The New Mexico Department of Transportation, with the Federal Highway Administration, is studying ways to improve Grand Avenue (Business Loop-15P) in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The study covers the area from just south of Columbia Street to just north of Mills Avenue, including key intersections at Washington Street, 1st Street, Garfield Avenue, Baca Avenue, and Mills Avenue. The goal is to make Grand Avenue safer and more accessible for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The study will address aging roadway and drainage infrastructure and safety at major intersections. Community input is important. Residents, business owners, and corridor users can share their ideas until March 19 at https://www.dot.nm.gov/grand-ave/ . First time hearing about this study? No problem! Additional details and a video recording of the February 2026 public input meeting are available on the website. Let’s work together to make Grand Avenue safer and stay informed.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a quorum of the Governing Body of the City of Las Vegas may be present during a community workshop for the City of Las Vegas - Comprehensive Master Plan on March 9, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the City of Las Vegas Abe Montoya Recreation Center, 1751 N. Grand Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701. They will not be making any decisions and will not be taking any action on city business. Sent via email to Las Vegas Optic Sent via email to KFUN-KLVF Radio and KNMX-KMDZ-KBQL-KMDS Radio Available on City Website: www.lasvegasnm.gov

The City of Las Vegas Parks Division will be conducting tree maintenance at Keyes Playground (off Mills Avenue) on the following dates: 📅 Today, March 4 | 9:30 AM – 1 PM Two trees will be trimmed in the playground and basketball court area. The space will be caution-taped and coned off, and a bucket truck will be in use. 📅 Tomorrow, March 5 | 9 AM – 2 PM Dead branches will be trimmed in the large parking lot west of the playground (south end). The south half of the parking lot will be temporarily closed. Please use caution in the area and thank you for your patience as we work to maintain safety and tree health.

The City of Las Vegas Parks Division has been hard at work keeping our parks looking their best all year long, and winter is no exception. While many may think parks rest during the colder months, our crews stay busy preparing public spaces for upcoming seasonal events and activities, with safety and beautification always at the forefront. Lincoln Park recently received special attention during a two-week tree trimming project focused on strengthening and maintaining our urban canopy. Crews removed hazardous, dead limbs and carefully trimmed trees to promote healthier growth, producing nearly 60 cubic yards of mulch on site, which will be reused throughout city parks to support tree health and enhance landscaping. This project also provided hands-on training for new team members, who gained experience operating the bucket truck and performing canopy trimming at heights up to 47 feet. Investing in staff training strengthens the Parks Division and ensures long-term care and support for our public spaces. Additionally, new fencing along Lincoln and Jackson streets now fully encloses the park, improving safety and complementing the existing fencing along 7th and 8th streets. This project was funded by capital outlay, with remaining funds coming from Councilman Marvin Martinez’s Ward 4 line-item budget. The project involved installing new fencing from 7th Street to 8th Street along Lincoln and Jackson streets, with repairs made to the fence on 7th Street near the playground. Previously, fencing existed only along 7th and 8th streets. “We wanted to make the park safer by adding fencing to ensure safety for our children and pedestrians from the roadways and promote the sidewalk area,” stated Councilman Martinez. “We are continuing to work towards more improvements at all our parks.” The park is now uniformly enclosed, enhancing both its aesthetics and overall safety. Outside of special projects, Lincoln Park is maintained daily to ensure it remains welcoming and safe. City staff removes trash, needles, and debris, empty receptacles, and clean up graffiti each day. The gazebo is pressure washed weekly and repainted as needed, and playground areas are refreshed regularly with added mulch and resurfacing to keep them safe and enjoyable for families. Michael Drumm, Executive Director of Samaritan House, whose facility is located next to the park, had high praise for the improvements. “I thank the city team for all they do,” said Drumm. “They have been working hard, and the park is looking great.” The pride and dedication of our Parks Division employees are reflected in every tree trimmed, every fence installed, and every public space maintained. Their tireless work ensures that Lincoln Park — and all city parks — remain safe, beautiful, and welcoming places for the community to enjoy. This commitment to excellence and community care exemplifies the spirit of Las Vegas and highlights the unwavering pride our city employees take in serving its residents.

This is a friendly reminder that registration for the Men’s 3-on-3 Basketball League at the Abe Montoya Recreation Center is closing soon. Teams can have up to five players, with a $200 entry fee per team, and will compete in an eight-game season. Registration forms must be picked up and submitted at the Recreation Center by March 6. Don’t wait — get your team together and register today to secure your spot on the court!  For more information, contact Brandon Trujillo at 505-426-1739 or Joe Ortiz at 505-617-2533.

The City of Las Vegas is hosting the public kickoff workshop for the city’s comprehensive planning process, “What’s Next, Las Vegas.” The public workshop will be held at Abe Montoya Recreation Center located at 1751 N. Grand Ave. on Monday, March 9, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. All interested residents are encouraged to attend the event and provide input on the future of Las Vegas. The workshop will include refreshments and a children’s station. During the meeting, participants will have the opportunity to learn about current trends and conditions affecting Las Vegas. There will also be multiple opportunities to engage in the process with smart phone polling questions and interactive stations. The objective of the meeting is to educate residents about the comprehensive plan process and to gather input on how residents envision the future of the city. “What’s Next, Las Vegas” will establish a vision and blueprint for strengthening the city’s housing and transportation options, character, and environmental stewardship in Las Vegas by identifying needed public services, desired physical development, and other key opportunities to meet the needs of current and future generations. For information about the planning process, please email the Las Vegas, NM City Planner, Scott Zunker, at szunker@lasvegasnm.gov.

The City of Las Vegas is now accepting entertainment applications for the 2026 event season. During the spring and summer, Plaza Park transforms into a vibrant live concert venue, celebrating the rich cultural traditions and musical diversity of New Mexico, creating an atmosphere full of music, dance, food, family, and community pride. Applications are open to solo acts, duos, trios, bands, dance groups, and cultural performance groups of all genres and styles that reflect the spirit, heritage, and diversity of our region. All performances are free and open to the public. This is a highly sought-after opportunity for performers from across the region. Performers selected for City events will share their talent before thousands of attendees. Final music lineups will be recommended by the City’s Event Committee. Any open timeslots will be determined with the committee, city staff, and City Manager Robert A. Anaya. The deadline for priority consideration is March 16 at 5:00 p.m. Applications are available online at www.lasvegasnm.gov. or at this link https://forms.gle/taCsr3pZxS61P1wq9 For questions, contact the Community Development Department at 505-454-1401. Join today and be part of shaping the exciting traditions of Las Vegas!

A road project and drainage improvement projects are underway across the community beginning Tuesday, Feb. 25, with work expected to continue over the coming weeks. ‐----------------- ⚠️Grassy Storm Drain Project The Public Works Division has a contractor beginning the Grassy Storm Drain Project starting today. February 25 through March 4, weather permitting. Construction will take place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Primary work will occur on Old National Road between Kemm Drive and West Roybal Drive. For public and worker safety, Old National Avenue will be closed to through traffic from Cunningham Road to Highland Drive. Residents will maintain access to their properties. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes. For more information, contact the Public Works Division at 505-426-3294. -----‐‐---‐------ ⚠️Hot Springs Avenue Reconstruction Project The Hot Springs Reconstruction Project will also begin Feb. 25 and is expected to last approximately three months, weather permitting. Work hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Construction will impact Hot Springs Boulevard from Mora Street to Taos Street. Drivers should anticipate delays and possible closures in the area. City officials apologize for the inconvenience and thank residents for their patience as infrastructure improvements continue. For more information, contact the Public Works Division at 505-426-3294.

Last Friday afternoon, Mayor David Romero, City Manager Robert A. Anaya, and other city leadership officials met with Nancy Casper, the newly appointed Interim Director of the HPCC Claims Office, along with Juan Ayala, who has been serving as Interim Director following the placement of the previous director on administrative leave. During the meeting, they discussed the significant challenges the community has faced throughout the recovery process following the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding, including the ongoing impacts on city operations and services. This meeting marked the first of many critical conversations to ensure community concerns are heard, understood, and addresses as recovery efforts continue. Substantial support remains necessary to achieve full and lasting recovery. City leadership appreciated the opportunity to review key priorities, ongoing challenges, and opportunities for continued collaboration, and looks forward to working closely with Nancy Casper, Juan Ayala, and the HPCC Claims Office staff to advocate for the resources and support needed to advance the community’s long-term recovery.

The Water Distribution Division will be working on a water valve today, Monday, February 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Santa Fe Street and Church Street. During this time, the intersection will be closed. Traffic will be redirected, and drivers are asked to proceed with caution, follow all posted signs, and remain mindful of City crews working in the area. Residents in the surrounding area may experience low water pressure or a temporary water outage while the work is being completed. The City appreciates your patience and understanding during this necessary maintenance and apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. For more information or questions regarding this work, please contact the Utilities Department at (505) 454-3832.

The City of Las Vegas Gas Department is proud to welcome a new 420 Caterpillar backhoe to its fleet, strengthening its ability to serve the community with greater efficiency and reliability. Fully funded through the department’s budget, the new equipment will support daily construction projects, routine maintenance, and faster response to operational needs. With the right tools in place, the team can work smarter, complete projects more efficiently, and continue delivering dependable service while saving time and reducing long-term costs. “We’re very excited about this addition,” said David Marquez, Gas/Solid Waste Director. “This investment reflects our department’s ongoing commitment to efficiency, reliability, and providing dependable service to our community. It’s a great step forward in making sure our team has the equipment they need to get the job done.” The attached photo features members of the Gas Department team celebrating the new addition: Adriano Martinez, Gas Laborer; Michael Marquez, Equipment Operator I; Josh Grano, Equipment Operator I; Gabriel Montoya, Gas Laborer; Jacob Mejillas, Gas Field Supervisor; and Lorenzo Urrutia, Gas Maintenance Tech I. The new backhoe highlights the City’s ongoing commitment to equipping employees with the tools they need to serve the community safely, efficiently, and effectively. Investments in updated equipment benefit hardworking, dedicated staff across all departments—improving efficiency and enhancing service for customers throughout the community.

Across the country, there is a critical shortage of blood, and hospitals are urgently calling on donors. By giving a little of your time, you can provide hope and lifesaving support to patients who need it most. Join us on Friday, March 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Abe Montoya Recreation Center. Bring a friend, connect with your community, and be part of something truly meaningful. Every donation can make a real difference. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today at www.donors.vitalant.org . Your contribution could be the help someone desperately needs right now. For more information, contact Chuck Griego, event planner, at 505-454-1401.