The best thing about being the mayor of this small community is getting to know so many people. From the residents who honk and wave when I’m walking down Corrales Road, to the volunteers, to the employees, they are friendly and support our community. Our volunteers are critical to the ability of the Village government to get things done. If you desire to volunteer, go to the Village website, click on the government tab and then select “Boards and Commissions” and see which one you might like to try. Then fill out the Boards and Commissions Application form under the “I’m Looking For” tab (drop down to the forms directory) and bring it to the Village offices. We can tell you about whatever you apply to do and how long is your commitment. This is an excellent way to meet people and learn about our community. For more information, reach out to our Village Clerk, Melanie Romero at: mromero [at] corrales-nm.org () or by phone at 505-897-0502.
Our Fire and Public Works departments have become extremely busy lately. Fire Chief Anthony Martinez has been rescuing many people in the Rio Grande River lately due to the increased fast moving, increased water levels from the snow melting in Northern New Mexico. Citizens don’t realize the flow in the river is so high and they must wear life jackets for their own safety and not to mention, it’s the law! Fire Commander Tanya Lattin has been doing all she can to keep us all safe from Covid in addition to writing grants to get the Village more capital funding. Michael Chavez, Director of Public Works, and his guys are doing a great job keeping up with various projects here in the Village despite being short-staffed and are all carrying a little heavier load. They were out at Public Works for our Spring Clean-Up event recently along with volunteers from the 4H club helping residents with disposing of their green waste, household trash, and other items. His team also does the roads, clears the weeds, waters down the roads, and is responsible for the sewer line.
Lynn Siverts, Parks and Recreation Director is responsible for our wonderful swimming pool, soccer fields, and upkeep of La Entrada Park. Be sure to thank him and his crew when you visit the pool on a really hot day or attend a soccer game. His big task right now is monitoring the construction of the new gym. Soon the walls will go up and you will get a better idea of what it will look like.
They all have huge responsibilities and complete their tasks each day and very kindly deal with the mayor who is always asking questions.
Then we have the wonderful ladies who keep the Village administration running smoothly. Melanie Romero, the Village Clerk, knows all about the ordinances and resolutions, keeps track of the volunteers, helps find replacements when a vacancy arises, and makes sure the mayor goes where he is supposed to be. Skye Devivi, who’s family has lived here and been very active in many areas of the Village for over 30 years, is the Deputy clerk. She is the “clean-up hitter” for the mayor’s message, making sure the right stuff is included and it is not totally boring and works closely with our businesses and short-term rental owners. Reyna Aragon (now Gonzales, she got married recently) is the Finance Director. She manages the money and puts the budget together and will frequently tell us NO when we ask for money for something not already in the budget. Cindy Gomez is our Accounts Specialist, and she makes sure that all the bills get paid, and our employees get their paychecks. Brigitte Scott is the Village Receptionist and the first smiling face you see when you visit our office. She makes sure that people can get the information they need to solve any issues they have.
Police Chief, Vic Mangiacapra leads the Police Department and maintains order in the village. He is assisted by many exemplary officers who are always ready to assist citizens in distress or who just may be traveling a little too fast on our roads.
Those are just a few of the people who work for the Village of Corrales. They have talents that I’m learning about every day. I feel blessed to have such a great team, but there are more great employees to mention, and I will talk about them in upcoming messages.
CRIME & SAFETY UPDATE:
We hope that all of our Village moms had a peaceful Mother’s Day Weekend.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for “Coffee With a Cop” last Friday 5/12, we enjoyed the informal yet informative conversations with all of you.
No thefts or similar incidents were reported during the past week, however, CPD did arrest a 46-year-old male for Battery Against a Household Member and a 51-year-old female for a Violation of an Order of Protection during separate incidents on Friday 5/12.
Domestic Violence is a serious issue which impacts all jurisdictions. If you or someone you care about are a victim of domestic abuse, please reach out for help before it’s too late. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies and contact the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence for statewide resources to help keep you and your loved ones safe. For helpful resources and information: https://www.nmcadv.org/
Saturday 5/13, police responded to a business on the 4800 block of Corrales RD in reference to a loaded handgun being found in the bathroom. Employees initially reported that the gun was found by a juvenile then advised that an adult recovered it. Fortunately, nobody was hurt as a result of this incident. Charges of Unlawful Carrying of a Firearm in a Licensed Liquor Establishment and Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon against the owner of the pistol (a 64-year-old male Corrales resident) are being presented to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Parents—Please ensure that your children are always appropriately supervised / escorted. Gun Owners—Please be sure that you’re familiar with the law concerning carrying firearms in liquor establishments (section 30-7-3 NMSA 1978) and diligently verify that your weapons are under your immediate control / properly secured. - SEE IT, HEAR IT, REPORT IT!
This past Monday was National Peace Officers Memorial Day, which honors the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting and serving their communities across our great nation.
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE:
The Corrales Fire Department doesn’t do phone call fundraising drives or mail in campaigns. We recently had a local citizen come to the station asking about a phone call that they received soliciting funds for local fire departments. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Fire Commander, Tanya Lattin at 505-702-4182 or the Fire Station 1 at 505-898-7501.
While a trip down the Rio Grande River seems nice on a warm spring day, it can be very dangerous. In the past few days there have been numerous water rescues within the Sandoval County area of the Rio Grande, with multiple people rescued. If you are going to go in the river, you must wear a certified life jacket. Do not use a pool-type flotation device. Don’t tie flotation devices together, put phones in waterproof cases and do not drink alcohol. High flow river days are not good to learn how to kayak. Learn in slow water before you attempt fast water. The river has tree branches and other items hidden under the water which can pop flotation devices, cause eddys and tangle you up. There are also large branches and other debris floating down the river causing more hazards. Make sure people not going with you in the river know where you plan to enter the river and get out of the river and when to expect you back. It is recommended that you have the “what3words” app on your phone to help us locate you: https://what3words.com/ . River rescues require teams from fire departments in Corrales, Rio Rancho, Sandoval County and Bernalillo County to complete water operations safely. Thank you and please enjoy river recreation in a safe manner.
The US Coast Guard approved life vests are required by law for anyone using the river. Below is just part of the New Mexico rules as they pertain to water and watercraft. Go to: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/activities/boating-2/life-jackets/ for more information. Please be safe, the life you save could be your own.
The wildfire season is upon us and even with the current rain we have experienced, there is still fire danger! Information on ways to protect your home is available.
The Corrales Fire Department is holding vaccine drive through clinics; registration is available at: https://goodtimes.vaccinenm.org/stay-ahead-nm/ Please call Fire Commander, Tanya Lattin at 505-702-4182 with any questions or if you need assistance with registration.
As a reminder, FREE Covid home test kits are still available at Village Hall, Corrales Fire Station, and the Corrales Library. As always, remember to wear a mask indoors (especially in crowds), social distance, wash your hands frequently and please stay home if you are feeling sick.
Mosquito season continues here in the Village! Find out how you can protect yourself at the following websites: https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol -OR- https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/index.html
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Sat & Sun 5/20 & 5/21 – “Fiesta” at the San Ysidro Parish, 5105 Corrales Road, This FREE event includes a car show, bingo, live music, food & fun. More information is available at: https://sanysidroparish.org/
Sunday 5/21 – “Dona Tules Barcelo – Gambling Queen of Santa Fe” speaker series presented by Van Ann Moore at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church @ 2:00pm. This is a FREE event, but seating capacity is limited.
Sunday 5/21 – “Corrales Growers’ Market” 9:00am – 12:00pm. Please visit: https://corralesgrowersmarket.com to view the market map and see a complete list of producers and products for this weekends market.
Tuesday 5/23 – “Regular Village Council Meeting” @ 6:30pm
Friday 5/26 - The last day of school for most APS and RRPS students!
Monday 5/29 – Memorial Day – Villages offices are CLOSED.
Are you struggling to feed your companion animals? “4 Paws Pet Food Bank”, sponsored by CARMA, is here to help! Canned, dry, and veterinary special diet food is available for cats and dogs and can be picked up from the pantry on Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat between 9am-5pm (closed Thur & Sun) at: Corrales Kennels, 490 E. Valverde Drive, here in the Village. For more information, please contact Lisa Isenberger @ 505-228-3395 lisenberger [at] gmail.com () OR Barbara Bayer @ 505-321-6275 barbaracarma [at] msn.com.
For more than a decade, San Ysidro Parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society has been helping Corrales residents in need to help pay for such items as utility bills, propane, rent or repairs. Corrales residents finding themselves in need because of unexpected hardships can call 505-810-5761 for assistance. San Ysidro Parish seeks to help everyone in need regardless of their religious affiliation and operates under the guidelines set by the State of New Mexico.
Please visit our Village website to find out about what is going on in the Village of Corrales. You can also print important forms, view our Village Ordinances, see the calendar of events and much, much more!
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 by phone at: 505-897-0502 ext. 208.
Please remember: “drive slow, see our village; drive fast, see our judge”. Wear your sunscreen. If on the river, wear a life jacket. Wear a helmet when on your bicycle. Stay safe!
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor