Photo Credit: Fire Commander Tanya Lattin
The Rio Grande River is running high and fast right now from the snow melt in Northern New Mexico and Colorado. Life jackets are an absolute necessity, and they are required by law. Corrales Firefighters and Corrales Police are monitoring the situation since many rescues have been necessary for those who decide to challenge the river. Not only do foolish risks put you in danger but also the first responders who are there for your safety. With the Memorial Day holiday approaching this weekend, I want to make sure everyone understands the dangers of entering the river when it is so full right now. The extra heavy flow of water has damaged the banks of the river, meaning the bank could collapse if you are close to the water. There is also debris from trees and other obstructions in the water that could cause injury and/or bodily harm. Please take extreme caution and WEAR A LIFE JACKET! The life you save could be your own! US Coast Guard approved life vests are required by law for anyone using the river. for more information, please visit the following website: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/activities/boating-2/life-jackets/ .
Memorial Day is this Monday, May 29th. It’s not about celebrating a long weekend, backyard barbeques or the start of the camping and outdoor recreation season. Originally it was called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags. Now known as Memorial Day, it is a time for us to pause, reflect, and pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces for our country. This solemn occasion serves as a reminder of the importance of their service and the debt of gratitude we owe them.
Let’s talk about some of the departments in the Village and the employees we have to assist the citizens who have business with the Village. The Public Works Department mentioned last week works under the direction of Michael Chavez. Michael is a long-time resident of Corrales and a former contractor. He is assisted by Danny Lovato, who has worked for the Village for 16 years and enjoys farming on the side. Relatively new to the team is Steve Lesku, now about 8 months on the job, he is already preparing for his Operator Level 2 Certification for wastewater treatment. This week he is doing some woodwork replacement in the administration building. Starting soon will be Jarrod Lowe who will be filling one of the vacancies in Public Works.
In our wonderful library, which will have a book sale next weekend, is Marian Frear our Library Director. She leads all the employees and volunteers in the library. In addition to Marian, we have Sandra Baldonado who is the volunteer coordinator and in charge of adult programs and Laurie Rivera, who does tech services and is also a long-time resident who served for some time on the Village council. Megan Ainslow is the new Children’s Librarian and has lots of fun things planned for the kids to do this summer.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Laurie Stout heads a group of committed personnel who have been tasked with the job of monitoring developers and contractors and ensuring that they follow the existing ordinances. Robert Pierson, the planning permit coordinator, and Brian Gresham, the building inspector assist her in this important task. Sherrie Rice, the code enforcement officer, identifies those who may have strayed a bit over time, and works to bring them back into compliance. All this is done for the public safety and welfare of the individual and our community.
The committee appointed to work on the comprehensive plan is hard at work. They are in the process of developing the long-promised community survey. When something is teed up and ready for prime time, we will try to make everyone aware of it. It is important to get everyone’s vision and input of what they want Corrales to be for them and their children. We have several projects in the works and the administration wants to be sure of our understanding of the needs of the Village are compatible with the citizenry.
The fire suppression system is progressing under Chief Anthony Martinez’s leadership. The sewer line planning is the focus of Director Michael Chavez. We are in a holding pattern at present with regard to the multi-use facility, labeled the Arts, Community, and Education Center (ACE), but searching for a funding source continues. Construction of the Animal Services facility will start in the next few weeks and will hopefully be completed by mid-summer. Speaking of animal control, we must not forget our animal control officers, Catherine (Cat) Keller and Bryah Lattin-Montano. These ladies are responsible for dealing with animals and issues related to animals in the village. If you inadvertently catch a skunk in your Have-a-Heart trap, call them. They can deal with it.
There are still speeding issues throughout the village. Please help us lead by example by following the posted speed limit signs. Remember the old Corrales sign that said, “Drive slow, see our Village. Drive fast, see our Judge”.
Speaking of our Judge, the Honorable Michelle Frechette is our judge who runs the municipal court. She is a long-time resident here in the village. She is very familiar with the concerns of the residents regarding traffic-related issues. So don’t go speeding down the road or you may regret it. And don’t run any stop signs. And don’t pass on a double yellow line like on Loma Larga for example or any of the residential streets. Assisting her in the court are Court Administrator Christina Thomas and Court Clerk Wilma Lamone. These ladies help assist people with paying their fines and citations as well as getting people scheduled for their court dates.
CRIME & SAFETY UPDATE:
Monday 5/15, a citizen reported that he left his pick-up unlocked with the keys in it while working on the 6300 block of Corrales RD and the vehicle was stolen. The truck was equipped with a GPS tracker and recovered in Albuquerque (minus the dashboard) a short time later. Remember to leave unattended vehicles locked with the alarm set and keys and valuables removed.
Monday 5/15, CPD assisted NM Probation and Parole Officers with a home visit on East Ella Drive, wherein large amounts of controlled substances (including over 300 Fentanyl pills) were located. A 26-year-old Corrales woman and a 26-year-old Albuquerque woman were booked into the Sandoval County Detention Center for probation violations and charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute are pending.
Thursday 5/18, a resident of Los Arboles Verde off of Cabezon Road reported that his vehicle was taken by an acquaintance without permission 10 days earlier.
Thursday 5/18, a resident of Camino Hermosa reported that his fowl had been killed by coyotes that afternoon. Help deter predators by ensuring that your property is secured by a sturdy fence (frequently inspect it for breaches), keep your yard free of trash, pet food, fallen bird seed and fruit to keep from inadvertently feeding them, don’t intentionally feed them and make sure that coops are impenetrable.
Please don’t drink and drive or allow others to do so. - SEE IT, HEAR IT, REPORT IT!
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE:
It is recommended that you have the “what3words” app on your phone to help locate you if you run into an emergency while hiking, camping, or using the river.
Please go to: https://what3words.com/ for more information.
The wildfire season is upon us and even with the current rain we have experienced, there is still fire danger! Information is available at website.
The Corrales Fire Department is still holding vaccine drive-through clinics and registration is available by going to: 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.
With the added moisture we have had lately, more Mosquitos are out. Mosquitos can carry viruses and parasites that can affect people and animals. There are ways you can protect yourself, like using insect repellent and reducing the time you spend outdoors during the most active times for mosquitos, which is dusk and dawn. More information is available at the following websites: https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol -OR- https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/index.html.
Roadrunner Public Health is contracted by Sandoval County to spray our Village weekly on public roadways from April 1st through the end of September (weather permitting). Any questions or concerns should be directed to Sandoval County at 505-269-0372.
Temperatures over the weekend will be very warm, make sure to wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water and provide plenty of fresh water for your animals.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Sunday 5/28 – Corrales Growers’ Market provides community access to fresh local food from New Mexico farmers and ranchers. 9:00am-12:00pm at Parks & Recreation.
Monday 5/29 – Memorial Day – Villages offices are CLOSED.
Saturday June 3rd – The Corrales Tractor Club presents their annual “Antique Tractor and Car Show” from 10am-4pm at Parks and Recreation. This FREE event includes live entertainment, car show, tractor show, and food trucks. All proceeds from this fun event will go to the New Mexico Childrens Hospital.
Sat. & Sun. June 3rd & 4th – The Friends of the Corrales Library will have their Spring Book Sale in La Entrada Park from 9:00am – 4:00pm. Sunday is the popular $5.00 fill a bag sale from 3pm-4pm (bags are provided). All proceeds go to the Corrales Library.
Sunday June 4th – Corrales Garden Tour at various locations throughout the Village. Information and tickets are available at: https://corrales-gardentour.com/ . Tickets are also available at Village Mercantile & Frontier Market.
The Corrales Library Summer Reading Program begins Monday, June 5th. Sign-up in person at the library at 84 West La Entrada Road or register online at: https://corraleslibrary.beanstack.com/reader365
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 at 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 to watch your speed, “Drive slow, see our Village. Drive fast, see our Judge”. With so many events going on in the Village lately, there are more people out and about.
Please be patient with the increased traffic and courteous as you watch out for pedestrians, horses, and bicyclists.
Stay safe and enjoy your week with family and friends.
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor
