The City of Las Vegas Streets Division will be performing pothole repairs on Thursday, August 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Traffic control and detours will be in effect at the following locations: ·     Custer Street between Commerce Street and Pecos Street These measures are necessary to ensure a safe environment for both city crews and the public. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes during this time. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve our streets. For more information, please contact the City of Las Vegas Public Works Department at 505-426-3294.

Las Vegas, NM – A San Miguel County jury returned a guilty verdict on Tuesday against Jason Martinez, 43, in a case involving possession of a stolen vehicle. The trial was presided over by Judge Abigail Aragon. The case began with a report of a stolen silver 1997 Honda Civic from Santa Fe, New Mexico. On August 27, 2024, the Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD) was alerted by its automated license plate recognition system, which monitors select public roadways throughout the city. Officers located the vehicle at the Allsup’s convenience store on Hot Springs Boulevard, where they made contact with the driver, identified as Jason Martinez. Martinez claimed he had borrowed the vehicle. At trial, the jury heard testimony from the vehicle’s owner and LVPD Officer Christian Garcia, the lead investigator. Martinez also testified in his own defense. After deliberations, the jury returned a guilty verdict for possession of a stolen vehicle. District Attorney Thomas Clayton praised the efforts of law enforcement, stating, “This is a great example of law enforcement’s use of technology in their efforts to make our community safer. Good job to Officer Garcia and the Las Vegas Police Department.” Las Vegas Police Chief Caleb Marquez added, “This case is proof that technological advances are not only helpful but critical tools in assisting our officers to control crime. These systems increase efficiency and give our officers greater mobility to address a wide range of issues simultaneously.” Martinez was represented by defense attorney David Silva. The State was represented by Deputy District Attorney David James. The case was investigated by the Las Vegas City Police Department, with Officer Christian Garcia serving as the lead case agent.

Las Vegas, NM – The City of Las Vegas invites the public to a special dedication ceremony for Phoenix Rising , a 24-foot-tall temporary outdoor sculpture created by local artist Chad Brown, which will be placed at Plaza Park. The event will take place on Thursday, August 21 at 5:00 p.m. at Plaza Park. Phoenix Rising  depicts a phoenix emerging from the ashes and was inspired by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, the largest wildfire in New Mexico history. The fire’s impact on the city and surrounding areas is still deeply felt more than three years later. Importantly, the sculpture incorporates wood that was directly affected by the fire—material that once stood in the burn scar and now contributes to a powerful story of transformation. Brown hopes the sculpture will serve as a symbol of healing for a community still recovering from this tragedy. “This sculpture is dedicated to the people of Las Vegas and Northern New Mexico who have shown remarkable perseverance in the face of tragedy,” said Brown. “The Phoenix is a symbol of hope, and it is my privilege to offer this work as a tangible reminder that we can rise again and look toward a future of possibility.” Years in the making, the project came to life through the collaboration of numerous nonprofits and community organizations, including the City of Las Vegas. The dedication ceremony will include remarks from a range of speakers and aims to bring the community together in a shared moment of strength and reflection. Though the sculpture is temporary at its current location, it was designed as a mobile structure and is actively seeking its next home so it can continue to inspire healing and hope across the region. Join us as we honor the spirit of resilience, reflect on our journey, and celebrate the strength of our community.

The City of Las Vegas Streets Division will be performing pothole repairs on Tuesday, August 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Traffic control and detours will be in effect at the following locations: ·     Plata Drive between Mills Avenue and Porter Street ·     Custer Street between Commerce Street and Pecos Street These measures are necessary to ensure a safe environment for both city crews and the public. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes during this time. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve our streets. For more information, please contact the City of Las Vegas Public Works Department at 505-426-3294.

The City of Las Vegas Public Works contractor, GM Emulsions, LLC, will begin a curb and gutter replacement project on a small section of 7th Street, located between Douglas Avenue and Lincoln Avenue. The construction work will be primarily concentrated on the west side of the road. This project is scheduled to take place Monday through Friday, beginning Tuesday, August 19, and continuing through Friday, August 29, 2025. Daily work hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., weather permitting. Although full road closures are not anticipated, drivers should expect detours, traffic control measures, and construction signage in the area. For the safety of both workers and motorists, drivers are urged to reduce their speed, follow posted signs, and proceed with caution throughout the construction zone. If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact the City of Las Vegas Public Works Department at 505-426-3294.

CHANGES @ 9:30 a.m. - Location Changes to Pothole Repairs •Ridge Runner Rd. (behind Wal-Mart) •Intersection of North Gonzales and Taos Street Logan Street will have repairs made at an additional time this week. Notice will be provided. _____________ The City of Las Vegas Streets Division will be performing pothole repairs on Monday, August 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Traffic control and detours will be in effect at the following locations: ·        Logan Street, between Pecos Street and Commerce Street These measures are necessary to ensure a safe environment for both city crews and the public. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes during this time. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve our streets. For more information, please contact the City of Las Vegas Public Works Department at 505-426-3294.

The City of Las Vegas Water Distribution Division is continuing to repair a water leak at the intersection of Chavez Street and Valley Street. Work is expected to continue until approximately 12:00 a.m. tonight. During this time, residents of New Mexico Avenue and Alamo Street, including Valencia Street, Blanchard Street, Perez Street, and Kavanaugh Street, as well as surrounding areas, may experience low water pressure or a temporary water outage. Road Closures: ·         Valley Street will be closed from New Mexico Avenue to Chavez Street. ·         The intersection of Perez Street and Chavez Street will be closed. ·         The intersection of Chavez Street and Blanchard Street will also be closed. Detours will be in place. Please proceed with caution and follow all posted signs. If you have any questions, please contact the City of Las Vegas Utilities Division at 505-454-3832.

Las Vegas, N.M. – The City of Las Vegas is preparing for the 2025 Final Al Fresco celebration and will be temporarily closing Plaza Park and surrounding streets to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all attendees. Beginning Thursday, August 28 at 6:00 p.m., Plaza Park will be closed to the public to allow for event setup, activities, and post-event cleanup. The park will fully reopen on the morning of Monday, September 1, at which time normal operations and drive-through access will resume. This year’s Final Al Fresco promises to be a vibrant celebration, featuring a variety of food, craft, and drink vendors. The event brings together residents and visitors alike to enjoy the final days of summer in the heart of historic Las Vegas. A highlight of the celebration will be an exciting lineup of live music, with performances by Vegan Shark, Fireball, Luisa G, Kenny Medina, Daniel Solis, Siempre, Paul’s Alibi, Strings Attached, Danny Duran Band, Wild Country, Jeremy Sanchez, and Carlos Medina. Street Closures in Effect To accommodate the event and ensure public safety, the following streets will be closed to traffic for the duration of the celebration: ·         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 are advised to use alternate routes and expect delays and detours in the vicinity of Plaza Park during the closure period.   Public Safety and Access Measures ·All entrances to Plaza Park will be gated and locked. For safety, both pedestrians and drivers are urged to proceed with caution in the area. ·Parking on the Plaza grounds is strictly prohibited. Visitors are encouraged to use alternative parking locations nearby. ·Drive-through traffic through the Plaza is suspended during the closure and will resume on Monday, September 1. Support Local Businesses While Plaza Park is closed for the event, businesses in the surrounding area remain open and ready to welcome customers. The City encourages residents and visitors to continue supporting local merchants during the celebration. The City of Las Vegas thanks the community for its cooperation and patience during these temporary closures. These efforts are essential to creating a safe, welcoming, and festive environment for everyone attending Final Al Fresco. The City looks forward to hosting a vibrant weekend of cultural celebration, food, entertainment, and community spirit. For more information on closures and event logistics, please contact the City of Las Vegas Event Planner, Chuck Griego at 505-617-5733.

The City of Las Vegas Water Distribution Division is repairing a water leak at the intersection of Chavez Street and Valley Street. Work is expected to continue until approximately 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. During this time, residents at the 500 block of Valley Street and in the surrounding area may experience low water pressure or a temporary water outage. Road closures: ·         Valley Street will be closed from New Mexico Avenue to Chavez Street. ·         The intersection of Perez Street and Chavez Street will be closed. ·         The intersection of Chavez Street and Blanchard Street will also be closed. Detours will be in place, so please proceed with caution and follow all posted signs. If you have any questions, please contact the City of Las Vegas Utilities Division at 505-454-3832.

The swimming pool at the Abe Montoya Recreation Center will be temporarily closed today, Thursday, August 14, to allow for essential cleaning and maintenance. This closure is necessary to ensure the continued safety and cleanliness of the facility for all users. We understand that this may cause inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this important work. The pool is scheduled to reopen on Friday, August 15, and we look forward to welcoming you back then. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the Abe Montoya Recreation Center at 505-426-1739.

The City of Las Vegas Water Treatment Team will be flushing fire hydrants and collecting water samples as part of routine quarterly water quality testing. This work is scheduled for Thursday, August 14 and Friday, August 15, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day. During this time, the following areas may experience low water pressure or temporary water outages: Camp Luna, South Commerce (near Old Mike’s Precision Automotive), Storrie Lake, and Alta Vista Regional Hospital. Residents and businesses in these areas are encouraged to plan accordingly. The City reminds all community members to obey posted signs in and around construction zones and to be mindful of City employees working in the area. This maintenance is necessary to ensure the continued safety and reliability of the public water system. Your safety and the health of our community remain our top priority. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to serve you better and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the City of Las Vegas Utilities Division at (505) 454-3832.

Las Vegas, NM — Gilbert Anthony “Gordo” Romero, age 40, has been sentenced to 15 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to multiple counts of trafficking a controlled substance in two separate criminal cases, according to Fourth Judicial District Attorney Thomas Clayton. On August 13, 2025, Romero pled guilty to three counts of trafficking a controlled substance with intent to distribute, involving both fentanyl and cocaine. The charges stemmed from two incidents that occurred on December 14, 2022, and August 27, 2024. The plea agreements were accepted by District Judge Michael Aragon. The first incident occurred on December 14, 2022, when the Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD), New Mexico Security Threat Intelligence Unit (STIU) Fugitive Task Force and U.S. Marshals made contact with Romero at a residence on the 600 block of Harlan Drive in Las Vegas, New Mexico. At the time, Romero was a fugitive from Adult Probation and Parole. A court-authorized search warrant was executed, resulting in the seizure of 341 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, a digital scale, and $18,534 in U.S. currency. While released on conditions from that case, Romero failed to appear in court. An arrest warrant was issued, and on August 27, 2024, law enforcement located him at a residence on the 2700 block of 7th Street in Las Vegas. A second search warrant was executed, leading to the seizure of over 900 fentanyl pills, crack cocaine, suboxone, and a .22 caliber handgun. All substances were submitted to the New Mexico Crime Lab and confirmed to be illegal narcotics. As part of his sentencing, Romero forfeited $18,534 to the State of New Mexico. While in custody at the Colfax County Detention Center, he picked up two additional criminal cases, which are currently being prosecuted by the Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Las Vegas Police Chief Caleb Marquez praised the coordinated effort, stating, “This is a good example of our agencies working together to address drug trafficking in our community. Mr. Romero had a large quantity of fentanyl and over $18,000 in U.S. currency. We worked well with Adult Probation and Parole, the U.S. Marshals, and the District Attorney’s Office.” District Attorney Thomas Clayton added, “Mr. Romero pled guilty to trafficking fentanyl and cocaine within our community. Illegal narcotics have adversely impacted our neighborhoods. To those who choose to sell this poison to others — our message is clear: we will work together with all our partners, use the resources we have, and hold these individuals accountable.” The cases were prosecuted by District Attorney Thomas Clayton. Romero was represented by attorneys David Silva and Ben Mondragon. The first case was investigated by the Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD), New Mexico State Adult Probation and Parole, NM STIU Fugitive Task Force,  the U.S. Marshals Office, and the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, with LVPD Investigator Diego Romero serving as the primary case agent. The second case was investigated by the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office, with DA Lead Investigator Anthony Madrid as the primary case agent. For more information, please contact the Office of the Fourth Judicial District Attorney at 505-425-6746. ###