This is your last call to register for Youth Sports at the Abe Montoya Recreation Center! Youth Basketball League for ages 5 to 7   begins August 4. Registration is $75 per child, and the deadline to sign up is August 1. Youth Volleyball is also back for ages 8 to 10 and 11 to 13. The 6-game season starts August 4, and registration is just $50 per player. But hurry—the deadline is July 29. These fun, affordable programs are a great way for kids to stay active, learn new skills, and be part of a team. Spots are limited, and time is running out. To register or learn more, call Brandon at Abe Montoya Recreation Center at (505) 426-1739. Make this summer one to remember—get in the game!

Under City Ordinance § 290-4, property owners—whether the lot is occupied or vacant—must not allow weeds to grow taller than 4 inches   or allow any accumulation of weeds and litter. This applies to your property and surrounding areas including the space between your property line and the middle of the alley, the curb, sidewalks, and up to 10 feet beyond your property line where no curb exists. Keeping these areas clean and maintained is the owner’s responsibility. Under City Ordinance § 377-26, it is considered a nuisance for any tree branches or shrubbery growing on your property—or in the parkway in front of your property—to extend into or over sidewalks or streets in a way that interferes with pedestrians, vehicles, or other traffic. All branches and limbs must be trimmed to provide at least 7 feet of clearance above sidewalks and streets to ensure safe and unobstructed passage. Property owners are responsible for maintaining this clearance to keep sidewalks and streets safe for everyone. If your trees are touching or near power lines, do not attempt to trim them yourself. Please contact PNM for assistance at (505) 241-2700 to ensure safety and proper handling. Violations carry mandatory fines under § 290-99(A): 1st offense: $500 2nd offense: $750 3rd and subsequent offenses: $1,000 Each day the violation continues is a separate offense. Code Enforcement will be out in neighborhoods making contact with those in violation. Failure to comply may result in cleanup by the City, billing for the service, and a lien placed on the property. Remember: Trim, Trash It, or Ticket!  Keep your property safe and avoid fines by trimming weeds and trees, removing trash, and maintaining your lot. For questions or to report violations, contact Code Enforcement at (505) 454-1401 or (505)429-9543.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN  that a quorum of the Governing Body of the City of Las Vegas may be present for the following events in Las Vegas, NM 87701:   PNM Las Vegas Wildfire Town Hall Meeting – July 23, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at Luna Community College, Media Arts Center Auditorium, 366 Luna Dr. Bldg. R City Manager Training – July 29, 2025 at 8:00 a.m., July 30, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. New Mexico Historic Preservation Conference – October 3 through October 5, 2025 at New Mexico Highlands University.   The Governing Body will not be making any decisions and will not be taking any action on city business. Sent via email to Las Vegas Optic   Fax: KFUN-KLVF Radio and KNMX-KMDZ-KBQL Radio for PSA Available on City Website: www.lasvegasnm.gov

The City of Las Vegas is organizing a third delivery of essential supplies to assist the community of Ruidoso, which continues to suffer from severe flooding. Many areas remain under a boil water advisory and residents are in urgent need of basic necessities.   We are only accepting the following items at this time to ensure we can meet the most immediate needs:   ·         Bottled Water ·         Tissue Paper ·         Laundry Detergent ·         Dish Soap ·         Wet Wipes and Baby Wipes ·         Hand Sanitizer ·         Clorox (Disinfecting) Wipes ·         Toothpaste and Toothbrushes ·         Feminine Hygiene Products ·         Diapers (All Sizes) ·         Dog and Cat Food    All donations must be dropped off no later than Monday, July 21 at 5:00 PM to be included into the next load. Our next large delivery is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22.    Donation Drop-Off Location: ·         City of Las Vegas Public Works Building ·         1700 N. Grand Ave ·         Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM   Please do not drop off items not listed above, as we are focusing on essential supplies only.   For more information, please call 505-454-1401 ext. 1006.   Let’s come together to support our neighbors in Ruidoso during this challenging time. Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

The City of Las Vegas Streets Division will be conducting tree maintenance tomorrow, July 17, to remove hazardous branches and ensure public safety. As a result, temporary full road closures will be in place along Douglas Avenue at the following locations and times: ·         Douglas Avenue between 9th and 12th Street will be closed from   6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. These closures are necessary to provide a safe environment for both city crews and the public while the work is being completed. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes during the closure periods. We thank the community for their patience and cooperation. For more information, please contact the City of Las Vegas Public Works Department at 505-426-3294.

The City of Las Vegas Water Distribution team will be performing a water service abandonment on Thursday, July 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This work will take place on the 300 block of Tecolote Street. To allow city staff to complete the project safely and efficiently, Tecolote Street will be closed to through traffic between Chavez Street and South Pacific Street during these hours. Detour signs will be posted, and alternative routes are strongly recommended. Please note that residents in the affected area will continue to have water service throughout the duration of the project. However, drivers and pedestrians are urged to use caution in the area, as crews will be present and active on site. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve city infrastructure. For more information, please contact the City of Las Vegas Utilities Department at 505-454-3832.

The City of Las Vegas Utilities Department is currently performing necessary repairs to the effluent reuse water system on 12th Street, which became unavailable for use as of yesterday and will remain closed until further notice. During this time, customers may still access effluent water at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. An update will be provided as soon as more information is available. For questions or more details, please contact the City of Las Vegas Utilities Division at 505-454-3832.

We are continuing to accept the following specific donations   to assist the community of Ruidoso in their recovery efforts . Please do not drop off any items that are not listed, as we are focusing on essential needs. Bottled Water Tissue Paper Laundry detergent Dish soap Wet wipes and baby wipes Hand sanitizer Clorox (disinfecting) wipes Toothpaste and toothbrushes Feminine hygiene products Diapers (all sizes) Dog and cat food We are delivering a large load tomorrow, so if you have donations you'd like to send, please drop them off as soon as possible. We will continue collecting donations in the coming weeks, as Ruidoso faces a long road to recovery. Let’s support them in every way we can. Donation Drop-Off Location: City of Las Vegas Public Works Building 1700 N. Grand Avenue Monday through Friday | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. We deeply appreciate your generosity and community spirit. If you have any questions or need more information, please call 505-454-1401 ext. 1006.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community for your incredible generosity. Your support is making a real impact. Just yesterday, we delivered a large shipment of boxed water to Ruidoso—and we’re preparing to send our first full load of supplies early next week. But the need is ongoing. Ruidoso is still facing a long recovery from recent wildfires and the continued threat of flooding. Many areas remain under a boil water advisory, making clean water and essential hygiene items top priorities. We are currently accepting donations of the following critical items: ·         Bottled water ·         Tissue Paper ·         Laundry detergent ·         Dish soap ·         Wet wipes / Baby wipes ·         Hand sanitizer ·         Clorox (disinfecting) wipes ·         Toothpaste / Toothbrushes ·         Feminine hygiene products ·         Diapers (all sizes) ·         Dog and cat food Please note: We are   not accepting clothing, food, or any items   not listed above. Donation Drop-off Location: City of Las Vegas Public Works Department1700 N. Grand Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. No monetary donations accepted onsite. To give financially, please donate through the Community Foundation of Lincoln County: www.cfolc.org Let’s keep the people of Ruidoso   in our thoughts and prayers. They’ve supported us and others during difficult times—now it’s our turn to stand with them. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact City Hall at (505) 454-1401 ext. 1006 or email clvpio@lasvegasnm.gov . Together, we can make a real difference. We will continue accepting donations as long as they are needed.

The City of Las Vegas government is actively working to assist our fellow New Mexicans in Ruidoso as they face the devastating aftermath of recent flooding. As a community that has experienced our own share of hardship, we understand the urgency and importance of providing basic supplies during times of crisis. Mayor David Romero and the City Council have expressed the importance of showing the same kindness and generosity that so many have extended to us in our times of need. Beginning tomorrow morning, we will be sending ten (10) pallets of bottled water to Ruidoso, where residents are currently experiencing significant challenges accessing clean drinking water. In addition to this immediate response, we are launching a community-wide donation drive to gather essential supplies for those affected. Based on real-time information from volunteers on the ground, we are requesting donations of the following sanitary and cleaning items: • Laundry detergent • Dish soap • Wet wipes and baby wipes • Hand sanitizer • Clorox (disinfecting) wipes • Toothpaste and toothbrushes • Feminine hygiene products • Diapers (all sizes) • Dog and cat food Donations will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the City of Las Vegas Public Works Department, located at 1700 N. Grand Avenue in Las Vegas, NM. Please note: We will not be accepting monetary donations under any circumstances. Anyone wishing to contribute financially is encouraged to donate directly to the Community Foundation of Lincoln County, which is accepting funds on behalf of the Village of Ruidoso. Secure online donations can be made at www.cfolc.org .   We ask everyone to keep the Ruidoso community in their thoughts and prayers. They have stood by us—and many other communities—during our difficult times. Now, we have the opportunity to return that support. For questions or additional information, please contact City Hall at 505-454-1401 ext. 1006, or by email at clvpio@lasvegasnm.gov . Together, we can make a real difference.

Important updates for attendees and residents:  Plaza Park is now officially closed to drive-through traffic only to allow for event setup. Parking around Plaza Park and along Bridge Street to Valencia Street is prohibited during this time, and several surrounding streets are also closed to traffic. However, parking is available in nearby areas. The Plaza will fully reopen to drive-through traffic on Monday morning, July 7. The Fiestas kick off tomorrow, Thursday, July 3, at 10:00 a.m. with the Reina Coronation Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, followed by entertainment beginning at noon at Plaza Park. Plaza Park Closure and Safety Notice Gates have been installed and locked at all entrances to restrict vehicle passage through the park. Drivers and pedestrians are urged to proceed with extreme caution in the area. All entrances to Plaza Park are gated and locked to restrict drive-through traffic during event preparations. Unauthorized vehicle access is prohibited. Residents and visitors should be cautious and observe all posted safety measures in the area. Local Businesses Are Open While the park is closed to drive-through traffic, businesses surrounding Plaza Park remain open and welcome your support. Visitors are encouraged to continue shopping and dining locally. Parking and Street Closures Several surrounding streets will also be closed to traffic for the duration of the event. These include: Bridge Street at Valencia Street / Paseo del Las Escuelas Valencia Street / North Gonzales Street North Gonzales Street / Plaza Park Valencia Street / Hot Springs Boulevard Morrison Street / West National Avenue Moreno Street / South Pacific Street South Gonzales Street / Moreno Street Historic Plaza Park area Motorists should expect delays and detours and are advised to use alternate routes.   Plaza Park Rules During Closure To maintain safety and order, the following rules will be enforced: Follow all posted signage and obey instructions from police and event staff at all times. No parking or vehicular traffic   in the Plaza Park area from Thursday, July 3, 2025, until the closure of the fiestas. Vendor vehicles are not allowed in or near booths between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Vendors must carry in supplies or use personal handcarts to restock booths. No alcohol is permitted in booths or in the immediate park area. Alcohol consumption is only allowed in designated areas. Public intoxication and open containers outside permitted zones are prohibited. No sale of weapons or toy weapons of any kind is allowed. No sale or display of gang-related attire, as defined by the Las Vegas Police Department. Vendor setups must not block emergency access   routes. Before 9:00 a.m., vendors must open and close all barriers when entering or exiting the park. Failure to comply may result in citations. Booths and equipment must not block handicap access in or around the park. No pets  are allowed in Plaza Park, despite size or type. Only service animals are permitted. Permit parking areas require a permit. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. All vendors must display their booth license   at all times. All vendors must provide a trash receptacle at their booth. No tent canopies or large umbrellas are allowed in the park area. Violations may result in fines or removal from the area. Reina’s Coronation Mass The Reina’s 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. This year’s coronation will feature the ceremonial handoff from 2024 Reina Jackie Romero to 2025 Reina Jaiden Saiz. Register for the 5K / 10K Run To participate in this year’s Fiestas 5K or 10K Run, contact the Abe Montoya Recreation Center at 505-426-1739 or visit in person at 1751 N. Grand Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701. Fourth of July Parade Registration You can still register for the Fourth of July Parade, happening on Friday, July 4 at 9:00 a.m. The route begins at 2nd Street and Baca and ends at Plaza Park. To register or learn more, fill out the online application and email it to Thomas Fernandez at tfernandez@lasvegasnm.gov . Fireworks Show at Dusk The annual Fireworks Show will take place at dusk on Friday, July 4 at the NMHU Golf Course, located off Mills Avenue. Parking will be available around the area. A fan-favorite viewing spot is Veteran’s Park, also located along Mills Avenue. Need More Info? For more information, please refer to the 2025 Fiestas de Las Vegas & More Guide, available at the link on the Las Vegas Optic Newspaper website. You can also pick up a physical copy of the guide at City Hall until noon tomorrow. Please note that City Hall will close at noon on Thursday, July 3 and remain closed on Friday, July 4, reopening on Monday, July 7 at 8:00 a.m.

Plaza Park drive-through access is now officially closed to allow for event setup for the 2025 Fiestas De Las Vegas. The Plaza will fully reopen to drive-through traffic on the morning of Monday, July 7. 🔒 GATED ACCESS IN EFFECT All entrances to Plaza Park are now gated and locked. For your safety, drivers and pedestrians are urged to proceed with extreme caution in and around the Plaza area. Entry is strictly prohibited during the closure. 🛍️ Local Businesses Remain Open Although the park is closed, businesses in the surrounding area remain open and welcome your support. Please continue to visit and shop locally during this time. 🅿️ No Parking on the Plaza Parking on Plaza Park grounds is not permitted during the closure. Residents and visitors should use alternative parking options nearby. 🚧 Street Closures Several surrounding streets are closed to traffic for the duration of the event. These include: Bridge Street at Valencia Street / Paseo del Las Escuelas Valencia Street / North Gonzales Street North Gonzales Street / Plaza Park Valencia Street / Hot Springs Boulevard Morrison Street / West National Avenue Moreno Street / South Pacific Street South Gonzales Street / Moreno Street Historic Plaza Park area Drivers should expect delays and detours and are encouraged to use alternate routes when traveling near the Plaza. These closures are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for all. Thank you for your cooperation and support of our local community during Fiestas De Las Vegas.