On Thursday, October 16, New Mexico Speaker of the House Javier Martínez hosted a roundtable in Las Vegas, NM, with city and county officials, local business owners, and community partners. The discussion focused on recovery efforts, funding challenges, and the ongoing need for infrastructure improvements and community support. The meeting was highly productive, with participants expressing a shared commitment to continued collaboration. There are plans to hold additional roundtables in the future, potentially on a more individual or targeted scale. The City of Las Vegas is grateful for the continued support from the state as we work through post-recovery challenges and strive to strengthen our community. Attendees included: ·        Mayor David G. Romero, Las Vegas ·        City Manager Robert A. Anaya ·        City Public Information Officer Amanda Salas ·        City Police Chief Caleb Marquez ·        County Manager Joy Ansley ·        Deputy County Manager Jesus Romero ·        Sheriff Chris Lopez ·        Mayor Telesfor “Ted” Benavidez, Pecos ·        Asst. District 4 Engineer of Construction Chris Urioste, NMDOT ·        Speaker of the House Javier Martínez and his team: • Alicia Manzano – Chief of Staff • Claire Dudley Chavez – Policy Director • Helen Maestas – Director of Community Engagement ·        Representative Anita Gonzales (D-70) and District Legislative Aide Consuelo Lowe ·        Community partners: MG Salazar, Jim Abreu, and Leota Harriman ·        Local business owners: Josef Jaureguiberry, Andrea Gottschalk, Gabriel Garcia, Sara Jo Mathews, Elmo Baca, Chico Gallegos, Michelle Sandoval, Makani Nakasone, and Carlos Lopez    The city looks forward to continuing these conversations and building on the momentum from this gathering. We are proud of our strong, resilient community.

Starting today, the Outdoor Recreation Trail at Rodriguez Park, located at 1308 Grant Street, will be open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,   seven days a week, for the fall and winter season. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the cooler weather and peaceful atmosphere along the trail, which winds west into the mountains and features scenic views and possible wildlife sightings. Please observe animals from a safe distance. The 1.5-mile, 12-foot-wide trail is open to walkers, runners, and pedal bikers only. Motorized vehicles of any kind, including trucks, UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes, are not allowed. To ensure safety, the Las Vegas Police Department has increased patrols in the area and will monitor the trail both in person and via security cameras. Trail visitors are reminded to keep the area clean and undisturbed to help preserve the natural environment for everyone’s enjoyment. We encourage you to get out and enjoy it. Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk, an energizing run, or a scenic bike ride, the Rodriguez Park Nature Trail offers a beautiful and safe space to connect with nature. Bring a friend, take in the views, and experience all that the trail has to offer this season.

Last night at approximately 8:30 PM, the Las Vegas Fire Department responded to reports of an explosion and a possible roof collapse in the area of Catalina Court. Units from Stations 1 and 2 were dispatched to the scene to investigate the situation. Upon arrival, fire crews conducted a thorough assessment of the area. Residents in the vicinity may have heard a loud explosive sound. After a complete inspection, no fire was found, and no injuries were reported to either residents or fire personnel. The scene has been stabilized and remains under investigation at this time. There is no danger to the public or surrounding areas. The Las Vegas Fire Department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and understanding during this response.

LAS VEGAS, NM  – On Monday, the City of Las Vegas, in partnership with Stantec Engineering and ARCH Consulting, LLC, held a strategic planning meeting at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) to discuss the future of Rodriguez Park. The meeting focused on identifying opportunities and challenges, brainstorming development ideas, and drawing inspiration from sports complexes nationwide to effectively use the additional state capital outlay funding received over the past year. Stantec Engineering will present two plan options to the Governing Body within the next two months. These plans will guide the development of construction-ready documents, which will be bid in phases. Invited attendees included representatives from NMHU Athletics, LCC Athletics, Las Vegas City Schools, West Las Vegas Schools, Las Vegas Little League, La Plaza Little League, Las Vegas Youth Soccer, United World College, North Central Economic Development District, Seeds of Wisdom, LLC, and City staff.   Key discussion topics included drainage needs, parking improvements, shade structures, and park amenities like restrooms and maintenance facilities. Participants also covered economic development, security, ADA compliance, and the addition of soccer fields, a skate park, playgrounds, and trails. Upgrades and improvements are already in progress at Rodriguez Park. The City of Las Vegas has fully utilized the $3.5 million capital outlay grant the City received in 2021 for park renovations. A new grant of $217,500 from the New Mexico Land and Water Conservation Program was also recently secured to install lighting at the newly renovated baseball and softball fields. To protect historical sites, an archaeological survey is being conducted ahead of future construction. Additionally, this summer, Rodriguez Park will host the unveiling of the fourth and final mural in the Citywide Mural Project, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and supported by MainStreet de Las Vegas. This project is part of a long-term plan to develop a multi-purpose sports complex, with a focus on creating an inclusive space for physical activity and community engagement.   “We are deeply grateful for the support from the Legislature, the Office of the Governor, and the State of New Mexico, as well as the hard work of our City Manager Tim Montgomery and City staff,” said Mayor David Romero. “The Governing Body and I are excited to see the positive impact this funding will have on our youth and families as we continue this important project.”

Behind the Scenes of Event Planning: The Hard Work Taking Place at City Hall By: Amanda C. Salas, Mayor Liaison/Public Information Officer Planning large events is no easy task and requires a significant amount of time and effort. Many people may not realize the level of work involved, especially with the City of Las Vegas organizing around fifteen annual events, including the grandest of them all—the Fiestas de Las Vegas, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. Beyond these major events, the city is also committed to introducing one or two new events annually, constantly striving to bring fresh experiences to the community. To dive deeper into the behind-the-scenes process, Chuck Griego, Event Planner/Film Liaison, and Thomas Fernandez, Marketing Coordinator, shared the behind-the-scenes process of their work. Both play key roles in making these events happen, and they offered valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of their work in the city’s event planning efforts.  Q: What are your roles in event planning, and how long have you been doing this? Chuck: “My role is to complete an event from its inception to its completion – to plan, design and execute the event. I’ve been with the city for about 20 years in different roles and have been the event planner since 2018, so around 7 years now.” Thomas: “My role is more logistical. I assist Chuck with sending out all applications, ensuring proper permits are executed; review all applications, contracts and any other paperwork for completion. My job is to streamline the process for all involved. I started in this role last August, so this is my first full year helping Chuck plan events.” Q: How long does it take to plan a city event? Chuck: “For the Fiestas, planning starts right after the event ends and continues all year long. It requires a significant budget, artist and band contracts, vendor applications, permits, and planning with other departments and state agencies for safety. We also have to make sure the proper public safety, fire safety, and the electrical setups for vendors are in place which takes collaborating with other city departments. Another challenge is the layout of the park, which must account for all these safety needs. There are other events tied to the Fiestas like the Fiesta Royal Court, Fiesta Run, Royal Dinner, Fiesta Parade, and Carnival, all of which require similar extensive planning. The Fireworks display is primarily handled by Fire Chief Steve Spann, which is a huge help. Other events follow the same process, but the Fiestas take the longest to plan.” Q: Can you explain the importance of event permits? Chuck: “Event permits are essential to ensure everything is fair and organized. They ensure that every department involved—from public safety and fire services to traffic control and sanitation—are informed and aligned on the event’s logistics. By keeping everyone in the loop, permits allow these departments to provide the necessary support, which is especially important when it comes to safety. For example, proper permits ensure that there are sufficient emergency services, correct crowd control measures, and compliance with local laws and regulations. These permits not only protect the city by ensuring events are safe and legal but also help guarantee the event runs smoothly for both the organizers and attendees. This way, we can prevent potential disruptions and provide a seamless experience for the community, all while minimizing risks and ensuring the event’s overall success.” Q: What are the best parts of your job? Chuck: “I feel guilty planning events because I love my job. Not many people can say they get paid to do something they enjoy. Like the saying goes, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’” Thomas: “I enjoy doing my part and making people happy.” Q: What are the most challenging aspects of the job? Chuck: “The most challenging part of my job is getting others to see my vision and being able to effectively communicate and sell my ideas. It’s important to share a clear picture of what I want to achieve, but I also have to be flexible and open to adjusting my plans to accommodate new ideas and perspectives. Balancing my vision with input from others can be difficult, but it’s essential for creating an event that is both well-organized and embraced by the team, stakeholders, and the community.” Thomas: “I think one of the most important aspects of the job is ensuring that all departments, external organizations, and communication channels are on the same page. Consistent and clear communication is key to making sure everyone is aligned and that the event runs smoothly. Whether it’s coordinating with vendors, public safety, or community partners, keeping everyone informed and working together is crucial for a successful event.” Q: What events are you focused on right now? Chuck: “Right now, we’re fully immersed in planning for the Fiestas, which takes up a lot of our time and focus. In addition to that, we’re also working on the WeBe Racing event coming up in April. We’re gearing up for other significant events like the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations, Salute to the Troops, Friday Al Fresco, and the Balloon Fiesta. Each of these events requires a great deal of preparation and coordination, and we’re making sure everything is set to provide an amazing experience for the community.” Q: Any new events you can share a sneak peek of for the public? Chuck: “We’re planning the ‘Friday Finale’ which will be the last Friday Al Fresco event. This event will honor Steve Leger and Yvette Arellanes, two individuals who were instrumental in the creation of the Al Fresco series. It will span two days and feature incredible music artists and food vendors. We’re holding the event in memory of Mr. Steve Leger, who passed away this past February. More details will be announced soon!” Event planning requires careful coordination, creativity, and dedication, and Chuck and Thomas are working hard to ensure every event is memorable and safe for the community. Stay tuned for more exciting events coming your way.

Las Vegas, NM  - At the request of Patricia Pinzón Sánchez, the Mexican Consul based in Albuquerque—and with the support of City Councilwoman Barbara Perea-Casey—the City of Las Vegas governing body convened alongside key community organizations this morning to discuss continued collaboration with the Mexican Consulate. Consul Pinzón Sánchez brings a wealth of experience to her role, with over 20 years working with the Mexican Foreign Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving in Mexico City, California, Arizona, and now New Mexico. This roundtable meeting highlighted shared concerns and opportunities, particularly surrounding the experiences of immigrants and the growing fears within the community due to evolving federal policies. Participants unanimously expressed concern over the fear many undocumented individuals face, as well as the increasing threats to cultural identity. Representatives from the local university and community college shared insights about their diverse student populations, which include individuals from many different nationalities. These institutions emphasized the importance of supporting all students, regardless of their immigration status, and highlighted ongoing efforts to create safe, inclusive learning environments. Consul Sánchez expressed her appreciation for New Mexico’s rich cultural tapestry, noting the state’s incredible diversity, including its many Native communities. “There are so many differences, but also so many similarities from our culture and native cultures as well,” she remarked. “We have had the pleasure to be present between exchanges from native communities here and native communities in Mexico and it’s impressive to know how similar we are at the end. I am grateful to be learning everyday from this amazing state and very happy to be here with you in Las Vegas.” The Consulate of Mexico in Albuquerque, which serves 24 counties in New Mexico and 38 counties in Northwest Texas, is far more than a government office. It is a bridge between cultures, a source of critical support for Mexican nationals, and an active partner in community-building efforts. The Albuquerque Consulate provides a wide range of services consistent across the network of 53 Mexican consulates in the U.S., including: A 24/7 hotline (520-623-7874) to support Mexican nationals in emergencies, including legal, immigration, or mental health crises. Direct assistance for those detained or incarcerated. Guidance on dual nationality, passports, legal documentation, and powers of attorney. Legal support for immigration, human rights, civil and criminal issues, family matters, and victims of crimes — often at no cost through pro bono or remote services. Strong communication ties with local churches, hospitals, and community organizations. Educational initiatives like "Know Your Rights" forums and scholarship programs supporting first-time university students of Mexican origin. The Consulate plans to award $1,000 scholarships in partnership with a future 501(c)(3) fundraising initiative, with all universities encouraged to apply. The Consulate emphasized its commitment to increasing its presence in Las Vegas and to working closely with the local community to ensure no Mexican national feels isolated or without support. For assistance, please contact the Consulate at 520-270-7009 or their 24/7 emergency hotline at 520-623-7874. Attendees included: Mexican Consul Patricia Pinzón Sánchez, Iván Villanueva (Protection Department & Legal Affairs), Mariana Sanchez-Cuatzitl (Innovation & Community Engagement) Mayor David Romero, Councilwoman Barbara Perea-Casey, Councilman Marvin Martinez, Police Chief Caleb Marquez, Mayor Liaison/Public Information Officer Amanda Salas, LCC President Dr. Carol Linder, NMHU President Dr. Neil Woolf, NMHU Chief of Staff Dr. Brandon Kemper, Dr. Eric Romero (Assistant Professor, Languages and Culture and Interim Director of Native American Hispano Studies at NMHU), and Father Rob Yaksich of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. Note: San Miguel County officials were unable to attend due to a prior commitment.

The City of Las Vegas Government is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Elaine Rodriquez, who faithfully served as City Councilor for Ward 3 from August 2020 to March 2022. Dr. Rodriquez was appointed to the council by then-Mayor Louie Trujillo to fill a vacancy and was officially ratified by the governing body. Although she later sought election to continue representing Ward 3, she was not elected. Nevertheless, her unwavering commitment to public service and the positive impact she had on the community were felt and appreciated by colleagues and constituents alike. She was also a well-known Political Science professor at New Mexico Highlands University. The city extends its sincere gratitude for Dr. Rodriquez’s dedication and the meaningful contributions she made during her time in office. Her legacy of service, advocacy, and compassion will continue to inspire future leaders in our community. We offer our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

The Las Vegas Police Department, Las Vegas Fire Department, and the City of Las Vegas extend our deepest condolences to the Rio Arriba County Sheriff's Office on the sudden and unexpected passing of Sheriff Billy Merrifield. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in blue during this profoundly difficult time. Sheriff Merrifield’s unwavering dedication to public service and his steadfast commitment to his community will never be forgotten. We honor his legacy, share in the sorrow of his loss, and recognize his service. End of Watch: April 20, 2025

Las Vegas, NM – The Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD) is currently investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, near the intersection of 7th Street and Grand Avenue. The Las Vegas Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded promptly. Firefighters secured the scene while EMS personnel attempted life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, both occupants sustained fatal injuries. Investigators are gathering information at this time. Speed is being considered a contributing factor. The Las Vegas Police Department urges anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information relevant to the investigation to contact LVPD at (505) 425-7504. The City of Las Vegas extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2025 Media Contact: Amanda C. Salas, PIO Phone: (505) 426-5703 Email: clvpio@lasvegasnm.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 16, 2025 Media Contact: Amanda C. Salas Mayor Liaison/Public Information Officer 505-426-5703 clvpio@lasvegasnm.gov   City of Las Vegas Announces the 2025 Reina De Las Vegas Las Vegas, NM  - The City of Las Vegas is proud to announce that Ms. Jaiden Alexis Saiz, of Las Vegas, New Mexico, has been selected as the 2025 Reina de Las Vegas. Jaiden is 16 years old and currently a junior at Robertson High School. She is the daughter of Adam and Shannon Saiz   and will be assuming the role from the 2024 Reina de Las Vegas, Jackie Romero. The Coronation Mass will take place on Thursday, July 3 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, located at 403 Valencia Street in Las Vegas, NM. From a young age, Jaiden has shown great interest in becoming Reina. She frequently participated in local pageants as a child, through which she came to know the late Phillip Ortiz and Rosita Ellis, both of whom were highly involved in the Reina selection process. She admired seeing them in their gowns and crowns, proudly waving to the crowds during parades and events in Plaza Park, and dreamed of one day taking on the role herself. Jaiden’s motivation for becoming Reina stems from her passion for preserving and sharing the cultural traditions of Las Vegas. She hopes to inspire other young girls in the community to participate in this cherished tradition. Her goal is to promote the city and all it has to offer, from its history and values to its unique spirit. Many of her values and skills—especially her love of cooking and family traditions—were instilled in her at a young age by her grandmother, Maria Elena Segura.   The Reina de Las Vegas is a central figure in the city’s annual Fourth of July Fiestas, a tradition that dates back to. The celebration honors the town’s patron saints, Saint James and Saint Ann, who are believed to have brought essential water to the area, making agriculture possible in the region. Over the years, the fiestas have grown into a lively celebration of local culture, featuring parades, live music, food vendors, dancing, and numerous community activities. The role of Reina is a prestigious and meaningful one. Each year, a young woman is chosen—often through a pageant—to represent the community. The Reina serves as an ambassador for the city, participating in events that celebrate rich cultural history and strong community values of Las Vegas. The City of Las Vegas is deeply honored that Jaiden Saiz stepped forward to uphold one of our community’s most treasured traditions. Although she was the sole applicant this year, her unwavering enthusiasm, strong character, and heartfelt connection to our cultural heritage make her an outstanding choice. We are thrilled to welcome her as our 2025 Reina de Las Vegas and are confident she will represent our city with grace, dignity, and joy throughout the coming year. Her dedication reminds us all of the importance of passing down our customs to the next generation. ¡Con mucho orgullo y alegría — Que Vivan Las Fiestas!

Las Vegas, NM  — On Friday, June 21, 2025, Mayor David Romero and former Mayor Louie Trujillo joined forces to lead a successful community cleanup at Riverwalk Park. The event, held in preparation for the upcoming 2025 Fiestas De Las Vegas, was supported by the Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance, MainStreet de Las Vegas, and the Las Vegas Board of Realtors. Approximately 80 volunteers, including local residents, city staff, community groups, City Councilor Marvin Martinez, and City Manager Robert A. Anaya, attended the event. Together, they removed three truckloads of debris, including 90 bags of trash, a full load of wood pellets and branches, and various discarded items such as bottles, broken glass, paper, blankets, and rugs. Volunteers who entered the river to collect trash from the water were provided with waders to ensure their safety and comfort during the cleanup. "This event was a powerful example of community pride and teamwork," said Mayor Romero. "As we prepare for the Fiestas, it is important that we take pride in our shared spaces and work together to improve them." The City of Las Vegas extends sincere gratitude to the community supporters who made the event possible. James Lima, Manager of Walmart, generously donated food and supplies and volunteered alongside his family. Ron Martinez, Manager of Lowe’s on Mills Avenue, also contributed food donations in support of the effort. The local group Meadow City Assassins participated as well, demonstrating strong community spirit. Several city departments played a key role in the cleanup, including Solid Waste, Streets, Public Works, Community Development, Fire Department, Police Department, Senior Center, and Gas Department.    This event highlights the City’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Additional cleanup efforts are already being planned, and residents are encouraged to participate in future events that help enhance and preserve our public spaces. For more information about upcoming community cleanups or to get involved, contact the City of Solid Waste Department at 505-454-3832.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2025 Media Contact: Amanda C. Salas Mayor Liaison/PIO  505-426-5703 clvpio@lasvegasnm.gov Opioid Funds Bring New Ambulances to Las Vegas City Fire Department Las Vegas, NM —  This morning, the Las Vegas Fire Department proudly accepted delivery of two brand new 2024 Ford F-350 ambulances from Braun Northwest, Inc., located in Chehalis, Washington. These modern emergency vehicles will replace Rescue 2 and Rescue 4, which have been in service for over 20 years. The new ambulances will enhance the department’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies throughout the community. The purchase of these ambulances was made possible through $600,000 from the Opioid Settlement Fund, allocated by the Las Vegas City Council to the fire department in March. This fund was established through nationwide legal settlements related to prescription drug abuse and overdose deaths. Municipalities and counties across New Mexico received distributions specifically designated for opioid remediation efforts. These include improving training for overdose response, expanding access to medically-assisted treatment, and supporting programs that address substance use and emergency care. The Las Vegas Fire Department plays a critical role in the city's response to the opioid crisis. EMS personnel are often the first responders to drug overdoses, in addition to a wide range of other emergencies within city limits. With a strong reputation for fast and reliable response times, the department continuously seeks ways to enhance its equipment and readiness. The addition of these new ambulances ensures that emergency responders are equipped to provide the highest level of care in the most urgent situations. The fire department extends its sincere thanks to Mayor David Romero, the City Council, the Executive Branch of city government, and the Finance Department for their leadership and support in facilitating the rapid acquisition of these essential vehicles. A special thank you is also extended to Ty Chambers, Sales Representative with Braun Northwest, Inc., for his assistance in the efficient design, construction, and delivery process.    The Las Vegas Fire Department remains committed to replacing aging equipment and improving services for the residents of Las Vegas. These new ambulances represent an important investment in public health and safety and demonstrate the city’s continued dedication to supporting its first responders and protecting the well-being of the community.