Gallup Sun • June 12, 2020

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VOL 6 | ISSUE 271 | JUNE 12, 2020

DAVID CONEJO FIRED See Page 4

SACRED TOGETHER The largest Indigenous Pride gathering adjusts to pandemic By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

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rom star ting with about 250 attendees at the Window Rock Flea Market in 2017 to pulling in over 6,000 visitors over two days in 2019 at the Window Rock Tribal Park and Veteran’s Memorial, Diné Pride has become the largest Indigenous pride event in the United States. When plans to host an even larger event this year had to be scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Alray Nelson, executive director and one of the co-founders of Diné Pride, said

the event was redesigned to be the largest virtual Indigenous pride gathering in the country. The theme for this year’s event is “Sacred Together.” “We thought we should come up with a theme that reflects the times we’re living in right now,” Nelson said June 10. “When we’re living our lives through that theme, we’re sharing our experiences with youth and relatives and our culture. “We were always seen as sacred beings. We will continue to be sacred together [even if] we can’t be together physically,” Nelson said. The schedule for Diné Pride 2020 includes four events, all of

which will be streamed on the event’s Facebook page: • I nd igenou s L GBT Q+ Youth Panel, June 24 at 5 pm. • Sovereig n Nations Leadership Panel, June 25 at 6 pm. • Tra ns Indigenous Leadership Panel, June 26 at 6 pm. • Welcome Ceremony and Pride Drag Show, June 27 at 6:30 pm. All of the events will be free to tune into, and will be recorded as well. New to this year’s event

SACRED TOGETHER | SEE PAGE 16

Free Grab & Go

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Del Norte Elementary

Tobe Turpen Elementary

Indian Hills Elementary

Navajo Elementary

Jefferson Elementary

Ramah Elementary

Red Rock Elementary

Thoreau Mid

Stagecoach Elementary

Tohatchi Elementary

GMCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or age in its programs and activities. GMCS provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: 504 District Contact—Tim Bond, 505-721-1018 Title IX —Sandra Lee, Director of Personnel, 505-721-1063 Friday June 12, 2020 • Gallup Sun

C.A. Miller Elementary Crownpoint Elementary Twin Lakes Elementary David Skeet Elementary

gmcs.org

NEWS

Take the 2020 Census today!

EVERY CHILD COUNTS.

New Mexico’s children can’t fill out the census on their own — they count on you. Make sure to count all children who live in your home on your census form, even if they are not related to you. By counting everyone, you'll help your school receive federal funding for the next 10 years.

Take the census: 2020census.gov (844) 330-2020 NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday June 12, 2020

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LOCAL NEWS

NEWS

Embattled RMCHCS Alcohol sale ban overturned by city council CEO ousted By Beth Blakeman Associate Editor

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he Board of Trustees of Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services announced the termination of Chief Executive Officer David Conejo in a press release June 11. Conejo’s firing is effective immediately. The Board also severed ties with his company, Healthcare Integrity. Conejo was facing issues on many fronts, including complaints that the hospital was ill-prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, and calls for more and better personal protective equipment, and concerns about overloaded staff. On May 4, RMCHCS Employed Providers signed a Letter entitled “Vote of No Confidence in David Conejo.” Conejo also felt the pressure from the Office of the State Auditor, to turn over financial documents requested months ago for a special audit requested by McKinley County. Furthermore, board member

Dr. Laura Hammons managed to get Conejo a 30-day extension on a payment of $1.7 million in back rent that was due to be paid to McKinley County by May 22. It was Hammons who sent out the release about Conejo’s firing. State Auditor Brian Colón told the Gallup Sun that after a May meeting, which included Conejo, many of the requested financial documents began arriving at his office in Santa Fe. After he learned of the firing, he said, “I have long been concerned with the troubling allegations of gross operational mismanagement, failure to communicate, and lack of transparency at the hospital under the leadership of CEO, David Conejo.” The Board has appointed Chief Financial Officer Mary Bevier as interim CEO. Colón expressed his satisfaction with the choice. “I am encouraged by the work of

FIRED | SEE PAGE 23

By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

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n April, the Gallup City Council adopted an ord i na nce ba n n i ng the sale of alcoholic beverages at convenience stores because they were concer ned people were going into the stores, purchasing the product, then sharing it with others, and in so doing putting multiple people at increased risk for COVID-19. “We really didn’t have any system in place at the time to deal with isolating and quarantining homeless individuals who had been exposed to or tested positive for COVID when we adopted the ordinance,” City Attorney Curtis Hayes said. “Now we have resources to deal with that population.” The ban of alcohol sales in convenience stores was uncharted legal territory, Hayes added.

Mea nwh i le, pa ckage liquor stores were closed in accordance with a Public Health Order issued by the New Mexico Health Secretary. Grocery stores were able to continue with their sales. Si nce a new P ubl ic Health Order was issued June 1 to allow package liquor stores in New Mexico to reopen, the purpose of the City of Gallup’s ordinance to limit the number of places where alcohol can be purchased to grocery stores located within city limits can no longer be met. As such, a new ordinance was presented to the council to repeal the ban of alcohol sales at Gallup convenience stores during their June 9 meeting. Hayes said the convenience stores should be commended because they did comply with the ordinance and did not challenge the council on whether they

had the authority to adopt the ordinance, but their behavior could change if the ban remains in place. The council and mayor shared Hayes’ sentiments. “I think the stores should be commended because as far as I know, they took it upon t hem selve s t o close [sales],” Mayor Louis Bon a g u id i sa id. “ T hey understood the situation and went ahead and closed, no questions asked.” District 4 Councilor Fran Palochak said she hopes the stores will continue to have their safe distance regulations in place as they open liquor sales. “I don’t want all those people crammed into a tiny store,” she said. “They’re going to have to limit it to so many people in the store. I think it’ll be safe [that way].” The ordinance to repeal the ban of alcohol sales at convenience stores was approved with a 5-0 vote.

County commissioners vote against fi reworks restrictions By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

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he McKinley Cou nt y B o a r d of Commissioners revisited a potential ban on the sale of cer tain fireworks ahead of the summer during a June 8 special meeting. The item had previously been tabled to gather public comment and to await updated drought conditions. Deputy Fire Chief Richard Austin called into the meeting to speak about the item. “ T he v a s t m a jor it y of McK inley County is under severe drought conditions,”

Austin said, referencing the latest drought monitor maps that were released June 4. T ho s e m a p s show t he county is abnor mally dr y. These conditions have been t he sa me for about t h ree weeks. County Manager Anthony Dima s Jr. read one of the comments the board received f rom t wo loca l f i rework s vendors, Milton Shirley and Megan Barney. “We feel it would be best if there were a ban of sales on the 2020 season, because we are, as a firework business, a non-essential business, and run the risk of large crowds

of people com i ng i n contact with each other day in and day out,” the comment read. “This not only poses a threat to our employees and customers, but to the whole community.” The comment went on to state it is difficult to effectively sanitize areas where customers come in without potentially damaging their products, and the safety of the community and people should come first. “L et’s cont i nue to pu l l together to get through this,” they said. Com m issioner Bill Lee s a id it i s not w it h i n t he

board’s purview to ban fireworks. They can only place restrictions on certain sales. However, he also considered the economic impact on the local vendors. “There are those who rely on this business and only sell a certain amount through the year,” Lee said. “Some businesses a re hav i ng a ha rd enough time right now, so I’m personally not in favor of putting this restriction in place.” A s a resu lt , t he boa rd mot ione d t o not put t he restriction into place for the 2020 season. The motion was approved with a 3-0 vote.

District 3 County Commissioner Bill Lee. File Photo

WHAT’S INSIDE …

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SCHOOL BOARD Student Achievement Award recipients recognized

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SLIPPERY SUSPECT Arrest made after months-long search

Friday June 12, 2020 • Gallup Sun

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COVID MYSTERIES Research raises genetic questions

REOPENING WEBINAR Steps to do it safely

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MOVIE REVIEW Should you enlist in the ‘Space Force?’

NEWS

Improving Product Design & Product Process

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Are you an entrepreneur that is making or producing a product? Do you need to know how to take your product to market? Join us and learn how to improve your product design and develop a costis and how to manufacture or produce your product for proĮtability. SBDC, WESST and New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NM MEP) are partnering COST REGISTRATION Please contact Denise Williams via email at denisew@newmexicomep.org or at 505.860.9961.

oĮcient individual. an make sure Funded in part ssed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reŇect the views of the SBA.

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Gallup Sun • Friday June 12, 2020

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School board recognizes recipients of Student Achievement Awards By Cody Begaye Sun Correspondent

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he Gallup-McKinley Cou nt y S c ho ol s Board of Education recognized sta ff who received Student Achievement Awards from the New Mexico School Board

Gallup Sun Publishing, LLC Publisher/Editor Babette Herrmann Office Manager Raenona Harvey Accounts Representative Sherry Kauzlarich Associate Editor Beth Blakeman Photography Knifewing Segura Ana Hudgeons Ryan Hudgeons Cable Hoover Correspondent/Editorial Asst. Cody Begaye Dominic Aragon On the Cover Left side: Photo of David Conejo, formerly CEO of Rehoboth McKinley Christian Medical Health Services. File Photo Right Side: Mattee Jim, Trans Community Leader and VIP for Diné Pride in 2019, holds signs of the event theme at Window Rock Tribal Park and Veteran’s Memorial. Photo by P. Peters

The Gallup Sun, published Fridays, is not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for availability of products advertised. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Gallup Sun distributes newspapers in McKinley, Cibola and Apache counties. Office: 102 S. Second St., Gallup, NM 87301 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM. Mailing Address: PO Box 1212 Gallup, NM 87305 www.gallupsun.com Phone: (505) 722-8994 Fax: (505) 212-0391 gallupsun@gmail.com Letter to the editor/guest column ACCEPTED BY EMAIL ONLY. State full name and city/town. No pen names. ID required. All submissions subjected to editor’s approval. Guest columnists, email Sun for submission requirements.

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Association during their June 1 meeting. This award program seeks to promote student achievement in school districts and assist local school boards in recognizing school leaders, staff and other individua ls who have played a n important role in improving student achievement at the local level, according to their website. Priscilla Manuelito serves on the Board of Directors and provides leadership and oversight for the Gallup-McKinley County district of NMSBA. “We have advocated for continuing to recognize indiv iduals in our school a nd community to help our children achieve excellence with their education,” Manuelito said. “The program seeks to

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Friday June 12, 2020 • Gallup Sun

promote student achievement and assist school districts with recognizing and awarding school leaders, staff, and other individuals who play an important role in improving student achievement at their local levels.” Super i ntendent M ike Hyatt said due to the social distancing measures put in place by the governor, the boa rd would read off the names of recipients they had nominated previously. This was done to help make the recognition feel more personal when many of the recipients were not able to attend, he said. Ma nuel ito l i sted some of the people a nd distr ict groups she had nominated for the award, including the bus barns at Thoreau, Tohatchi, Crownpoint, and Tse’ Yi’ Gai, as well as the staff and bus drivers. “Having individuals who pick up our children every day with a happy heart and taking them home helps the

Gallup-McKinley School District Board member Priscilla Manuelito. File Photo [students] ever y day,” she said. The next two people nominated were public relations coord i n at or Ter i F r a i zer and web systems operator Va nessa Ducket t, both of whom helped promote the district, Manuelito said. “They’re always there at events, continuing to take pictures and showcase our c h i ld r e n t h r ou g hout t he

district,” she said. The nex t nom inee wa s McKinley Academy Counselor Daniel Matkovich. “I’ve seen firsthand how committed [Matkovich] is in continuing to help students with their college courses and homework. He is always there to help students achieve

SCHOOL BOARD | SEE PAGE 9

NEWS

ATTENTION – PUBLIC NOTICE The Gallup Housing Authority is CLOSED to the Public until further Notice • New Application Intake is suspended until further notice. • Current applicants on the Waiting list will be contacted only if a unit becomes available. • Tenants: To make payments complete money orders and place in the drop-box next to the main Office Door. Make sure to clearly identify your name and unit number. If you want a receipt provide a current mailing address so GHA can mail you a receipt. • For submission of other required Documents - Use the drop-box next to the main office door. All forms typically utilized by Tenants are in plastic information containers on the exterior wall next to the front door. [Examples: Interim Change forms, Late payment request forms, Change of address forms, etc.] • Currently GHA is only addressing URGENT OR EMERGENCY work orders. Call 505-722-4388 during normal work hours. After work hours call 505-722-5000. Non-emergency work orders can still be submitted but will be addressed later. • Loss of Income - Report this immediately by completing an “Interim Change Form” and placing in the drop-box. Be sure to include an updated mailing address, phone number, and email address. Housing staff will contact you regarding changes. • Scheduling of Appointments: Only when necessary, staff will contact you and set a time that works for all parties. All safety and social distancing protocol will be followed. • Housekeeping Inspections and Annual REAC Inspections are postponed until further notice. If you have questions: please call (505) 722-4388, or send an email to: gha.main@galluphousing.com PUBLIC SAFETY

Gallup Sun • Friday June 12, 2020

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Two men dead after police pursuit Staff Reports

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wo men in a Dodge truck with a fi rearm died in a crash after being pursued by New Mexico State Police and Gallup police at 11:55 pm June 5. L aw en forcement wa s alerted by a call that the men were seen with a firearm at the Redwood Lodge Motel in Gallup. When police got to the parking lot of the motel, the driver of the truck was circling the lot and nearly hit their car. Then the truck turned onto N.M. State Road 118 and a chase began. As the police got closer to the truck, the driver turned the headlights on and off and steered the Dodge into traffic coming toward it. Then the

Dodge entered Interstate 40, going eastbound at mile marker 16. The passenger began throwing objects at officers from the bed of the truck. Around mile marker 22, the driver of the truck crossed the median and started traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes. That was where the Gallup police supervisor ended the pursuit. A New Mexico State Police sergeant who parked in the median of Interstate 40, near mile marker 26, saw the truck and fired at least one shot at it. The Dodge continued its journey going the wrong way in the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 until it struck a semi-tractor-trailer head-on.

Site of a head on collision between a pickup truck and a semi on Interstate 40 following a police chase that started at mile marker 16 on June 5. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura The driver and passenger of the Dodge truck were ejected and pronounced dead on the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. The driver and passenger of

the semi were not hurt. No officers were injured. NMSP will not identify the people in the semi and the suspects and officers involved in the incident will not be released

at this time. The NMSP investigations bureau was asked to investigate. This information is preliminary and the investigation is still active and ongoing.

Choke hold death of Gallup man under investigation ALSO UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: CHOKE HOLD, LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICIES Staff Reports

officers.� Pakka la sa id A ssista nt A t t or ney G e ner a l C ol l i n Brennan now has the case.

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t a point in time when use of excessive force by police is in the spotlight nationwide, New Mexico’s Attorney Genera l, Hec t or Balderas is calling on the legislature to institute a chokehold ban and a body-worn camera law. Ba ldera s off ice is cu rrently investigating the June 28, 2019 death of Rod ney Lynch 41, of Gallup. Lynch, who was believed to be intoxicated, w a s a ppr o a c he d by t wo Community Service Aides and reportedly became aggressive when they attempted to take him to Na Nizhoozhi Center. The senior aide, Justin Olvera, put a hold around Lynch’s neck while he was on the ground. Two Gallup Police officers responded to the call and the GPD duty sergeant started CPR and called for an ambulance. Ly nch wa s taken to a n Albuquerque hospital where he died. Accord i ng to a Ju ne 9 press release, the AG’s office i s t r y i ng to deter m i ne i f Lynch’s death was the result of possible i l lega l use of force by the Gallup Police Department.

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New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas Following Lynch’s death, the New Mexico State Police conducted an internal investigation of the two CSAs and the two police officers. The police officers were returned to duty, however a longer investigation was done on Olvera and he was terminated from his job. But there was no prosecution at the time. District Attorney Paula Pa k k a l a of t he Elevent h Di st r ict , Div. 2 , t old t he Gallup Sun that her thench ief deput y R . Dav id Pederson sent the case to Balderas’ office in Nov. 2019 because of what she calls a conflict of interest. “We represent the police here. We prosecute all their crimes for the city,� she said. “We don’t pro s e c ut e t he

Friday June 12, 2020 • Gallup Sun

W hile the investigation AG CALLS FOR UNIFORM USE OF FORCE POLICIES

CHOKE HOLD | SEE PAGE 20

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NEWS

Arizona man WIN A CLASSIC TRUCK! evades authorities for months Staff Reports

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n Arizona man was arrested May 29 by federal marshals after a months-long search revealed he frequently traveled to Gallup for pleasure. The man, identified as Isa ia h Pesh la ka i, no age given, was wanted for a parole violation. Peshlakai had been convicted in Phoenix, Ariz. on a charge of aggravated assault and served time. When he was released on probation in 2017, he was told not to commit any further crimes during the probationary period. Peshlakai was serving his probation in Winslow, Ariz., but the FBI’s investigation of a more recent incident that occurred in Flagstaff, Ariz., led agents to believe he was involved. A warrant was issued in Coconino County, Ariz., on Jan. 31 with a bond of $50,000 for probation violation. One of the conditions of probation that Peshlakai violated was his alleged involvement in an armed robbery/aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on or about Jan. 30.

SCHOOL BOARD | FROM PAGE 6 their goals in higher education,” Manuelito said. Other nominees include a parent in Manuelito’s district named Nelson Etsitty; three community members including Norma James and Nava jo Council Delegates Mark Freeland and Edmund Yazzie. Manuelito thanked each of them for their advocacy in getting support and suppl ies for t he d i st r ict , especially during the COVID19 pandemic. “I want them to see we do see their efforts, we recognize them, and we appreciate them,” Manuelito said. Board Member Michael Scha a f a l so rea d of f t he names and schools of people he nominated for the NMSBA awards. NEWS

It is believed Peshlakai fled Flagstaff after the incident. T he i nvest igat ion wa s t u r ned over t o t he U.S. Marshal’s Office. Investigators narrowed the search area to around Ganado, Ariz. and Gallup between March 13 and April 2 based on a cell phone Peshlakai was using. Peshlakai replaced the phone. Peshlakai’s girlfriend in Winslow was interviewed on April 14. She told agents that Peshlakai had gone to live at his grandmother’s residence in Klagetoh, Ariz. She also said that Peshlakai was using his grandmother’s cell phone and gave them the number. Agents then contacted Cellular One and learned that Peshlakai was making trips between Klagetoh and Gallup. An electronic arrest warrant was issued April 14 for the District of Arizona. Peshlakai was arrested May 29 and was committed to the District of Arizona, Flagstaff on June 5. More charges may be pending in Arizona in connection with the armed robbery that took place in Flagstaff in January.

The list includes Lindsay Smith, maintenance; Evelyn Ba r rer a s, cent r a l of f ice; Daniel Matkovich, McKinley Academy; Tine Hayes, Miyamura; Susan Wenning, Jefferson Elementary; Bobby Smith, Indian Hills; Gretchen Russell, Rocky View; Julie Kastrounis, Red Rock; Yvette Martinez, John F. Kennedy. Schaaf also recognized member s of t he GMCS board who are committed to improv ing student succe s s. T he na me s i nclude Superintendent Mike Hyatt a nd a ssista nt super intendents Jvanna Hanks, Pauletta White, Tim Bond, and Gerald Horacek. “We appreciate all you’ve done for our students and how you’ve fought for them and the district,” Schaaf said.

WIN A FULLY RESTORED 1967 CHEVY C-10 TRUCK! This stunning vehicle comes in a perfect royal red paint job. The C-10 is an extremely sharp, short-bed truck, with a completely rebuilt 327 c.i. small block V8. The truck has a four-speed manual transmission, chrome bumpers, power steering, detailed original interior, Vintage AC system and six-lug Rally wheels. BUY YOUR TICKET for only $25 at www.v8sforvocations.org or call (505) 726-8295. We pay the taxes, so the winner doesn’t have to! All proceeds support the poorest diocese in America. Drawing takes place on June 13, 2020. Need not be present to win. Gallup Sun • Friday June 12, 2020

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NEWS

INDIAN COUNTRY

COVID-19 Relief Fund marks three months providing relief for Navajo, Hopi families Staff Reports

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SIIZIZII, DINÉTAH ( L EU PP, NAVA JO NAT ION ) — T he Nava jo & Hopi Fa milies COV ID -19 Relief Fund marks its third month of operations as the Navajo Nation remains a hotspot for COVID19. The Navajo Nation has, 5,808 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 269 who have passed on in just three months as curfews and restrictions on businesses are lifted throughout the U.S. “Our all-volunteer leadership team remains steadfast and committed to diligently protecting the well-being and health of vulnerable Navajo and Hopi community members during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Relief Fund founder Ethel Branch said. “That this effort has grown from a small crowdfunding campaign with a handful of volunteers shopping,

sanitizing and making deliveries, to a massive region-wide effort with international attention in just twelve weeks, has been incredibly remarkable and humbling. “We are blessed and grateful for the amount of contributions and the many people who have stepped up to volunteer. Even though many are eager to return to their normal routines, we must continue to be vigilant as this crisis is not over. It truly is up to all of us to fi nd ways to work together to stop the spread,” she said. Beginning on March 15, a group of 12 Navajo and Hopi women and one Navajo man have mobilized what has become one of the largest all-volunteer indigenous mutual aid relief efforts in the U.S. To date, the Relief Fund has served over 8,000 households, averaging 4 people per household, in 81 of the 110 Navajo Chapters and 7 of

The Tse Daa K’aan team works around the clock to ensure safe delivery for well balanced delicious Kinship Care Packages for our elders and struggling families in Northern Agency of the Navajo Nation. Photo Credit: Lilian Hill

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Friday June 12, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief volunteers coordinate, portion, assemble and distribute 250 food/supply boxes to the residents of Hotevilla Village. Photo Credit: Lilian Hill

the 12 Hopi Villages. They have raised over $4.7 million, which at their current rate of operations of bringing approximately $100,000 worth of food, water, and essential items to Navajo and Hopi communities each week, is enough to continue providing direct relief to these communities for another 11 months. “A héhee’. You are first responders and should be deemed essential for the purposes of conducting your incredible and critical work,” Navajo Nation Council Delegate Carl Slater said. The Relief Fund is an initiative of Yee Ha’oolniidoo, a nonprofit formed under Utah law on April 1. The Rural Utah Project Educational Fund, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the organization’s fiscal sponsor. The Governing Board of Yee Ha’oolniidoo is all Navajo women, and the Leadership Team for the Relief Fund is all Navajo and Hopi women, and one honorary Navajo male member. The primary objective of the Relief Fund is to flatten the curve on the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Reservation, primarily through providing food and water to high risk, vulnerable,

and COVID-positive community members, so they are able to stay home and practice social distancing. The Relief Fund also provides personal protective equipment to community members and various high-contact groups, such as community health representatives, first responders, police officers, and medical staff. Donations to the fund through GoFundMe are used to make bulk order purchases of healthy and nutritional foods including meats, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and carbs that are unloaded, sanitized, assembled and packaged into Kinship Care Packages by volunteers. The Kinship Care Packages also include items such as face masks, hand sanitizer, body soaps, and cleaning supplies. Each package varies based on availability of items, and costs on average $100 per box, not including transportation, rentals, and sanitizing supplies. “We put a lot of care and thought into healthy foods that many of our community members may not otherwise have access to,” Vanessa Tullie, a

RELIEF FUND | SEE PAGE 18 NEWS

There may be more to know about COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation Staff Reports

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iv i ng a new perspective on the high COVID-19 case numbers in McK inley County, particularly on the Nava jo Nation, two DinĂŠ College science professors have released a research paper called, The Medical Basis for Increased Susceptibility of COVID-19 among the Navajo and other Indigenous Tribes: A Survey. The Navajo Nation has the highest COVID-19 rate in the United States which is 450% higher than the national average. Joseph DeSoto, M.D., Ph.D., and Shazia Tabassum Hakim, Ph.D., conclude, in part, that Native Americans and Asians may be particularly susceptible to COVID-19 due to an enzyme they identify as ACE2. The two professors work in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math division of the DinĂŠ College. They said

they started talking amongst themselves about the causes of COVID-19 in December, and then started reviewing the literature. “Late in December 2019, we read every single thing that was published out there in the scientific community,� DeSoto said. “We discussed it and evaluated it long before the virus came over here. “Then based on the best medical evidence, we realized that this might soon be a problem. So, we started discussing, evaluating and analyzing and then we wrote and completed the paper.� The paper was accepted for publication in the Journal of Biomedical Research and Reviews May 29. DeSoto and Hakim said the document represents the first comprehensive world-wide scientific understanding of the high rate of infectivity among the Navajo and Indigenous tribes of the SAR-CoV-2 from a molecular medical perspective

Repeat domestic violence offender sentenced to 30 years CONVICTED OF ASSAULT AGAINST WIFE ON UTE RESERVATION

on COVID-19. ACE2 , wh ich i s shor t for Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2, is a type of protein found on the surface of a number of cells in the respiratory, digestive, nervous and reproductive systems. The protein, in general, serves as a door allowing the virus to enter the cells, the team said. “A nd the key that the virus has is to open the door is a spike with the protein S,â€? Hakim explained. “When this right key “Sâ€? is inserted into the door lock — ACE-2 —, the magic happens and the virus enters the host cell, hijacks the host cell’s DNA machinery and starts producing its own proteins, multiplies, increases in number and infects more cells of the host body.â€? “There are four things that aggravate COVID-19 as it pertains to the Navajo Nation,â€? De Soto said. “Medically, it’s the high rate of diabetes, hypertension, genetics and poor protein diets among the Navajo; poor

papers, mini reviews, case reports, case studies, short communications, letters, editorials, books, theses and dissertations from various aspects of medicine, engineering, science and technology to improve and support health care. DeSoto, was senior author and is a medical school graduate of Howard University. His specialty is molecular medicine and pharmacogenetics. Hakim, has a background in microbiology and infectious diseases. She is a graduate of the University of Karachi in Pakistan.

2020 SUMMER READING LOG Instructions: Color in a Book for every 20 minutes read. Drop off completed Summer Reading Log with returning library materials in drop boxes located outside the Main Library or Children's Branch.

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NEWS

Dr. Joseph DeSoto, who is studying the basis for the high number of cases of COVID-19 among Navajo and Indigenous tribes. Photo Credit: DinĂŠ College

Staff Reports U R A NG O, C olo. — United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced June 8, that David Sidney Wells, age 44, of Towaoc, Colo., was sentenced to serve 360 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years on supervised release, for committing a violent sexual and physical assault against his wife on the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs joined in the announcement. According to court docu ments, a s well a s facts presented during trial and sentencing, Wells became angry with his wife at their shared residence on the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation. As his wife attempted to flee, Wells repeatedly dragged her by the

health care infrastructure and technology; poverty, with the associated lack of water access; and dense multi-generational living arrangements.â€? Two more papers by De Soto and Hakim are also being published within weeks in major peer reviewed Medical and Scientific Journals, “The Medical Treatment for COVID19,â€? and “The Pathophysiology of COVID-19,â€? with Fred Boyd, Ph.D., a well-known molecular physiologist of DinĂŠ College. Both papers have already received international attention via preprints. Hakim said she and DeSoto are working on another manuscript related to the eating habits, food scarcity and the unavailability of the varieties of fruits and vegetables in Navajo communities. The Journal of Biomedical Research and Review is an international, peer reviewed, open access, scientific and scholarly journal which publishes research papers, review

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hair away from the door and into a bedroom. There, Wells repeatedly struck his wife with a wooden

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE | SEE PAGE 15 Gallup Sun • Friday June 12, 2020

11

Cheyenne Anderson Trenedad Atencio

Lucian Baker

Shania Becenti

Gallup McKinley County Schools Administration

Class Flower: Sunflower Class Song: “Portals” by Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame)

Mike Hyatt, Superintendent Jvanna Hanks, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services

Class Motto: “Hakuna Matata”

Pauletta White, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

Class Officers Jerome Begay

Jessica Begay

Viola Begaye

Tim Bond, Assistant Superintendent of Support Services

Cecil Perry, President

Anissa Benally

Gerald Horacek, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum/ Instruction

DeAnn Howe, Vice President

School Board

Nina Triplett, Secretary/Treasurer Rebekah Gonzales, Student Council Representative

Charles Long, President Chris Mortensen, Vice President

Thoreau High School Administration Daniele Bissonette

Darren Bodie

Aaliyah Billie

Mykalyn Calladitto

Michael Schaaf, Secretary

Lawrence Sena, Principal

Keishua Calladitto

Kevin Mitchell, Member

Vida Slivers, Assistant Principal

Priscilla Manuelito, Member

Kylee DeGroat Orin Chacho

Ganya Delgarito Vydelia Morgan

Audie Murphy

Star Nelson

Shawnette Ramone

Corey Ration

Caleb Ray

Cecil Perry

Nuriel Perry

Markeisha Perry-Henio

Alenis Pino

Jaden Ross

Karla Salazar

Hunter Sanders

Rachelle Edison Garrett Delgarito

Matthew Etsitty

Josh Delgarito

Alexavier Galvan

Khia Dodge

Nicole Galvan

Caleigh Etsitty

Leah Dona

Chandra Garcia

Deshaun Garcia

Taylor Gibson

Karessa Etsitty

LaKisha Gishie

Kasey Sanders

Tyleen Gishie

Rebekah Garcia

Daniel Herrera

Levon Hood

DeAnn Howe

Cody Jake

Gavin Jimm

Kaleb Joe

Kyeran Joe

Shintanya Johnson

Alyssa Kee

Jacob Largo

Kalela Larry

Deanna Lee

Kyle Lee

Virgil Manuelito

Wilmer Shirley, Jr.

Mackenzie Shirley

Anthony Slim

Lane Tahe

Kordell Thompson

Nina Triplett

Michelle Vandever

Jaylen Watchman

Xavier Westmoreland

Nathan Williams, Jr.

Adam Yazzie

Shiniya Yazzie

Vivian Kidane

Elijah Woody Kelsey Lewis

Shalayne Saunders

LeAnn Sandyval

Derrick Jim, Jr.

Tyrell Tahe

Jeremy Jim

Antonio Rodriguez

Tyren Martinez

STATE & REGION

NEWS

Making reopening safe WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS OUTLINES HELP FOR BUSINESSES, PRACTICES FOR WORKERS By Dominic Aragon Sun Correspondent

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ew Mexico Workforce hosted a virtual town hall June 8 to detail how our state’s business owners and employees should be adhering to COVID19-safe practices on the job. Bill McCamley, the Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Depa r tment of Workforce Solutions, hosted the virtual town hall. “We want to make sure that all employees have masks and wear them except when eating, drinking, exercising, or for medical needs. You can make a request to the New Mexico Department of Health for masks,” McCamley said. Personal protective equipment bulk purchases for New Mex ico bu si ne s s ow ner s include disinfectant spray, g love s, fa ce m a sk s, a nd no-touch thermometers. McCa mley sa id not a ll PPE works for everyone. For

instance, “Some people out there with severe asthma can’t wear a mask, and the Americans with Disabilities Act would ask you to try to find an accommodation for them,” he said. “So if there’s ways they can work without exposing themselves, that’s the best solution for everyone,” he said. NMDWS requires employers to have their employees work remotely “to the greatest extent possible.” One of the important things returning employees should be trained in is the daily cleaning and disinfection of work areas and high-contact areas. Employees showing symptoms that could be indicators of the virus, such as a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat or chills should be sent home. “If you have a vulnerable worker, try to figure out a way that they can move to another area that doesn’t put them in touch with the public, in touch with other employees, so they

Bill McCamley, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, hosted the June 8 virtual town hall about reopening businesses safely. Photo Credit: gov.state.nm.us can keep their exposure lower,” McCamley said. Employers may need to make accommodations for high-risk employees like older and asthmatic workers. The initiative, “All Hands New Mexico,” addresses how business owners can attract new workers. Ricky Serna told town hall participants how to post jobs on the DWS website.

“We launched this webpage about a month ago to provide a platform for you all to post position vacancies that you’re seeking to fi ll in light of all the public health orders that have been put in place,” Serna said. “We’ll do our best to promote those available positions broadly so we can connect you with qualified job seekers,” he said. A s for people a ccepting unemployment benefits because of the COVID-19 virus, McCamley said recipients could lose their benefits if NMDWS determines they don’t have a good reason for not returning to work. Examples of good reasons to not go back to work might include proof of an employer not following COVID -safe practices, or workers who have pre-existing medical conditions. Simply being a fra id of COVID-19, or staying away because unemployment pays more than work does, is not considered a good reason to

avoid returning to a job. Business counseling is another topic that was addressed at the event. Russell Wyrick, the executive director of the New Mexico Small Business Development Center, explained that it’s free and talked about how it works. “Think of that as basically a business consultant that you don’t have to pay for. It’s funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the state through the Higher Education Department,” Wyrick said. “We work with you one-on-one for your specific needs to help you navigate the challenges you have in sustaining and growing your business.” Helpful Links Business owners can buy PPE at http://acinm.chambermaster.com/store/. The link to post a vacancy is www.dws.state.nm.us/ COVID-19-Post-Jobs. Business owners interested in counseling can visit www. nmsbdc.org/.

Republican looking to win seat held by Democrats since 1999 SANTA FE’S ALEXIS JOHNSON TO FACE TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ By Dominic Aragon Sun Correspondent

A

lexis Johnson won the GOP nomination in the June 2 pr i ma r y i n New Mexico’s District 3 in her bid for the United States House of Representatives. Receiving 36.7 percent of the primary votes, Johnson beat out fellow conservatives Harr y Montoya (35.4 percent) and Karen Bedonie (27.8 percent). The Santa Fe native will face off against Las Vegas Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez in the Nov. 3 general election. “I was outraised over [10:1] as far as the ratio in money received, I think I had less than $10,000 and all the other candidates cumulatively raised about $110,000 plus,” Johnson told the Gallup Sun. “How does somebody that has no Republican

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Alexis Johnson, Republican candidate for U. S. House, Dist. 3. Photo Credit: Courtesy Alexis Johnson for Congress insider pledges, per se, with the delegates or money, how does somebody like that come out?” “That is the question my campaign is answering, the voice of the New Mexican. My message is resonating with the community,” she said. The district is made up of 16 counties, including the Galluparea, Four Corners area, Santa Fe area and Clovis.

Friday June 12, 2020 • Gallup Sun

Johnson, an engineer by profession, says Fernandez’s views do not reflect the consensus of the entire district. “I think that New Mexicans are going to be voting Republican, because the Republican party is resonating with their traditional, cultural values,” Johnson said. In this time of social distancing, methods of campaigning for Johnson’s team include using digital media, virtual town halls, making phone calls, and yard signs. If Johnson wins the election in November, she will become the fi rst Republican to hold the District 3 seat since Bill Redmond of Santa Fe was elected to the post to finish Bill Richardson’s term from May 1997 to January 1999. Redmond did not win his re-election bid. “I will bring together our community for the betterment of New Mexicans through our

faith, family, freedom, and New Mexican pride,” she said. “I’m here to push our U.S. Constitution and our rights.

I have a deep love and appreciation for my culture and all of our cultures here in New Mexico,” she added.

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NEWS

Chief Justice Judith Nakamura to retire from N.M. Supreme Court Staff Reports

with recommendations for state courts to address the crisis of addiction. In New Mexico, Nakamura formed a cross-disciplinary group, c a l le d t he Z -Te a m , t h a t worked with the State Justice Institute to train judges to better meet the needs of those with mental illnesses and substance abuse problems who appear in courts. The Team is planning a summit to br ing together teams from counties across the state to improve court and community responses to those with behavioral health issues. Before joi n i ng t he Supreme Court, Nakamura served nearly three years as a Second Judicial District Court judge and more than 14 years as a Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court judge. She oversaw day-to-day operations of Metropolitan Court as its chief judge from 2002 until 2013, and was named Judge of the Year in 2004 by the

Albuquerque Bar Association. Naka mura received her Juris Doctor degree in 1989 from the University of New Mex ico, a nd ea r ned a n undergraduate degree from UNM. Before her election as a judge, she spent most of her lega l ca reer i n t he pr ivate practice of law in Albuquerque. She worked at the State Land Office after law school, ser v i ng a s a n assistant land commissioner and general counsel. The Chief Justice presides over Supreme Court hearings and conferences, and is the administrative authority over personnel, budgetary matters and general operations of all state courts. The Chief Justice also acts as an advocate for the Judiciary on legislation, funding for the courts and other issues. Nakamura is an avid hot air balloon pilot and a volunteer member of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s Board of Directors, and serves

on the University of New Mexico Alumni Board. The Court will elect a new Chief Justice July 15. T h e p r o c e s s fo r f i l l ing a cour t vaca ncy calls for a bipa r t i sa n Jud icia l Nom i n a t i n g C om m i s s ion to interview applicants and recom mend nom i nee s t o the gover nor for possible appointment.

no-contact order by writing a the U.S. Attorney’s office will seven-page letter to his wife.   not tolerate such acts of domes“The brutality of Mr. Wells’ tic violence on tribal lands in club and kicked her in the assault is almost unimag- Colorado and will aggressively stomach. Wells then sexually inable,â€? Dunn said. “But with prosecute them every time.â€?   assaulted his wife before stran- this sentence, it is all but cerThe sentence was progling her to unconsciousness tain that Mr. Wells’ legacy of nounced by U.S. District Court and fleeing the scene. violent abuse has come to an Judge Robert E. Blackburn. T he v ict i m’s i nju r ie s end.  Wells appeared at the sentencresulted in her being medi“ Th is sentence is a lso ing hearing in custody and was cally evacuated by airplane to important because it sends a remanded at its conclusion. a hospital in Lakewood, Colo.. strong signal to perpetrators Wells was indicted by a At trial, an expert testified that and tribal victims alike, that federal grand jury on April the victim had a substantial chance of dying due to internal bleeding caused by the assault. Prior to this offense, Wells had over a dozen prior convictions for assaultive conduct, to include at least two prior incidents where he assaulted his current wife. is pleased to announce that At the time of the assault, Wells had a warrant for his arrest from a case brought by the State of Colorado for secĆŤĆž ưƺƍƚƍƚƨ ƺǀƽ ƧƏƽƸá„™ ond degree by strangulation, as ƽᄙ ƺǀƿDž Ç‚ƍƜƜ Ć&#x;ĆŁ ĆžƥƥƣƝƿƍƚƨ ĆĄĆžƞƣƞ ĆŤĆš ƿƊƣ Ćžƽƣƞƞ ƺƤ ƣƞƜ an act of domestic violence, for an assault committed against ƞƿĆžƿƣá„• ĆžƸƍƜÇ„ ƞǂᄕ ĆžƚƢ ƽƍƸƍƚƞƜ ƣƤƣƚƞƣá„™ his wife in August of 2018 at a park in Cortez, Colo. Wells will ᇳᇲᇳ á„™ Ç…ƿƣƥ Ç ĆŁá„™á„• Ç€ƍƿƣ serve his federal sentence conGallup, NM 87301 secutive to the 4-year sentence 505-722-9121 imposed in the prior case, Montezuma Case 18CR276. Ç‚Ç‚Ç‚á„™ƽƤá…&#x;ƜƞǂƧƏƽƸá„™ƥƺƸ After the jury’s verdict, Wells violated a court imposed

5, 2019 and was found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse, assault with the intent to commit aggravated sexual abuse, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and assault with a dangerous weapon, following a week-long trial on Feb. 7.  Â

T h is ca se wa s i nvest igated by the Federal Bureau of I nve s t i ga t ion a nd t he Bu reau of Ind ia n A ffa irs. T he defenda nt wa s pro s ecut ed by A s si st a nt U.S. Attor neys Jeff Graves and R. Josh Player.

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A NTA FE — Chief Ju s t i c e Ju d i t h K . Nakamura has announced that she w ill retire from the New Mexico Supreme Court effective Aug. 1. She has served as chief justice since June 2017, and joined the state’s highest court in December 2015. “In my years on the bench, I’ve always strived to not only make the best legal decisions possible, but to improve people’s lives and advance the administration of justice,� Nakamura said. During fiscal year 2019, the Chief Justice launched the Campaign for Judicial Excellence to ensure that courts better met the needs of New Mexicans. The initiative focused on simplifying the structure of the state court system, expanding the use of technology to assist the public and improve access to court

programs and services. As part of the campaign, district courts have assumed administrative oversight of magistrate courts to improve efficiency and provide streamlined local decision-making. Cour ts have implemented electronic f iling of documents in criminal cases and an Online Dispute Resolution program was established to help settle consumer debt cases. W hile leading the judicial branch of government, Nakamura guided the state court system’s response to t he COV I D -19 pa ndem ic. State courts remained open with safety precautions and conducted most proceedings using audio and video teleconferencing. Courts are now preparing to resume jury trials. Nakamura served on the Na t ion a l Jud ici a l O pioid Task Force and co-chaired its Civil and Criminal Justice Workgroup. The task force issued a report late last year

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE | FROM PAGE 11

Chief Justice Judith Nakamura of the New Mexico Supreme Court. File Photo

Grant Foutz

NEWS

Gallup Sun • Friday June 12, 2020

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SACRED TOGETHER | FROM PAGE 1 is a scholarship created for Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth, the Naatáanii Scholarship. It was created to empower and uplift the next generation of youth leaders after western enculturation distorted the identity and the existence of Indigenous LGBTQ+ people, according to Diné Pride. “We plan to change that narrative by helping our own students excel in their higher education jour ney,” their Facebook page reads. The scholarship is a onetime $1,000 dollar scholarship to be awarded to two high school seniors from the Navajo Nation who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and/ or two-spirit. Applicants must contribute to the LGBTQ+ community and actively address concerns facing their peers today. The application is available online at navajonationpride.com. The deadline for the application is June 19 at midnight.

THE MOVE ONLINE Nelson said the decision to make the event virtual was both a financial and time investment, but one he thought was worthwhile. “At the end of the day, it is hard to be living through what we’re living through right now, and to not have our friends and family around us and for us to have that physical touch and laughter,” he said. Nelson said Navajo people are living through new times where a virus, one of the smallest things in existence, is taking lives across communities, including the LGBTQ+ community. “We’re feeling [the effects], and we want to make sure our events are respectful of what’s happening right now,” he said. But more than celebrating their community, Nelson said he wants to make sure the efforts for the future of LGBTQ+ youth are celebrated. “Diné Pride has never focused on just older people. We continue to encourage our young people,”

U.S. Marine Darrel House stands with Blackout Drag Performers at the Diné Pride celebration at Window Rock Tribal Park and Veteran’s Memorial June 29, 2019. The drag show held in Gallup has capped off the event the previous two years. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pamela Peters/Tachiinii Photography

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The Diné Pride Symposium was held at the Window Rock Museum June 28, 2019. The symposium contained multiple panels where Indigenous LGBTQ+ leaders spoke about their experiences to help support others. This year, the panels will be hosted virtually on Diné Pride’s Facebook page due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pamela Peters/Tachiinii Photography he said. “We want Navajo LGBTQ leaders to step up and speak on behalf of the community and provide opportunities of leadership for them.” This is why Diné Pride has grown from being a pride event to a movement, Nelson added. “Because of our event, you see more tribes taking on the challenge of taking on an [Indigenous pride event] and replicate the same success as Diné Pride,” he said. Between 2017 and 2019, the event grew from being hosted in the flea market parking lot to being hosted right next to the Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Window Rock, with rainbow pride flags being flown next to the Navajo Nation flag. Diné Pride also gained the support of Navajo Nation government officials who advocated for changes in Navajo law to protect their LGBTQ+ citizens. As it has grown, Nelson said

Radmilla Cody, Recording Artist and former Miss Navajo Nation, stands in front of Window Rock during the Diné Pride 2019 gathering. Guest speakers and Tribal government officials have begun supporting Diné Pride as it has grown. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pamela Peters/Tachiinii Photography Diné Pride has gotten the attention of people from across the world who were planning to make the trip to Window Rock this year and be part of the largest Indigenous Pride gathering before the pandemic disrupted their plans.

Still, Nelson remains hopeful they can reach their goal of doubling the number of attendees from their last Diné Pride Symposium for their next gathering in 2021. “What we can do now is remain hopeful, pick ourselves up and move forward,” Nelson said. Diné Pride Communications Director DeAndra Wagner shared Nelson’s sentiments. “The LGBTQ+ community has overcome many obstacles over the years and has always emerged stronger and more unified,” Wagner said. “Diné Pride will be one [event] to remember regardless of a physical experience this year, and our hope is to resume in-person events in 2021. Our community will once rise up against this adversity and stand together in solidarity.” For more information on Diné Pride 2020, as well as event details and how to tune in, visit

https://www.facebook.com/ NavajoNationPride. 16

Friday June 12, 2020 • Gallup Sun

NEWS

OPINIONS

Social sea change only comes when demanded By Kenneth J. Martinez, Psy.D. New Mexico Voices for Children

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here is a video circulating on social media of a beautiful little girl in a tee-shirt trimmed in white eyelet lace, her smiling face aglow in pride, proclaiming “Daddy changed the world.” It is both sweetly uplifting and painfully heart breaking. The little girl, seated on the shoulders of a family friend, is at one of the protests that have become commonplace since her father’s murder at the hands of police officers. George Floyd’s 6-year-old daughter Gianna has a child’s limited understanding not only of the pent-up anger unleashed by her father’s murder, but also of the fi nality of death. She has not experienced all the repercussions of having lost a parent so early in life – a parent who will not be there when she celebrates accomplishments, grieves failures, and shares the joy and wonder that comes from discovering the world around her. But she hears her father’s name on TV and sees

that crowds have taken to the streets to call for a sea change in the way that people who look like her are treated. She deserves this moment of pride. She deserves equity, justice, and much more. The protests, of course, are about far more than the murder of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, or even the problem of police brutality. And it is no coincidence that this explosion of marches and riots has come during the throes of a pandemic that has disproportionately taken the lives of people of color. COVID-19 has laid bare an ugly American reality – that the socio-economic differences falling largely along racial and ethnic lines is not simply a quality-of-life matter. They are a matter of life and death. Centuries of laws, policies, and practices that have privileged whites and oppressed people of color have created and maintained a system of structural racism. The disparities people of color experience begin before they are born and follow them unto death. They are evident in the enormous income and

wealth gaps, in sentencing for non-violent offenses, in access to high-quality education, and even in life spans between whites and people of color. They are evident in the disparate outcomes of police encounters with unarmed Black and brown people and those with armed whites. But how does a nation begin to dismantle a 400-yearold system of oppression? We can start by demilitarizing our police and schools and reinvesting a meaningful portion of our police budgets into our communities by way of programs proven to prevent crime and build partnerships. We must overhaul our criminal justice system, implement the “8 Can’t Wait” policing reform agenda, release those serving sentences for non-violent drug offenses, and offer, instead, treatment, education, employment, and reparations. We must admit that the war on drugs has always been a proxy for a war on Black and brown people. And we must ensure that health care is available to all – rather than just to those with white-collar and union jobs.

Here in New Mexico, we can start by ensuring that every bill the Legislature considers – from budgets to criminal codes – has been analyzed for disparate impacts by race, ethnicity, and gender. So, for example, the next time legislators debate cutting taxes for those at the top, they’ll know not only how much money it will cost the state, but also how much it will increase economic inequality between whites and people of color. And New Mexico must robustly invest in the early childhood care, education, and community health programs that we know create opportunity for all children and especially for the three-quarters of our child population who are children of color. L i ke a l l g r e a t s o c i a l upheaval, change will not occur until it is demanded. Those in power must see that fundamental reform is the only way they can keep their power and that, if they resist, they will be replaced. That means getting angry and channeling the anger constructively. It means taking to the streets and protesting peacefully. And most of all, it

Kenneth Martinez is a clinical psychologist and principal researcher at American Institutes for Research. He is also the chair of the board of directors for New Mexico Voices for Children. Photo Credit: New Mexico Voices for Children means voting — voting for candidates who are committed to dismantling structural racism in all our institutions. George Floyd’s death may well change the world. It may make the world a safer, kinder place for children of color like Gianna. But only if we all — people of every race, ethnicity, and color — demand it. We cannot allow George Floyd’s life, and the lives of others who have met the same fate, to have been lost in vain. For information on 8 Can’t Wait policing reform, visit: https:// twitter.com / Larken /status/1269002063121448960/ photo/2

Gov. Lujan Grisham’s ‘Council for Racial Justice’ shows how leadership may unite us in the face of racism By Howie Morales NM Lieutenant Governor

racial justice here in New Mexico. That’s how we make progress as the human race. h e n a t io n a l o u t As the horrifying video pou r i ng of a nger showed, George Floyd’s life and frustration trig- wa s taken from his fa mgered by the killing ily and his community in of George Floyd by police Minneapolis suddenly and reveals an urgent need today: without cause. Millions across we need many more lead- the country and around the ers who will bring people world mourn his tragic, sensetogether. President Donald less death. We recall other Trump’s brutal, racist words high-profi le victims of similar and actions in response to police brutality such as Eric the resulting protests have Garner, Freddie Gray, Sandra tried to divide people even Bland — all of whom were further than they already are, Black — and the list of trageAmerican against American. I dies goes on. With countless commend Gov. Michelle Lujan other New Mexicans, I stand Grisham’s efforts now, in wel- with all those who have taken come contrast, to begin a state- to the streets to peacefully wide community conversation protest and raise determined about new policies to improve voices against police brutality

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OPINIONS

and racism. It is long overdue. The systems of oppression that have existed for hundreds of years in America are still a reality in our communities. The brutalities happening every day, extend far beyond the fatal police violence. Poverty that endures, underfunded public education, inequitable access to health care, and poor environmental conditions experienced by Black communities and other communities of color, are other forms of systemic violence. While less visible in the news and the popular imagination, these daily injustices are devastating to the lives of people of color — Blacks, Hispanics and Latinos, and Indigenous people. It partly explains why George Floyd’s

killing evoked such a powerful response world-wide. What better time than the present to fight against these unfair and dehumanizing barriers lived daily by so many of our fellow Americans? Many, many of us across New Mexico and the United States are committed to working together to confront systemic injustice and inequality, and to push instead for policies that uphold decency, fairness and respect for human life. There is a broad movement of historic proportions for change at work today. It may go far beyond simply reforming police tactics, although that is needed, too. Widespread racial discrimination in our society, and the likelihood that

New Mexico Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales many police officers are more likely to mistreat Black people than white people, cannot be denied. All of the officers engaged in this reprehensible

LEADERSHIP | SEE PAGE 23

Gallup Sun • Friday June 12, 2020

17

Letter to the Editor:

Support for a primary winner

I

wanted to congratulate Yvette Herrell on her hard-fought victor y in the primary election. I am endorsing Yvette Herrell, and I will make myself available to help her in the general election. Yvette Herrell h a s show n her abi l it y t o w i n w it hout comprom i s ing her basic conser vative

pr inciples. It will take a ll of us to help elect Yvet te Herrell to congress. Please help Yvette with your support and vote. Our country’s future depends on you. Also I wanted to express my thanks to Claire Chase a nd her fa m ily. She ra n a strong and proud campaign. Claire has shown that there

is a bright future for young republicans in New Mexico. To my supporters, thank you for your confidence in me a nd ou r con ser vat ive pr i nciples. Plea se believe me when I s ay t h at you r hard work was not in vain. Together we stood for our core pr inciples that God’s unborn children have a right

to live, that there would be no 1st amendment without the protection of ou r 2nd a me nd me nt a nd t h a t a l l A mer ica ns have a constitutional r ight to keep a nd bear arms. The United States Constitution is what makes America great. Our freedom, the right to act as individua ls to ra ise our children

with our own family values, and the right to practice our religious beliefs without any gover n ment i nter ference, makes us a great nation. Thank you for your support and God Bless America.

RELIEF FUND | FROM PAGE 10

the Relief Fund coordinates supplies and distribution with a diverse range of partners including local grassroots relief groups and individuals, Navajo Nation Council Delegates, Navajo Nation Chapter House Officials, and Hopi community leadership. Nava jo Nation Council

Delegate Charlaine Tso said, “I am very thankful for the collaboration with the Navajo & Hopi COVID-19 Relief Effort. I implore my colleagues, and all within the leadership capacity to extend their helping hand and services to this organization to serve every family on the Navajo

Nation. “We are called into these positions by the will of the Creator. So, undoubtedly I know we all have the power and strength to bring our people through this pandemic. We have come to a huge understanding of needs and functionality, so I

will do my best to make sure the Legislative Branch will remain in support, and to provide assistance when needed to the relief organization. Ahe’hee’!� she said. Donations can be made to Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief at https:// gf.me/u/x3jc2q.

volunteer and Leadership Team member with the Relief Fund said. “Our communities face a 50% unemployment rate and only have 13 grocery stores to cover a land mass the size of West Virginia. “Additionally approximately 33% of community members live without running water or electricity. This existing infrastructure crisis has exacerbated the public health crisis of COVID19. We’re doing everything we can to safely ensure vulnerable DinĂŠ and Hopi families have necessary supplies to stay home during this pandemic,â€? Tullie said. “I want to really thank the people who have gathered this stuff for the Navajo & Hopi COVID-19 Relief,â€? Emerson Curley, the Navajo Nation Steamboat Chapter Commission President said. “We couldn’t believe how much stuff that was brought out: different varieties of produce, different varieties of groceries. “We say thank you from the bottom of our hearts from all of the community members. I wish you would have heard some of the expression from the community members as we gave the food boxes out to them today. They were really appreciative,â€? Curley added. The Relief Fund also has an initiative called “Navajo Seamstresses United COVID19 Doodaâ€? with over 300 seamstresses from throughout Navajo and Hopi, as well as off-reservation communities in the four corners states, New York, and Georgia. This initiative has distributed 37,515 masks, hospital gowns, shoe covers, scrub caps, and face shields as of June 3. In addition to hundreds of community-based volunteers,

18

Chris Mathys Candidate, United States Congress

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Friday June 12, 2020 • Gallup Sun

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‘Space Force’ provides a few laughs, but feels toothless By Glenn Kay For the Sun

RATING:  OUT OF  RUNNING TIME: 10 EPISODES (27 – 36 MINUTES EACH) This series is currently airing on Netflix. Netflix has pulled out comedy’s biggest guns with the new series Space Force. Executive producer Greg Daniels is also responsible for King of the Hill, the U.S. version of The Office, as well as Parks and Recreation and other hit shows. The show also has an intriguing concept and fantastic comic performers, leading one to imagine that the end result might be incredible. Space Force does provide a decent number of laughs and will provide some entertainment value, but the launch isn’t quite as spectacular as hoped for. The show is based around a fictional version of the recently announced new branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. General Mark Naird (Steve Carell) is tasked with leading a team of officers, international scientists and engineers in the hopes of creating a permanent base on the moon. The lead quickly finds himself butting heads with Chief Scientist Dr. Adrian Mallory (John Malkovich), as well as other hostile parties within the government itself. On a personal

level, his daughter Erin (Diana Silver) is none too pleased about moving to remote Colorado. The family dynamic is further strained after Mark’s wife Maggie (Lisa Kudrow) is given a 40-year prison sentence for an undefined crime. As if all these issues weren’t enough, the Space Force soon finds itself competing against a Chinese space program. The fi rst two episodes are engaging as the various protagonists are introduced and come into conflict with one another. Of course, Carell’s natural onscreen presence makes his character very likable, presenting him as a man who simply wants to do something groundbreaking for his country. However, Malkovich is the series stand-out as an annoyed scientist who hates dealing with military leaders. He delivers several funny verbal jabs as bad suggestions, as well as impossible task after impossible task is placed upon him. This leads to funny scenarios early in the series. When damage is done to a U.S. satellite, an ill-tempered chimpanzee is tasked with fixing the hardware. It’s extremely funny to watch Naird try to coach the primate into doing the necessary repairs. The arrival of an irritating media consultant (Ben Schwartz) also results in some amusing comments. As mentioned, when exaggerated types of space-related events are occurring, the show delivers laughs. The testy

General Mark Naird (Steve Carell) endures a conversation with a media consultant (Ben Schwartz) seen seated behind him in “Space Force.â€? Photo Credit: Netix relationships and arguments between military figures and scientists also provide plenty of opportunity for humor. Yet the show starts to falter a few episodes in. It isn’t long before the relationship between Mark and Adrian softens and the two start to understand each other’s different points of view. The intent is noble, but much of the tension and humor derived from the conf lict between them starts to evaporate. Later shows focus on teenager Erin adapting to life near the base, Space Force budget meetings, program hiccups and the like. The pacing slows and fewer of the gags land. When

Space Force finds itself sending a team to the moon and dealing with a competitive team from another nation, it adds a bit more spark to the final two episodes. One also gets the sense that the writers are hedging their bets a bit. By the close of the show, the creators do make a point or two about the upper levels of government. Still, the series tries very hard to listen to all sides and poke fun at everyone, even suggesting that there may be some benefit to having this outlandish organization. In fact, it is clear from the onset that the show doesn’t want to offend any U.S. demographic

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who may be watching. So, rather than delivering a truly biting satire of the program or the executive branch of the government, the show comes across as a bit toothless. There is plenty of talent on display in Space Force and the show does provide some chuckles here and there thanks to its excellent cast. Still, it never reaches the manic or satirical heights one would hope for. Instead, viewers will have to endure plenty of dead space in the middle of their journey before they arrive at their final destination. V ISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

pm

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102 E. Aztec Office: 505-863-8086 Cell: 505-870-3948

Gallup Sun • Friday June 12, 2020

19

Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for June 12, 2020 By Glenn Kay For the Sun

W

elcome back to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. It’s another busy edition fi lled with studio pictures, independent fare, as well as fl icks from around the world. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try! BIG NEW RELEASES! CORPUS CHRISTI: Also k now n a s Boze Cia l o, this foreign-language d ra ma from Pol a nd fol lows a young ma n ser ving time in a youth detention center. After experiencing a spiritual awakening, he decides to take steps to become a priest, but fi nds his efforts denied once he is released, due to his criminal past. The protagonist decides instead to impersonate a member of the cloth at a local parish to attain his ambitions and bring his community together. Critics were very taken with this effort and the movie was nominated for an Oscar at last year’s Academy Awards. Currently, there are only a couple of negative write-ups for the movie, stating that the fi lm was a bit too drawn out for its own good. Everyone else praised it as an effective and gritty slow-burn of a movie that packs a big emotional wallop at the close. The cast includes Bartosz Bielenia, Eliza Rycembel and Aleksandra Konieczna. RED COW: This Israeli foreign-language coming-ofage drama (released as Para Aduma in its homeland) is set

CHOKE HOLD | FROM PAGE 8 into Olvera is underway in his office, Balderas is taking a long look at law enforcement policies. On June 9 his office called on the legislature to create uniform policies and create systemic reform. “Increased transparency

in the mid19 9 0 s, ju st b efor e t he assassination of Prime Minister Y it z h a k Rabi n. The story specifically details the struggles of a 16-year-old whose mother has just passed away, leaving her under the care of her right-wing, religious extremist father. It results in a tense situation as the teenager tries to navigate a tension-fi lled relationship with her dad, while determining her own sexual, religious and political beliefs. Reaction toward the fi lm was upbeat. According to reviewers, this tale does a solid and effective job of juggling concepts like dealing with fi rst loves, as well as examining issues like patriarchy. Avigail Kovari, Gal Toren and Moran Rosenblatt headline the feature.

For most, this movie is debuting on disc, so there aren’t any write-ups available online. However, the fi lm has played at numerous fi lm festivals over the past couple of years and has won several awards at those screenings. Michael Cudlitz narrates the picture. STR A IGHT EDGE KEGGER: A youth decides to leave his gang behind after feeling l ike t hey’ve gone too far and become too v iolent . He meets and bef r iend s a stranger who i nv it e s h i m a long to a nearby celebration. After meeting a fetching young lady and enjoying several drinks, the lead is happy with his decision. However, that all changes when his old gang arrives at the party clad in masks. The crew begins attacking the partygoers and the protagonist must get his new acquaintances out to safety before they all meet their end. This independent horror feature hasn’t received many reviews yet, but the few that have popped up have been complimentary. They suggest that while it is a low-budget picture with a few shortcomings, horror fans may appreciate the cast and the fi lm’s frantic energy. The cast includes Cory Kays, Evey Reidy and Julio Alexander.

R E T U R N T O HARDWICK: Press releases for this documentary note that the 93rd Bomb Group was arguably the most decorated, most traveled and most effective bomb group of World War II. Based in Norfolk near the east coast of England, these servicemen were responsible for some of the biggest raids during the conflict. The feature details their heroic acts and introduces viewers to their descendants. Together, the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of these servicemen visit the old Hardwick base where they were stationed and explore it in order to get a deeper sense of their own family history.

TURNER RISK: We all feel like it would be great to make a fresh start in our lives. In this thriller, a young man takes it to extremes. A frequent victim of bullying, he decides to strike back against the negative forces putting him down. The lead meets up with

and accountability protects the community as well as law enforcement,” he said. “I am asking that the Legislature immediately create uniform use of force policies that ban deadly tactics and ensure both officer and community safety statewide.” Balderas doesn’t want to wait until legislation moves

through the Roundhouse. He is asking that some changes be made immediately, including a requirement that law enforcement officers wear body cameras on duty and be prohibited from using choke holds during arrests. I n t he pa s t , B a lder a s helped pass legislation requiring the recording of police

20 Friday June 12, 2020 • Gallup Sun

a couple new friends and describes his plot to wipe out his biggest nemesis at school. W h i l e wa nder ing t he st reet s and hunting the figure down, the three discuss and compare how their target has caused them pain and, while sharing their experiences, eventually come to unexpected revelations. This indie fl ick hasn’t been seen by critics yet, but it has fared well at various fi lm festivals, picking up a few trophies for its story, cinematography and performances. It features Nick Fink, Carlin James, Sean Cruz and Rory Hart.

K i no i s r ele a si n g t he

Hu nga r ia n comedy/ d r a m a , My 20th Century (1989). It’s a per iod film about ident ica l t w i n s separated early in life, who rediscover one another as adults. The movie has been given a 2K restoration and comes with a fi lmmaker interview and introduction to the movie, as well as a commentary track with the director and cinematographer. The distributor is also putting out the German comedy, Victor and Victoria (1933), about a singer who begins impersonating a man to get more opportunities on stage. This fi lm has been remade several times over the years, perhaps most notably by Blake Edwards in 1982. The disc includes a fi lm historian audio commentary. YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS! If you’re looking to entertain the kids, it looks as though you only have one new option coming your way. Think Like a Dog ON THE TUBE! Below you’ll find all the TV-themed releases coming your way. 1619 - Up from Slavery: A 14-Part Documentary Series Doctor Who: Series 12 T h e L a st B r i d e s m ai d (Hallmark TV-movie) Love, Take Two (Hallmark TV-movie) NAT UR E: Cuba’s Wil d Revolution (PBS) NAT U R E: R e m ark a bl e Rabbits (PBS) The Windermere Children (Drama and Documentar y included) (PBS) White Crane Chronicles – Kung Fu Killer / Kung Fu Killer II (2008) TV Mini-series VISIT: W W W. CINEMASTANCE.COM

custodial interrogations, as a member of the N.M. House. In 2016, Attorney General Ba ldera s ordered the Law Enforcement Academy Board to u nder t a ke a st atew ide review of use of force policies in ever y law enforcement agency in the State. W hile the Boa rd does not govern department policies,

the review was undertaken to begin to identify gaps in department policies and to build recommendations for best practices to be used by those agencies. Ultimately, the review exposed a patchwork of policies across the State, with some agencies not reporting any policy on file.

BL ASTS FROM THE PAST! As usual, there are plenty of interesting catalog titles being upgraded to high definition. Shout! Factory is delivering a Blu-ray of Princess Caraboo (1994). This period comedy is set in the early 1800s and involves a mysterious woman who unexpectedly arrives at a wealthy English estate. The bizarrely-dressed lady speaks no English, yet the nobility becomes smitten with the new arrival and assumes that she must be a princess visiting from a faraway land. This f lick stars Phoebe Cates, Jim Broadbent, Kevin K l i ne, Joh n L it hgow a nd Stephen Rea. According to online sources, the movie does a good job of keeping viewers guessing as to the woman’s real identity. The movie has gained a following over the years, so if you’re a fan of period pieces with a sense of humor, then this title might be enjoyable.

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CLASSIFIEDS GALLUP SUN ARCHIVES Need a past issue? $2.00 per copy. Note issue date and send check or M.O. to: Gallup Sun, PO Box 1212, Gallup, NM 87305. Subject to availability. HELP WANTED June 10, 2020 McKinley County is now accepting applications for the following positions: POSITION: Roads Superintendent DEPARTMENT: McKinley County Department

Roads

FOR BEST CONSIDERATION DATE: June 23, 2020

7303 Montgomery Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109-1512 *** The Community Pantry in Grants is looking to hire a temporary part-time worker, 20 hours a week: Tues., Wed., and Thurs. Job runs until Oct. 2. Pay is $9 hr. Call Karen Baca at (505) 287-5090 *** A hotel in Gallup seeks a worker for housekeeping/ laundry duties. Call Patricia: (505) 879-7600 MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT Mobile Homes for Rent in Mentmore (Gallup Area) 3-bedroom 2 bath $700 utilities not included Please call 714-788-2774 ***

Applications and additional information regarding positions can be found on the County web site www.co.mckinley. nm.us. Dezirie Gomez CPO Human Resource Director

Double Wide Mobile Home for rent 2 bedrooms/ 2 bath Gallup $800.00 Monthly Call Liz 505-879-1807 LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

*** GIOVANNE PACE INC Looking for an experienced Bookkeeper if you are interested Email: mathewpollick57@ gmail.com

Thirteenth Judicial District Court County of Cibola State of New Mexico In the Matter of the Estate

of CLARA MOZELLE BOWMAN, Deceased

CLASSIFIEDS

No. D-1333-PB-2020-00009

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WILLIAM ELDON GIBSON has been appointed Personal Representatives of the Estate of CLARA MOZELL BOWMAN, deceased. All persons having claims against this estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented either to the Personal Representative at the offices of Mason & Isaacson, P.A., 104 East Aztec Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico 87301, attorneys for the Personal Representative, or filed with the District Court of Cibola County, New Mexico. Date: 12/27/19 WILLIAM ELDON GIBSON MASON & ISAACSON, P.A. James J. Mason Attorneys for Personal Representatives 104 East Aztec Avenue Gallup, New Mexico 87301 (505) 722-4463 Published: The Gallup Sun June 12, 2020 June 19, 2020 June 26, 2020 *** LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The Gallup

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Housing Authority will conduct its monthly Board of Commissioners meeting to be held on Friday, June 19th, 2020 at 9:00 am MST, at the Gallup Housing Authority board room, 203 Debra Drive, Gallup, New Mexico 87301. A copy of the agenda and/or specific agenda items may be obtained at the Gallup Housing Authority office. This is a public meeting except for items to be considered in closed session. A general public comment period is allowed at the end of the business portion of the meeting. Please be advised the Gallup Housing Authority will comply with all Federal and State COVID-19 protocols, including groups of no more than five [5] people in any given area, social distancing amongst attendee’s, and not allowing anyone who is sick or exhibiting signs of COVID -19 into the public meeting area. However, documents are available to the public in various accessible formats and interested parties

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may also participate by phone. Any citizen or person may make public comments to the Board on matters involving Gallup Housing Authority operations. They will be allowed 2 to 3 minutes to make such comments. Note: Grievances by tenants or against employees must be processed through appropriate board approved policies and procedures and will not be heard directly by the board under the public comment period. If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact the Gallup Housing Authority at (505) 722-4388, at least (1) week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Please contact the Gallup Housing Authority, if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed

3DUD XQD QRWL¿FDFLyQ HQ (VSDxRO OODPDU R YLVLWDU QXHVWUR ZHEVLWH Notice of a class action settlement authorized by State of New Mexico, County of Bernalillo, Second Judicial District Court

OBITUARIES

+Å—ÅŽ \ÅœU OÅžHG Å—H LQ WKH *DOOXS 6XQ IÅŽ )5(( 2QH KHDGVKRW DOOÅ&#x;HG Download form: gallupsun.com (obituaries page) or stop by office at 102 S. 2nd St. Let us design a custom tribute at an affordable rate! All obituaries are posted in our print and web editions!

Phone: (505) 722-8994 Fax: (505) 212-0391 Email: gallupsun@gmail.com

This notice is authorized by the Court to inform you about an agreement to settle a class action lawsuit that may D൵HFW \RX 7KH ODZVXLW DOOHJHV WKDW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 1HZ 0H[LFR IDLOHG WR DGPLQLVWHU SURSHU WUHDWPHQW SURWRFROV WR SHGLDWULF $FXWH /\PSKREODVWLF /HXNHPLD SDWLHQWV WUHDWHG DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 1HZ 0H[LFR +HDOWK 6FLHQFHV &HQWHU RU +RVSLWDO ³810´ EHWZHHQ -DQXDU\ DQG 0DUFK 7KH VHWWOHPHQW FRYHUV SHGLDWULF FDQFHU SDWLHQWV ZKR GLHG DV UHFHQWO\ DV 'HFHPEHU 7KH 'HIHQGDQW 810 VD\V WKDW LW KDV GRQH QRWKLQJ ZURQJ 7KH &RXUW KDV QRW GHFLGHG ZKR LV ULJKW EHFDXVH WKH SDUWLHV DJUHHG WR D VHWWOHPHQW 7KH &RXUW KDV JLYHQ SUHOLPLQDU\ DSSURYDO WR WKLV VHWWOHPHQW 7KH &RXUW ZLOO KDYH D KHDULQJ WR GHFLGH ZKHWKHU WR ¿QDOO\ DSSURYH WKH VHWWOHPHQW RQ -XO\ at D P :KR LV LQFOXGHG LQ WKH VHWWOHPHQW" <RX PD\ EH D &ODVV 0HPEHU LI \RX DUH D IDPLO\ PHPEHU RU EHQH¿FLDU\ RI D GHFHDVHG SHGLDWULF FDQFHU SDWLHQW GLDJQRVHG ZLWK $// ZKR ZDV WUHDWHG DW 810 EHWZHHQ -DQXDU\ DQG 0DUFK DQG ZKR GLHG RQ RU EHIRUH 'HFHPEHU 7KLV ODZVXLW LV SULQFLSDOO\ DERXW ZKHWKHU SHGLDWULF FDQFHU SDWLHQWV ZKR ZHUH WUHDWHG IRU $// DW WKH 810 EHWZHHQ -DQXDU\ DQG 0DUFK ZHUH JLYHQ SURSHU FDUH :KDW GRHV WKH VHWWOHPHQW SURYLGH" 7KH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 1HZ 0H[LFR KDV DJUHHG WR FUHDWH D IXQG RI WR EH GLYLGHG DPRQJ DOO &ODVV PHPEHUV 7KH 6HWWOHPHQW $JUHHPHQW DYDLODEOH DW WKH ZHEVLWH EHORZ GHVFULEHV DOO WKH GHWDLOV RI WKH SURSRVHG VHWWOHPHQW <RXU VKDUH RI WKH IXQG ZLOO GHSHQG RQ WKH QXPEHU RI YDOLG FODLPV WKDW DUH VXEPLWWHG E\ HOLJLEOH 'HFHGHQW &ODVV 0HPEHUV ZKHWKHU D GHFHDVHG SHGLDWULF FDQFHU SDWLHQW KDV PRUH WKDQ RQH VWDWXWRU\ EHQH¿FLDU\ HQWLWOHG WR FRPSHQVDWLRQ WKH WRWDO DPRXQW RI FODLPV DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ H[SHQVHV WD[HV VHUYLFH DZDUGV WR WKH QDPHG 3ODLQWL൵V LQ WKH FDVH DQG DWWRUQH\V¶ IHHV DQG H[SHQVHV 7R /HDUQ $ERXW \RXU RSWLRQV \RX VKRXOG YLVLW WKH VHWWOHPHQW ZHEVLWH 7KH SURFHVV IRU UHJLVWHULQJ H[FOXGLQJ DQG REMHFWLQJ WR WKH 6HWWOHPHQW DUH DYDLODEOH WKHUH IRU \RXU UHYLHZ ,I \RX KDYH TXHVWLRQV YLVLW ZZZ 810&KLOG&DQFHU6HWWOHPHQW FRP RU FDOO

CLASSIFIEDS

Gallup Housing Authority Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico By:/S/ Alfred Abeita, Chairman of the Board Published: The Gallup Sun June 12, 2020 *** REQUEST FOR QUOTE [Bids] REPAIR CONCRETE PORCHES - ROMERO SITE RFQ #: 2020-01

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 22

Gallup Sun • Friday June 12, 2020

21

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 21 GALLUP AUTHORITY

HOUSING

June 1, 2020 The Gallup Housing Authority is requesting interested, qualified Contractors to provide a written quotation for REPAIR CONCRETE PORCHES as described in this package. You are invited to submit a faxed or emailed quote to be received by Mike Burnside, Project Coordinator of the Gallup Housing Authority. The Housing Authority office is located at 203 Debra Drive, Gallup, NM 87302, phone number (505) 722-4388. Contact Mike Burnside to make an appointment if you wish to see the site. Your quote must arrive (due) no later than 3:00 PM, FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020, at the Gallup Housing Authority, Main Office, or emailed to mike. burnside@galluphousing.com. Quotes received after this date and time will not be accepted. The following documents must be submitted to be considered a responsive quote: 1. Quote From [3 pages] 2. Representations, Certifications and other Statements of Bidders, HUD5369A 3. Non-Collusive Affidavit The Gallup Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all quotes or any

part thereof and to waive any informality in any quote not deemed in the best interest of the Housing Authority. Please refer any questions regarding this Request for Quotes in writing (via e-mail) to: mike.burnside@ galluphousing.com Published: The Gallup Sun June 12, 2020 *** REQUEST FOR BIDS LEAD-BASED PAINT ABATEMENT MARCE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, GALLUP, NM

Manager extension 20.

505-722-4388

Any Questions regarding the Abatement Project must be submitted in writing no later than Friday June 12, 2020 to Brett Engels at the email address above. Notice is hereby given that formal bids for the above project are due at the office of Acme Environmental, Inc. no later than 4:00 PM Friday, June 19, 2020 Published: The Gallup Sun June 12, 2020 *** PUBLIC NOTICE

IFB #2020-02 The Gallup Housing Authority via ACME Environment, Inc. is seeking bids from EPA Certified contractors to provide written bids for LeadBased Paint Abatement as described in the bid package. A copy of the BID PACKAGE may be requested via email: AcmeBrettEngel@gmail.com to the attention of Brett Engel, ACME Environmental, Inc. Telephone: 505-934-0995. Bids may be hand delivered Brett Engel, Acme Environmental, Inc., 3816 Carlisle NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87107; or by email to: AcmeBrettEngel@gmail.com Any pre-bid Site visits can be coordinated with Gallup Housing Authority, Michael Burnside, Maintenance

HONORING THOSE WE’VE LOST TO COVID-19 Did your loved one pass away from novel coronavirus? If so, honor their legacy with a FREE 1/4 page artistic tribute placed in the Sun Phone: (505) 722-8994 Email: gallupsunadvertising@gmail.com

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the McKinley County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Adhering to the Social Distancing Protocols, issued by the Governor’s Office; and the requirements of the Open Meetings Act allowing members of the public to attend and listen to meetings of the quorum of the governing body, this meeting will be physically closed to the public but open to the public via technology services. Members of the public may view the live stream feeds offered on the approved Facebook account of the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management. Members of the public are welcome to call in with comments about any of the items on the agenda. The comment call in number (505.863.1400) will be monitored beginning at 8:45 am on the day of the meeting; and, it will stop being monitored at 9:10 am on the day of the meeting. Please give your name, and the Agenda Item Number you desire to comment on, and a

CLASSIFIEDS Read online at gallupsun.com return phone number. When, at the appropriate time for making comments on the agenda items, (beginning at approximately 9:10 am) the Commission Chair will call you on your return number so you can make your comment. The Commission Chair pursuant to state law and county policy can limit the time of comments and reduce common or cumulative comments as needed; comments will be limited to 3 minutes. The members of the County Commission at their option can participate by phone or other technological participation methods. A copy of the agenda will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting in the Manager’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office and can be sent electronically upon request. All interested parties are invited to attend via the live stream mentioned herein. Done this 9th day of June 2020 McKINLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS /S/ Billy Moore, Chairperson Publication date: Gallup Sun June 12, 2020

*** LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID Public Notice is hereby provided that the GallupMcKinley County Schools is accepting competitive sealed bids for: RAMAH MID/HIGH SCHOOL WEIGHT ROOM AND PLAZA REPAIRS ITB-2020-421MA Project No. 18-013 Commodity Code(s): 91052 & 91223 As more particularly set out in the bid documents, electronic copies of which may be obtained from the Gallup-McKinley County Schools eBidding platform website https://gmcs. bonfirehub.com/portal/ ?tab=openOpportunities A NON-MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference will be held at the job site on June 19, 2020 at 1:00 PM (local time). Required Bidding Documents shall be uploaded to the District’s eBidding platform website. Bids will be received until 2:00 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) on, June 29, 2020. FAX, EMAIL and HARDCOPY BIDS will NOT be accepted. Bidders will not be able to upload proposals or documents after the specified CLOSING date and time. The Gallup-McKinley County School Board of Education

Offer is limited to residents of McKinley & Cibola Counties and Apache County, AZ.

22 Friday June 12, 2020 • Gallup Sun

CLASSIFIEDS | SEE PAGE 23 CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR JUNE 12 – JUNE 18, 2020 FRIDAY, June 12

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center). SATURDAY, June 13

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center).

CLASSIFIEDS | FROM PAGE 22 reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any formalities or minor inconsistencies, and/ or cancel this solicitation in its entirety. Dated the 10th Day of June 2020 By: /S/ Charles Long, President Board of Education Gallup-McKinley County School District No. 1 BID ISSUE DATE: June 10, 2020 PUBLICATION DATES: June 12 & 19, 2020 (Gallup Sun) *** LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ORDINANCE PASSAGE ORDINANCE NO. S2020-6 PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the governing

FIRED | FROM PAGE 4 new hospital CFO, Mary Bevier, and will monitor the transition

LEADERSHIP | FROM PAGE 17 behav ior mu st be held accountable. T he fe der a l pol ic y of send i ng su r plu s m i l it a r y equipment — more suitable for a war-zones like Kabul or Aleppo — to local police depa r t ment s a cros s New CALENDAR

SUNDAY, June 14

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

1 pm-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center). MONDAY, June 15

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center).

CALENDAR TUESDAY, June 16

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center).

REGULAR COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

9 am-12 pm via live stream. The comment line at (505) 863-1400 will be monitored between 8:45 am and 9:10 am.

WEDNESDAY, June 17

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center). THURSDAY, June 18

RMCHCS COVID-19 DRIVE-UP TESTING

9 am-5 pm @ Urgent Care Center (520 NM Hwy 564, north of the New Mexico Cancer Center).

BLOOD DRIVE

2 pm-7 pm @ Grace Bible Church Gym (222 Boulder Dr). Our local need for blood is critical. For an appointment, call Mary Ann (505) 863-3098 or Eileen (505) 879-5576 or Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services (505) 325-1505, ext. 1018. To post a nonprofit or civic event in the calendar section, please email: gallupsunevents@gmail.com or fax: (505) 212-0391. Deadline: Monday at 5 pm.

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Jail Authority Board has scheduled their meeting for Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 1:30 pm.

Public Health Order allowing alcohol outlets that hold a dispenser license other than those associated with the sale of groceries and other items, commonly known as “package stores,” to reopen under certain restrictions effective June 1, 2020; and WHEREAS, restricting the sale of alcohol by convenience stores while alcohol is being sold at package stores within the City and the surrounding areas of McKinley County is unlikely to significantly aid in the spread of the COVID19 virus; and WHEREAS, there no longer exists a reasonable basis to distinguish between the sale of alcohol sold at convenience stores and the sale of alcohol sold by other dispenser licensees;

is an urgent public need for this measure to become effective as soon as possible and therefore declares this Ordinance to be an emergency measure. This ordinance shall become effective five days after publication as required by Gallup City Code §1- 6-10.

THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF GALLUP THAT Ordinance S2020-3 be, and hereby is, repealed. The Council finds that there

PUBLISH: Friday, June 12, 2020

of leadership as she takes on the role of interim CEO,” he said. Bev ier will work with the executive team of Chief Operating officer Mike Nye,

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Valory Wangler, Chief Nursing Officer Felicia Adams, Chief Quality Officer Addie Patel, and Chief of Staff Ayodele Erinle.

Bevier has served as an interim CEO at a prior hospital system. The Board will begin an executive search for a permanent

CEO. At this time no information has been released about the reason for Conejo’s termination or his severance package.

Mexico and America is a total failure. We urgently need more f u nd i n g for c l a s s r o om s , hou si ng, good jobs, pub lic hea lth, life oppor tunities, and halting the march of cl i m a t e A r m a ge ddon . Instead, there is always more unnecessary and ever-growi ng polici ng, h ig h-tech

sur veillance of Americans, and tear gas and flash-bang bombs. People are tired of the inequity of it all, especially young people. Let’s recognize that all those protesting peacefully today actually are trying to save our country. They should be protected. The overwhelming majority of protesters is

entirely peaceful, despite the media’s obsession with focusing on violence and looting. I commend Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and the APD for their restraint to date. Gov. Lujan Grisham’s initiative creating an “Advisory Council for Racial Justice” to end systemic racism in our state is the right approach for

this extraordinary moment in time. All responsible people want to live in a world free of hate. Let the cynics roll their eyes, but we are serious. When the New Mexico Legislature convenes on June 18 in Santa Fe in special session, we will begin the hard and necessary work of protecting our communities of color.

body of the City of Gallup, New Mexico, at its regular meeting of June 9, 2020 passed, adopted and approved the following Ordinance: AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CITY OF GALLUP ORDINANCE S2020-3 WHICH RESTRICTS THE SALE OF ALCOHOL BY CERTAIN OUTLETS TO AID IN STOPPING THE SPREAD OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE WHEREAS, the Gallup City Council adopted Ordinance Number S2020-3 on the 14th day of April, 2020 which forbids the dispensing of alcohol by convenience stores until such time as the Governor of the State of New Mexico revokes the State of a Health Emergency contained in Executive Order 2020004 unless that Ordinance is sooner revoked by the Gallup City Council; and WHEREAS, the New Mexico Health Secretary has issued a

Complete copies of the Ordinance are on file in the Office of the City Clerk, Gallup City Hall, 110 West Aztec Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico and are available for inspection during regular office hours. The Ordinance is also available on the City of Gallup’s website at: www.GallupNM.gov. CITY OF GALLUP, NEW MEXICO By: /s/ Alfred Abeita II, City Clerk

*** NOTICE MEETING

OF

This meeting will be open to the public via technology services to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. A copy of the agenda will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting in the Manager’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office. Auxiliary aides for the disabled are available upon request. Please contact Elvera Grey at egrey@co.mckinley.nm.us, at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to make any necessary arrangements to join the meeting. All interested parties invited to attend.

are

Done this 10th day of June 2020 JAIL AUTHORITY BOARD /S/ Billy Moore, Chairperson

PUBLIC Publication date: June 12, 2020

Gallup Sun • Friday June 12, 2020

23

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO - GALLUP

CONGRATULATIONS LOBOS!

GALLUP.UNM.EDU (505) 863.7500

@UNMGALLUP

24 Friday June 12, 2020 • Gallup Sun

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