OK, there went February. Temperature-wise, it’s been a week of ups and downs, but Tuesday was so lovely, it brought on spring fever. We deserve it, right? The weather is still quite changeable, so be alert for temperature drops and damaging winds.
Flags in the Village are flying at half-mast until Sunday in memory of the 500,000 Americans who have lost their lives to COVID-19. It’s a hard number to make real. As we reflect on our shared losses, let’s repurpose our sadness into a new resolve to stand together as a community and move into spring with a renewed sense of hope.
And there is reason to hope, as our COVID numbers continue to fall. Though still in YELLOW, Sandoval County now has a 3.01% positivity rate, well below the 5% threshold. At 15 cases, we are close to green for that metric as well. Green means more ways to be out in the world. In conjunction with ever-increasing numbers of vaccinated people, it paints a brighter picture. Speaking of bright, we even have a new color added to our red, yellow, green framework: turquoise. When we get to turquoise, things will loosen up dramatically – almost full capacity for many activities, access to entertainment venues and mass gatherings at 150. Two steps to turquoise.
1) Vaccination. Register for vaccination (cvvaccine.nmhealth.org). Problems? The Village will help anyone navigate the system (Call Commander Lattin at 702-4182).
2) Continue to stay COIVD safe (wear masks, social distance, avoid large groups). Play it smart even as cases fall and vaccinations increase; it’ll open up our world sooner.
The Corrales vaccination POD is continuing to operate smoothly. Please remember, this is a DOH sponsored POD, so everyone must be registered through cvvaccine.nmhealth.org. Continuing thanks go to Tanya Lattin, Lynn Siverts, Aaron Gjullin, Brynn Cole, Eamonn Cole, David Lane, Michael Chavez and Benny Gonzales, members of the Corrales Police Department and many others for all their help and support. Every department in the Village has been working these sites to help our POD run smoothly.
On Tuesday night, the Governing Body approved capital outlay project agreements (regained from last year) so Corrales will buy animal service equipment and a water tender for the fire department, extend the fire suppression line and remodel the Corrales Police Department. The Council also passed a new Tree Ordinance which tasks a volunteer group to develop a tree plan for Corrales. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please get an application on the Village website or contact Village Clerk Aaron Gjullin at agjullin [at] corrales-nm.org.
There’s an opening on the Bosque Advisory Commission. Check out what the Bosque Advisory Commission does and then submit an application to Village Clerk Aaron Gjullin or call him at 505-350-1583.
The state budget picture is better than expected, allowing the House, with great bipartisan support, to pass a budget at near pre-COVID levels. It now goes on to the Senate. Also, a third pandemic relief bill is on the way to the Governor’s office for signature. Many bills are working their way through the house and senate. You can determine the fate of a favorite (or infamous) bill by checking in at https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation_List.
It’s still not too late to enjoy the Music in Corrales concert “Boyd Meets Girl.” https://www.musicincorrales.org/concerts/
This weekend enjoy our trails and of course, SHOP LOCAL! Celebrate National Chile (yes, here in NM it’s an “e”) Day by cooking up your favorite version. Enjoy it while watching the Golden Globes. Whatever you do, please stay safe and happy, Corrales-style.
Jo Anne Roake
Mayor of Corrales