Los Alamos County Views

Does Trinity Place go down smoooooooth?

2012-01-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

I am torn on this NADG Trinity Place deal.

On the one hand, it just seems wrong to use citizen owned land to grant an iron fist monopoly to Kroger over a major portion of our county's retail parcels, especially given that Kroger will then have the legal right to block most, if not all, of our hometown retailers from setting up shop in what will become the "Krogerville" section of town.

Some of our local retailers will likely go under as Kroger brings in competing out-of-state chains that are compatible with Kroger's operations. Other hometown retailers will survive and even thrive if, as anticipated, shoppers spend more of their dollars in Los Alamos. A renewed retail environment may even attract new business to our town!

White Rock will, in all probability, lose the local Smith's at some point. It's very unlikely that Kroger will maintain a second Smith's within a relative stone’s throw of a Smith's Marketplace. It makes no economic sense to do so. Even Kroger did not guarantee the survival of the White Rock Smith's, when asked point blank at a recent County Council meeting.

We could reject this NADG deal and wait for the economy to pick up again and make a better deal that is more in line with what we had originally negotiated with Boyer before the economy sunk. We could exclude Kroger on the grounds that they already control too much of our retail environment, given that a deal with Kroger would create a government sponsored monopoly.

On the other hand, my wife reminded me of the Co-op’s original location problem. The Co-op spent years trying to find a suitable site for their store downtown. Later they were approached to take a spot at Entrada that would be built to the Co-op’s specifications. The Co-op board had a huge dilemma, to build on the edge of town or to wait even more years for a suitable downtown property to become available. In the final analysis they voted that it was best to move forward at Entrada rather than waiting who knows how long. Building at Entrada turned out to be a huge success for the Co-op, exceeding all expectations (after all, Entrada is 40 miles closer to "town" than Santa Fe).

In the same way, we may need to push forward with the NADG deal now. This deal may not be optimal, it may stink like dead fish (in my opinion), but it may just finally be the time to move forward. I have no doubt that a Kroger/NADG shopping center will be a financial success.

Is this development what we envisioned for Los Alamos? Most definitely not. Will it meet the major goals that the citizens put forward for this project? Probably: Schools get their lease money; citizens get improved shopping; more shopping money stays in Los Alamos.

Will we be proud of this shopping center when we drive by? Probably not. Will it look the same as hundreds of thousands of other mediocre centers across this great land ... very utilitarian? Yes.

We are recognized nationally as one of the smartest and wealthiest communities in America yet, for the most part*, we don't drive fancy cars, don't live in big mansions, don't shop in high end stores and don’t eat in fancy restaurants. Our thriftiness is a major source of our prosperity, given that most Los Alamosans are essentially government employees. What are we in Los Alamos if not utilitarians? Shouldn't our major shopping center reflect our true nature?

My prediction is that the lease deal will be approved by the Council and School Board on Wednesday. The deal is much like taking fish oil pills – the benefit to your health outweighs the bad taste they leave in your mouth.

* except when on vacation!

An Original Trinity Place Proposal

Current Trinity Place Proposal

Los Alamos Daily Post

2012-01-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

Carol Clark (former managing editor of the Monitor newspaper) is launching a new venture – the Los Alamos Daily Post.

In early February, Carol is launching a multi-media website that will be a local news source. Carol will be interviewed on KRSN on the morning show on Friday, Feb. 3rd @ 8:30 am to tell us more about the Los Alamos Daily Post. Congratulations Carol!

Let’s all support this new local business.

Los Alamos Vision 2020 - on Facebook

2012-01-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

From David Izraelevitz:

I have set up this group to join those committed citizens of Los Alamos who believe that our County deserves our continual effort toward its progress and development, building upon the legacy left by those visionary founders who came before us. I hope this will become a focal communication and community center so we will contribute our volunteer hours, creativity, vision, and political power to ensure the well-being of our town and its citizens. I pledge to work toward establishing, by the year 2020, a range of educational opportunities, quality of life amenities, and economic strengths to ensure the vitality of our beloved town. I hope you and your friends will join me in this effort. We will post information, activities, and concerns. Ready, set, go Los Alamos!

You can contact David or myself (Greg Kendall) on Facebook to join the group!

Greg, Thanks for posting about Los Alamos 2020. Another way to join is to just go to

http://www.facebook.com/groups/310900742280278/

and ask to join. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to have a simpler URL (yet!). -David

NEW COUNTY SLOGAN REVEALED

2012-01-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

I just received this news release:
----------------------------------------------------

Los Alamos County
News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE! January 10th, 2012 8:00 a.m.

Los Alamos, NM – Los Alamos County officials have announced that the County has adopted a new slogan that will be used in all County marketing efforts and on general County literature. The new slogan was unveiled in a ceremony yesterday afternoon. Dignitaries such as Presidential Candidate Gary Johnson and Actor Val Kilmer were invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The new slogan, "Discover Our Parking" reflects the new strategic direction that the County is adopting. "Parking is very limited in Los Alamos. If you view a satellite map of Los Alamos you notice a major deficit in land that is dedicated to parking. Adding significantly to our stock of parking will jump start our entire economy," says Luigi Andretti, the County's recently hired Director of Parking and Speedway Logistics.

The County is moving to dedicate larger and larger portions of our severely limited available land to parking and to increasing speeds and lanes on key roadways. Even with continuing decreases in County population estimates, study after study shows that adding vast parking areas and converting main roads to speedways are the best ways to attract more high talent employees and business investment.

----------------------------------------------------------

(Greg again...)

There will be a public meeting on February 1st where County Council is expected to make a go/no go decision on the lease ordinance for the Trinity Site development. You can come tonight (Tuesday January 10th) to the Council meeting and speak to the development if you wish during the opening public comment period for items not on the agenda (Trinity development is not on tonight's agenda).

Here are details from the County (from http://www.losalamosnm.us/projects/trinitysiteinfo/Pages/default.aspx)

Ordinance public review available through January 24, 2012. County Council and the School Board will make a final decision regarding the lease/agreement on February 1^st.

The public is invited and encouraged to provide input to the Council prior to the public hearing on the Ordinance regarding approval of NADG’s plans. The Trinity Site Revitalization Project is one of the County’s top economic goals, intended to promote economic diversity, increase jobs, and bring additional shopping opportunities and amenities to the Los Alamos community. The Los Alamos Public Schools will benefit from income derived from the lease on the land, which they can then use for their operating budgets.

You can submit your comments in a variety of ways:

E-mail:	trinity.site.info@lacnm.us
Mail:	TSRP/ATTN: Kelly Stewart, Los Alamos County CAO 133 Central Park Square, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Comment Box:	311 Customer Care Center, 150 Central Park Square Council Chambers (Lobby), 475 20^th Street

Open Space and Parks subcommittee Meeting

2012-01-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

About 40 people attended the Open Space and Parks subcommittee of the Parks & Recreation Board meeting last night. The meeting was purely informational, no action was taken.

The comments from the crowd were similar to those heard at the December Parks & Recreation Board meeting. Bryan Aragon (Project Manager) said that they are getting a lot of emails and comments about the Golf Course Improvement project.

Bryan Aragon & Dan Erickson (Capital Projects & Facilities Department) and Craig Martin (County’s Open Space Guru) announced two days of meetings on January 10^th and 11^th. The meetings are by invitation and will be an opportunity for the stakeholders (selected by Craig Martin) to meet with Capital Projects and the Golf Architect to come up with compromised design options. Craig said there were a few spots left on the stakeholders meetings. If someone is interested, contact Craig at craig.martin@lacnm.us. In late January a public meeting will be held to review the compromise designs and provide public comment.

It isn't too late to provide input on the original designs. Send your comments by emailing cpfd@lacnm.us

Golf Course Improvements Meeting

2012-01-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

This is from the '311 Customer Care Center, Los Alamos County' Facebook Page

The Open Space and Parks subcommittee of the Parks and Recreation Board will hold its monthly meeting on January 4, 2012 at 5:30 PM in the Pajarito Room at Fuller Lodge. The meeting will focus on the Golf Course Improvements Capital Improvement Project and its possible impacts to the open space and the County Trail Network.

Options include taking no action, improving the course within the existing footprint, and expanding the course to the north and south. Also included in the plans are possible locations for construction of water storage tanks on open space. Two of the options include requirements to relocate sections of the Woodland, East Fork and Walnut Canyon Rim trails. These plans would also require removal of 20 or more acres of ponderosa pine forest. Options for trail realignments will be discussed.

After the presentation, the subcommittee will receive public comment on the proposed options.

Christmas Lights

2011-12-16T14:16:00.000-08:00

Update (8:30pm): Went down to White Rock for some Pizza at Time Out Pizza and then went and saw the light show. It's actually inspirational. The timing of the lights to the music is fantastic. The music comes through in perfect stereo on your car's FM player. Great Job. Get down there to see this one! Added a map to the place.

Update (5:45pm): See bottom of post for message from County on turning off street lights for Christmas light viewing.

I don't know about you, but I've notice this year that there seem to be fewer Christmas lights up than I have seen in past years. I was excited to receive the following message .....

Greg,

The last couple of years I have started putting music to my Christmas light display. Last year we had 16 computerized channels this year we're up to 80 channels. I'm trying to get the word out to Los Alamos community to drive by and enjoy the music and lights. We live on 334 Garver Lane in White Rock, so if you can get the word out on [KRSN AM 1490] and blog it would be great. I've attached a link to our Youtube video as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2BYCYQ4waY&list=UUQoptnFkp-WATEZlGW27ybA&index=1&feature=plcp

Thanks, John and Cindy Hollabaugh

--------------------------------------------------------------
Note: There are about 11 videos to different songs on Youtube by the Hollabaughs.

Here is a map to the house (South on Rover, Left on Grand Canyon, Right on Catherine, Left on Garver Lane and house on left about 8 houses down).

View Larger Map

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Streetlights Turned Off for Farolitos

The Los Alamos County Transportation Division will be turning off the power to various streetlights to enhance the viewing of holiday farolitos. Due to the long holiday weekend, the streetlights will be turned off Friday, December 23^rd and will be restored on Tuesday, December 27^th.

For safety purposes, the Transportation Division requests that all vehicles and trailers be moved to off street parking during the full period that lights will be off. If this is not possible, it is recommended that the vehicles and trailers be silhouetted by farolitos. Due to the limited sight visibility during the viewing, drivers are requested to travel the viewing areas at 15 miles per hour.

Streetlights will be turned off for these areas and streets:

Los Alamos:

Barranca Mesa - Barranca Rd, Los Pueblos (including side streets), San Juan, Totavi, Navajo Rd

North Mesa - Camino Redondo, Camino Medio, Cumbres Patio

White Rock:

Canada Way, Canada Circle, Balboa Drive, Alhambra Drive, Barcelona Avenue, Brighton Drive, Briston Place

Occupy Our Trails!

2011-12-09T10:27:00.000-08:00

Dr. von Braun, Rocket Scientist

Most towns that I know of have municipal golf courses. Golf is a standard part of a community's infrastructure. We need a quality golf course to make our town complete, so that our check-off list of "necessary amenities" does not have a gaping hole in it. Although I myself am not a golfer, I do support the county's efforts to improve the golf course. It clearly is in need of a major overhaul.

On a warm spring day, it's a joy to see the grass turning green and golfers out swinging away on the course. I've tried golf, but it's an extremely difficult sport. I didn't do well. I was a state champion bowler in my youth. I was told that bowlers often do well at golf ... not so much in my experience.

As I age, I expect that I will give golf another try.

Last night, the Parks and Rec Board held a meeting to discuss potential Phase I design options for golf course improvement and the need for possible trail realignment. It was a good meeting that included a wide range of public views. The views ranged from "don't cut down any trees" to "trails should not be near the course because of 'safety' concerns."

The Board Chair Robert Walker noted that the community needed to work together for a good outcome. Early in the meeting the chair indicated he didn't think that a citizen stakeholder committee was necessary to advise on the project because the Board had their own subcommittees, but later in the meeting he called for volunteers who would be willing to help advise the project. This item needs to be clarified. Will there be some type of citizens committee?

"Safety" was brought up ad nauseam as a justification for realigning trails. It was revealed during the meeting that indeed there were safety issues along Diamond Drive where balls bounce out into the road and hit cars.

There were no identified problems that anyone could recall of trail users being hurt. (Reports I've seen from other cities with trails near courses also indicate no issue, when proper mitigating design procedures are followed.)

There may be many good reasons to re-align the trails, but "safety" from flying balls doesn't appear to be one of them, especially when mitigating practices are well known and very effective such as fencing, bushes and berms, to name just a few methods. Trails and Golf Courses peacefully coexist in close proximity all over this country. Are we in Los Alamos so unique that we can't do it?

Craig Martin, the Open Space Specialist for the county, noted that under Option "B" (which calls for a relatively significant expansion of the course) the trails would likely need to be moved from their current rim locations to the bottom of the canyon. This move would add a lot more elevation change and slopes to the trails which might keep some hikers/runners from easily using the trails. This could also make a trail more icy and snow packed, it was noted.

I'm told that the Course Architect will refine the designs and add layouts for the trail re-alignments. It will be helpful to see what the Architect has in mind. There will be a public meeting (TBA) that will present this next draft of the design.

Personally, my recommendation would be to expand the golf course, but modify the proposed design so that the trails stay on the rim (or just slightly off the rim). Maybe trails move from their current alignments, but they don't drop into the canyon. I am certain that the Course Architect hired by the county can "make it work." There are published guidelines for designing trails in close proximity to golf courses. Making this work is not rocket science!

The Capital Projects & Facilities Department, who is managing the Golf Course Improvements project, is asking for public input. (I also assume that if you would like to have a more formal advisory role you can also contact this email.)

Contact: cpfd@lacnm.us

The webpage for this project is:
http://www.losalamosnm.us/projects/capital/Pages/GolfCourseImprovement.aspx

Golf Course Expansion vs Trails?

2011-12-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

Click to Enlarge

In a town that has limited open land available, inevitably any expansion of one activity impacts another....

As part of a Golf Course Improvements project, it looks like things may be going potentially astray. It appears that the project consultant/architect is driving towards a redesign of the Golf Course that could potentially eliminated/realign some important trail sections from our incredible county trail system, the Jewel of Los Alamos.

Our most important resource for recreation in Los Alamos is our trail system. Our trail system is world class with vistas that are spectacular. It would be truly a great mistake to damage our amazing trail system.

On December 8th there will be a meeting to discuss this Golf Course project and potential trail impacts. If you care about the trails and want trail users' voices to be heard .... be there Thursday 5:30pm - Pajarito Room, Fuller Lodge (note change in location).

There may be absolutely nothing to worry about. It could be that the realignment of trails around the new greens will be pretty much a non-event. What is worrying is that it looks like the planning so far has not considered what to do about trails. This is a massively troubling sign and could indicate the typical Los Alamos "worry about it later" attitude that typically leads to trouble for those expecting action.

It may be important to attend this meeting in order to make sure our trails aren't left in the dust. Questions need to be answered such as: (1) are trail realignment costs included in the price, (2) what are the plans for trail realignment, (3) where are the detailed design and drawings for realignment, (4) what citizens group(s) will be involved in the trail realignment and (5) what is the project schedule for realignment?

It may turn out the these issues will be taken care of adequately and there is really no reason to be concerned. But, what if it doesn't turn out that way? It's probably prudent to attend the meeting and make sure that what needs to be addressed is addressed. The public must insist that the trails be considered an integral part of the planning and design and not just an afterthought.

A detailed announcement of this meeting is found at the bottom of this post.

The following message came from a trail user and member of the South West Nordic Ski Club:

Sent: Friday, December 2, 2011 11:14 AM
Subject: [swnordicski-members] Loss of more trails in Los Alamos?

Hey, Los Alamos trail users!

Good post on the blog below to catch up on the golf course expansion plans vs resulting damage to the Walnut Canyon and other heavily used trails in that area.

If you can, try to come to the meeting ... Thu Dec 8th (more details in the post) to show your thoughts. As Khal points out, its our job as citizens to get involved in the process rather than get surprised and mad after all the decisions have been made.

http://labikes.blogspot.com/2011/12/walnut-canyon-trails-vs-golf-course.html

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Golf Course Improvements Study

Meeting Announcement

"Golf Course Proposed Improvements:

Possible impacts on nearby trails"

This has been added as a Special Discussion Topic at the beginning of the

Parks & Recreation Board Meeting on

Thursday, Dec. 8th

5:30 p.m.

Pajarito Rm, Fuller Lodge

NOTE the LOCATION CHANGE from the Training Rm at the Aquatic Center

The public is welcome to attend!

Project update as of November 29, 2011

A public meeting for the golf course improvement study was held November 16. The discussion topics of the meeting included challenges with the current golf course and potential golf course improvements.

The intent of the proposed improvements are to address existing safety issues of the course, replacement of the course irrigation system and associated water storage facility, and generally upgrade the overall course quality. Additional goals of the improvements are to create a more environmentally sustainable course, to enhance the adjacent trails, and to promote family programs and new tournaments that will bring increased revenue to the community.

There are currently four options being considered in this study which the County is seeking community input on. Option A proposes extending the course to the south while reconfiguring the driving range and four holes adjacent to it. This option addresses the safety issues associated with the driving range. Option B proposes extending the course to the south while reconfiguring the entire course layout and addressing safety issues throughout the course. Option C maintains the current configuration of the golf course and upgrades the irrigation and course quality. This option does not address any of the safety issues identified. The final option, Option D is a no action alternative.

There were citizen concerns about impacting the adjacent trails expressed during and after the November 16^th public meeting about expanding the course to the south. The golf course architect and the County are aware of these concerns and there are plans for re-alignment of impacted trails, if necessary. The county is currently working with a stakeholder group to help address these concerns.

There will be additional opportunities to make public comment on the golf course improvements.

A presentation discussing the potentially impacted trails and exhibits showing their proposed re-alignment will be given to the Parks and Recreation Board at their next meeting on December 8^th. The meeting is being held at Fuller Lodge (Pajarito Rm) at 5:30 pm. This is a public meeting.

The public may submit email comments to cpfd@lacnm.us.

The four options are described as follows:

Option "A"

o Address safety concerns along the driving range.

o Reflects the greatest in cost and timing efficiency.

o New Range and new holes #3, #4, #5.

o Everything else rebuilt in place.

o Needs netting along new overflow parking lot and edge of range.

o Reduced "Sustainability Plan", less opportunity for tournaments.

o Re-alignment of impacted trails by the expansion.

o Budget for Option "A"- $6,235,000.00

Please click here

to view Option A layout. This exhibit does not show the trail re-alignment.

Option "B"

o Address safety concerns.

o All new greens, tees bunkers and fairways.

o Range moved to safer location.

o Overflow parking is re-located.

o New #16, #17 and #18 finish at clubhouse.

o Power lines are moved for golf.

o GC becomes an example of sustainability.

o Re-alignment of impacted trails by the expansion.

o Budget for Option "B"- $8,610,000.00

Please click here

to view Option B layout. This exhibit does not show the trail re-alignment.

Option "C"

o Rebuilds course in place.

o New irrigation system.

o Additional water storage facility.

o Does not address safety concerns.

o Costs for this option are still being analyzed.

Option "D"

o No action taken.

o Course conditions remain as is.

o No costs associated with this option.

Description:

On December 7, 2010, County Council authorized staff to move forward with the CIP Phase I Study for the Golf Course Improvements project at the existing facility. The proposed study includes reviewing the current irrigation system, water storage, the feasibility of practice facility expansion to mitigate safety concerns, the re-routing of holes, cart path replacement and potential renovation of fairways, bunkers, greens and tees. Based on this physical review, a plan of course improvements will include but not be limited to: the cost of each of these components, a recommendation as to the most efficient and least disruptive and finally timing and phasing of the various components of the course improvements recommended.

The study team will also include a golf course analyst to review golf and maintenance operations, provide a market and economic assessment should these improvements be made as well as the number of rounds these improvements may generate. This analysis will also review what the appropriate maintenance budgets should be, in order to maintain the course in good condition.

A public meeting was held September 21, 2011, which primarily focused on gathering public feedback based on basic conceptual designs. The study, which is budgeted at $75,000, will provide planning, schematic design options, programming and a cost analysis for each of the tasks listed above.

What’s Next:

The intent is to complete and submit the CIP Phase II Application to the CIP Evaluation and Oversight Committee by January 2012.

Winterfest Schedule

2011-12-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

Santa makes an appearance at last years Lights Parade.

Here is the Winterfest Schedule:
WINTERFEST SCHEDULE

Bundle Up!

Ice Rink opening Monday, November 28th

2011-11-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

Shop small businesses on November 26th (Saturday) - The COOP is one of your local home grown small businesses!

Here is the big news upfront from the County News Release below:

The Ice Rink is prepared to be open at 11a.m. on Monday for Noon-Time skating, registering for lessons, pass sales, and all other regular season operations.

Los Alamos, NM - County officials announced today that West Road will re-open from Diamond Drive to the County Ice Rink on Monday, November 28^th instead of the projected opening date of December 1. The earlier opening date is the result of coordination and quick response efforts by LANL, County Pavement and Utilities’ crews since mid-October.

The watershed above the Los Alamos Reservoir near Pajarito Ski Resort was badly burned in the Las Conchas wildfire in June, increasing run off into the canyon that subsequently caused severe erosion damage to West Road and the surrounding area. The road is owned by the DOE. Until the threat of monsoons passed in October and road repairs could get underway, the roadway as well as the Ice Rink has remained closed. Crews concentrated on repairing the portion of the road leading from Diamond Drive to the Ice Rink to expedite opening that facility. However, the road west of the Ice Rink to the ski hill bypass and NM 501will remain closed until next spring, when additional repair work will be needed. Residents and visitors should continue to pass through the security check points on East Jemez Road in order to access Camp May and the Pajarito Ski Resort.

The West Road project required careful coordination and cooperation between the LANL crews and County crews. LANL crews constructed protective gabions to funnel stormwater safely past the Ice Rink in the channel on the south side of West Road. Gabions are rock-filled wire baskets that can be installed to slow run off and debris to prevent further erosion of the streambed. County crews were responsible for removing jersey barriers and a dirt wall that had been erected as a protective measure around the Ice Rink facility this summer. The dirt shoulder of West Road was severely eroded by stormwater flows, and had to be rebuilt by LANL crews. In the last few weeks, County Pavement and Utilities crews have worked to replace a culvert and gas line at the west entrance to the parking lot. The culvert was removed to allow stormwater to flow freely past the Ice Rink and avoid debris capture. A 2-inch gas line located under the culvert was inadvertently damaged last summer during implementation of the preventative measures being taken to protect the Ice Rink. The line had been capped until permanent repairs could be made last month. Crews also lowered the line to a safe depth below the culvert.

County Recreation staff began re-opening operations in mid-November and installation of the ice sheet is complete and ready for the new opening date. The Rink is prepared to be open at 11a.m. on Monday for Noon-Time skating, registering for lessons, pass sales, and all other regular season operations.

For additional information about the Ice Rink, visit the County’s website at www.losalamosnm.us/rec

, or call the Recreation Office at 662-8173. Once the Ice Rink is open, please contact the facility directly at 662-4500.

NMDT - A Christmas Carol

2011-11-18T09:06:00.000-08:00

The reviews are in! Don't miss.....

Ghost of Christmas Future

Here is a review by Kelly Dolejsi :
http://www.artonthehill-losalamos.com/ChristmasCarolReview.html

KUNM aires a review of "A Christmas Carol" by Jim Terr. Here a few excerpts:

"...the level of professionalism, the excellent production and sets, the excellent music and timing – and the huge community participation – it’s always a fabulous experience for me and whatever other guests I’ve attended with."

"...A CHRISTMAS CAROL is for me a searing look at the psychology of how our decisions and actions in life gradually squeeze the joy out of it. And this ballet adaptation really captures that spirit very poignantly, in many startling details, and in the very apt musical score."

"A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a thrilling, moving, thought-provoking production I would recommend without hesitation."

Leisure Pool Bond Vote Suffers Crushing Defeat

2011-11-09T19:09:00.000-08:00

[Updated 11-10-11 7:30am]

Los Alamos votes to stick with this type of Leisure Pool.

Unofficial results were posted at the Justice Center for the Leisure Pool Bond vote. The Bond vote failed to pass by a hefty margin.

Out of 6090 mail in votes cast only 2,239 (or 36.77 percent) voted yes on the Leisure Pool Bond. 3,851 voted against the Bond (63.23 percent).

Looks like the richest county in the nation is unwilling to pop for this improvement to the town's amenities. I guess that is how the town got rich in the first place!

------------[Updated 11-10-11 7:30am]

A fellow Planning and Zoning Commissioner last night noted that he thought the vote amounted to "Log Rolling" in that the question asked of voters was actually two, two questions rolled into one: 1) Do you want a leisure pool and 2) Do you want to pay for it with debt and increased property taxes.

These two questions should have been asked separately.

The County has plenty of money to pay for the leisure pool out of GRT without raising property taxes. Voters should have been give an opportunity to choose this route for funding the project, but we were not given this option for some reason.

My understanding is that years ago a bond election to build the Blue Whale swim center was initially voted down by County voters, but the County had plenty of money to build it anyway and went ahead a few years later and did build it without issuing debt and raising property taxes.

What do we know for sure right now? We know the voters did not want to raise their taxes in order to have a leisure pool. Unfortunately, because of the way the election question was structured, that's all we really know. Because of this I believe the leisure pool question will continue to haunt the County in the future.

Please vote in my Leisure Pool poll on the right hand side.

AMAZING RADIOACTIVE STORIES......

2011-11-08T13:22:00.000-08:00

Another person (this time in Sweden) has tried to split the atom in his own kitchen.

Here is the story:

http://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/man-arrested-for-attempting-to-split-the-atom-in-his-kitchen.html

New Drive-Thru, PEEC, a good Play ... plus Cats!

2011-11-07T10:55:00.000-08:00

From Linda Ferris at the Y (via Facebook): A "young driver" hit the gas instead of the brake and went through our front window in Weight Room...THANKFULLY no one was hurt, no one at that side of the room--driver OK, machines OK...just a bunch of broken glass. Katie, Keith and Erik did the clean up! Youngster does have insurance...not sure who with : )

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From PEEC:

Dear PEEC Friends and Supporters:

Los Alamos County is beginning a master planning process to determine the best site and arrangement of facilities for a new County nature center. Your knowledge and insights are part of the process. Catalyst Architecture of Prescott, Arizona, is leading a team of site, facility, interpretive, and landscape planners in this work. They have asked for community information from this short survey.

The three possible locations are the current PEEC site; the old skateboard park site (between the Aquatic Center and the Jewish Center on Canyon Road, currently a county storage area); the east end of the Canyon Rim Trail, across the road from the Coop Market. You may Google-map them at http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=214858812967480699259.0004b099ebc58cfb95297&msa=0

To take the Survey Monkey of 10 short fill-in the blanks and ranking questions (and you don't have to answer all the questions), go to

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XWS87KN

Please submit your Survey Monkey by next Wednesday so that the planning team can include it in their work.

AND THEN! PLEASE COME!
PEEC Public Meeting for the CIP process
6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 15, at Fuller Lodge.

Agenda:

1. Information on site selection--where?
2. Sustainability options--how green?
3. Building program--what do we need/want?

Show your support for PEEC and participate in the planning!
Thanks for your help and support at this critical juncture in PEEC's history!

Becky Shankland
PEEC Board of Directors

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We took the Parents to see the latest play on Saturday Night at the Little Theater. This is a good one. We all really enjoyed it and my father didn't fall asleep during any of it! Don't let the last act fool you. There is a twist at the end.

An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley Directed by Iain May

Produced by Kate Ramsey
November 4,5,11,12,13,18,19, 2011

Showtimes:	7:30 pm Fridays & Saturdays 2:00 pm Sunday Matinee
Tickets:	$12 General Admission $10 Students & Seniors

Tickets available at C.B. Fox or at the door. ----------------------------------

Tomorrow night Council will meet at the Community Building. It is expected that Council will pass an ordinance decreeing that "... all future public art paid for by the County of Los Alamos shall include a depiction of a Cat."

Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Collage_of_Six_Cats-02.jpg

Prometheus

2011-10-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to learn today that Ridley Scott is filming a sort of prequel to the first Alien movie. The first film in the series has always been my favorite. The "Alien" movie was a good thriller/horror film and an excellent science fiction film rolled into one. The other movies in the series became mostly "Hollywood" style thriller/horror, set in the future. Ridley Scott directed only the first movie and it's nice to see him return to the thriller/scifi world. For 32 years I hoped he would return to this genre.

My wife and I saw the original Alien film when it was still in narrow release in 1979 and had not exploded across the county yet. We saw it in San Francisco at a theater near Chinatown. I remember being so freaked out when the "chest buster" popped out that we seriously almost left the theater. We actually got out of our seats and stood in the aisle for a bit. But then the move calmed down and so we decided to try and stick it out.

This new movie is about explorers in a ship called "Prometheus" who travel to far ends of space to explore mankind's development and DNA development. Stories from Hollywood describe a large set that was built that will contain a "Space Jockey" from the original film. There is also a humanoid robot character, as in the original movie.

The film is set for release next June. I guess after 32 years, I can wait a few months more.

Council goes to the Dogs (and Cats)

2011-10-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

At last night's Council meeting, the Art in Public Places Board brought forward art pieces intended for display at the LAC Animal Shelter.

The pieces were two full sized dogs made of wood and recycled materials that would be mounted on the front of the building for public display. This is a screen capture of the dogs from last nights meeting. The image below doesn't give a good representation of what the statues look like in person.

Art Dogs

I thought they were pretty cool. They looked a bit like "Zombie Dogs" to me. I'm heavily into Zombies currently as I'm watching the exciting AMC TV show, "The Walking Dead," which is about a Zombie Apocalypse caused by some sort of virus that has spread across the globe. A group of survivors is trying to make their way across the Zombie infested United States in order to find a cure and safety.

Unfortunately it appears the Zombie's have already gotten to most of our Councilors.

The Art in Public Places Board found these art pieces and decided they would be fantastic for the Animal Shelter. The Board voted to take the recommendation to Council.

Two of our Councilors appear to have escaped the Zombie menace unscathed. Councilors Chiravalle and Rogers voted to approved the art work and trusted that the AiPP Board had done a good job in their selection.

The rest of the Councilors appear to have been infected. They voted NO. Councilors Berting, Stover, Izraelevitz and Wismer all didn't care for the art work and felt that there should be some sort of equal opportunity for cats to be represented in the display. I nearly blew a cog when I heard that one.

Zombie Cat to be added!

Now Council is worrying about whether dogs and cats are equally represented? Have we really sunk to that level?

Brains, must find Brains!

Many Los Alamosans are very fond of their pet Hamsters. I feel that Hamsters should also be represented in future art work for the Animal Shelter. Hamster Rights!

A Zombie Hamster would fit in perfectly.

Come down Friday evening to the Aspen Copies Haunted House during Trick or Treat on Main Street. I'll be one of the creatures inside.

A Scary Amount of Things to Do This Week

2011-10-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

Got Brains?

Check out the Scarecrows that are on Central Ave this week!

Thu, October 27th

Mesa Public Library Upstairs Rotunda 7 – 8:30 pm

Author Speak – E.B. Held

A SPY’S GUIDE TO SANTA FE AND ALBUQUERQUE When thinking of New Mexico, few Americans think spy-vs.-spy intrigue, but in fact, to many international intelligence operatives, the state’s name is nearly synonymous with espionage, and Santa Fe is a sacred site. The KGB's single greatest intelligence and counterintelligence coups, and the planning of the organization's most infamous assassination, all took place within one mile of Bishop Lamy's statue in front of Saint Francis Cathedral in central Santa Fe. E. B. Held is a retired CIA clandestine operations officer. From 2002 to 2009, he was Chief of Counterintelligence at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque. He currently serves as Director of Intelligence and Counterintelligence at the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C.

Fri, October 28th

. Trick or Treat on Main Street 4 – 6:30 pm

. Aspen Copies Haunted House during Trick or Treat on Main Street

. High Tech Halloween @ Bradbury 4 – 7 pm

. YMCA Costume Climb 5 – 8 pm

. Lads of Enchantment Annual Barbershop Harmony Show 7:30 pm @ United Church of Los Alamos 2525 Canyon Road

. Los Alamos Light Opera Performance - Into the Woods 7:30 pm @ Duane Smith Auditorium

Sat, October 29th

. Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast 7 – 11 am

. Ruby K’s Yum Rum 7 – 11 am

. The Los Alamos Heart Council’s 26th Annual Health Fair 8 – Noon @ Griffin Gym

. Fuller Lodge Art Center Fall Arts & Crafts Fair Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Parish Hall with a wide selection of work from 45 selected artists. 9 – 3

. Pumpkin Carving @ Fuller Lodge 10 am – 12 pm

. White Rock Skate Park 12:00. A goulish skateboard slam with a Halloween Theme Ollie Contest Game of SK8 Half Pipe Competition. Best Halloween costume contest for prizes. Live DJ's and music. All participants must wear a helmet All ages & skill level

. Haunted Trail @ Fuller Lodge 5 – 6:30 pm

. Los Alamos Light Opera Performance - Into the Woods 7:30 pm @ Duane Smith Auditorium

. Lads of Enchantment Annual Barbershop Harmony Show 7:30 pm @ United Church of Los Alamos 2525 Canyon Road

. Pumpkin Glow 6 – 9 pm

The Radioactive Boy Scout

2011-10-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

AMAZING RADIOACTIVE STORIES......

Here is the amazing story of the "Radioactive Boy Scout" who, as a teenager, decided to build a nuclear breeder reactor in his Mom's shed and was dangerously close to his goal when authorities discovered his fun little science experiment.

Based on the photo below ... things have not turn out well. The Boy Scout's name is David Hahn. There is a book and an upcoming movie based on David's story.

Below is a mug shot of David taken in 2007 ( at age 31) when he was caught stealing smoke detectors in order to remove the americium from them. Experts believe that the sores on his face are from radiation exposure and hope that David gets some treatment which, so far, he has refused

The villain in the movie Source Code was based on David Hahn.

Here is a link to the story:
http://www.dangerouslaboratories.org/radscout.html?resub

There is also a Wikipedia article on David:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hahn

A Rare Bird Sighted in Los Alamos

2011-10-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today Los Alamos received a rare and unusual visit by an jet aircraft with a unique designation.

The jet is registered to the Federal Aviation Administration - FAA. It is a Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV Gulfstream IV. What is unique about this plane is it's registration number of N1 and labeling as "The Spirit of America". N1 is the first number in the registration sequence assigned to the United States and is considered the ultimate registration number. It's the flagship aircraft of the FAA fleet.

The plane is primarily assigned to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, but is also used by many other Government Departments for executive travel. There is no word on who was aboard this particular flight or if they got hot towels. You can click on the images for a higher resolution view.

"The Spirit of America" N1 waits at the airport.

The N1 taking off from Los Alamos.

A beautiful day in the New Mexico sky.

Latest Trinity Place Design

2011-10-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

I received this pdf from a local business person. It seems to be a marketing flyer to attract businesses to Trinity Place as part of a national marketing effort. There is also a rumor that local businesses are being courted for spots at TP, but it's expensive.

If you look at the design ... well what can we say? We've come a long way baby!

Here is a link to the entire PDF.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0Bwee9VEp3JONZDdkYzM1ZGEtODA0Mi00ZDM0LTlkMTgtMzUzYzlhY2JiMDk3&hl=en_US

ULLRFEST - Saturday after next

2011-09-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

Update (5pm) ... and now it's Four.....
Brian Bosshardt just heard from Prothman that one candidate has withdrawn from the interview process as of this afternoon. Tom Mitchell. (see others below).

Click above to enlarge image.

http://www.skipajarito.com

Also .... fresh news from the County:

Los Alamos NM – The County Council is wrapping up their search for a new County Administrator in September. The list of candidates was narrowed to five individuals last week – all with top notch qualifications and many combined years of municipal and County government experience. The candidates are:

David Benda of Midland, Michigan, who was most recently President of Public Employee Benefits Solutions, an employee benefits insurance agency that provides services to local governments and schools in Michigan. He was previously the County Administrator/Controller for Midland County, Michigan.
Arthur “Harry” Burgess, who is currently the City Administrator for Carlsbad.
Earl Mathers, who is currently the County Administrator for Gallatin County, Montana.
Tom Mitchell of Bainbridge Island, Washington, who was most recently the County Executive Officer for Mendocino County, California.
James Payne, who is currently a partner at Precision Organizing and Records Management in Rio Rancho and was the previous City Manager for Rio Rancho.

The five candidates will be traveling to Los Alamos for interviews with the Council and top Staff, along with tours of the townsite and White Rock on September 22 and 23. In addition, the Council has requested that the candidates conduct an interview with a panel of community leaders from various organizations and businesses. These sessions will be open to the public to observe and will be held on September 23rd from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. In addition, members of the public are invited to a reception to meet the candidates inside the Pajarito Room at Fuller Lodge on September 22^nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

The County Council began their search with a subcommittee of Councilors who met with executive recruitment firm Prothman Company. The position was advertised in July and August, and the Council has been actively working with the consultant to narrow the list of candidates over the last few weeks. They held two meetings earlier this year seeking public input about the kind of qualities that the community would like to see in the next County Administrator.

Randy Autio is the Acting County Administrator and will return to his position as the County’s Attorney once a new County Administrator is hired. The final selection and announcement of the successful candidate is expected in early October.

The New Zipline Trail

2011-09-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had the chance to hike the brand new "Zipline" trail. This trail connects the Pueblo Canyon Rim Trail, that is found behind the Airport, to the bottom of the Pueblo Canyon below. Specifically it connects up to the Tent Rocks trail in Pueblo Canyon.

I have to imagine the name of this new trail came from a certain April Fools Day post that I created. It was a post about how a company was going to put in a Zip Line attraction into Pueblo Canyon near the Co-op. Well it's great to see that the ride has "partially" come into being. At least you can pretend you're on a zip line as you decent the trail.

The trail is exciting. It's made up of a series of fairly steep switchbacks down the canyon wall. We enjoyed the trail. There are a couple of more difficult sections that pass under a boulder and down a bit of a slope.

I like the location of the new Zipline Trail, as it will allow trips down into Acid Canyon to the Pueblo Canyon floor, down Pueblo Canyon and then up Zipline to the Co-op or to the Pajarito Cliffs complex. In the past you had to go all the way down to the old sewer plant and then bushwhack your way to the Camp Hamilton Trail and climb back out.

The photo above shows where the Zipline trail beings. It starts just east of the cement wall in the photo above. The cement wall is part of the airport facility. You can also find it by looking for the Eastern most houses on North Mesa. When you are opposite the last house, you're in the right area.

The day we went on the hike, there was a hollowed out tree stump just on the edge of the trail with a curled up rattlesnake inside. Luckily for us, the snake was taking a snooze while we went by.

Also of note:

This from Jim Billen, the builder of the Pueblo Canyon Rim Trail between the Ranch School Trail and Graduation Canyon:
The trail is finished, help us celebrate!

Stop by Graduation Point (east end of trail) for coffee and donuts.

8:00 to 10:00 AM

Saturday, September 17
(Rain date: September 18)

T-Board kills single lane roundabouts on Trinity

2011-09-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

Last night the Transportation Board voted to remove the "A" options (single-lane roundabouts) from consideration for the Trinity Dr Study.

Here is the T-Board motion passed last night:

I move that the Transportation Board accept the findings of the peer review of Ourston Roundabout Engineering, and, based on the report, recommend to the Los Alamos County Council that Option A with single lane roundabouts be removed from consideration. NM502/Trinity Drive.

Furthermore, the T-Board reaffirms its commitment to changes on Trinity Drive that address the goals identified in the Los Alamos street design policy document:

1.1. Street and right-of-way design and land use decisions are mutually reinforcing, to create effective synergy between streets and rights-of-way and land uses.

1.2. A comprehensive approach to street and right-of-way planning and design provides sufficient capacity and safe and comfortable travel for expected levels of motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, and operators of other evolving modes of transportation, such as low speed vehicles.

1.3. Street and right-of-way design provides transportation choices while promoting safety, health, economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and livability throughout the community.

1.4. Street and right-of-way designs incorporate published engineering and best planning practices.

Since Trinity Drive currently falls far short of meeting these goals and because future projects continue to be proposed along this right-of-way, the T-Board recommends to the County Council that work be continued in the development of a comprehensive plan that meets the County’s street design policy goals.

Now what do we do?

A public speaker came up with a very interesting solution.

Our problem in Los Alamos is that we could have the continuous flow road and it would work just fine, except for 15 minutes in the morning, noon and evening when the lab folks are on the move. The rest of the day Trinity is lightly used. The lab is 97% of the economic activity of Los Alamos and so we have this unique situation where the lab traffic is like a giant wave hitting the sandy beaches of our roads all at one time and in the same general direction. Other towns don't have this type of "wave" pattern of traffic. They have a more even flow of traffic from businesses spread across their areas.

The idea that came up last night was to make Trinity a one way road headed East and to make Central/Canyon a one way road headed West. This would allow Trinity to be configured as a two lane road and still allow an efficient flow of traffic in the evening. Central/Canyon already is two lanes allowing the morning commute to flow even better.

This would give us the room we need to make the enhancements that are specified in our Comprehensive plan and in the street design policy. Roundabouts may not be needed in this configuration and it's possible we wouldn't need as many signalized intersections. We would probably need pedestrian crossing signals.

I am familiar with multiple small towns that handle their downtown traffic in this type of configuration, essentially creating a circular traffic flow in their downtown core.

I thought it was a genius suggestion, but it requires thinking outside the box and expanded horizons to include looking at our downtown area as a whole traffic system instead of just trying to solve problems on each individual roadway, as we do now.

It is something that has bothered me, that we seem to lack effective comprehensive planning. Instead we are constantly putting out spot fires as a community in a very reactive mode. (Maybe "fires" is not the best word to use here, but I can't think of anything better right now.)

Ourston NM502/Trinity Study Peer Review

2011-08-31T16:25:00.000-07:00

Ourston is the gold standard of Roundabout Design and they say that MIG overestimated capacity on the roundabouts proposed for Los Alamos and that single lane roundabouts do not have the capacity for our roadway during peak hours. They advise that multi-lane roundabouts could work well.

Here are Ourston's report findings:

Findings and Recommendation
Our analysis shows that single lane roundabouts will not adequately handle the existing or future traffic volumes for select approaches. The capacity predictions for these critical entries are generally below the traffic volumes, resulting in V/C ratios exceeding 0.85. It is not recommended that roundabouts be designed with V/C ratios exceeding 0.85 as queuing and delay estimations are highly variable and unpredictable.

The use of roundabouts to address the purpose and need of this corridor study is applicable. Roundabouts can provide a safety improvement for all users, improve the modes of travel, and support social and economic vitality. It is recommended that roundabouts with an appropriate lane configuration to handle the projected traffic volumes be considered. Even though right-of-way constraints are compact, careful design of multi-lane roundabouts which only require minimal and strategic right-of-way takes would make this alternative viable. An evaluation of a multi-lane roundabout alternative against the conventional intersection alternatives may prove to result in the same evaluation consensus where roundabouts are the preferred alternative.

As a supporter of the continous-flow roadway and roundabouts, I find this report incredibly discouraging. I don't understand how the MIG results and the Ourston review results can be so radically different from each other.

Someone has screwed up enormously.

Where do we go from here to make Trinity Dr. a safe multi-modal street as the Council Vision Statement and Comprehensive plan states?

Here is Ourston's full report released by the County moments ago:
http://www.losalamosnm.us/projects/publicworks/Documents/Ourston%20Peer%20Review%208-30-11.pdf

T-Board Ourston Peer Review Discussion

2011-08-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, the Transportation Board will publicly receive and review the results of the NM502 Independent Peer review. The written report conclusions of the MIG consultants, who are doing the NM502/Trinity Drive study, have been questioned by a few members of the public. County Council requested that an independent peer review be completed by another traffic engineering firm in order to determine whether the MIG study had been done properly. On Thursday we will hear the answer. (Below is the TBoard agenda.)

If the peer review comes back and says that the study and traffic modeling were done improperly, then I believe that the case for a continuous flow road (that includes roundabouts) will be sunk.

If, on the other hand, the peer review comes back and says there are a few issues but that basically the study and modeling were done in accordance with traffic engineering standards, then I believe the continuous flow option will move on to the next design level.

If the peer review comes down in the middle and points out a couple major flaws and some correct assumptions, then we are back where we are now, which is split on the issue.

The meeting has been moved from a rather small room near the schools building to a large room at Pajarito Cliffs building 1, just down on the road below the Coop.

(Stop by the Coop for a snack or meal before/after the meeting! They make great sandwiches.)

Deer

2011-08-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

FULL CONTAINMENT!!!!!!

2011-08-02T09:11:00.001-07:00

LAS CONCHAS AND PACHECO FIRES REACH FULL CONTAINMENT

(SANTA FE, N.M.) - After 36 long days, firefighters have fully contained the Las Conchas Fire, the largest wildland fire in New Mexico's recorded history.

Ignited on June 26, the Las Conchas Fire burned over 156,593 acres, primarily on the Santa Fe National Forest and parts of the Valles Caldera National Preserve, Bandelier National Monument, Pueblos of Jemez, Santa Clara, Cochiti and Santo Domingo, and private lands. Numerous communities were threatened during the incident.

"It's been a tough six weeks," said Maria T. Garcia, Santa Fe National Forest Supervisor. "The successful containment of the Las Conchas Fire is the result of the tremendous involvement and coordination of many people, from many agencies and jurisdictions." During the past month, four National Incident Management Teams coordinated thousands of firefighters and numerous helicopters, engines, tenders, and dozers to bring the wildfire under containment.

Currently, a National Incident Management Organization led by Incident Commander, Dan Kleinman, is overseeing the last of fire suppression and repair on the Las Conchas Fire along with Burned Area Emergency Response activities (BAER). "The greatest outcome is no member of the public or any emergency responders were seriously injured during the fire suppression efforts," Garcia said. "That's attributable to good coordination, training and experience."

The focus now shifts to stabilizing the land and resource impacts within the burned area. BAER teams have already assessed the Las Conchas Fire area and identified treatments that will stabilize soils, and reestablish plant cover by seeding and mulching certain parts of the burned area. In addition, repairs to roads, culverts, and drainage channels will also be applied to protect life, property, and downstream values that may be at risk from flooding and debris flows.

With the increase in monsoon moisture, the Santa Fe National Forest lifted fire restrictions for portions of the Forest and Valles Caldera National Preserve on July 30. The Las Conchas and Pacheco Fire areas will remain in Stage III Fire Closure, while the Jemez Ranger District, portions of the Cuba Ranger District, and the Valles Caldera will implement Stage I Fire Restrictions.

- more -

The Las Conchas fire created significant safety hazards for anyone entering the burned area, including threats from flash flooding, falling trees and rolling rocks. Forest officials are currently assessing hazards that would potentially affect the public using Forest System Roads that access private land within the burned area.

The Pacheco Fire, which also presents hazardous conditions in the burn area, began June 18 and is 100 percent contained as of July 31.

For additional information on closures and the BAER treatments, visit the Santa Fe NF website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/sfe/

or Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2406/

Public Involvement in Rehabilitation

2011-08-01T19:30:00.001-07:00

August 1, 2011

Santa Fe National Forest Hosts Fire Projects Meetings

(SANTA FE, NM)—The Espanola Ranger District Recreation Team on the Santa Fe National Forest will host two meetings this week to discuss the recent fires and how the public can get involved in rehabilitation? projects conducted in the burn areas.

Work will not occur until conditions in the burn areas are determined to be safe.

Meetings schedule:

· Tuesday, August 2, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the REI Community Room, 500 Market St., Suite 100 in Santa Fe

· Wednesday, August 3, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Los Alamos County Council Chambers in the Community Building, 475 20^th St., (Ashley Pond) in Los Alamos

For more information please contact Jennifer A. Sublet, Volunteer Coordinator on the Espanola Ranger District, (505) 753-7331.

Report from BAER Teams

2011-07-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Here is info from Pajarito Ski Area:

Business Office
The Business Office will keep regular hours. 8am to 3pm. Monday thru Friday.

Mountain Status
There is limited hiking. Please do not hike on the east and west side. Stay out of all burned areas. No wood cutting or hauling.

Las Conchas Fire
The ski area management team has assessed the damage and are developing initial recovery plans. Three of the chairlifts and all buildings are intact.

Photos and notes » Watch for updates...
Webcam back up »

Pajarito Mountain Ski Area would like to thank all firefighters involved in the Las Conchas fire for their exceptional efforts.

Bike & Hike - ON HOLD

CAMP MAY ROAD IS OPEN - COME ON UP FOR A BITE
Our CAFE will reopen Thursday, July 28. We will resume regular hours Tuesday thru Friday, 11am to 2pm.

MOUNTAIN UPDATE
Recovery, rehabilitation and remediation activities are are being planned and executed. The mountain is in great shape considering the magnitude and intensity of the Las Conchas fire. Chair #1 (Lone Spruce) and Chair #5 (Townsite) are the damaged lifts, all the other lifts are working very well. The facilities are all intact. We are making plans now with our Insurance Company for the rebuilding of the chairlifts. We should have Chair #1 back on line for this season and with some luck Chair #5 will be back on line too. Some areas on the far west, Gene's Choice, Ma Bell and Milt's Meadow will be closed for this winter due to extreme fire damage in those areas. Also the far east side may remain closed for the same reason.

Concurrently the snow making project is moving forward with the Lone Spruce pipeline and power distribution cable completed. We are working on the spur over to the Beginners lift from Lone Spruce, that should be completed this week. We will then install the tower fan guns, ground hydrant/risers and lancers on Lone Spruce.

FIRE RECOVERY FUND
A universal savings account has been opened up at LANB titled "Pajarito Fire Recovery Fund." While the lifts are insured, the Fire Recovery Fund will go to the considerable rehabilitation and remediation that is required in the areas where spot burns took place. Anyone who writes a check with that name or does a teller deposit at the bank can designate that the monies go into "Pajarito Fire Recovery Fund." These deposits are anonymous and not tax deductible at this time.

---------------------------------------

Also a neighbor of Lois Coffin was able to talk to her husband. She is still in the hospital. She has a dislocated knee and is scrapped up over her body fairly badly, but for what she went through with that accident, she is doing darn good.

Here is the BAER report:

--------------------------------------

Las Conchas BAER Implementation Treatments Update 07-28-11

Incident: Las Conchas Burned Area Emergency Respon Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation

Santa Fe National Forest

Las Conchas Fire

Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Implementation

-BAER Treatment Information-

http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2406/

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Although the Las Conchas fire is 95% contained, some suppression work remains. Among the suppression activities to be completed are: suppression of active fire in the Chicoma Mountain area; patrol and mop-up of containment line; chipping of brush and trees along Forest Roads (FR) 44 and 266; felling of hazard trees; and restoration of hand and dozer lines. Suppression work will likely continue for at least one more week. Meanwhile, the Las Conchas Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Implementation Team continues treatments in the Las Conchas fire area within the Santa Fe National Forest, Valles Caldera National Preserve and Bandelier National Monument.

Yesterday, the Channel Group scouted and assessed drainage channels. Today, removal of debris from channels will begin, facilitating the flow of water. Directional felling of trees will be employed to divert water and construction of Barksdale trash collectors will be constructed on site. These trash collectors resemble a large grid made from poles found on site, which are placed in drainage bottoms to stop debris while allowing water to flow freely. The Peralta Footbridge will be temporarily removed to prevent its being washed out by storm flows. The bridge will be reinstalled at a later date. Some disturbed areas along stream channels will be seeded by hand.

Yesterday, the Cibola National Forest road crew bladed, graded, and cleaned lead-off ditches along FR 280. The crew is expected to complete this work today. The Gila National Forest road crew worked on road repair within the Valles Caldera National Preserve yesterday and will continue today. The Santa Fe National Forest road crew completed culvert cleaning, blading and grading on most of FR 289 yesterday. They expect to finish FR 289 and begin work on FR 36 today.

Felling crews dropped hazard trees along roads in several locations on the fire area yesterday, and will continue today. They also assisted Cultural Assessment crews yesterday by employing directional tree felling to protect archaeological sites. Cultural crews have assessed 60 to 70 archaeological sites to determine appropriate rehabilitation treatments to prevent adverse impacts to these sites.

The BAER specialists have prepared seeding, mulching and trail repair contracts for bid and will inspect and approve contract work after contracts are awarded. Contracts are expected to be awarded early next week and work to be completed within a two week period. BAER specialists are also working with cooperators to create an interagency early warning flood alert system.

Santa Fe National Forest officials are evaluating forest roads within the burned area to determine which roads may be reopened and when.

There but for the grace of God, go I

2011-07-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

Update(Wed July 27 1:55pm):

I have a friend who has talked to Lois today. Here is the report:

"She was very lucky to have escaped serious injury. She said that she was in the crosswalk on Trinity, with the light, when a car moving quickly, turned across her path. As she was looking at that car, a second car - following the first - hit her. It must have thrown her forward on the pavement because she said that she could see the tire coming straight toward her face and so she instinctively rolled. And that's what saved her. "

Update (Wed July 27 8:45am):

The Monitor reports that the women who was hit is 82 yr old Lois Coffin, who was taken to LAMC with unknown injuries. The driver of the truck that hit Lois was a 16 yrs old and her name hasn't been released.

It went down just as I surmised from witnesses and the locations of vehicles and the victims position. Lois was crossing Trinity headed North at the crosswalk on the East side of the intersection when she was struck by the teen driver in the truck who was turning onto Trinity from the North side of the intersection.

Later, the same day as the accident, my wife and I had a close call at the same intersection. Some guy just barreled through the intersection, making the same turn as the teen, while we were in the middle of the first two lanes of the crosswalk. We just stopped in our tracks, made eye contact and waved at the f''en asshole. In hindsight, I should have used a single finger salute.

And then my wife reported this morning that she had a close call with another car at the same intersection.

I have been to towns where they have buckets attached to the traffic light poles and inside the buckets are bright red flags that pedestrians wave as they cross the street in order to make themselves visible to traffic, as it is abundantly clear that at Trinity and Oppenheimer (and other intersections I am sure) pedestrians are totally invisible for some damn awful reason.

Please let your Councilors know that something must be done to make Trinity safer for everyone. Please take a minute or two to send a quick note to Councilors to JUST FIX IT. They can all be reached at:
countycouncil@lacnm.us

Also, the Council meeting scheduled for August 2nd with the MIG Trinity/NM502 design topic is now rescheduled to September 6th.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(July 26th):

Truck vs Pedestrian at Oppenheimer and Trinity. Note the book and glasses in front of truck. Click image for higher resolution.

At about 11:20am this morning, I was headed over to Central Park Square on foot, as I do frequently. First, I had to cross the dangerous intersection of Trinity at Oppenheimer. As I approached the intersection I saw a lot of Police, Fire and Ambulance commotion. I learned from witnesses that an older women had been hit by a 4x4 type truck driven by a teenage female.

All the following is sketchy information and we won't know the true facts until the police report comes out, but here is what I could gleam from the witnesses and from viewing the locations of vehicles, the victim, her shoes, book and glasses.

Apparently the women was crossing in the crosswalk. One large vehicle made the turn from Oppenheimer heading East bound in front of the pedestrian, the truck involved in the incident was then also turning and, for what ever reason it looks like the 4x4 truck driver struck the pedestrian. I was told that she was thrown or dragged maybe 18 feet from the crosswalk. She was hit so hard that both her shoes were found on the other side of the truck. She was lucky the truck didn't go over her. Her book and cracked glasses were found in front of the truck and she ended up lying at the side of the truck.

Enhanced photo showing pedestrian's shoes circled in red.

I consider the intersection of Trinity and Oppenheimer to be hazardous to all who encounter it, especially pedestrians, but also those in cars, as I routinely witness flagrant red light runners on Trinity on a weekly basis.

I consider all the signalized intersections in Los Alamos dangerous (with Trinity and Diamond being #1 in hazard). I feel much safer crossing where there is no signalized intersection, because I feel more visible to the vehicles and don't feel as though I will get blind sided by people turning on to Trinity who get distracted or are in a huge rush.

Something has to be done to make this roadway and intersection safe for everyone.

We can no longer tolerate the status quo.

I don't care if we turn it into a one lane road with roundabouts, as the traffic consultants from MIG suggest ... or whatever, but it's got to be fixed. (I personally favor the MIG plan.)

In the immortal words of Kenan Thompson of Saturday Night Live,

"Just Fix It!!!"

As the emergency crew put the pedestrian into the ambulance, she appeared to be conscience. I hope that is a good sign and pray she will be OK soon.

I thought to myself, as I continued on to Central Park Square, "what would my day have been like if I had gotten to that intersection just four minutes sooner?"

Who is next?

The Monitor has more information on this crash.

Donate to Wildland Firefighters Foundation

2011-07-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Crews preparing to protect the Pajarito Mountain Ski Area

Credit: Jayson Coil, www.jaysoncoil.com

We all owe a large debt to Firefighters who saved our community. I know that my home was saved by these brave men and women. On that second night, I fully expected our home to be gone when we returned. We live near the edge of Los Alamos Canyon. Below is something we can do to give back.

I would like to suggest that our next statues be of our Local and Wildland Firefighters, who have had a huge impact on our town over the last 20 years (and I suspect they will continue to have an impact in for foreseeable future).

From yesterdays Monitor:
Please consider making a donation to the Wildland Firefighters Foundation at www.wffoundation.org.

The foundation helps firefighters who have traumatic injuries and burns and they assist families of firefighters killed in the line of duty.

It's Raining. Gently.

2011-07-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

It's been raining gently for a couple hours now. Smoke is still simmering in a few spots in our mountains.

Here are some more photos from Harry Clifford:
http://hc.smugmug.com/LosAlamosFires

Singing In The Rain - But Not Too Much

2011-07-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

For the many of you who are out of town and out of state, things have calmed down quite a bit here. It looks like we are out of the woods as far as danger of fire coming into town goes (unless the winds really go crazy on us.) We have a good chances of rain for the next few days, which should go a long way to getting this fire completely contained.

Expect the entire town of Los Alamos to run outside and sing in the rain when it finally comes down.

Then we are on to the next disaster ... flooding. The BAER Team crews are all over and are working on ways to mitigate the potential for floods and erosion.

From inciweb.org:
Los Alamos Area: The fire continues its progression to the east and southeast, backing slowly during the burning periods and increasing rates of spread if downslope winds develop. Crews will "cold trail" where possible, physically checking the edge of the burn for residual heat. Direct fireline construction will be used to secure the fire perimeter where possible. Dozer line will be completed on the ridge south of the Guaje Canyon. Any spots outside the main fire perimeter will be mopped up. Structure protection will continue in Santa Clara Canyon.
Pajarito Mountain Ski Area: Crews continue to mop up along Pajarito Road and the ski area, using aerial support as needed. Firefighters continue to implement structure protection in the Pajarito Ski Area.

Fire Photos from inciweb.org:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lasconchasfire

See the Photo link found on the top of the right handle column for all my Las Conchas Fire photos and for photo albums from other photographers.

Source information for the iconic "Singing in the rain" low-res poster:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Singing_in_the_rain_poster.jpg

Las Conchas Fire Day 14 (Sat 7/9/11)

2011-07-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Smoke Plumes from Thursday.

There are no smoke plumes visible so far today, even though it's breezy. The fire seems to be on the decline around Los Alamos, but we still need rain to finish it off. Sand Bagging continues at Santa Clara using volunteers. (See yesterday's post.) Helicopters are still delivering water to hot spots in many areas.

From inciweb.org:

Los Alamos Area: The fire continues to back slowly to the east and southeast. The rate of spread will increase if downslope winds develop. Control problems may arise if gusty and erratic winds occur. Firefighters will mop up and maintain the fire's perimeter and continue providing structure protection in Santa Clara Canyon.
Pajarito Mountain Ski Area: Fire behavior will be similar to the behavior in the Los Alamos area. Firefighters will continue to mop up along Pajarito Road and on the ski area. Structure protection plans for the Pajarito Ski Area are in place.

Freelance Photographer Minesh Bacrania was able to tour the fire line around Guaje Canyon yesterday and allowed me to link to his photos.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.145143538893796.36603.114416798633137

You can check out all my fire photos using the link to the upper right of this page.

Las Conchas Fire Day 13 (Fri 7/8/11)

2011-07-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

Smoke and Sun

Update(5pm): From LAC:

Los Alamos County residents and employees are encouraged to assist our southern neighbors at Santa Clara Pueblo as they prepare for the summer monsoon season and a possible flooding disaster on the now dry Santa Clara Creek.

The Las Conchas fire burning above the pueblo on tens of thousands of acres of tribal forest has incinerated miles of vegetation around the Santa Clara headwaters leaving the area vulnerable to high runoff and erosion.

Volunteers are asked to help fill up to 30,000 sand bags provided by the Army Corps of Engineers. Tribal officials say they will use the sand bags to build walls around the main pueblo complex, as well as homes prone to flooding. The sand bagging effort is expected to continue through next week.

Sand bagging operations are taking place behind the Santa Clara Pueblo Senior Center, located next to the Santa Clara Pueblo Recreation Center on the east side of Highway 30. Volunteers are asked to report to the senior center to check in between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Volunteers are asked to wear long pants, long sleeves and closed toed shoes, and to bring a shovel. Please call ahead to check air quality conditions due to fire smoke at 505.692.6244.

(Friday 7/8/11)
We have got the same pattern going today, it looks like, as the last few days. At first its calm in the morning and then heats up in the afternoon. Yesterday there was a lot of air traffic fighting the fire. I saw a few large air tanker drops on different parts of the fire. It was very impressive to see how those huge tankers can drop retardant on exactly the right spot. It was just amazing.

Life in town is returning back to somewhat normal. I even saw what looked like tourists wondering around downtown taking photos. The farmers market was well attended. Later, we argued about roundabouts at a 1pm special meeting at the community center. It felt good to start to get back to normal life.

Tonight there is an Art Show Opening at the Fuller Lodge Art Center on Central Ave (5-7pm). I've heard great things about this show. I'm working on some music for the show with themes of Rain and movement. (The shows title is Kinesis.) We don't actually want rain and movement (mud slides), just so you know.

Then there is a Los Alamos Concert Series performance. This from the Gordon's Concert's website, "This Friday night, July 8th, the Summer Concerts gets back on schedule with a Rover Park, White Rock show. (Traveling on Route 4, westbound, the first light in White Rock is Rover Blvd.) Turn South on Rover and travel one mile—park is on left.)" The concert begins at 7pm.

It will be nice to get out and see friends tonight. There is much to do to protect our region and restore our forests, but for tonight, hopefully we can mingle.

What a great way to get back into the "rhythm" of life in Los Alamos. Enjoy the art opening and then head to the Concert at Rover park.

Here are some photos from the last couple days:
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17944548_N8VJzQ#1374029851_SZ5zpH5

You can find all of my photos over course of the fire in a link to the top right. (Along with photos from other photographers.)

Las Conchas Fire Day 12 (Thursday 7/7/11)

2011-07-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

(Thursday 7/7/11):
This morning was very smokey. Winds have been very calm. It's now a battle between rain and wind. Fighter fighters are battling to keep the fire from dropping into our Northwestern Canyon regions. We all are rooting for the monsoon rains to begin before another Westerly or Southerly high wind comes. Right now we have a standoff between fire fighters and the fire.

There is a protective fire line closer to town that would be a defense if the fire approach structures. I've heard that there is a debate about doing another back burn. The hope is that the monsoon starts before this is necessary as we all know it carries it's own risks.

Farmers market is going today so get out and say hi to everyone.

Yesterday the Co-op reached it's first million dollars in sales, an important milestone.

Shop local when you can in order to help our stores/restaurants with their recovery.

Las Conchas Fire Day 11 (Wed 7/6/11)

2011-07-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

A survivor up along HWY 4

(Update 2pm):
Today's photo album is available using the link on the right side or using:
http://losalamoscountyviews.blogspot.com/2011/07/las-conchas-fire-day-9-monday-fourth-of.html

(Wednesday 7/6/11):
There were conflicting reports that Hwy 4 was open (from Los Alamos to Jemez Springs and beyond) and then that it was reported closed. I went up for KRSN AM 1490 to find out what the status is. As of right now it is open. I was able to drive from the back gate (intersection of 501 and hwy 4) to the Las Conchas trailhead near where the fire started.

I would not recommend going up there unless you have a real need to do so. There are dangerous trees all along the road that are partially or fully burnt. There is stuff on the road in some places. There is a lot of heavy machinery being moved to the Valles Caldera area (Dozers, backhoes, support vehicles and such). There are small fire crews all over on the sides of the road.

I was a little freaked out at some locations where fires were still smoldering. I was worried a weakened tree could fall on the car.

I just heard from Los Alamos County's 311 center that Hwy 4 may be closed intermittently, depending on what is happening with trees along the road.

Looking at the damage, I was happy to see that it wasn't total devastation (until you got to the Valles Caldera .. more about that below). There was a patch work of some burnt area and some not. It looks more like a controlled burn that had been really done badly. The thought that went through my head was that God decided to thin our forests since we had let them get so badly choked with fuels.

Then I got to the Valles Caldera. The Caldera's grasses out the East of the Valle are all burnt. They will come back quickly. It was hard to tell about the internal Valle mountain slopes but it look more like a patch work of burn. Even Cerro del Abrigo looks like it was not devastated (my favorite hike at the Valle).

What was devastated was to the South of Hwy 4. Rabbit Mountain, which is directly opposite the Valle on Hwy 4 is toast. It's just burned down to standing tooth picks. I've hiked up there a lot doing a trail survey for the Valles Caldera and it's sad that the area is so badly burned. I'm talking about the area where the free Coyote Call hike is.

Further on, the good news is that the North side of Hwy 4 (the Valle side) didn't take a lot of burn. The Las Conchas trailhead hiking area and heading North was untouched completely from what I could tell, looking up the valley from the road. We love that area and take lots of our visitors up there. I was so glad to see it had survived.

On the other side of the road above the ranch, where the fire started, is devastation. This devastation runs from this area East over Rabbit Mt, as I said earlier, and then goes down into Frijoles Canyon.

Overall, I am thankful that many of the areas that my family loves best survived or are a patchwork. I'm sad to see the Rabbit Mt. area destroyed. I expect that many of the areas off Forest Rd 289 (St. Peter's Dome Rd) got a bad burn also, but you can't go up the dirt road currently.

I will post more photos from yesterday and from Hwy 4 in an hour or two.

Las Conchas Fire Day 10 (Tuesday June 5th)

2011-07-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the fire smoldered above Quemazon on the Guaje Ridge.

Tuesday June 5th:

(5:45pm): There is a relatively large area of smoke coming off the East side of Pajarito Mt. that is birthing other hot spots around and below it. I can see a bit of smoke coming out of Los Alamos Canyon on the South wall above the back burn area.

(3:06pm):
A very large amount of smoke is still moving away from town (thankfully). Our entire Northwest rim seems to be billowing smoke. It's an active day up there but still no threat to the town according to officials.

From the County's 311 office:
The fire is showing extreme behavior in the last hour above Quemazon and North Community. This is not a back burn but rather part of the Las Conchas fire. But, the fire IS within the containment area. The anchors and barriers set up around town are holding and the community is well protected. We have seen this afternoon pattern for many days now.

Ashley Pond is being refilled. It got very low over the last nine days. You could see all the rocks on the bottom.

Doesn't it seem like this fire is determined to burn down every last grove of trees that was left untouched by the Cerro Grande Fire? Let's pray that it doesn't. It's as though the fire is saying to Los Alamos, "you may be protected by your anchors and barriers, but I can still burn down your mountain top forests."

(1:41pm):
The hot spots have really gotten going again as they have been doing each afternoon the last few days. We've got light to moderate winds that are variable but mainly coming from the Southeast, which is away from the town thankfully. The fire is inside the containment lines that have been created and so the city at this point is safe. There is a big plume coming up from just below the Guaje Ridge on the Northeastern slope away from town. The Oso Canyon area has a bit of a large plume farther to the North. There are smaller spot fires in Los Alamos Canyon and up on Pajarito Mt.

These plumes look pretty scary but we are told by fire officials that it's not a threat to the city. The anchors and barriers around the town are holding and the community is well protected.

Come on rain. We are tired of this c#*p!

(Morning)
The air is getting better. We had some bad smoke later in the evening yesterday and early this morning but now its pretty clear. The hot spots are doing much the same as what they did yesterday. Winds are light and variable.

The fires burning above Los Alamos continue to find new fuel to burn. White smoke is getting going pretty good to the Northwest of us, below the Guaje Ridge. The hot spots above Quemazon and the Western area are smoking and look like they did yesterday.

The TV news weather people tell us that a high pressure system that is now hovering over the four corners area and is going to move across us and down into Texas. This will allow the monsoon moisture to get to us ... hopefully. Let's all hope that the winds stay light and from the Southeast while the process of getting New Mexico some monsoon moisture is going on.

It's nice not to have to breathe smokey air all the time.

The town is getting back to normal. The traffic is back. I just saw a big Delancy Street moving truck unloading down the street.

I've added another album of photos to my collection from yesterday. You can find a link to all of my photos (and some photos from others) on the right side, top of this page.

Las Conchas Fire Photos

2011-07-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

Our True Heroes

People have been asking to see all my photo albums (and some from other people) in one place. Permission is granted to re-post and publish my photos from smugmug as long as credit is giving to "Greg Kendall, Los Alamos."

Las Conchas Fire VII (July 7-8, 2011):
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17944548_N8VJzQ#1374029851_SZ5zpH5

Las Conchas Fire VI (Wed, July 6, 2011 - Drive up HWY 4 to Las Conchas Trail Head):
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17914040_QPBj3d#1371162611_dHJx6vK

Las Conchas Fire V (July 4th, 2011):
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17894247_xhjVJM#1369243157_QQwN7dv

Tour of Bandelier National Monument 7/3/11:
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17867843_FXSHHW#1366610281_653zqSV

Las Conchas Fire IV:
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17859355_47HcVx#1365971580_ngrDNZZ

Las Conchas Fire III (Thu 6-30):
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17831560_t3spJQ#1363246628_sfHx3bC

Las Conchas Fire II:
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17815696_bvdnKL#1361888466_CJgm2XH

Las Conchas Fire I:
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17797925_R8kCwp#1360053425_Kf25T3D

------------------------------------------------------
Photos by others:

Here are some more photos from Harry Clifford:
http://hc.smugmug.com/LosAlamosFires

Fire Photos from Inciweb.org:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lasconchasfire
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lasconchasfire2/

Freelance Photographer Minesh Bacrania toured the fire line around Guaje Canyon yesterday and allowed me to link to his photos. (Taken 7/8/11)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.145143538893796.36603.114416798633137

By Minesh Bacrania (Shows Las Conchas area were the fire began):
https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.143221755752641.36280.114416798633137

Fire Tour pics 6/28/11 (taken by Councilor Mike Wismer):
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17793556_8bSMfv#1359929577_GwJQMwn

From the Pajarito Ski Mountain via Peter Dickson:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64765438@N07/

Las Conchas Fire Day 8 (Sunday)

2011-07-03T06:21:00.001-07:00

Update (8:19pm): Photos from today's tour by KRSN AM1490's David Sutton and I of the Bandelier National Monument and the area above it.
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17867843_FXSHHW#1366610281_653zqSV

Update (6:33pm): From the Pajarito Ski Mountain via Peter Dickson:
Photo Link below.

BASE AREA

All buildings intact.

LIFTS

Chair 1 (Spruce): Base OK, top lift shack and unloading ramp destroyed, haul cable failed, chair line on the ground. Photos of that have been circulating on news sites and social media.

Chair 2 (Mother): Base OK, top station OK, lift line intact, no visible damage.

Chair 3 (Beginner): Undamaged.

Chair 4 (Aspen): Base OK, top station OK, lift line intact, possible haul rope damage midway up.

Chair 5 (Townsight): Base OK, top lift shack and unloading ramp destroyed, haul rope damaged.

OTHER STRUCTURES

Aspen House: Undamaged.

Lunsford Deck (behind Chair 1 top station): Undamaged.

Sunier Deck (east of Chair 2 top station): Destroyed.

Pond and all pump stations: Undamaged.

Comms towers: Structures intact.

TREES AND RUNS

Considerable burn damage in the Townsight area between the east boundary and Hedache.

Central zone from Bonanza to Big Mother: isolated burn areas, some quite extensive, especially towards the bottom of the runs.

Fab four: substantially intact, but not fully inspected.

Rim Run area: heavily burned in places, Milt's Meadow, Gene's Choice and Ma Bell area and west destroyed.

Camp May Road will be closed to all traffic for some time while mopping up, damage and hazard assessments are made, but the ski area will be reopened for public access as soon as possible. There will be a lot of work involved in getting the area back into a fully operable condition, and many opportunities for volunteer contributions. More information on recovery work will be available once the area is released by the Fire Department and the ski area staff can get back permanently.

Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/64765438@N07/

Peter.

Update (4:13pm): Back from tour of Bandelier with Ranger Rod Torrez. The visitor areas and Ponderosa group campground actually survived. Ponderosa area burned but the facilities there (bathrooms, picnic tables, etc.) survived. The majority of the large trees in the area will survive. I am going to load the picture of the tour up in the next couple hours.

Update (10:33am): We all must stay off all trails and lands in any burned area. There will be trees falling, hot spots, and other safety issues. Although not a current “burned area,” Pueblo, Bayo, and all of Los Alamos Canyon are closed because of fire threat.

Update (9:27am): Photos for last couple days.. I will add captions later. No time now. We believe (Dave and I) that we are going to review Bandelier in a few minutes for KRSN. Check for photos later on the KRSN facebook page.

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17859355_47HcVx#1365971580_ngrDNZZ

Update (3:33am) Make sure you get a few groceries, Smith's is working on opening. We don't know if it is open or when. Make sure you bring plenty of drinks in the car because it will be hot on the drive up and you could be in a long line of cars. Bring water for your pets too.

Update (8:23am): The evacuation order has been lifted for 23 minutes and traffic is still light around Ashley Pond. That is good. There is a 9am fire update press briefing at Ashley Pond that will be carried live on KRSN AM1490 (and streamed). Take your time, eat breakfast. Los Alamos isn't going anywhere. I am guessing that traffic will get heavy a little later.

Sunday:
The security check points will be taken down at 8am this morning and people can come back home to Los Alamos. The reverse 911 is sending out calls to those who signed their cell phones and emails up to the system. I just got the call 10 minutes ago.

It's a little smokey up here, but not as bad as it has been in the last few days.

Las Conchas Fire Day 7 (Saturday)

2011-07-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

from: lasconchas.lanl.gov

Update (1:00pm): From Gillian Sutton, co-owner KRSN AM1490....
KRSN is going to coordinate the green ribbon campaign (remember Cierro Grande) to thank the many many firefighters , volunteers , police , etc which have helped our community through the Las Conchas fire. Everyone wears a green ribbon on their shirt , business put bows up of green ribbon , etc. We are going to get green ribbon for other businees to pass out in addition to us and we will gladly expand the concept to include everyone who wants to participate. (This was Peggy's idea first I think !) So please let us know how this idea can be grown to include all business and people of the community. Give us a ring at 663-1490 or Gillian's cell at 412-5107.

(Saturday 10:41am)
Fire is still smoldering in Los Alamos Canyon and up high above Quemazon on the top of Guaje Ridge. The fire in LA Canyon is much higher up the mountain now, which makes me feel a lot better about my homes prospects. The Incident Command Operations Chief tells me that there are spot fires in the canyon but that they had made a good line that they are confident in. Quemazon ridge has spot fires that are coming down a bit lower than two days ago. They are not really active flaming spots but more of smoldering spots. Crews are working on building a solid line all around Quemazon and the whole north area. I saw some of the crews out at the gas station on Radio Hill (formerly Conoco Hill). There are a lot of young men and women who looked like they were anxious to get up there and get to work. I think they were fueling up their crew bus and support trucks.

After the protective line is completed, I was told these crews would then get up on the mountain and hit the hot spots that are spread out widely up there behind us and keep creeping slowly down along the north side of pipeline road.

Dave Sutton and I attended the 9am news conference. We will be taking about it on KRSN AM1490 and also streaming on the internet. There is a 2pm White Rock news conference that will be covered by KRSN and streamed live.

I'll have more photos up later today.

Las Conchas Day 6

2011-07-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Chief Torpy at the 7pm Media Briefing.

Update (11:21am): Here are my photos from yesterday:
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17831560_t3spJQ#1363246628_sfHx3bC
(11:21am)

Yesterday was a scary day in that the winds were up and they were from the Southwest.... anything with "West" in it is scary in regard to this fire.

We got into town early in the morning on Thursday. My wife is working in the 311 call center. I go check things out, do a little recon on the fire before heading the KRSN and report on what is going on.

Late in the day I went to the 7pm new conference at Ashley Pond. It sounded pretty positive.

After that I needed to help PAC 8 get some video up on the Video on Demand part of PAC 8 website. It's video of the 2pm Special County Council Town Hall. I got a note from our webmaster that it is up now. You can see it at: http://www.pac8.org
It's in the video on demand area ... scroll down.

After all that we got started heading out of town at about 9:30pm. We decided to take the truck route. We stopped at the medical center to get a look at the mountains. That tall peak that is at the top of Guaje Ridge and Pipeline Road had a lot of hot red areas on it that went down further than earlier in the day. It wasn't spreading at the time. It looked manageable.

Los Alamos Canyon, we have been told at news conferences, had a back burn going on. Earlier, I could see a line of foam the went from the top of the south rim down and I assume up the other side. The fire never cross that foam from what I could tell, but it was burning like crazy above it. There was a strong red glow coming out of the canyon kinda in that area of the reservoir. I was concerned that the fire could come up the north side of the canyon and start to come down into the Western Area. Apparently the fire crews were concerned about this too, as they had crews ready to protect the Western Area according the Chief Tucker this morning in an interview on KRSN.

It sounds like the fire did not peak over the north side of Los Alamos Canyon last night. This was great news to hear this morning. (We are in Santa Fe at a friend's house.)

As we were driving down hwy 502 towards Pojoaque we saw a lot of cars headed towards Los Alamos. We started noticing that a lot of people were pulled over with their blinkers on. We wondered what the hell was going on. Then we looked behind us. Santa Clara Canyon was totally on fire. It was a huge red glowing mess even from this distance. People were driving up to get a closer look. We stopped again at the Buffalo Thunder exit to look again. We had company there also. I have some photos I hope to get up later. The photos don't really show it well. This fire is just marching north with the Southern wind behind it. It's frightening to think about how far this thing could go. If I was north of it I would be watching it closely.

The news from Chief Tucker sounds very encouraging this morning. He did note that CBS morning news was saying people could return Sunday, but this is NOT true. The Chief has no date when people can return. David Sutton on KRSN noted that the smoke is currently the worst it has been. They won't have people returning in that kind of condition.

Yesterday, at one point, I was outside and had to wear a mask and my eyes were burning and small bits of ash were coming down. It's really bad when the smoke gets into town. Many of us who have been up there over the last few days noted that we have sore throats from breathing so much smoke. I am amazed my wife has been able to deal with it, with her asthma. She thinks the reason is because she had been given Prednizone during that smoke that came in from the Wallow AZ fire and it is still helping her.

I'm thinking early next week but that is just my wild ass guess. It sounds like it will be a paced return.

The County is going to use the reverse 911 system to call folks when they can return... per one of the town halls in White Rock. Of course this only works if you have registered your cell phone on the County's website ( http://www.losalamosnm.us/EMO/Pages/default.aspx ).

My wife and I signed up months ago, before the fire and we got the evacuation notice on our cells. You have to sign up for it.

I'm not going to up to do KRSN radio today. David will be a little short handed. If your already up there and you have some time. You could go help answer phones for KRSN. (My understand is that currently you can't get up to Los Alamos unless you have official duties and are on a list of approved folks. White Rock is open with no restrictions and stores are open.)

Right before the fire, my wife and I were camping in Southern Colorado with my parents. We came back and my parents stayed up there for a few more days. We heard on the radio about the fire as we approached Los Alamos just after the fire started. Later we got in touch with my parents and told them to not return to Los Alamos as they would not be able to get past the road blocks. They elected to continue to camp. They are running out of medications and so we were able to get what they needed. Today we are driving up to the campground in Colorado to deliver it. They are going to stay up there a bit longer until hopefully everyone can return home.

It will be good to get away for a day. It's pretty stressful up on the hill and people are starting to show some frayed nerves.

Las Conchas Day 5

2011-06-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

Update (2:46pm): There are stories on some national news stations that the town has lifted the mandatory evacuation is not true!

From the County PR Dept.: Los Alamos remains CLOSED to the general public at this time due to the Las Conchas wildfire. As soon as the town can be re-populated, the County will issue a News Release with details. The security checkpoint at SR 4/East Jemez Rd remains in place. (2:46pm)

Update (1:06pm) I've been told the fire crew is doing a back burn in Los Alamos Canyon, which would account for the larger amount of smoke coming up. (1:06pm)

Update (12:11pm) I went to Omega Bridge. There is a lot more smoke coming out of it. A bucket helicopter is dropping water down into the canyon. The good news is that the fire doesn't seem to be moving down towards the town but rather it is headed up the canyon. I would imagine they are worried that it could climb back up the canyon and threaten the ski hill again. It's getting quite windy again. My hat blew off as I head for the bridge. The canyon is somewhat wind protect and so that looks like a help to the fire fighters.

On Quemazon Ridge there is a pretty good fire going on the Los Alamos side of the ridge near the top. It's come over basically along the pipeline road and has turned North at that tall peak that is to the right of pipeline road up at the top. The top of that peak is going to be toasted. I have a geo-cache up there that I am sure will be melted to nothing. The wind is fairly favorable in that the fire is not headed down slope at this time. I expect that fire will cross over the peak and then drop into the drainage to the north ... what is that Guaje?

So it's a little dicey but nothing I see gives me huge concern at this time. (12:21pm)

Update (8:23am): Here are some photos from yesterday. News Media may use them if they give credit to Greg Kendall:
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17815696_bvdnKL#1361888466_CJgm2XH

Yesterday's Emergency Council meeting can be see at PAC 8's website:
http://www.pac8.org/
(8:23am)

Update (7:57am): Chief Tucker gave a very optimistic assessment this morning on KRSN AM1490. He is hopeful folks can start returning to their homes soon, with the way things are going now. He will know more later today. He is about to fly the area. It's incredibly smokey right now, so I don't expect he will see too much. It's not the burning dark smoke but more of a smoldering type smoke, but it is all over the place. I can't even see the base of Pajarito from my Balcony. I can't see what is going on inside of Los Alamos Canyon where there were some spot fires last night. I assume they are out since lots of crews were working them. Will be headed to KRSN shortly. (7:57am)

Welp another day up in the smoke. Staying at the Hampton Inn in White Rock and headed up the hill to KRSN. I am going to upload some more photos up at a location where I know I can get a high speed connection. Hope we make it past the security checkpoints. It's getting harder to get up the hill and they have brought in fresh State Police who don't know the locals who have permission to go up (press and essential personnel).

The weather is expected to be windy and windy in a somewhat worse direction for Los Alamos. It could be a battle today to keep the fire up the hill.

Get LA County together - Summer Concert Series in Espanola!

Location: Espanola Plaza

Time: ‎7:00PM Friday, July 1st

Las Conchas Day 4

2011-06-29T05:27:00.001-07:00

Update 6: Sounds like fire jumped Camp May road and may have trapped fire fighters who where uphill. There was a lot of activity around Omega Bridge as crews mobilized to get knock the fire back. Sounds like they did and got the fire fighters to safety.

There are some folks who thought that the Emergency Command Center had fire approach. We think this is just the back burn the type 1 crew is doing along West Jemez/501 .... hopefully. (4:03pm)

Update 5: On the bright side we are really thinning the forest and will be safer from fire in the future after this thing is over. Plus we will have more ski runs! We may need a new lift. This fire is pretty much taking out what was not taking out in 2000.

Check on Facebook on the "KRSN AM1490" page cause we are having a lot of activity there.

Chief Tucker is giving a really positive update on KRSN right this moment live from White Rock.

There is a lot of smoke and the smoke is a lot lower on Pajarito than before. I am told that this is because the Type 1 incident crew (who are experts at this) are doing a back burn just above HW 501 (West Jemez).

The winds are still very favorable and heading away from town. Keep the prayers up! (2:23pm)

Update 4: Got this from the KRSN AM1490 website:

Northern New Mexico College's television station, Canal 6, will do a live broadcast of the town hall meeting with White Rock residents and Los Alamos evacuees today at 2:00 pm.
The meeting will be held at the White Rock Baptist Church (80 State Rt 4).
Go to: https://sites.google.com/a/nnmc.edu/canal-seis/

(12:30pm)

Update 3: Here is an amazing photo:
http://blogs.krqe.com/files/2011/06/jessica-pajarito-flames.jpg

Update 2: The news channel 7 is saying that 12 houses have burned and they are making it sound like they are in Los Alamos. We know of no houses that have burned in Los Alamos. We are pretty confident about this. Hopefully the winds stay favorable until containment.

This link is to photos I have taken over the last couple of days. Media is free to use these photo as long as you credit Greg Kendall:
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17797925_R8kCwp#1360053425_Kf25T3D

Update 1: Councilor Wismer took a tour of the burned area and one of the evacuation shelters. Also some shots of the noon news conference at Ashley Pond:

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17793556_8bSMfv#1359929577_GwJQMwn

(6am 6/29)

------------------------------------------------------

Dear CNN: Don't worry. All nuclear and radioactive materials in Los Alamos are totally protected from the fire. I know we personally packed our family set of plutonium canisters between pictures and birth certificates, and stored the isotopes in the trunk of the car. We left the open barrel of toxic waste on the porch, but the 3 headed birds gotta eat!
--courtesy of anonymous facebooker

Las Conchas Fire Day 4

2011-06-28T22:28:00.001-07:00

Update 1: Councilor Wismer took a tour of the burned area and one of the evacuation shelters. Also some shots of the noon news conference at Ashley Pond:

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17793556_8bSMfv#1359929577_GwJQMwn

(6am 6/29)

------------------------------------------------------

Dear CNN: Don't worry. All nuclear and radioactive materials in Los Alamos are totally protected from the fire. I know we personally packed our family set of plutonium canisters between pictures and birth certificates, and stored the isotopes in the trunk of the car. We left the open barrel of toxic waste on the porch, but the 3 headed birds gotta eat!
--courtesy of anonymous facebooker

Los Conchas Fire Day 3

2011-06-28T05:22:00.000-07:00

Update 7: Mail for Los Alamos will be distributed at the Pajaque High School Gym. White Rock will continue to get mail delivered to homes. (8:36pm)

Update 6: The winds picked up earlier and the fire looked like it picked up some steam. Luckily the winds were still headed away from town. We looked outside a minute ago and the wind had died down again but the smoke was still billowing pretty good. Hopefully it will die down again with low winds. (8:25pm)

Update 5: There is a reason for hope. The winds are blowing away from Los Alamos now. It's incredibly smoky in Los Alamos and I hear also in White Rock. My wild ass guess is that the smoke is coming from the Frijoles part of the fire and blowing north towards our towns. The local fire crews are standing by to protect areas that would likely be hit first if the fire should turn back towards town. I've seen them lined up at the medical center. There are news crews all over the places. I recognized the news people. They are sending anchors up here to cover this story. (6:56pm)

Update 4:

There is a town hall meeting in White Rock w/ our leadership--tomorrow--Wednesday at 2pm at WR Baptist Church...this from Councilor Stover....she asks to help spread the word. (6:21pm)

Update 3: Authorities had their daily news conference at the pond and reported that they feel the fight is going well above Los Alamos. They had confidence they were going to keep fire out of town.

I went to my house and checked the view of Pajarito mts. The change is that the is a fire line now from the Lanl gray water tower almost to camp may road. And it's about half down the mountain. The good news is that this fire line hasn't come down the mountain very much. They say the winds are southerly on the mountain and that is good for us. The wind is shifting though. The crews protected the lodge on the ski hill. The fire has ringed around camp may. Pajarito backside took it bad. The webcam from last post is still going so take a look. Maybe the end of the week if all goes well then maybe folks can come home. White Rock is under voluntary evac because of smoke. White Rock seems to be safe at this time and they are not thinking about evac at this time but that could always change.

There is a lot of air testing going on to make sure everything is safe ... says Udall. I have pics from the news conference and hope to get them on this evening.

For people who want to help other or have some help for others go to:
http://www.helplosalamos.com
If my typing is screwed up more then usual it is because things are really crazy and I don't have time to edit.
(2:15pm)

Update 2: If you want to chat with other people and maybe get answers from them you can do so on the KRSN facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/KRSN-AM1490/198620933495274
or search in the top search box for KRSN and you will see a box with black images and letters ... "like it" and you will have access or just click on that box to go to the page. Lots of people there to ask questions and give info. If you have a place for someone to stay please note in on the KRSN facebook page ... or any other help you can provide for displaced folks. Thanks for everyone's help (11:33am)

Update 1: I'm at KRSN AM 1490 and they have been broadcasting (and internet streaming) info and music all morning. They are doing a great job here. It's Gillian and David (the stations owners) myself and a volunteer named Kathy here. The town is almost void of life except for the occasional police, dog catcher and national guard hum-vie.

If you are worried about a pet that is loose or is in your house, call Los Alamos Police dispatch at 662-8222. They are sending folks out to collect them. I've seen them all over town with the dog pound type trucks.

I was able to go to the 4th floor of my house this morning and take a look out my balcony at the fire. You can't see the top of Pajarito Mt. There is a fire line about half way up Pajarito right above that big gray LANL water tower near the LANL emergency center on West Jemez. There was another line of fire between that and camp may road but a little higher up. There is a big grove of trees that was not burnt in 2000. This grove is between the water tower fire line and camp may road. The fire seems to be making it's way to this grove, which would then take it down to West Jemez road. After that is would likely drop into Los Alamos Canyon. Right now winds have calmed a lot, but it is incredibly smokey. I think there is a chance for the fire crews to get some good work done. I haven't heard any slurry bombers today and it's probably because it's so smokey. I have seen a fire marshal helicopter monitoring the fire.

The county is working on a way to distribute mail.(11:21am)

Yesterday I worked with Nancy and Gillian at KRSN during the time that Councilor Mike Wismer was busy with his official duties and David Sutton was working on the radio signal problem ... which was most of the morning and early afternoon. I got some video that I hope to load later.

KRSN's Radio signal should be working today and it will be streaming at:
http://www.krsnam1490.com
(press the little radio on the top right of the screen to listen)

Today my wife and I will head up the hill and I will go back to KRSN and she will go to the 311 center. The announcement was that people will not be allowed back into town unless part of the media or emergency crews.

I think I just heard the fire went to 125,000 acres.

No structures in Los Alamos have been burnt as of yet. The fire is making it's way down from the top of Pajarito Mt towards the town site. Weather is not going to be helpful for firefighting today.

My home neighborhood is in one of the areas of concern (Oppenheimer Dr neighborhood behind the comfort inn). We realize we left a couple of really important things in the house. It's causing a bit of stress. I am just beside myself realizing what everyone is going through who lives in Los Alamos and the other effected areas. I feel a little lost. I know lots of you have gone through this before. If I sound a little disjointed that is because I am. We are at a friends house in Santa Fe and we are concerned about our neighborhood as we hear that it is under threat.

Chief Tucker is optimistic that no buildings will burn in Los Alamos. We pray that his team can make that happen.

More later.

Las Conchas Fire Day 2

2011-06-27T01:34:00.000-07:00

Update 8: The pajarito peak cam is showing a lot of flames. It may be very busy but if you get it to play you can see flames and embers flying right past the cam on top of pajarito. Not looking good. (8:06pm)
http://www.skipajarito.com/webcamtop.php

Update 7: The road down Rendija Canyon sounds like it was a mess. Cars got stuck in the sand. Don't attempt it without getting a status on it from 311 or the police. As of this time it is closed. Be safe and take the evacuation seriously. (5:37pm)

Update 6: Mandatory Evacuation has started with Western area. Reverse 911 will let people know who have a land line so that the evac will be orderly. Wait for your reverse 911 call and check with your neighbors and see if they get one. Rendeja Canyon rd through San I land has been graded and watered and it sounds like it can be used but I am not absolutely certain. County wants and orderly excite down main hill and truck route by the reverse 911 system. (1;58PM)

Update 5: The press conference was pretty uneventful. The same info already known was pretty much described. There is no mandatory evacuation in the planning unless things change drastically with the winds this evening. The fire is 1/2 mile from the Bandelier visitors area and up near the Juniper Campground. Worst drought ever recorded. There is a tremendous number of resource fighting this fire. (1:02pm)

Update 4: The wind has turned Northwest and is coming down low into the city of Los Alamos. I've seen ash falling for the first time. I'm smelling serious smoke now for the first time. KRSN has hit a 500 listener limit on streaming. We are trying to increase the limit so more people can listen. It should be increased in the next ten minutes. KRSN needs a new modem for the radio antenna and that is being worked. It burn out today of all days. We hope to have radio signal up in the next hour ... hopefully before the press conference at noon at the airport.(11:13am)

Update 3: The media press conference at the airport is now delayed to 12 noon. (10:11am)

Update 2: I'm at KRSN AM 1490 this morning. We are streaming online ... see link below in previous post. A transformer blew and caught fire and knocked the station off the air. Now we are streaming but the radio signal is having a problem at the tower. It's being worked on. Fire has burned 44,000 acres. The Fire Marshal is in the air now looking the fire over and making plans. There will be a media press conference at 11 am at the airport. The tv stations should be covering it. (9:30am)

Update 1: There are reports of power out in Quemazon and Ponderosa Estates. The Las Conchas fire came within a mile of lab property. KRSN is out of power. A transformer blew up across from the Baptist church and Mt. School. The fire dept put out the transformer. The fire looks about the same as last night ... but no big shooting flames that I can see so far. (6:54am).

The fire is coming down close to the second to last big bend in hwy 4 as it drops out of the Jemez mts towards the Lab. You can see the emergency vehicle lights lined up on hwy 4. This is the view from my balcony. It's taking out whole groves of trees in a matter of minutes. The fire crews are trying to create a line from the white car lights right at the bend in the road down that ridge on down to hwy 4 below. I can see the crews long line of headlamps with my binoculars. It's steep there. There were lots of green trees in that fire area just a few minutes ago.

Pajarito Mountain Ski Area has a live webcam pointed at the fire:
http://www.skipajarito.com/webcamtop.php

Las Conchas Fire

2011-06-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

Earlier fire photo from Los Alamos Bank roof. By Steve Wells.

Sawyer Hill Area Hi-Res Photo:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20599558/_DSC7698.JPG

Ponderosa Group Camp Area Hi-Res Photo (doesn't look good for campground):
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20599558/_DSC7702.JPG

Fire on ridge. Lab buildings are in foreground. Permission is granted to use this photo for personal or news related uses. Contact me for high resolution image.

Update 8: The wind is picking up again. It's our usual summer night cool breeze. The fire is flaring up again. There is a spot that is getting ever brighter up near Cerro Grande that we didn't notice before. I'm guessing we will see actual fire come over the top up there. National guard is being staged at the Justice Center. I'm getting some sleep so you won't probably hear from me until morning. If you evacuate, take everything you need (medications, computers, photos, key documents, etc) with you because there is a very good chance you won't be allowed back up the hill until the danger has passed. We have a wall of flame that is about 15 miles long facing us tomorrow. Please pray for us up here in Los Alamos and White Rock, we are really going to need it. (12:36am)

Update 7: A bunch of folks evacuated the hill to Santa Fe and Pojoaque, in many cases to avoid the smoke that was expected to be heavy. It ends up the smoke is going way over Los Alamos and heading down to Santa Fe and Pojoaque, that is the report we got anyway from a couple people down there. I hope people who left are doing OK. Traffic heading out of town is now lite on Trinity and almost non-existent on the Truck route. I can see the fire at Ponderosa group camp now out my balcony. I took a picture of it that I hope to get up in a few minutes. (11:30pm).

Update 6: From KRSN: Bit of fire on sawyer hill where it has crossed state route 4. That area has already been burnt in the last fire so firefighters are not horribly concern with that area at the current time. Most of fire is in Frijoles Canyon. Some has crept up to near Ponderosa group campground. Main concern is protecting buildings of Bandelier. 100 people are fighting the fire. Tomorrows key is keeping the Sawyer hill area from spreading down towards the lab, as well working area at Ponderosa campground. The Bandelier visitors center has been completely refurbish and it would be a terrible shame if it burns. They are doing some protective work ahead of the fire to protect those structures. (11:03pm). Stay tuned to KRSN am 1490 tomorrow.

Update5: The fire is flaring up again in multiple places. The Truck route has absolutely no traffic on it in either direction. I've been told it's open for evacuating traffic. I'm hoping to put up a picture of the worst spot up on the ridge in a few minutes. (10:40pm).

Update4: The voluntary Evac is going very smoothly. Oppenheimer near the police station is closed on the police side of the street .... I think it's a staging area now. The evac on the truck route is going smoothly also. The fire seems to have died down a bit at the moment. I heard that they weren't allowing cars up the truck route. It might be hard to get back up the hill tomorrow if you leave tonight as they are expecting a lot of fire equipment to be coming and they want to keep roads clear. I don't see the huge flames right now. The fire has not cross hwy 4. Let's pray winds die down and resources get here quickly. I think we are going to wait a while before evacuating and see how it looks. Right now it seems calm and not rapidly spreading as it was before. Most of our neighbors are evacing. The area below our housing district was untouched during the last fire and so would go up fast if it get's that far. Another neighbor said that if the fire gets to the lab, they don't want to be around with the stuff there burns. (10:23pm).

Update3: A neighbor noted that the fire crested over the ridge on to our mesa a couple hours ago. We have been made the number 1 fire priority to fight in the nation ... don't know what that means but I guess there are going to be hundreds of resources arriving in the next hours. KRSN 1490 has the best updates. They play music in between updates so keep listening. (10:13pm) Listen online at:
http://www.krsnam1490.com

Update2: Neighbor, who is evacuating to Santa Fe and is a post grad student at the lab said Fox New just said national guard is coming to fight the fire. We might leave town tonight. We have to go by my parents (who are out of town) house and get laptop computer and get their medicines and important junk for them. (9:29pm)

Update: Lab/county offices closed except for emergency personnel... voluntary evac of Los Alamos underway. Los Alamos is not threatened at this time ... but smoke could be a serious health issue. My view of the fire from my balcony looks as though the fire has not crested our ridges and at this time is staying in the frijoles canyon. Summer school cancelled. AM 1490 is giving good updates. (9pm)

I can see large and numerous flames from my balcony looking towards the recycling center. My house is near the comfort inn on Trinity. The flames look to be coming from the Bandelier higher terrain.

I am concerned. We are preparing to evacuate if necessary. I just checked with KRSN and word is the fire is head toward Bandelier and not Los Alamos.

The flames are huge and really have me worried. It may be that the flames I see are over on the Alamo Canyon side, but they are heck of freaky from my balcony.

One of our neighbors said that the lab was going to be closed tomorrow and that voluntary evacuations in Los Alamos would begin soon ... but we have no official confirmation on ... but we are getting ready now.

This from NM Fire Information Website (link below):

Las Conchas Wildfire – June 26 6:00 p.m.

Posted on June 26, 2011 by lmlujan

This fire started today, June 26 at 1p.m.. The fire is now 1000 + acres. The fire has spotted into Alamo Canyon and is burning towards Bandelier National Monument. Bandelier National Monument is now being evacuated. Los Alamos has NOT been evacuated YET, but evacuations are possible for the area. More evacuation information is listed below. A map of the fire area is also below.

http://nmfireinfo.wordpress.com/2011/06/26/las-conchas-wildfire-june-26-3-p-m/

Santa Fe Forest Closure

2011-06-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Last night we were at the Co-op and as we left we could see large bright red splotches over at the Pacheco fire. It was pretty shocking. It reminded me of lava in Hawaii. And why are fireworks for sale all over the place, it's seems to cross the line of insanity to me.

There reports from the Santa Fe National Forest Offices and the State. (Sorry about the formatting, don't have time to fix them now.)......

(SANTA FE, NM)—
"We have been monitoring conditions closely and based on current and forecasted
weather, prolonged drought conditions, fire danger, and fuel moisture content,
it is necessary to impose further restrictions to provide added protection for
the public and natural and cultural resources," said Garcia.

Although some Forest and Preserve areas will be off-limits, other areas and
local business will remain open. "Recreation opportunities are available and the
public is invited to come out and responsibly enjoy their public lands," added
Trujillo.

It is important to remember that although restrictions are in place not everyone
to adhere to them. No matter what criteria are used to implement fire
restrictions not all fires can be prevented. There is always a chance of a fire
in this ecosystem, whether it is a human or natural ignition. "We live in the
Southwest and fire lives with us," concluded forest spokesperson, Lawrence
Lujan.

Under Stage III fire restrictions, all areas of the Forest and Preserve are
restricted/off-limits to all use and access unless specifically listed as open.
Open areas will remain under Stage II fire restrictions. Specific information
for Stage II and Stage III restrictions are list below. Santa Fe National Forest
Supervisor Maria Garcia and Valles Caldera Preserve Interim Executive Director
Dennis Trujillo announce Stage III fire restrictions for the Santa Fe National
Forest and Valles Caldera National Preserve beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Friday,
June 24, 2011. Coyote Ranger District All National Forest System lands within
the Coyote Ranger District in Rio Arriba County will remain open under Stage II
Fire Restrictions. See the Stage II Order below.

Local businesses within or around the Coyote Ranger District along NM 96 are
OPEN for business. For additional information regarding fire restrictions on the
Coyote Ranger District, please call (575) 289-3264. Cuba Ranger District All
National Forest System lands within the Cuba Ranger District in Sandoval and Rio
Arriba County are restricted/off-limits except for the open areas listed below.
The areas listed below will remain open under Stage II Fire Restrictions.

Areas north of State Highway 126 with the exception of the area north of State
Highway 126, south of Eureka Mesa and west of Forest Road 126S to the forest
boundary

San Pedro Parks Wilderness, Clear Creek and Rio de las Vacas Campgrounds
Clear Creek Day Use Picnic Area
Local businesses within or around the Cuba Ranger District along State Highway
126 are OPEN for business. For a list of businesses, local attractions and
activities for the Cuba area visit: http://www.cubanewmexico.com/

. For
additional information regarding fire restrictions on the Cuba Ranger District,
please call (575) 289-3264. Jemez Ranger District All National Forest System
lands within the Jemez Ranger District in Sandoval County are
restricted/off-limits except for the open areas listed below. The areas listed
below will remain open under Stage II Fire Restrictions.

Fishing is only allowed 75 feet on either side of the San Antonio and Jemez
River from La Cueva Picnic Area South to La Junta Fishing Access

La Junta Fishing Access
Las Casitas Fishing Access
San Diego Fishing Access
River's Bend Fishing Access
Vista Linda Campground
Spanish Queen Picnic Area
The Bluffs Fishing Access
Battleship Rock Picnic Area
Rincon Fishing Access
Spence Hot Springs and the access trail from Hwy 4 (about 0.25 miles)
Dark Canyon Fishing Access
La Cueva Picnic Area
San Antonio Campground
San Diego Overlook
Jemez Falls Campground, Jemez Falls Group Area (reservation required), Jemez
Falls Trail head and trail to Jemez Falls (less than 0.5 miles)

Las Conchas Picnic Area
Sandoval County Solid Waste Transfer Station Special Use Permit site (in Cañon)
Forest Road 106 to Thompson Ridge Estates, Forest Road 105 to Sulphur Springs
residential area, Forest Road 10 from Highway 4 to Sierra De Los Pinos
residential development and Forest Road 134 to Vallecitos de Los Indios
residential development

Local businesses within or around the Jemez Ranger District along NM 4 and 126
are OPEN for business. Fenton Lake State Park located off of NM 126 is also
open. For a list of businesses, local attractions and activities for the Jemez
area visit: http://www.jemezsprings.org/

. For additional information regarding
fire restrictions on the Jemez Ranger District, please call (575) 289-3264.
Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District All National Forest System lands within the
Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District in Santa Fe, San Miguel and Mora Counties are
restricted/off-limits except for the areas listed below. The areas listed below
will remain open under Stage II Fire Restrictions.

Jacks Creek, Field Tract, Cowles, El Porvenir and EV Long Campgrounds
Dalton Day Use Area (off State Road 63 to the right)
Windy Bridge Picnic Day Use Area
Fishing is allowed 75 feet on either side of the Pecos River and 120 feet up and
downstream from the Windy Bridge Picnic Day Use Area and Dalton Day Use Area.

Rowe Mesa
El Pueblo/Anton Chico
Local businesses within or around the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District along NM
63 and 50 are OPEN for business. The Pecos National Historical Park South on NM
63 is open. In addition, New Mexico State Game & Fish recreation sites
including: Bert Clancy, Terrero, Jamie Koch and Mora camping and fishing areas
will remain open with restrictions. For a list of businesses, local attractions
and activities for the Pecos area visit: http://www.pecosnewmexico.com/

. For
additional information regarding fire restrictions on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger
District, please call (505) 757-6121 or (505) 425-3535. Española Ranger District
All National Forest System lands within the Española Ranger District in Los
Alamos, Santa Fe and Rio Arriba Counties are restricted/off-limits except for
the areas listed below. The areas listed below will remain open under Stage II
Fire Restrictions.

National Forest System Lands North of FSR 144 (Abiquiu area)
Borrego Mesa and Borrego Mesa Campground
Area South of the Santa Fe Watershed boundary (Atalaya Mountain)
Area South of Highway 475 up to Hyde State Park boundary
Black Canyon Campground
Caja Del Rio and Caja Del Rio Headquarters Well
Local businesses within or around the Española Ranger District along NM 84/285
and NM 502 in or around Los Alamos are OPEN for business. The Bandelier National
Monument visitor facilities, developed campgrounds, and interpretive

trails within Frijoles Canyon are also open. For a list of businesses, local
attractions and activities for the Española area visit:
http://www.espanolanewmexico.com/

. For a list of businesses, local attractions
and activities for the Los Alamos area visit: http://www.visit.losalamos.com/

.
For additional information regarding fire restrictions on the Española Ranger
District, please call (505) 753-7331. Valles Caldera National Preserve All
National Forest System lands within the Valles Caldera Natio

nal Preserve in Los Alamos County are restricted/off-limits except for the areas
listed below. The areas listed below will remain open under Stage II Fire
Restrictions.

Public access to the Preserve is open through the Valle Grande Staging Area
Local businesses within or around the Valles Caldera National Preserve along NM
4 and 126 are OPEN for business. For a list of businesses, local attractions and
activities around the Valles Caldera National Preserve visit the websites listed
above for the Jemez and Española Ranger Districts. For additional information
regarding fire restrictions on the Valles Caldera National Preserve, please call
(505) 661-3333. Stage II Fire Restrictions include: 1. Building, maintaining,
attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, wood or stove fire. Sto

2. Using an explosive.
3. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
4. Possession, discharging or using any type of firework or pyrotechnic device.
5. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion
engine is prohibited. Wood permits are being sold but cutting will not be
allowed until restrictions are rescinded.

6. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
7. Possessing or operating motorized vehicles off National Forest System roads,
including but not limited to cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and ATVs.

Additional fire information can be obtained by visiting
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire

or http://www.nmfireinfo.com/

. For additional fire
restriction information on public lands in the southwest, call toll free
1-877-864-6985. To report a fire on the Santa Fe National Forest or Valles
Caldera National Preserve, call (505) 438-5600.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Mexico 1nerg, Minerals and Natural Resources Department
Susana Martinez
Governor
John H. Bernie Tony Delfin
Cabinet Secretary - Designate State Forester
Forestry Division
Brett F. Woods, Ph.D.
Deputy Cabinet Secretary
2011-02
SMOKING, FIREWORK. CAMPFIRE. AND OPEN FIRE RESTRICTIONS FOR NM COUNTIES
Due to abnormally warm temperatures, low humidity, high winds, and the abundance of dry,
fine fuels, fire danger throughout New Mexico is high. Fire incidents for all wildiand fire
agencies are increasing daily. Pursuant to NMSA, Section 68-2-1 6, and other sections of the
Forest Conservation Act, NMSA 1978, Section 68-2-1 to 68-2-25, and 19.20.3 NMAC; Restrictions for Fire Prevention, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department,
Forestry Division, State Forester, has placed the following restrictions on non-municipal, nonfederal,
and non-tribal lands in Bernalillo, Catron, Chaves, Cibola, Colfax, Curry, DeBaca,
Dona Ana, Eddy, Grant, Guadalupe, Harding, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Los Alamos, Luna, Mora,
McKinley, Otero, Quay, Rio Arriba, Roosevelt, Sandoval, Santa Fe, San Miguel, San Juan,
Sierra, Socorro, Taos, Torrance, Valencia, and Union counties.
SMOKING, FIREWORKS, CAMPFIRES, OPEN BURNING, AND OPEN FIRES ARE
PROHIBITED UNLESS THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET:
Smoking is prohibited except in enclosed buildings, within vehicles equipped with ashtrays,
and on paved or surfaced roads or developed recreation sites.
Fireworks are prohibited in wildland areas. Wildland areas include lands covered wholly or in
part in timber, brush, grass, grain, or other flammable vegetation. The State Forester is
allowing exceptions to the ban on fireworks where they are a part of a public exhibit approved
by the local fire department.
Campfires are prohibited unless the following exceptions are met. An exception is granted
where cooking or heating devices use kerosene, white gas, or propane as a fuel in an improved
camping area that is cleared of flammable vegetation for at least 30 feet or has a water source.
New Mexico State Parks are included in this prohibition. For information on this contact the
local State Park Manager or visit the website at www.nmparks.com.
Forestry Division
1220 South St. Francis Drive Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
Phone (505) 476-3325 . Fax (505) 476-3330 www.emnrd.state.nm.us/FD
June 23, 2011
Page 2
Open burning, Le., burning of cropland, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles,
prescribed burning, or weed burning, is prohibited. The State Forester grants an exception to
open burning when all the following conditions are met:
1. the cropland is irrigated (This exception does not apply to non-irrigated croplands, fields, or
rangelands.);
2. burning is done with adequate planning;
3. adequate personnel are present to monitor and control the burn to assure that it will not
become an uncontrolled fire;
4. the burn area is secured from becoming uncontrolled at the end of daily operations; and
5. at the beginning of each day, before ignition, the person responsible for the burn notifies the
local fire department responsible for fire protection and follows all local burning guidelines and
20.2.60.111 NMAC, Open Burning of Vegetative Material, related to state air quality.
Flaring of gas is prohibited. The State Forester grants an exception to the prohibition on
open fires for the flaring of natural gas when the following conditions are met. Unless
flaring is needed for safety purposes, flaring pursuant to this exception shall not be done on
days that are “red flag days” as determined by the National Weather Service or on days
when the sustained wind is in excess of 25 miles per hour in the area.
1. The day is not a “red flag day” as determined by the National Weather Service and the
sustained wind is not in excess of 25 miles per hour in the area.
2. The local fire department and county dispatch are notified at least 24 hours in advance
of anticipated releases that wiN result in flaring. If flaring is done by an automated system
then the schedule of flaring shall be provided to the local fire department and county
dispatch. The area is mowed and maintained at a length not to exceed 4 inches and all
other flammable products or debris shall be cleared in the area for a distance of one and
one half times the height of the stack.
3. At least one adult is on site with communications equipment adequate to reach county
dispatch and the local fire department in the event of a fire. The individual should also be
equipped with a shovel and a water backpack pump or other equipment to deliver water to
suppress a fire.
4. If flaring is to take place at an unmanned facility, then the area around the flare stack is
mowed and maintained at a length not to exceed 4 inches and all other flammable products
or debris shall be cleared in the area for a distance of three times the height of the stack.
OTHER EXCEPTIONS MA Y BE REQUESTED:
The State Forester may allow additional exceptions upon receiving a written request
and granting subsequent approval in writing. You may apply for exceptions other
than those listed above for flaring or agricultural burning on the Forestry Division
website at www.nmforestrv.com. The exceptions provided above for flaring and
June 23, 2011
Page 3
agricultural burning do not require a request or written approval so long as the
conditions listed are met.
An exception does not relieve a person from any civil or criminal liability associated
with an uncontrolled fire, including costs associated with wildland fire suppression.
These restrictions do not apply to tribal lands; however, the Forestry Division is
available to coordinate restrictions with any tribe or pueblo. If interested, please
contact Tony Delfin at (505) 476-3340.
These restrictions become effective at 8:00 a.m., Friday, June 24, 2011 and will remain in
effect until rescinded.
DONE THIS’.-J DAY
________,2011
Tony Deliii State Forester
Forestry Division
John H. Bemis, Cabinet Secretary-Designate
Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

Saturday Breakfast at De Colores

2011-06-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

De Colores restaurant, down at Entrada and near the Natural Foods Co-op, has started serving a breakfast/brunch on Saturdays from 9am - 1pm. We had our niece visiting town so we rounded up my parents and my niece and headed down to give it a try.

I'm happy to report it was pretty darn good. They have the usual breakfast stuff, omelets, eggs, bacon. They had two types of pancakes, blue corn and red velvet. Our group tried the red velvet and they liked them a lot, especially with the cinnamon maple syrup. I had the "traditional" which was two eggs, hash browns, bacon or mesquite jalapeno sausage and toast. Mine was pretty good, but next time I will ask that the hash browns be browned a little more ... I like them a bit crispy. Everyone enjoyed their meal.

Prices were pretty reasonable for Los Alamos. De Colores advertises that you can walk the new rim trail before or after your brunch. We like to get up earlier on Saturdays to have breakfast and wished they opened at 8 rather than 9, but we will definitely go again for the Saturday brunch.

Oh and don't forget you can shop at the Co-op while you're in the area. The fruit is unbelievable, especially the pears and strawberries. Great tasting fruit is such a pleasure.

100,000 Views!

2011-06-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

Miguel Hernandez - 100,000th Viewer

Congratulations to Miguel Hernandez who is the 100,000th Viewer of the Los Alamos County Views blog! We celebrated with a big pile of cookies and delicious red punch.

Roundabouts Create Tornado Danger

2011-06-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

Researcher fears roundabout could generate tornadoes

Since Athens’ traffic circle opened last fall at the intersection of Richland Avenue and Ohio Rt. 682, fears that the unfamiliar driving pattern might cause a spike in traffic accidents have proved unfounded. An Ohio University graduate student, however, warned Tuesday that during research for his master’s thesis, he’s come to believe that a much bigger, unsuspected danger may be lurking in the “roundabout” – incredibly powerful mini-tornadoes.

“Typically, roundabouts in larger cities have a much greater circumference than the one here,” explained Aaron Doppler-Radar, who’s pursuing his master’s in virtual highway climatology. “They’re like highway cloverleafs, with cars continually speeding up and slowing down at multiple access points. This allows the central atmospheric vortex that’s created by a stream of vehicles moving around a single point to be constantly interrupted and dissipated, so it can never build up to where it’s self-amplifying. Athens’ traffic circle, on the other hand, has such a small diameter – it’s really more of a wide turn – that, according to my computer modeling, under certain peak usage conditions, with a steady flow of traffic moving at roughly uniform speed, you could see the creation of a compact, high-velocity funnel cloud, powerful enough to lift off from its point of origin and careen through the surrounding area, leaving untold destruction in its wake. It’s basically the same effect by which migrating birds cause the earth to rotate, but on a smaller scale.”

Doppler-Radar’s thesis adviser, associate professor of broadcast meteorology Richard Goddard, said he’s convinced his protégé may be onto something.

“Aaron’s an awful bright kid, always messing around with graphs and equations and whatnot,” Goddard observed, as he sat in his office beneath a sign reading “Weathermen Do It With Their Lightning Rods.” “I’m a little shaky on the math, but he did show me a very cool flash animation, with cartoon cars and trucks racing round and round, while this whirling concentric storm gradually builds up in the middle, getting bigger and faster, till all of a sudden it starts whipping back and forth, throwing cars around like a baby throws oatmeal. I’m real proud of him. Mostly the students I advise just plagiarize stuff off the Internet about the different kinds of clouds or something, but Aaron’s project is totally original.”

Doppler-Radar’s conclusions rest on a previously undiscovered principle of fluid mechanics that he calls “exponential micro-cyclonic Bernoulli acceleration.” He compared it to the well-known phenomenon in which the simultaneous flushing of multiple toilets on the same street causes typhoons to erupt from underground sewers, rocketing iron manhole covers miles into the sky and often downing commercial airliners.

“I know to the layperson, theoretical vehicular climate physics probably seems like a lot of impossibly complex mathematical modeling, performed by guys with I.Q.s so big they makes regular people seem like pigs or donkeys,” he said. “But it has real-world implications. I still can’t believe the people who planned this roundabout never stopped to realize they were building a giant centrifuge of terror – a perfect storm machine.”

Not everyone is convinced by the young researcher’s theory. “What I can’t believe is that anyone even listens to this nitwit,” said Randy Rock, director of Athens’ Streets Department and a strong proponent of the roundabout. “All he’s doing is recycling a silly piece of folklore that’s been around since the Model T, that driving cars somehow changes the weather. It’s an urban myth, like ‘cats suck the breath out of babies,’ or ‘never blow-dry your hair in the bathtub.’”

Local conspiracy theorist Dan Marconi labeled Rock’s comments a predictable government whitewash.

“Hmmm, let’s see – roundabout opens Aug. 31, 2010,” he noted. “Precisely 16 days later, Athens County is rocked by multiple violent storms including funnel clouds, in which some observers report seeing what clearly appear to be flying hubcaps. But oh, no, there couldn’t be any connection. And barcodes are just a harmless product tracking device. Uh huh. Let’s all wag our tails now, like the good little sheep we are. Baa. Come on, bleat with me, don’t be shy. Baa-a-a-a-a.”

City Councilmember Wahoo Getserious, meanwhile, confirmed Saturday that he plans to introduce a resolution at tonight’s Council meeting to erect a windmill on the roundabout’s traffic island.

Though the environmentally conscious councilmember helped spearhead an earlier effort to install solar panels at the Athens Community Center, he said he has never heard of Doppler-Radar or his theories, and that he isn’t talking about a sleek metal tri-blade wind turbine, but rather a big conical structure of unfinished stone, with four creaky paddle-like wooden blades, and set in a field of nodding tulips.

“It’s not an alternative energy project,” Getserious explained. “I just think a big Dutch windmill would look really nice on that spot.”

Source: The Athens News

Greg's Comment: All kinds of completely ridiculous and unfounded claims are being made about how dangerous and problematic modern-roundabouts are ... this story seems just as legitimate as what's being published in our paper and presented to Council in Los Alamos as of late.

Hall Appointed State Representative - UPDATED

2011-06-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

Los Alamos County

News Release

Public Information Office

133 Central Park Square

Los Alamos, NM 87544

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE! Contact: Julie Habiger, PIO

June 8, 2011 (505) 662-8083 or julie.habiger@lacnm.us

Los Alamos NM – Councilor Jim Hall announced today that he will be sworn into office as House District 43 Representative this Friday, June 10^th during a special ceremony at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Hall will fill the unexpired term of Jeannette O. Wallace, who passed away last month. A reception in his honor will follow.

Hall will remain on the Council until the end of the June 14 Work Session in White Rock (7 p.m. in White Rock Fire Station #3). As discussed during last night’s Council meeting, State law would permit Hall to serve in both positions; however, he has elected to step down from his Council position following Tuesday’s meeting.

The Council plans to discuss the process to replace Hall in a Regular business meeting that will convene directly after their Work Session ends on June 14^th.

------------------------------------------------

State of New Mexico
Office of the Governor
Susana Martinez
Governor

Contact: Scott Darnell
(505) 819-1398
scott.darnell@state.nm.us
For Immediate Release
June 7, 2011

GOVERNOR SUSANA MARTINEZ APPOINTS JIM HALL AS STATE
REPRESENTATIVE FROM DISTRICT 43

SANTA FE – Governor Susana Martinez announced today that she has appointed Jim Hall of Los Alamos to serve as State Representative from House District 43. Hall, a Los Alamos City Councilor who also served for eight years on the Los Alamos School Board, will fill the seat of former Rep. Jeannette Wallace, who passed away in April.

“As we fight to turn New Mexico around by fostering economic growth, reforming education, and promoting public safety, I’m confident that Mr. Hall shares the hope of all New Mexicans to create a brighter future for our families and businesses,” said Governor Martinez. “His broad experience in both the public and private sectors means that the people of Los Alamos, Sandoval, and Santa Fe counties will be represented by someone who knows what it takes to get our state back on track.”

Prior to his election to the Los Alamos City Council, Hall was the Vice President of Oso Grande Technologies, an Albuquerque-based IP technology company. He has also worked in the Nonproliferation and International Security Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory and served as the State of New Mexico’s first Chief Information Officer under Governor Gary Johnson. Hall is an experienced consultant in the fields of organizational strategic planning, information systems planning, and project management. He graduated from Macalester College and holds a Master’s Degree in Management from the University of New Mexico.

“I look forward to joining Governor Martinez in the fight to turn our state around,” added Mr. Hall. “I will do my best to honor Jeannette Wallace’s outstanding record of public service and I’m honored to be selected to serve the people of the 43rd District. I’m eager to get to work to tackle the challenges in front of us.”

----------------------------------------------------------------
Greg's Comments:

Republican Hall had the most direct state government experience and was the logical choice, especially with the upcoming redistricting battles drawing near. He can be instantly effective for Los Alamos.

This appointment does setup an interesting scenario for the next election. If Hall chooses to run for the seat in two years, it's going to be a battle royal against, I would assume, Democrat Stephanie Richards, who nearly defeated our late and long time Representative Wallace in the last District 43 election.

There is a long list of candidates, other than these, who have expressed interest in running for this seat as well.

Orange Glow

2011-06-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

Update: 7pm - The Sun is now blood red and you can't see the Jemez Mountains at all. It going to be a rough evening for breathing.

Everyone has noticed the weird orange glow of the morning Sun caused by the fires burning in Arizona (and other fires). The biggest fire causing us problems is called the Wallows fire. This fire is 100% uncontained and conditions for fighting it are not good, so it looks like this orange morning glow will continue for a while. The Wallows fire has burned over 200,000 acres so far and is about to enter New Mexico near Luna, NM. There can be health concerns with so much smoke around so it might be wise to stay indoors (and exercise indoors) when it's bad. Ash fell on our car and it was a mess the day after we had washed it.

AZ smoke causing health issues in NM [KASA.COM]

Wildfires in AZ. Click to Enlarge

Weather: Critical fire weather conditions associated with strong winds and low humidity will spread over southern Nevada and Utah, northern and western New Mexico and parts of southeastern Colorado, southwestern Kansas, western Oklahoma and Texas Panhandle. Dry thunderstorms will develop across New Mexico and southern Colorado. Windy conditions are expected in the interior west. Rain will continue across northern California and Oregon and will move into Idaho and western Montana. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop around the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley and along the Gulf coast. Temperatures will rise in Alaska with showers and thunderstorms in the interior. Source: http://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/nfn.htm

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304906004576369843152407046.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Music at the Pond - Tonight

2011-06-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the Music at Ashley Pond

Eric Sardinas Band
Performing at Ashley Pond.

Hard and soulful blues/rock.

http://www.ericsardinas.com/

Schools Out for Summer

2011-05-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the Class of 2011.....

White Rock Rock Core Sample

2011-05-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

Just a small portion of the coring.

Check out the core sample of the White Rock rock. It's pretty amazing:

http://jonfwilkins.blogspot.com/2011/05/white-rock-paint-core.html

Make sure you follow the link to the Mouse NerdBot photos to get the details on the coring.

District 43 Candidates

2011-05-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

Today at noon was the deadline for applicants who wish to finish Jeannette Wallace's term as NM State Representative District 43. Here are the applicants that made the deadline:

Democrats

Pete Sheehy

Stephanie Richard

Republicans

Jose J. Varela Lopez

Joan Ahlers

Jim Hall

Robert Gibson

Vincent Chiravalle

All applicants must attend the meeting on the 17^th and be ready to respond to Councilor questions.

You can scratch Sheehy and Richard as they are not Republican's and thus don't have even the slightest chance of being selected (not by this Governor anyway - she's a strong party loyalist - I'm just telling it like it is. The Santa Fe New Mexican notes this also. )

The question that needs to be asked is: "Who will be electable in District 43 in a year?" We need to send the most electable candidate to the state so we maintain continuity. Hopefully being electable coincides with being a good representative.

On the other hand Democrats should hope the Governor selects a weak candidate that can be easily defeated in a year.

Of course I hear that redistricting is going on and we will need a Representative that can hit the ground running and keep our district strong. There is a lot at stake.

I have a poll to the right side that asked who is most electable of these candidates.

Lopez has allegedly submitted his name in both Santa Fe and Los Alamos. Maybe that is a clever strategy.

Intro Image Source:

http://www.flagsclipart.net/free_flags_clipart_images/republican_gop_elephant_waving_the_flag_0521-1004-3014-2951.html

Trinity Drive Walking Tour

2011-05-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

(The Los Alamos Concert Series Schedule can be found in the next post.)

The following information was published in the Monitor on Tuesday:

Join Us for a Trinity Drive Walking Tour and Informal Discussion of NM 502 Corridor Study Now Underway.

You invited to join County Councilors for a walking tour:

Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 12:00 noon.

We will meet at the Justice Center and take an approximate 25 minute walking tour between Oppenheimer and 20th Street returning to the Justice Center.

Refreshments will be served at the Justice Center after the walk.

Please RSVP on or before May 10th to lacpw@lacnm.us or call 662-8150.

Bring your water bottle and wear walking shoes!

Los Alamos Concert Series Schedule

2011-05-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

2011 Los Alamos Concert Series Schedule
The Series is coordinated and managed by Russ Gordon of Gordons' Concerts of Los Alamos, New Mexico.

May 2011 Concert Dates

20th
    Featured Artist: Junior Brown.    Opening Act: D.K. and the Affordables.    Performing at Overlook Park in White Rock.
    Incredible classic country style guitarist. Plays jazz, blues, surf-rock, Hawaiian and rockabilly—amazing    guitarist. The Affordables play Rockabilly.

27th
    JT and the Clouds.    Performing at Ashley Pond.
    Americana, Roots-rock & soul from Chicago.

June 2011 Concert Dates

3rd
    Eric Sardinas Band.    Performing at Ashley Pond.
    Hard and soulful blues/rock.

10th
    Cedric Burnside Project. Central & Main. CBP wil be performing for the Chamberfest Street Concert, 11am to 2pm.
    Piedmont blues from Mississippi.

11th
    The Nomads. Performing at Central & Main, for the Chamberfest Street Concert,
    from 11am to 2pm.
    You'll enjoy 50's and 60's Rock, Country, Spanish, and Rockabilly.

17th
    Greg Abate and the Pete Amahl Trio.    See this group at Ashley Pond.
    Bebop jazz from Rhode Island.

24th
    John Nemeth.    Performing on the mountain, this is the Pajarito Ski Area and LA Monitor night.
    Heavy on the Blues and R and B.

July 2011 Concert Dates

1st
    James Hyland Band. James Hyland, who initially showcased his talents as founder of the South Austin Jug Band, will be appearing at Smith's Shopping Center.
    He puts out powerful Country and Americana from Austin, Texas.

4th
    The Nomads. They will be playing at Overlook Park in White Rock at 3pm for
    the Kiwanis Club's July 4th Fireworks Spectacular.
    50's and 60's Rock and More...

8th
    The Iguanas. Performing at Rover Park.
    New Orleans Rock.

15th
    Uncle Lucius. Will be playing at Los Alamos National Bank for LANB Night.
    Great Texas and Southern Rock.

22nd
    Red Elvises. Putting on their show at Ashley Pond.
    Russian Rokenroll, Russian folk-rock, rock and Siberian surf-rock.

29th
    Tony Furtado Band. Will be at Entrada Business Park (At the Co-op)
    An eclectic & exciting fusion of jazz, folk, blues, rock & bluegrass.

August 2011 Concert Dates

5th
    Los Pinguos. Will be performing at the Best Western Hilltop House Hotel.
    This is an incredible high-energy Latin dance band from Argentina.

12th
    Thomas Mapfumo & the Blacks Unlimited. Will be performing at The Pond. The Los Alamos County Fair & Rodeo weekend.
    Another incredible high-energy Dance Band from Zimbabwe, Africa.

13th
    Jimmy Stadler Band. Appearing at Ashley Pond at 11am. Los Alamos County Fair and Rodeo weekend.
    Taos rock favorites.

19th
    Carolyn Wonderland. Will be at Del Norte Credit Union for Del Norte Credit Union / Zia Credit Union / LA Schools Credit Union night.
    Austin, Texas Americana, Rock and Blues.

September 2011 Concert Dates

16th
    Ryan McGarvey. He'll be playing at Ashley Pond.
    A Rockin' Blues Man! This is the Next Big Idea weekend. A Festival of Discovery, Invention, and Innovation.

------------------------------------------------------
I would have used the official posters from the concert series website, but they don't yet exist online.

Here is the official website:
http://www.gordonsconcerts.com/index.html

PAC 8 TV - SUMMER VIDEO CLASSES 2011

2011-05-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

PAC 8 is holding summer classes for youth and adults this summer. It's a great chance to learn some valuable video techniques for that amazing independent film you have always wanted to produce and submit to the Sundance Film Festival. Or maybe you want to be the next American Idol and create a hot music video. Video and Photoshop can come in handy in so many situations. It's time to learn!

PAC 8 SUMMER VIDEO CLASSES 2011

REGISTRATION FEE & SCHEDULE

($90 per session)
Session 1. May 31 – June 3, 9:00 am–12:00 noon - Beginning Video for 2nd – 6th graders
Session 2. May 31 – June 3, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm - Beginning Video for 2nd – 6th graders
Session 3. June 6 – June 9, 9:00 am–12:00 noon - Beginning Video for 2nd – 6th graders
Session 4. June 6 – June 9, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm - Intermediate Video for 2nd -6th graders
Session 5. June 13 – June 16, 9:00 am–12:00 noon - Beginning Video for 2nd – 6th graders
Session 6. June 13- June 16, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm - Beginning Video for 6th - 9th graders
Session 7. June 20 – June 23, 9:00 am–12:00 noon - Intermediate Video for 2nd – 6th graders
Session 8. June 20 – June 23, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm - Intermediate Video for 6th -9th graders
Session 9. June 27 – June 30, 9:00 am-12:00 noon - Beginning Video for 2nd – 6th graders
MUSIC VIDEO! Session 10. June 27 – June 30, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm - Intermediate Video for 2nd – 6th graders
Session 11. July 5 – July 8, 9:00 am–12:00 noon - Beginning Video for 2nd – 6th graders
Session 12. July 5 – July 8, 1:00 pm– 4:00 pm - Intermediate video for 2nd – 6th graders
Session 13. July 11 – July 14, 9:00 am–12:00 noon - Beginning Video for 2nd – 6th graders
Session 14. July 11 – July 14, 1:00 pm –4:00 pm - Intermediate Video for 6th - 9th graders
Session 15. July 18 – July 21, 9:00 am–12:00 noon - Advanced Video for 2nd – 6th graders
Session 16. July 18 – July 21, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm - Advanced Video for 6th – 9th graders
Session 17. July 25 – July 28, 9:00 am–12:00 noon - Beginning Video for 2nd – 6th graders
MUSIC VIDEO! Session 18. July 25 – July 28, 5 1:00 pm–4:00 pm - Advanced Video for 6th – 9th graders
Session 19. August 1 – August 4, 9:00 am–12:00 noon - Expert Video for 2nd – 6th graders
Session 20. August 1 – August 4, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm - Expert Video for 6th – 9th graders
Session 21. August 8 – August 11, 9:00 am–12:00 noon - Beg./Int. Video for 2nd – 6th graders
Session 22. August 8 – August 11, 1:00 am–4:00 pm - Beg./Int. Video for 6th – 9th graders

PAC 8 Photoshop & FinalCut Pro Classes 2011

REGISTRATION FEE & SCHEDULE

Session 1. June 10, 12:00 noon– 4:00 pm. Introduction to Photoshop for 6th – 9th graders. Cost: $45.00
Session 2. July 15, 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm. Introduction to Photoshop for 6th – 9th graders. Cost: $45.00
Session 3. July 22, 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm. Photoshop 1 for 6th – 9th graders. Cost: $45.00
Session 4. July 11 & 18, 6:00 p.m – 8:00 pm. Introduction to Photoshop for adults. Cost: $55.00
Session 5 – August 1, 8, 15, 22, 31 – 6:00 pm–8 pm. Introduction to Final Cut Pro for adults Cost: $130.00

To sign up call PAC 8 at 662-7228 or email at pac8@losalamos.com and indicate which sessions you would like to attend.

Send a check at least two weeks in advance to:
PAC 8 TV Summer Video Classes 2010
475 20th St
Los Alamos, NM 87544

Coop 5% off day for members

2011-05-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Today is a 5% off day at the Coop for members. Don't miss out! I was just there and the place was hopping. They are open until 9pm tonight so there is plenty of time left.

Miracle on Central - Muni Building Moves Forward

2011-05-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Council meeting last night was a long tedious one. It seemed to go on and on. We got out at about 11:15pm.

Joyce Cady with Petitions

During public comment, Mrs. Joyce Cady presented a petition requesting that a special topic be added to the May 24th Council meeting. The petition asks Council not to change Trinity to less than four lanes. It requests that the vote of January 25th 2011 be overturned. In that January 25th vote the Council endorsed the "A" options (A2,A3, some roundabouts and two lane sections on Trinity). The petition requests that the "C" option be endorsed instead (4 lane highway). Mrs. Cady said that she had eight petition sheets with thirty names per sheet.

Here is the January 25th motion that passed 5-2 (Chiravalle, Selvage opposed):
Councilor Hall moved, Seconded by Councilor Wismer that Council direct staff to move forward with NM502 Comprehensive Transportation Corridor Study and Plan alternates A2 and A3 for further study.

According to Council Rules, in order to now select previously eliminated NM502 alternatives, Council will have to first, vote to suspend its rules in order reconsider a past motion, then second, if the rule suspension passes, one of the Councilors who passed the January 25th motion in the majority (Stover, Hall, Berting, Rogers, Wismer) will need to make a motion to reconsider that January 25th vote.

From the rules: "If the motion to reconsider passes, then the original matter is back before the Council, and a new original motion is in order. The matter may be discussed and debated as if it were on the floor for the first time."

If all of the above falls into place, then a new motion can be introduced to make the "C" option the new official alternative.

It would be a major miracle if all the above actually occurred, but if the opponents of the "A" options are really serious and can prove to the Council that the choice of "A2, A3" was a gargantuan mistake, then Council will have no choice but to work within their rules and overturn their Jan 25th decision. It would have to be a very convincing argument, which so far I personally haven't heard.

The process of overturning previous votes is designed to be extremely difficult for a reason. Council needs to make decisions and move on. Council can't be constantly looking back and changing its mind. We would never get anything done if we were constantly reconsidering past decisions. Geeze, it's hard enough to get things decided now.

There were many public meetings with the MIG consultants on this project. I attended most of them. At each one of these meetings the clear public preference was for a safer, more multi-model Trinity Dr. These meetings were publicized in the paper and elsewhere, as you would expect. The options selected by the attendees at these meeting overwhelming came down to the "A" options. Council carefully reviewed all the input, including the public input and they voted on January 25th to move on with the A2 and A3 alternatives. Council knew it would be controversial, but they took a leadership stance and chose what they thought would be in the best overall interest of the entire community.

Now we have people who suddenly realize what is going on and don't like it. They wish to challenge the decision of Council. The rules process is going to make it very hard to come in this late and force a change to a democratic process that has been handled fairly, with plenty of public input opportunities.

Now maybe I am wrong, and the opponents of the "A" options can whip of a frenzy of dissent that will leave Council no choice but to go through the difficult and convoluted reversal-of-course reconsideration procedures.

My guess is that there is a split in the community about which way to go. Council must now prove its leadership. It won't be easy for them as they will get skewered by one side or the other no matter what they do. Council must decide what is in the best interest of our community as a whole. I believe they have already done this, fairly and democratically.

The May 24th meeting is going to be a keystone meeting for this project and for fair democratic processes in Los Alamos in general. I encourage you to attend, whether your pro or con A or C options. Let's have the debate and get this settled once and for all.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Muni Building

Chosen Option F - Click image to enlarge

Will wonders ever cease? Council has finally chosen a Muni Building design for Central Ave. How long did this take? They chose the "F" design, which was like the publicly favored "C" design except that the Muni building was moved to the East side of the parcel. (Apparently developers are already coveting the West side nearest to the Bradbury Museum buildings.)

Right off the bat, Councilor Hall was looking to split the archives and records portion of the building off. Since Council had already voted on combining the archives and records building with the Muni, it was too late to make this thirteenth hour switcheroo. Hall inquired about what it would take to reconsider the archives vote (the topic I discussed above) and even asked the two eligible Councilors (Wismer, Stover) if they would go for the reconsideration. They flatly refused to consider it.

Councilors went through all the different design options and discussed the benefits and faults of each one. A large group of the public spoke about their preferences. (I liked C as I mentioned here previously.)

"F" had the majority of votes it seemed at first. F has a plaza and the building is designed well, it was felt. The rub in the whole thing was the parking. In order to get the retail portion in, a two level parking structure is needed and that will cost about 3 million more than expected.

Hall was the pivotal vote. Wismer, Berting, Stover were all happy with F. Vincent was looking at E with its smaller footprint and easier parking issues. Selvage seemed to be looking at G. I didn't catch Roger's choice but it wasn't F. (You can watch the Video on Demand which I link to below.)

So Hall was balking at F because of the extra cost of the parking and the larger footprint. He preferred G. Berting made at very impassioned speech at the end about how she was disgusted about the way it was turning out. She felt strongly that the public had clearly preferred F and that F provided all the elements that we are looking for in a downtown Muni building. G had come in at the last minute without any public vetting.

It was looking like the whole deal was going to die without Hall's vote. Only F could gain enough vote to go forward. I saw Hall's face as he listened to Berting. I saw him realize that he was going to be the guy that delayed the whole project yet again and I don't think he wanted to be in that position. He came up with a modification to the motion. Hall proposed that they put off the parking decision for many months, in the hopes that a developer would build the parking structure. Maybe it will work or maybe we will build a 3 million dollar parking structure later.

At any rate, with this parking compromise Hall was now on board with F, with Wismer, Stover and Berting and it passed. Chiravalle, Selvage, Rogers opposed.

The motion that passed also directs that the last apartment building be removed. Chiravalle disagreed with this. He said that the County would be hurting families who live there now. I thought that if they went to C they could have saved the apartment. Berting said that we have plenty of housing for the residents and that the building was beyond it's useful life and was an eyesore and needed to be removed. Other Councilors wish to move forward with an affordable house plan and made a commitment to do so.

My recollection is that one major reason the previous owners of the apartments abandon them to the government was that the issue of maintenance cost were astronomical and it was cheaper to walk away from the apartments then to keep them up, so maybe there is something to what Berting was saying.

At any rate, we will have to have a new demolition RFP etc., etc. But the project moves on, inch by inch.

These are the PAC 8 Video-On-Demand files from the meeting:
mms://win.1.c2.audiovideoweb.com/1c2win1774/PAC8CC/11_05_03_P1.wmv
mms://win.1.c2.audiovideoweb.com/1c2win1774/PAC8CC/11_05_03_P2.wmv

At 37 minutes in of this part 2 see Hall's motion and then Bertings response. This is how sausage is made at Council.

Council Seeks Letters of Interest for Wallace Position

2011-05-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

(Last nights Council meeting was jam packed with excitement... more coming later.)

Have you always wanted to be a New Mexico State Representative? With the unfortunate passing of our hardworking and longtime Representative Janette Wallace, the position is now vacant and must be filled by the Governor with the help of the effected Councils and Commissions of our district. Our Council has now established a process to fill this position. The following is from the County's website:

Council Seeks Letters of Interest for Wallace Position

The Los Alamos County Council is seeking Letters of Interest from those interested in filling the unexpired term of State Representative Jeannette Wallace, who passed away recently.
The Council, together with the Commissions of Santa Fe and Sandoval Counties, have the responsibility of providing the Governor with the name of a recommended individual for the position. They plan to take action on this matter at a special Council meeting on Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Letters of interest must be received no later than Tuesday, May 10th at noon. The letters and a sworn Affidavit that the candidate meets the necessary qualifications should be submitted to the County Administrator’s Office, ATTN Julie Habiger, 133 Central Pk Square, Los Alamos, NM 87544.

The Affidavit listing the qualifications can be found below - please cut/paste into a document that can be printed out and notarized. Or you can pick up a copy at the 311 Customer Care Center at 150 Central Park Square.
Any individual submitting a Letter of Interest must attend the Council meeting on May 17^th and be prepared to respond to questions from Councilors.

The above message and the affidavit can be found at:
http://www.losalamosnm.us/news/Pages/CouncilSeeksLettersofInterestforWallacePosition.aspx

The Counties 311 department has notaries on the staff.

Last night Council noted that anyone from any party (Republican, Independent, Democrat, etc.) could apply. After our County Council and the two other governing bodies in our district send up their candidate pick to Governor Susana Martinez, she will pick the next representative for our district, who will then complete Wallace's term.

Governor Martinez may not even pick from the candidates that are sent up by our district's three governing bodies. She may decide that the submitted candidates are not to her liking. She may select her own choice.

Although our Council claims anyone from any party (or Independent) may apply, in all practicality only a Republican stands any chances of getting Governor Martinez's seal of approval. Martinez is a party gal through and through. Her Cabinet and top department leader appointments show this. Strong party loyalty by a new Governor is pretty typical.

So Republicans, get your applications in PRONTO.

Muni Building Discussion Tonight

2011-05-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Proposal for new Municipal Building?

Tonight (Tuesday 5/3/11) Los Alamos County Council will discuss:

"Approval of Municipal Building Conceptual Design, Possible Disposition of Remaining Los Alamos Apartments Building (939 Central Avenue), and Possible Additional Parking for Future Private Development and General Public Use"

There are a bunch of designs for the Muni Building (A,B,C,D,E & F) for Council to choose from. Council will be asked to pick one of them to move forward on. They better get cracken cause construction season is here.

You can view the design options in this document:
Design Document from Jaynes Corp (6.5MB)

I personally like "C" best of the group as it creates the most room for retail on the frontage of Central Avenue. Staff and the designers seems to be pushing "F," mainly because it seem to create a better parking setup.

The whole point of putting the Muni on this downtown lot in the first place was to create a catalyst for attracting more retail downtown. Going with the design that allows the most prime retail space has to be the County's over-riding objective. "C" is far and away the winner in this category.

Another positive about "C" is that you don't have to demolish the 939 Central low income housing apartment building. My understanding was that this building would remain. I guess Council may change that plan tonight. If we are losing more low incoming units, we will need to make more available. We all know that lack of accommodations for low income workers and students is a huge problem in Los Alamos.

It should be an interesting discussion. It will be televised and streamed live on PAC 8 starting at 7pm.

Or go in person to the Community Building on beautiful Ashley Pond.

Source of top photo:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Case_danzanti.jpg

Bird Rock (San Diego) Continuous-Flow Driving Tour

2011-04-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

I was recently in San Diego and decided to take a driving tour through the Bird Rock Continuous-Flow roadway section. It was much nicer than I had expected. Bird Rock is a high density area and things were looking great. The road was easy to drive, people were walking around, shops where hopping, parking was crowded. People wanted to be there. It has become a happening place.

It's been the national experience that when towns build these types of roadways, they attract people to the area.

The roadway was originally 4 lanes with an additional turn lane. It was converted into a continuous-flow 2 lane road with roundabouts. It's working famously well.

A few years ago, before the roadway was re-configured, the area was full of buildings with "for lease" signs in the windows. Now businesses are flourishing.

The project is considered a major Federal Highway Administration success story that is promoted as a national model for roadway re-construction.

Join the Trinity Improvement League on Facebook at:
Trinity Improvement League

Zzzzzzz

2011-04-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

Gone Fishing

2011-04-14T22:33:00.001-07:00

Questions? Not Today!

2011-04-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight, the Transportation Board will hear a presentation by MIG Consultants on the Preferred Alternative for the NM502 Transportation Corridor Study. MIG, at their last public presentation indicated that they would do a more detailed analysis of traffic flow, especially at Trinity and Diamond. Tonight they present their finding to the T-Board. They will present more refined findings to Council at a later date. The public is welcome to tonight's meeting and I expect a large audience on both sides of the issue of how to (or not) improve NM502/Trinity. It's at 5:30pm at Fuller Lodge.

Also, on April 14th, there will be a walking tour of Trinity Dr. in regard to the MIG NM502 Corridor Study, sponsored by Council Chair Sharon Stover. [ THIS WALK HAS BEEN DELAYED. NO NEW DATE IS KNOW YET. ]

WHO'S ON FIRST

Tuesday night's Council meeting was fairly mundane. A couple of interesting things happened. Public Utilities was turned down for a Council exemption to bypass the Planning and Zoning process for the NEDO demonstration house. That story was well covered by the Monitor.

The other issue that caught my attention came near the end of the night while Council was on the topic of modifying their Council procedural rules, which define the order in which things happen and the Council Chair's authority. The rules are changed infrequently. They were last changed in 2009, led by Councilor Wismer. Before 2009 there was a long stretch of years with no changes at all. These changes are meant to simplify and streamline Council rules. Councilors Berting, Rodgers and Selvage worked on the current changes and did a great job from what I can tell from a quick review. They cut out a lot of redundant and unnecessary verbiage. They also allow public comment a little sooner in a debate, before Councilors have typically made up their minds on a subject.

This approval of the rule revisions should have gone very smoothly, but instead some interesting issues cropped up.

First, Councilor Chiravalle objected to the chair placing a potential time limit on Councilor discussion of motions in cases where there was clearly going to be an excess of Councilor comments.

I thought it was reasonable to limit long winded and redundant speech making, but only if circumstances warranted. I've seen Councilors drag on repeatedly during the evening with the same points repeated during debate, sucking up a lot of time to the detriment of other Councilors and also wearing everyone down, including the public, and making for exceptionally long meetings.

As Councilor Berting pointed out, time limits are the standard procedure in the US Congress.

In speech making, quantity is not quality, at least in my book.

Council Chiravalle also objected to a provision that allows the Chair to make and second motions.

The Chair is a voting member of the Council with equal rights and privileges in addition to the role of Chair. If the Chair was a non-voting member, such as a Judge, we could restrict their privileges, but the Chair can run a fair meeting and serve as a fully functioning member of the Council. I have not seen this as a problem.

I believe we would have to change the charter in order to take away the Chair's Council privileges as an equal member of Council.

WHEN ARE THE RULES THE RULES?

During the earlier Public Utilities NEDO topic an unusual action occurred. Before any member of Council even had the opportunity to ask their initial technical questions to witnesses about the Public Utilities - Planning and Zoning exception, Councilor Rogers jumped quickly in with a motion to deny the requested exception. At this point, Chair Stover should have ruled the Rogers motion was out of order, but for some unknown reason, she did not.

Councilor Wismer, not much earlier in the meeting (or maybe later) had discuss how the North Central Region Transit District was so disorganized without a set of guiding meeting rules and procedures and how he had to pretty much ramrod a set of procedures to a vote by the RTD board. I was at this meeting and Wismer really had to do an amazing two step to get some reasonable rules adopted by the RTD and past a chairperson who clearly wanted no part of it.

Councilor Wismer, in no uncertain terms, made it clear that he felt that Councilor Rogers' motion was not following Council procedure. Wismer was fairly disturbed that Council Rogers' motion had cut off the technical discussion portion of the debate for Councilors. Councilor Rogers came back with a claim that the Council was not under any current rules of order, since the revised rules (that were to be discussed later) had not been adopted yet and therefor he seemed to be indicating that he could make his motion at any time he wished.

Council is a continuing body. The terms of the members are staggered in order to maintain a continuously functioning body. There is never a point where all new members create an all new body with all new rules. The council members who are not "new" carry with them the rules they were under before. Just because a member may be new, they can't independently decide there are no rules until they personally votes on some, especially when they sit right next to other members who are not new and who have already voted on rules that they are still working under.

Councils should review their rules each year in January just as they vote for new officers, but that does not mean they should operate without any Council rules. The bodies rules live on just as the body itself does. The Council's own agenda document for it's rule revision says, "The Ad hoc Committee was tasked with reviewing and providing recommended revisions to the existing Procedural Rules." It doesn't say "create new rules."

IT SAYS "EXISTING" They exist. They didn't cease to exist because MR. X,Y and Mrs. Z joined the already existing members of the already existing council. There is no new council, there are only new members to the existing council.

It's patently ridiculous that the current rules should not apply until the new rules are approved. It completely boggles my mind that this is even a question.

Having no rules allows Councilors to making any kind of motion or action at anytime, taking away the rights of the other Councilors (and their constituents) at any point, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED IN THIS CASE.

It would be interesting to know Chair Stover's take on what rules were in effect at the time of Councilor Rogers motion. She has the power to make a ruling on this, since she rules the rules, and if a majority of Councilors disagree, they can vote against her. This really isn't a legal question, it's a rules interpretation question for the Chair.

In any case, County Attorney Dan Gonzalez has promised Council a legal memo to clarify the issue of when do the revised rules take over, when do previous rules expire and explaining when is there a time when no Council rules are in effect.

I'm no legal scholar but to leave a legislative body without it's rules or even to have them fall back on the convoluted and unwieldy full set of Robert's Rules would serve to violate the rights of Los Alamos citizens to a fair Council process that allows for full due process, questioning of witness and full debate without any of this being cut off for some unknown reason (as they were) by the whims of individual Councilors.

In any case, Council passed the revised set of rules 6 to 1 with Councilor Chiravalle in the minority.

If you want to watch this fairly interesting segment of video from PAC 8 Video on Demand you can at:
mms://win.1.c2.audiovideoweb.com/1c2win1774/PAC8CC/11_04_05_P1.wmv

The Rogers motion that cut off technical questioning occurs at 46 minutes in.
Wismer's response occurs at 54 minutes in.
Wismer again at 1 hr 0 minutes.
Rogers response at 1 hr 8 minutes.

Here is a rule that needs to be added to our Council's Rules. It is from Oxford Ohio:
1. These rules shall remain in effect until repealed or amended by Council and may be amended from time to time by Council with a majority vote of the members elected to Council.

I would dare to say that this is the typical and common sense way of handling this, but you know, we gotta do it differently here.

CO-OP Has Blow Out First Month

2011-04-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

New Logo that will soon light up the side of the Co-op.

The Co-op has completed it's first full month of operation. Financial results have greatly exceeded everyone's wildest expectations. Sales far outpaced initial projections by a wide margin. It's a testament to Los Alamos' great desire for healthy, quality products and a pleasant shopping experience.

For many of us who have worked on starting the Co-op for over five years, it's extremely gratifying to see how the store is being embraced by the community. It's even more gratifying to get to shop there!

The Co-op was created and financed locally by many individuals in our community. It's unique in that it is owned by its members and the profits stay here in the community. This distinction can not be overlooked. The success of the store is proof of what motivated individuals in our community can do when they put their energy together to do something positive while not taking "no" for an answer, despite having great odds against them.

The organic fruits and vegetables are incredible tasting, especially the strawberries and apples. The meat section is full of fish, poultry, beef and even yak that is range fed and hormone free, most of it locally raised. We've been getting pieces of Ahi Tuna and searing it, slicing it and putting it on salads. Wow, heavenly! (The Tuna is obviously not local.) There are all sorts of new products that we are discovering along with a large bulk section.

The Deli has had a slow start but it is now kicking it into high gear. They have recently added made-to-order sandwiches. I'm partial to the tuna sandwich on gluten-free bread with sprouts, onion and cheddar cheese. There are baked goods (regular and gluten-free), deli dishes, fantastic soups, a salad bar and roasted chickens. You can sit inside and enjoy your food, or now that it's really getting nice, you can sit outside. There's wi-fi for public use.

The store has been in a "pre-grand opening" mode as the staff has been learning the likes and dislikes of the local market while getting the bugs out of the systems and procedures. On Saturday April 16th, the store will hold an official grand opening. Here are the details:

LOS ALAMOS COOPERATIVE MARKET CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING SATURDAY APRIL 16TH 2011

Music, Food and Fun Activities Scheduled from 9am to 5pm; Ribbon Cutting at Noon

The Los Alamos Co-op Market invites everyone to attend the Grand Opening of our community-owned natural foods grocery Saturday, April 16th at the store located at 95 Entrada Drive, Los Alamos. Fun and Food for the Family will be the theme and the Co-op will feature activities from 9 am to 5 pm that include music, chef demos, health & wellness demos, food sampling, kid’s activities and great sales! Additionally, we’ll have a ribbon cutting ceremony at Noon followed by cake! During the Grand Opening day, members will receive a 10% discount off regular priced items!

The Los Alamos Co-op opened on Wednesday March 2nd—a culmination of a five-year planning, fundraising and building project. The store has 1350 members and employs 24 people (14 employees are local residents). LACM pays a living wage with everyone receiving some level of benefits.

The mission of the Co-op is to serve Los Alamos County and surrounding communities by providing fairly priced, wholesome foods and other goods in an ecologically sustainable, socially responsible, and economically appropriate manner. The Co-op will further strive to:

emphasize food for people, not just for profit;
maintain a high standard of quality for the products it sells;
foster the development of northern New Mexican growers and producers through its purchasing policies;
employ a democratic and cooperative governance structure and ethical business practices;
promote fairness, participation, and empowerment in the workplace and the community;
work to encourage and implement appropriate environmental practices;
promote awareness about food, nutrition, health, and cooperative values; and,
be responsive and accountable to the community it serves.

Also, you don’t have to be a member to shop—everyone is invited to shop the co-op!

Los Alamos Cooperative Market  95 Entrada Drive  Los Alamos, NM  87544  505/695-1579  www.losalamos.coop

This is the original "classic" Co-op logo that I designed. You can buy the classic logo on a T-shirts or shopping bags by going to the Co-op's website at: http://www.losalamos.coop/
(Bottom left of page.)

We now have one more reason why we are lucky to live in Los Alamos!

Zip Line Adventure

2011-04-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

ZIP LINE ADVENTURE COMING TO LOS ALAMOS

April Fools!

This post was too exciting and intense for some and so it had to be removed.

Economic Vitality Action Team to the Rescue!

2011-03-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: I almost forgot the most import part of the Council meeting. The North Central Regional Transit District [NCRTD] wants to cut funding to two critical Atomic Transit routes that the NCRTD initially agreed would be funded as a standard part of their route structure (bus service to Eastern Area and service to White Rock). We approved a vote to tax ourselves for the NCRTD based on being told these routes would receive funding from the district. There will be a big meeting noted below to discuss this. Councilor Wismer asks that anyone who can attend to help stop this outrage do so. Los Alamos provided the key initial funding to start the dang NCRTD and now they want to completely hose us with a giant bait and switch scam. The meeting is tomorrow. Go if you can and speak up:

NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL TRANSIT DISTRICT

(NCRTD)

BOARD MEETING AGENDA

April 1, 2011

101 Camino Entrada (Pajarito Cliffs County Complex)

Building 1 Conference Room

Los Alamos, NM 87544

1:00 PM- 4:00 PM

Economic Vitality Action Team member suited up and ready to kick some serious economic bootay!

At last night’s council meeting, it was revealed that there are three finalist firms for the job of finding a replacement for Tony Mortillaro. Tony was terminated from the County Administrator's position on December 14^th. The finalists are three recruiting firms who will search for a new County Administrator. The final finalist will not be select until maybe late-April, making it an over four month process just to find a recruiting firm which will then proceed with a nationwide search for a new County Administrator. At some point in the next decade we should have a new Administrator who will then begin another process to hire his or her assistant administrators and possibly other support personnel.

It might be a tough sell to find a good new Administrator for Los Alamos, what with there having been five or six Administrators in the last ten years, even with Max Baker’s five year run. (Max was able to negotiate a five year contract with a council that was desperate to get him into the position after the Dreska episode.)

Council also heard from the “Economic Vitality Action Team.” The team has clearly identified the problems that face Los Alamos, they’re pretty easy to identify. My impression was that the team, for the most part, is suggesting the same old tired solutions that haven’t worked here for a couple of decades. Most of council expressed similar thoughts to my own, as they strongly requested that the team be “bold” with new ideas, as Councilor Salvage expressed it.

Councilor Hall suggested refocusing on “Quality of Life” issues, bringing private investment into town and improving business friendliness. I believe it was Hall who pointed out that the sign ordinance has been in the works for three years and still is not on the horizon towards a workable and business friendly solution.

Councilor Stover would like to see a bigger retail focus. Councilor Chiravalle wants the Big Box to be a priority. They all wanted to see the action team kick into action at a more rapid pace and to set short, medium and long term priorities rather than the laundry lists of to-do items they have now.

The action team described a serious job drain and retiree drain. Both jobs and retirees are leaving the hill in notable percentages.

A new wrinkle in the economic vitality plan is the concept of helping small business out more, rather than being so narrowly focused on tech transfer firms and high tech businesses. It’s pretty obvious, as we watch our small business retailers struggle with jacked up lease rates and a county that doesn’t seem to act as a partner or acts indifferent to small business and its issues.

The Action Team brought up a lot of issues that need thrashing out. My hope is that council will take more time to work with the team and discuss what is going on and really develop a workable plan that is more than, "build a bigger research park and build a big box," type solution.

I saw a spark of hope that this team may have the capability to really chart a realistic course to economic development. Then again, the team could spend hundreds of volunteer hours and get lots of public input, only to have council shove the team's results into a drawer as I've seen councils do with many such citizen committee efforts.

You can watch the meeting on PAC 8's Video on Demand. There's lots of good information that begins to speak to the issues Los Alamos will be facing in the next couple of decades. Skip to about 22 minutes in using the sliding control bar to move to the beginning of the Action Team's presentation:
mms://win.1.c2.audiovideoweb.com/1c2win1774/PAC8CC/11_03_29_P1.wmv

Los Alamos County Views

Does Trinity Place go down smoooooooth?

Los Alamos Daily Post

Los Alamos Vision 2020 - on Facebook

From David Izraelevitz:

You can contact David or myself (Greg Kendall) on Facebook to join the group!

Greg, Thanks for posting about Los Alamos 2020. Another way to join is to just go tohttp://www.facebook.com/groups/310900742280278/and ask to join. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to have a simpler URL (yet!). -David

NEW COUNTY SLOGAN REVEALED

Open Space and Parks subcommittee Meeting

Golf Course Improvements Meeting

Christmas Lights

Occupy Our Trails!

Golf Course Expansion vs Trails?

Description:

What’s Next:

Winterfest Schedule

Ice Rink opening Monday, November 28th

NMDT - A Christmas Carol

Leisure Pool Bond Vote Suffers Crushing Defeat

AMAZING RADIOACTIVE STORIES......

New Drive-Thru, PEEC, a good Play ... plus Cats!

Prometheus

Council goes to the Dogs (and Cats)

A Scary Amount of Things to Do This Week

The Radioactive Boy Scout

A Rare Bird Sighted in Los Alamos

Latest Trinity Place Design

ULLRFEST - Saturday after next

The New Zipline Trail

T-Board kills single lane roundabouts on Trinity

Ourston NM502/Trinity Study Peer Review

T-Board Ourston Peer Review Discussion

Deer

FULL CONTAINMENT!!!!!!

Public Involvement in Rehabilitation

Report from BAER Teams

Here is info from Pajarito Ski Area:

---------------------------------------

Also a neighbor of Lois Coffin was able to talk to her husband. She is still in the hospital. She has a dislocated knee and is scrapped up over her body fairly badly, but for what she went through with that accident, she is doing darn good.

Here is the BAER report:

--------------------------------------

Las Conchas BAER Implementation Treatments Update 07-28-11

There but for the grace of God, go I

Donate to Wildland Firefighters Foundation

Crews preparing to protect the Pajarito Mountain Ski Area

It's Raining. Gently.

Singing In The Rain - But Not Too Much

Las Conchas Fire Day 14 (Sat 7/9/11)

Las Conchas Fire Day 13 (Fri 7/8/11)

Las Conchas Fire Day 12 (Thursday 7/7/11)

Las Conchas Fire Day 11 (Wed 7/6/11)

Las Conchas Fire Day 10 (Tuesday June 5th)

Las Conchas Fire Photos

Las Conchas Fire Day 8 (Sunday)

Las Conchas Fire Day 7 (Saturday)

Las Conchas Day 6

Las Conchas Day 5

Las Conchas Day 4

Update 1: Councilor Wismer took a tour of the burned area and one of the evacuation shelters. Also some shots of the noon news conference at Ashley Pond:

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17793556_8bSMfv#1359929577_GwJQMwn

(6am 6/29)

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Las Conchas Fire Day 4

Update 1: Councilor Wismer took a tour of the burned area and one of the evacuation shelters. Also some shots of the noon news conference at Ashley Pond:

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/17793556_8bSMfv#1359929577_GwJQMwn

(6am 6/29)

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Los Conchas Fire Day 3

There is a town hall meeting in White Rock w/ our leadership--tomorrow--Wednesday at 2pm at WR Baptist Church...this from Councilor Stover....she asks to help spread the word. (6:21pm)

Las Conchas Fire Day 2

Las Conchas Fire

Las Conchas Wildfire – June 26 6:00 p.m.

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AZ smoke causing health issues in NM [KASA.COM]

Greg, Thanks for posting about Los Alamos 2020. Another way to join is to just go to

http://www.facebook.com/groups/310900742280278/

and ask to join. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to have a simpler URL (yet!). -David