The end of August brings slightly lower temperatures, maybe only in the low ‘90’s. Our air quality is better, but it’s still hot and dry so be careful.
In September, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District will begin needed repairs on the Corrales Siphon which will require closure of the road and impact boaters. Updates will be found on the Fire Department’s message board and on our Village website under Current Projects.
Normally, August would have brought National Night Out, a community police awareness-raising event. Village employees (not just police) go throughout the Village to speak with you. As with most other things, this year has not been normal. The Village could not reconnect with you in person and attend 8 or 9 lively get-togethers where we could exchange information, build ties and (yes) eat food. We felt the loss. However, Village employees have never stopped being on the job for you. Last week I mentioned some of our fire personnel went to California to help fight the catastrophic blazes. Closer to home, CFD has delivered firewood to 6 tribes for needed fuel. We are proud of CFD for good reason.
We can also celebrate the efforts of our Corrales Police Department. As Mayor, I listen to the very real concerns of many communities and am proud that in Corrales, CPD has practiced community policing for years. Right now, Senate Bill 8 (body cameras and storage of footage) is going into effect. Some cities and towns are scrambling; Corrales already has body cameras and is on track for the data storage. Chief is always a bit leery about praise and would want me to add that there’s always room for improvement and CPD is not perfect. Done, Chief. But still, thank you. We pride ourselves on being a safe community. That does not happen by chance.
Casa San Ysidro received a lovely write-up in the Albuquerque Journal: “No Place like home: Casa San Ysidro site manager Aaron Gardner brings a love of museums, history to Corrales.” https://www.abqjournal.com/1489150/no-place-like-home-casa-san-ysidro-site-manager-aaron-gardner-brings-a-love-of-museums-history-to-corrales.html. Currently closed, we look forward to being able to stroll its grounds and enjoy its collection.
The Village has been working to help children at Corrales Elementary who lack internet. If you are interested in helping cover expenses, please contact Commander Tanya Lattin at the Corrales Fire Department. Thank you to Corrales Kiwanis Club for its grant funding. Together, we’ll all make sure every Corrales child has the necessary tools to succeed in school.
Especially in this time of COVID, the Village appreciates every person who gets or renews a business license. Every single one helps direct much needed Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) to pay for necessary services. You now have the ability to submit your business registration online.
Once you fill it out, the Clerk will reach out to you with information on how to pay over the phone or by mail. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron at agjullin [at] corrales-nm.org
‘Tis the season of political signs. Political signs must be content neutral according to a recent US Supreme Court case. The Village will amend its ordinance. In the meantime, enforcement is limited to what complies with the Supreme Court ruling. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/13-502_9olb.pdf
We have forward progress on the COVID front: our case rate is low enough that restaurants are open for indoor dining at 25%. (75% outdoors), churches can open at 40%, museums at 25% and mass gatherings are now 10 or more. School is on track to open after Labor Day on a hybrid model. We’ve done this and we deserve to feel proud. But sadly, one new case is right here in Corrales, so we’re not out of the woods and we have got to stay the course. See latest PHO at: https://cv.nmhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/PHO-August-28.pdf
The Corrales Growers Market is Sunday from 9—12. I can almost smell the green chile roasting. You will have a few more options starting this weekend. Whatever you do, please stay safe and enjoy yourselves, Corrales-style.
Jo Anne Roake
Mayor of Corrales