served areas. 

Pacific Fusion’s $1B New Mexico Gamble Enters Crunch Time with Tesla Veteran at the Helm

Juan Oliveros
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Pacific Fusion’s $1B New Mexico Gamble Enters Crunch Time with Tesla Veteran at the Helm

A Tesla veteran hire signals that Pacific Fusion is moving from ambition to execution in New Mexico, as the tech company is pushing forward with its planned $1 billion research and manufacturing campus in Mesa del Sol.

On Monday, the California-headquartered company named Josh Tech, a former Tesla manager, to lead its New Mexico operations. The move underscores a critical phase in the project: turning a high-risk scientific bet into a functioning industrial footprint.

“Some career moves feel incremental. Others feel like stepping into the future,” Tech said, describing his new role as more about building scalable systems. The company expects him to translate fusion energy’s promise into “operational reality” in New Mexico.

From concept to construction

Tech’s appointment came as Pacific Fusion quietly laid the groundwork for its long-term presence in the region. In December, the California-headquartered firm opened a build-to-suit center in Los Morros Business Park. It has begun hiring local workers, signaling early-stage activity ahead of the larger Mesa del Sol campus.

The company announced the campus in September. It is expected to generate around 200 long-term jobs and some $400 million in economic activity in the next four years. The numbers alone position the project as one of New Mexico’s more ambitious bets on next-generation energy.

Why Tech’s hire matters

Tech’s background offers a glimpse into Pacific Fusion’s strategy. During his time at Tesla, he worked on new product introduction. More recently, as chief operating officer of REE Automotive, he focused on building scalable production systems.

That experience suggests Pacific Fusion is gearing up for a transition phase: from demonstrating that fusion works to figuring out how to build it reliably and at scale.

Fusion’s high-stakes energy bet

Pacific Fusion is part of the emerging companies racing to commercialize nuclear fusion. Often described as the “holy grail” of clean energy, nuclear fusion has the potential to generate power without carbon emissions and with virtually unlimited fuel.

Recently, the company reported a breakthrough that could make its reactor design more cost-effective. This development serves as a key hurdle in an industry where technical success has not always translated into economic viability.

In announcing Tech’s hiring, Pacific Fusion Chief Operating Officer Carrie von Muench said the company is “working to build the future of energy.” The company is moving to build its workforce in Los Lunas and, at the same time, build its Research and Manufacturing Campus in Albuquerque, he added.

Man Dies On Apparent Suicide After Being Accused of Shooting A Family

Ruben Reyes
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Luis Sanchez took his own life after authorities jailed him since February 17, after the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office accused him of shooting down his family in their home in East Mountain.

He took his own life while in custody last Sunday.

“The horrific nature of the facts of this case, it just common sense will tell you that there’s some mental issues involved. Now, whether those rise to a legal level or not, that’s what we were trying to determine,” Paul Fourt, one of Sanchez’s lawyers said.

Paul Fourt and Dorie Biagianti, Sanchez’s lawyers, said his death surprised and shocked them since they didn’t see any red flag indicating Sanchez would want to take his own life.

“This was a tragedy from the get go. It started out in my office as a tragedy, and it ended in my office is a tragedy,” Fourt said.

On Monday morning, someone notified them about his death.

“I was surprised. I received no indication from my client, either through verbally or mannerisms or anything that this might be the outcome,” Fourt said.

Lopez’s Last Moments in MDC

At around 6:20 P.M., a correction officer found Sanchez in “medical distress.” The officer, MDC staff, and UNM Hospital staff tried to save him but declared him dead at 6:20 P.M.

According to Biagianti, Sanchez’s wife filed a divorce couple weeks ago but when he met with Sanchez, everything seemed normal.

“Nothing that stood out that he was in danger of, you know, something like this,” she said.

This is the third apparent incident of suicide at MDC this year—officials reported Justin Stone and Josh Sandoval dead with the same apparent reason in January and February, respectively.

“It’s disheartening and it’s really sad. I’m not surprised it’s happened again.” Elizabeth Piazza, GPJ Legal Attorney said.

Piazza said they do not see changes that are needed to prevent needless deaths, as MDC security personnel claim that they train on suicide risk factors. Still, then, again, the same thing happens—their training remains insufficient, and they don’t understand what those red flags are with respect to suicide behavior.

What Happens Now

As for Sanchez’s case, Fourt raised no issues with the jail.

“With the number of three this year, that would raise a red flag anywhere,” Fourt said. “In my experience, everything was done by the book. I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary on any of my visits.” Fourth added.

MDC is currently not giving any further details about the incident and says only the Office of Professional Standards and BSCO will determine how the investigation will go.

The New Mexico Office of Medical Investigator will determine the official cause of death.

Sanchez’s wife prosecutes for the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Prior to his death last Sunday, the New Mexico Department of Justice had taken over the investigation of the case.

Prosecutors are charging Sanchez with multiple offenses, including child abuse resulting in death.

Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office’s Statement

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office released a statement confirming the death of Sanchez under their custody.

“The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office can confirm Luis Sanchez died while in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center. BCSO is assisting with the investigation into the in-custody death following an apparent suicide attempt. Because this remains an active investigation, we are limited in what we can say at this time. Our focus remains on the victims and their family. Our investigators have remained in contact with them, and we are grateful the adult victim and surviving child continue to recover. BCSO will continue to support them in any way we can.”

New Mexico’s Water Data Program Earns National Spotlight, Showcasing a Vision for a More Connected and Informed Future

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico’s Water Data Program Earns National Spotlight, Showcasing a Vision for a More Connected and Informed Future

New Mexico’s initiative to modernize water data management has been recognized as one of the United States’ most promising public sector-led innovations across the country.

The New Mexico Water Data Initiative (WDI) was selected as the state’s entry to 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs, a showcase highlighting outstanding government projects across all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico.

“We’re honored to be recognized on a national level,” said Rachel Hobbs, water data program manager at the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. WDI has made significant strides since its launch in 2019, Hobbs noted. “While challenges remain, we’re committed to building a more connected and sustainable water future for New Mexico.”

Integration and standardization

The initiative is building a centralized, open-data platform that provides policymakers, researchers, and communities with real-time access to critical water information.

WDI’s key output is Weaver, an online visualization platform allowing users to explore groundwater data through interactive maps. The platform is part of a growing package of tools to make complex water data more accessible to decision-makers and the public alike.

A panel of experts from government, academia, and the technology sector vetted the projects included in the 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs. Selection criteria include impact, originality, and the potential to be replicated in other jurisdictions.

The recognition positions New Mexico as a model for data-driven water governance, particularly as climate pressures and resource constraints push governments to adopt more responsive and transparent systems.

Innovations in public service

The program seeks to resolve a fragmented water data system that has endured over time. fragmented water data systems. Traditionally, information on water quality, supply, and usage was stored across multiple agencies, making it hard for officials to respond quickly to drought, contamination risks, or changing demand.

The initiative is led by Apolitical, in partnership with the National Academy of Public Administration and Humans of Public Service. It is part of an overall effort to spotlight innovations in public service that improve governance.

Led by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology, WDI was launched in 2019 under the Water Data Act. The bureau collaborates with key state agencies, including the Interstate Stream Commission, the Office of the State Engineer, the Department of Environment, and the Department of Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources.

$300,000 Can be Alloted to Warehouse 505 Despite Proposed Budget Cuts

Ruben Reyes
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Warehouse 505, Albuquerque’s youth non-profit organization, could receive hundreds of thousands of dollars from the city despite the mayor’s proposed tight budget.

People say many non-profit organizations are feeling the budget cuts due to fewer opportunities and lesser funding, which is why they are grateful for the city that continues to invest in their organization and initiative.

Warehouse 505 along Central offers teens from ages 13 to 20 free learning opportunities in art, music, entrepreneurship, career readiness, and financial literacy.

The organization has been around since 2009, however under the current administration, the administration has limited funding opportunities.

“As a nonprofit, when you want to diversify your funding sources, grants and foundations are a fantastic way to supplement your budget, right? But right now, all of the grants are dried up or completely dissolved,” said Robert Stokowy, Warehouse 505 Executive Director.

Stokowy says he is grateful for the City of Albuquerque that allocated them $300,000 to them in its proposed budget for the upcoming year. This comes as the city wishes to cut back spending by $35 millio due to inflation, rising service, and healthcare cost, and a drop in federal funding.

“We appreciate the city’s belief in us,” said Stokowy gratefully.

Stokowy then shared one of their former student, Willow, who joined DJ program when she was young and now owns a DJ business, performing in front of crowds.

Warehouse 505 said that the coty is its bigger partner, so if the funding won’t go through, they will find a way to fill the gap.

The City council expected to approve the final $1.47 billion budget before the end of May.

Concerns Over Wildfires Arise Due to Rising Temperatures

Ruben Reyes
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San Juan County Fire and Rescue Chief David Vega says the fire season has started very early this year, and with cooler temperatures and a little rain now and then, it won’t do much to reduce the wildlife danger.

According to him, Northwest New Mexico hasn’t yet observe a measurable precipitation for several months thus making the wildfire came a month earlier than its supposed to be.

The authorities briefly implemented restrictions last week and his department is closely monitoring conditions so they can impose restrictions if high temperatures, high winds, and dry conditions increase the likelihood of small fires turning into bigger ones.

Authorities also give standard guidance to those who choose to have campfires to have sufficient water to put out the fire completely, making sure there are no hot coals or smoke evident.

Even by that, we recommend another good soaking and monitoring.

Vega says that if the fire starts immediately, call 911 before taking any measures to put it out.

With rain forecast approaching, Vega tells people to not get our hopes up for a reduction in the risk of potentially severe fire season.

UNM Launches Exciting Earth Month Activities

Gregg Morgan
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UNM Launches Exciting Earth Month Activities

Did you know that April is Earth Month? To mark the month-long observance, the University of New Mexico’s (UNM) Office of Sustainability will host a series of events promoting sustainability across campus. These activities invite students, faculty, and staff to connect with nature while supporting their mental and physical well-being.

For the second consecutive year, UNM earned recognition as a Tree Campus. The Office of Sustainability is celebrating with tours and events all month while promoting environmental wellness through the UNM Arboretum.

Events will begin Wednesday, April 8, with the GPSA Green Workforce Fair. It runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Student Union Building Atrium.

On Wednesday, April 22, the University will host an Earth Day North Campus Clean-Up from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants will check in at the North Campus Shade Structure. To join, RSVP on the Sustainability website for the team-building opportunity. The event will accommodate up to 50 participants. Organizers will provide breakfast burritos, coffee, and tea.

The 16th Annual Sustainability Expo will take place on Thursday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Cornell Mall outside the Student Union Building. The event is organized in partnership with the Sustainability Studies Program. Later, the SUB Movie Theater will host a screening of Across Together: The Return Expedition from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and a question-and-answer session will follow the film.

More Activities

Additional events include the Arbor Day Central Campus Clean-Up and tree planting on Friday, April 24, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Duck Pond. The University will also release the UNM Arboretum Tour from noon to 1 p.m. 

From Friday-Monday, April 24 to 27, UNM will participate in the Albuquerque City Nature Challenge. The virtual event encourages participants to document biodiversity across campus and the city using iNaturalist.

The month’s programming will conclude with the Lobo Gardens Spring Garden Party on April 30 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Bike to UNM Day will follow on May 6, featuring group rides and welcome stations across campus.

Organizers encourage the campus community to join the events and explore ways to support sustainability efforts at UNM.

Downtown Growers’ Market is Back — And People are Showing Up Early

Juan Oliveros
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Downtown Growers’ Market is Back — And People are Showing Up Early

The Downtown Growers’ Market has reopened. It has drawn early-morning crowds to Robinson Park looking for local crafts, fresh produce, and ready-to-eat breakfast staples.

Vendors offer a mix of farm goods and handmade products while shoppers pick up fresh vegetables, honey, pots, and breakfast favorites.

The Downtown Growers’ Market is offering a vibrant urban market space. Roughly one-third of the downtown area is devoted to parking, making it convenient for visitors, the organizers said in their social media post.

Several options are available within just a block or two of Robinson Park, such as parking lots, garages, and street spaces. Posted lot fees and meter rates must be paid, as city and private parking officials monitor on Saturdays, organizers said.

It is more than just a place to shop. The Growers’ Market also serves as a community gathering space. Visitors may linger on the grass or lay out picnic blankets. They may also bask in Albuquerque’s spring weather.

The first market day rolled off Saturday in downtown Albuquerque. Organizers said the Growers’ Market will return every Saturday morning for the next several months. It will continue to run as a go-to spot for both residents and visitors.

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