Mayor's Message for July 14th, 2023

KOAT Action News Excessive Heat Diagram

Photo Credit: KOAT Action News - Channel 7

The Village will elect its municipal judge and councilors for Districts 2, 5 and 6 at the regular local election on November 7, 2023. If you are interested in running for one of these open seats, you will need to fill out paperwork and file it with the Sandoval County Clerk on August 29, 2023 between 9 AM and 5 PM. This is the one and only day to file and have your name appear on the ballot. Information packets, which include all the forms you will need, are available at the Village administration office, and on the Village website. You can also contact the Village Clerk, Melanie Romero at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org () or by phone 505-897-0502 with any questions you may have.

The Village would like to see more individual citizens opting to run for office. It gives the citizens more choices from individuals who have different life experiences and are interested in giving back to the community. There may be fresh, new ideas as well as differing perspectives that may not have been considered by others. Some people are better at problem solving, others more tactful and diplomatic. It is important to have a good cross section of the Village so consensus can be reached, and all feel they, and their ideas, have been represented. No experience is necessary, but interest in doing the job is very important. 

Congratulations to the Intel Community Grant Awardees; Corrales Elementary School PTA, Corrales Arts Council, Corrales Community Library, Seed2Need, Loving Thunder, and Village in the Village!

The Corrales Pool will close on August 6. Seems like it was a short summer, but the kids go back to school early this year including our lifeguards! Also, some of the original equipment started breaking down and failing this year which caused the season to get off to a rocky start. All that will be corrected next season.

CRIME & SAFETY UPDATE:

Tue. 7/4 - police were advised that a vehicle had been stolen from the Alameda Bosque gate parking area while the owner was walking her dog during the preceding hour. Remember to lock your vehicle doors and use layers of protection to include an alarm system, steering wheel lock, brake pedal lock and kill switch.

Wed. 7/5 - a report was filed concerning the hair being cut off of the tail of a horse being boarded on Calle Conejo at an unknown time between 6/26/23 and 6/27/23. Please contact Corrales Animal Services at 505-898-0401 if you have any information pertaining to this incident.

Thu. 7/6 - police were advised of incidents involving a resident of the 500 block of West La Entrada spraying passing cars with water from a garden hose. The 55-year-old male subject received a warning for Assault and Disorderly Conduct and was advised that future occurrences will result in the filing of criminal charges.

Fri. 7/7 - a subject called police to request assistance due to his wife “freaking out” while he was driving on Loma Larga Road. Officers located and stopped the vehicle near the intersection with West Meadowlark Lane in order to check the welfare of the occupants, at which time the female passenger fled on foot and the male driver who had called the police was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The 37-year-old driver was unable to satisfactorily perform field sobriety tests, was found to have a BAC 1 ½ times the legal limit and was subsequently booked into the Sandoval County Detention Center for DWI. The 37-year-old female passenger advised Officers that she was okay by telephone.

Don’t drink and drive or let someone you care about do so, and if you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, domestic violence, behavioral and/or mental health issues, please reach out for help before it’s too late. If you’re not sure where to turn, the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line may be a good place to start: https://nmcrisisline.com/get-help/. Or call 1-855-466-7100, professional & experienced peer support is available 24/7 and all calls are FREE and kept confidential.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE:

The Corrales Fire Department is still holding vaccine drive-through clinics (including pediatric) for anyone who has never received a bi-valiant vaccine, and those that over 65 who have only had one bi-valiant vaccine. Registration is available by going to:  https://goodtimes.vaccinenm.org/stay-ahead-nm/.  Please call Deputy Fire Chief, Tanya Lattin at 505-702-4182 with any questions or if you need assistance with registration. If you feel sick, don’t wait to reach out to your physician. You only have 5 days from the start of COVID-19 symptoms to get a prescription for an anti-viral COVID specific medication, like Paxlovid, to treat symptoms. These types of medications can help keep mild-to-moderate COVID-19 cases from becoming severe cases, especially if you are over the age of 65 or have medical conditions that make you high risk.

FREE Covid Home tests are still available at Village Hall, the Corrales Library, and the Fire Station. If you feel sick, please stay home, and wear a mask when traveling and in crowded areas.

There is no smoking of any kind, including electronic cigarettes, in the Bosque. Also, no campfires, lighters or barbeque grills.  The Bosque is a FIRE-FREE environment.  For information on all rules and information pertaining to the Bosque.

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued Extreme UV Alerts in our area the last couple of weeks. The UV Index predicts the level of solar UV radiation and indicates the risk of overexposure on a scale from 0 (low) to 11 or more (extremely high) Corrales has been at 13! A special UV Alert may be issued for a particular area, if the UV Index is forecasted to be higher than normal. Please visit: https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-1

  • UV radiation is highest from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - protect yourself accordingly.
  • Cover up by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and long sleeves.
  • Generously apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 30 to exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours.
  • Use extra caution near bright surfaces, water, and sand as they reflect damaging UV rays.
  • Whenever possible seek shade in the midday hours.

The 100+ temperatures are continuing through this week and into next week. This excessive heat can be very dangerous for everyone, especially pets, infants and the elderly. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. Climate change has led to longer, hotter and more frequent heat waves around the world, including in the Southwest. Some helpful ways to stay safe during excessive heat can be found at: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat  Important things to remember:

  • Eliminate strenuous activities until the heat of the day has passed.
  • Wear lightweight, loose fitting and light-colored clothing.
  • Minimize direct exposure to the sun and wear sunglasses and don’t forget sunscreen!
  • Drink plenty of water and then drink even more water.
  • Spend time in air-conditioned buildings.
  • Take a cool bath or shower.
  • Provide your pets and livestock with plenty of fresh water and shaded areas to rest in.
  • Check in on loved ones, neighbors, and friends (especially the elderly).
  • Avoid walking dogs on hot pavement, it can severely burn their toes and pads on their feet!                                                                                                                                                                          

Corrales Elementary School students head back to school on August 3rd! Corrales Police Department will be conducting the annual Cops and Crayons School Supply Drive for the next two weeks. If you'd like to help, please bring new backpacks and/or school supplies to drop off at the CPD station (4324 Corrales Road) between now and 7/25/23 (an after-hours drop box will also be available). All donations will be delivered to Corrales Elementary School to be distributed to students in need.  

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Sunday 7/16 – Corrales Growers’ Market, 500 Jones Road, from 9am – 12pm

Monday 7/17 – “Fun with Kinetic Sand” for kids at the Corrales Library @ 2pm.

Tuesday 7/18 – “Library Bingo” in the Teen Room @ 6pm

Wednesday 7/19 – Corrales Growers’ Market, 500 Jones Road, from 9am – 12pm

Wednesday 7/19 – “A Very Special Story Time” with the Corrales Public Works Department and some of their equipment @ 10am

Thursday 7/20 – The Corrales Library Summer Movie Festival continues with a showing of the movie “Moana” in the Teen Room from 1pm-3pm. All ages are welcome, popcorn and candy are provided!

Friday 7/21 – “Zine Workshop” for Teens in the Teen Room @ 2pm

Monday 7/24 – “Ice Cream Making” for kids at the Corrales Library @ 2pm.

Tuesday 7/25 – The Corrales Library Summer Program winds down with a family picnic with the Fire Department in La Entrada Park @ 6pm – bring your own picnic, lawn chairs, towel and wear a swimsuit!

Tuesday 7/25 – Regular Council Meeting @ 6:30pm

Thursday 7/27 – Joint Work Study Meeting with P&Z Commission and the Village Council @ 6pm.

View the progress of the gym construction here: https://youtu.be/GACepFcV750 

If you know someone who would like to receive the weekly mayor’s message electronically, please email the Village Clerk, Melanie Romero at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org () or make a request by phone at 505-897-0502.

Please remember to watch your speed throughout our Village, be patient with the increased traffic, and be courteous as you look out for pedestrians, horses, and bicyclists.

Stay safe, stay cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy the summers’ activities in the Village.

 

Jim Fahey

Corrales Mayor