Santa Fe New Mexican, Dec. 28, 2023

Reflecting on 50 years of fights over Endangered Species Act

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Cabinet official tapped for key investment post Position leads council that manages over $48 billion in state assets

By Daniel J. Chacón

dchacon@sfnewmexican.com

A nationwide search for a new state investment officer didn’t require leaving New Mexico after all.

The State Investment Council voted Wednesday to select Jon Clark, an Albuquer-

que native, for the high-profile position.

Clark has served as deputy secretary of the state Economic Development Department since March 2019 and has been filling in as acting economic development secretary since the departure of Alicia J. Keyes earlier this year.

Clark beat another New Mexican for the

job: Olivia Padilla-Jackson, who served as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s first Cabinet secretary at the Department of Finance and Administration before she stepped down in May 2020 after about 2½ years on the job.

Among 86 applicants, Clark and PadillaJackson were the two finalists.

Clark has been offered an annual salary of $285,000, or about $34,000 less than Steve Moise, the previous state investment officer.

Moise retired in October after 13 years on the job. His departure prompted discussions about increasing his salary of $319,000 a year to attract a qualified replacement, but members of the State Investment Council didn’t broach the issue during a brief special meeting Wednesday.

The council, chaired by the governor,

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Jon Clark

State to pay $30M upfront to plug almost 300 idle wells

Mora schools’ lessons from Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon blaze mirror those of many institutions facing climate impacts

Company responsible for drilling sites agrees in settlement to pay over decades

By Scott Wyland

swyland@sfnewmexican.com

State regulators have made a deal with Ridgeway Arizona Oil Corp. to plug 299 defunct wells at an estimated cost of $30 million, with the company getting as much as 83 years to repay the cost.

In the settlement between the state Oil Conservation Division and Ridgeway, the company will pay the state a minimum of $30,000 a month, an amount that would increase in line with its profits rising.

However, if Ridgeway’s revenue remains flat or dips, the company’s payments would be strung out into the next century.

The state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, which oversees the Oil Conservation Division, didn’t respond to an email asking questions about the agreement.

An environmental attorney said the state being stuck with such an enormous expense spotlights the need to raise bonding rates so drillers pay a larger amount upfront as insurance for wells they might abandon.

“It’s a catastrophic failure,” said Tannis Fox, senior attorney with the Western Environmental Law Center. “It’s a catastrophic liability that the state is taking on that can be prevented.”

An executive with PEDEVCO Corp., Ridgeway’s parent company, wrote in an email an important term of the agreement is Ridgeway’s monthly payment to New Mexico is based on output and profits.

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ABOVE: Lincoln Alcon, a senior at Mora High School, works on a gate for the school during class on Dec. 12. TOP: Makayla Gonzalez works a ball of dough during a New Mexico history class where students made biscochitos from a student’s family recipe Dec. 12 at Mora High. BELOW: Lefonso Castillo, Mora High School principal, answers a call on his walkie talkie Dec. 12 at the school.

PHOTOS BY GABRIELA CAMPOS/THE NEW MEXICAN

By Margaret O’Hara

mohara@sfnewmexican.com

MORA he smells wafted through Mora High School’s halls: cinnamon, sugar, anise.

Aaron Gallegos’ class, filled with freshmen and sophomores, gathered around tables and ovens as the students shaped and baked a much-beloved Northern New Mexico holiday staple: biscochitos.

In addition to an enjoyable activity a few days before kids left for their winter break, the delectable treats served an academic purpose, Gallegos said.

He’d challenged his students to find their family recipes for the cookies, with the oldest to be made in class. Students rolled out the cookie dough — mixed together in accordance with a recipe from someone’s great-grandma — on the classroom tables.

“This is a New Mexico history class, so we’re talking about traditional New Mexico foods,” Gallegos said.

But the baking biscochitos weren’t the only pieces of New Mexico

T

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Mich. high court: Trump can appear on primary ballot Colorado GOP asks U.S. justices to consider ruling that former president is not eligible

By Julie Bosman, Ernesto Londoño and Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs

The New York Times

CHICAGO — The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday gave Donald Trump an important victory in the legal battle over his eligibility to return to the White House by allowing the former president to appear on the state’s primary ballot in February.

But in a narrow ruling, the court left the door open for a new challenge to bar Trump from the general election ballot in the key battleground state over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

The decision was the latest in the high-stakes efforts to block Trump from returning to power. It follows the bombshell ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court, which on Dec. 19 determined in a 4-3 opinion that Trump should be removed from the state’s 2024 Republican primary ballot for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The Colorado Republican Party said it asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to hear an appeal of that ruling.

Lawyers across the country are venturing into largely unexplored legal terrain that could have far-reaching implications for future elections as they argue over a constitutional amendment passed after the Civil War. The provision, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, disqualifies people who served as federal officers and “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” from holding office. The original intent was to bar Confederate officials from serving in the U.S. government. But the courts and Congress have not clearly established how the provision Please see story on Page A-4

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IN BRIEF ‘New York Times’ sues AI companies for using stories to train chatbots NEW YORK — The New York Times is striking back against the threat artificial intelligence poses to the news industry, filing a federal lawsuit Wednesday against OpenAI and Microsoft seeking to end the practice of using its stories to train chatbots.

The Times says the companies are threatening its livelihood by effectively stealing billions of dollars worth of work by its journalists, in some cases spitting out Times material verbatim to people who seek answers from generative artificial intelligence like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The newspaper’s lawsuit was filed in federal court in Manhattan and follows what appears to be a breakdown in talks between the newspaper and the two companies, which began in April.

The rapid development of AI threatens to significantly upend the publishing industry. Web traffic is an important component of the paper’s advertising revenue and helps drive subscriptions to its online site. But the outputs from AI chatbots divert that traffic away from the paper and other copyright holders, the Times says, making it less likely users will visit the original source for the information.

Comedian Tom Smothers, one-half of Smothers Brothers, dies at 86 Tom Smothers, half of the Smothers Brothers and the co-host of one of the most socially conscious and groundbreaking television shows in the history of the medium, has died at 86.

The National Comedy Center, on behalf of his family, said in a statement Wednesday that Smothers died Tuesday at home in Santa Rosa, Calif., following a cancer battle.

“I’m just devastated,” his brother and the duo’s other half, Dick Smothers, told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday. “Every breath I’ve taken, my Tom Smothers brother’s been around.”

When The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour debuted on CBS in the fall of 1967 it was an immediate hit, to the surprise of many who had assumed the network’s expectations were so low it positioned their show opposite the top-rated Bonanza.

But the Smothers Brothers would prove a turning point in television history, with its sharp eye for pop culture trends and young rock stars such as The Who and Buffalo Springfield, and its daring sketches — ridiculing the Establishment, railing against the Vietnam War and portraying members of the era’s hippie counterculture as gentle, fun-loving spirits — found an immediate audience with young baby boomers.

Idaho judge temporarily blocks ban on gender transition care for minors A federal judge in Idaho temporarily blocked the enforcement of a state law Tuesday that bans gender transition care for minors and threatens medical professionals with a felony conviction if they provide such care, just six days before it was set to take effect.

The law, House Bill 71, specifically bans gender transition surgeries, puberty blockers and hormone therapy for those younger than 18 with gender dysphoria. It also makes it a felony for medical professionals to provide the care, with a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Idaho’s Republican-controlled Legislature passed the bill, also known as the Vulnerable Child Protective Act, in February, and Gov. Brad Little, also a Republican, signed it into law in April. The ban was set to take effect Monday.

Major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have come out in support of gender transition care, saying bans pose serious mental health risks to young people.

Miners’ flash of white in rock turned out to be Ice Age mammoth tusk It was pitch dark in a North Dakota mine, and the coal miners were up late, working through an early morning shift on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. But as a bulldozer operator approached a pile of excavated debris, he was attentive enough to see his headlights catch an unusual flash of white among the dirt and rock.

He paused before sending the dozer forward and alerted the rest of his team.

Sitting in the pile of rock — and somehow intact after being excavated and transported across the mine by heavy machinery — was the tusk of a mammoth that had been buried since the Ice Age. Its discovery by workers at Freedom Mine, a surface coal mine near Beulah, N.D., in May shocked state researchers and brought paleontologists and miners together to turn the mine into an archaeological dig site. Their work uncovered more than 20 additional bones, one of the largest discoveries of mammoth remains in the state, the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources announced this month.

“You don’t really expect to see this full curved tusk just laying there in perfect condition after being dumped out of the back of a dump truck,” Clint Boyd, senior paleontologist for the North Dakota Geological Survey, told The Washington Post.

New Mexican wire services

López Obrador says support for Latin America needed, not barriers or barbed wire, as he meets with Blinken

By Hamed Aleaziz and Emiliano Rodríguez Mega The New York Times C. KENNETH DODD JR.ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

Jim Williams of the Office of Endangered Species speaks during a protest against the damming of the Little Tennessee River, home of the snail darter, in 1979. The fish was at the center of a battle between developers of the dam and conservationists. “I started talking about listing [the snail darter], and boy, oh boy, did the crap hit the fan,” Williams said in a recent interview.

ENDAN G ERED SPECIE S AC T T URNS 50

Law itself faced threats as it fought business interests Signed Dec. 28, 1973, with wide support, act soon faced opposition

By Travis Loller

The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. n Dec. 28, 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act. “Nothing,” he said, “is more priceless and more worthy of preservation than the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed.”

The powerful new law charged the federal government with saving every endangered plant and animal in America and enjoyed nearly unanimous bipartisan support.

The act was so sweeping that, in retrospect, it was bound to become controversial, especially because it allowed species to be listed as endangered without consideration for the economic consequences. In that way, it pitted two American values against each other: the idea that Americans should preserve their incredible natural resources (the United States invented the national park, after all) and the notion capitalism was king and private property inviolate.

Left to navigate this minefield was a group of young biologists in Washington — the first Office of Endangered Species.

O

The snail darter Ichthyologist Jim Williams, the office’s first “fish guy,” was hired in 1974. He describes his cohort as “a bunch of conservation-minded biologists that were all on a mission to save every last one of our chosen group of organisms come hell or high water, and, by the way, to hell with the bureaucrats and politicians.”

His unconventional attitude and methods soon became apparent with the listing of the snail darter, a little fish now so notorious it has become synonymous with government overreach. At the time, it was only known to exist in the Little Tennessee River — which the Tennessee Valley Authority was planning to dam.

“I started talking about listing it, and boy, oh boy, did the crap hit the fan,” Williams says.

His boss told him the listing was so controversial it might spell the end of the Endangered Species Act. It didn’t. But the law would never again enjoy the support of its earliest days. Whether the government should try to save all species from extinction, or if not, where to draw the line, became a point of conflict that has never been fully resolved.

‘Save Ken Dodd and Rattlesnakes’ Herpetologist Ken Dodd was recruited to the office in 1976.

“There was not a whole lot of conservation theory at the time to draw on,” he says. “So we were really at the cutting edge of determining what is necessary for conservation.”

Like Williams, Dodd regularly butted heads with administrators. He also followed the science where it led without thought for whom it might inconvenience. But the thing that actually got him fired — in 1979 — was not a listing but a letter.

A man named Dominique D’Ermo owned a Washington restaurant that was serving rattlesnake meat he said came from Pennsylvania.

That would have violated a law called the Lacey Act. “So I wrote to the restaurant and said, ‘Hey, Dominique, I think you need to get

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a better source,’ ” Dodd says.

It turned out Interior Secretary Cecil Andrus was a patron. When he learned what Dodd had done, “He fired me.”

Dodd obtained an attorney. Meanwhile, according to Williams, “We all went down to a T-shirt shop, got shirts that said ‘Save Ken Dodd and Rattlesnakes’.”

The ensuing publicity made an impact.

Soon, Dodd was back at work.

Gray wolf season Mammologist Ron Nowak joined the office in 1973. The animals he was responsible for were often furry and charismatic, but he still had problems with his listings.

In the 1980s the gray wolf was coming back in Minnesota from “just a tiny remnant of a couple hundred animals to maybe several hundred or a thousand” thanks to the Endangered Species Act. Wildlife officials wanted to open a hunting season. That would require a regulation showing it would benefit the wolves and was the only way to control their population.

“They told me, ‘You have to write the regulation,’ ” Nowak says. “And I said, ‘It would be illegal.’ ” Someone else wrote the regulation. Conservation groups sued, calling Nowak as a witness. The conservation groups won.

Nowak’s success may have made him overconfident, he said, because he then sought outside help that forced the agency to move on a stalled listing for the Louisiana black bear, the inspiration for the original teddy bear. By late 1987, his unit had been “dismembered” and he was reassigned.

Today, Nowak has nothing but praise for his colleagues.

“They wanted to show a true reflection of that part of the natural world that was in danger of disappearing,” he says. “You could go there at night or on weekends, and they’d be there, not for any extra pay, but just because they believed in it.

“And you could find them out in the field, sometimes, actually going to just try to look for these animals and plants. Really, I think it was a unique place — one that we may never see again.”

Climate change and the condor LaVerne Smith was hired in 1978 as a botanist, but her title and duties shifted over a long career.

When Smith started, “The agency was just getting hiring people, getting staffed up, trying to figure out what to do with this amazing new piece of legislation,” she says.

One of the early decisions was whether to bring the last of the critically endangered California condors into captivity for breeding.

It was controversial, but it worked.

“They’re out sailing around the Grand Canyon. And I think anyone who’s seen one — the day I saw one sail over the Grand Canyon, I was like, ‘Oh my God! That was all worth it.’ ” Smith later transferred to Alaska, where she led the listing for the polar bear, the first animal to be listed as endangered because of climate change.

“That is a whole new era of challenge for the agency,” she says.

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MEXICO CITY — Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other top American officials met with Mexico’s president Wednesday in hopes of figuring out a strategy to slow the surge in illegal migration at the southern U.S. border.

President Joe Biden dispatched the officials to Mexico City at a pivotal moment, as border crossings have hit record numbers and there is growing pressure on Biden to solve — or at least contain — a crisis that has proved to be a consistent political vulnerability.

The situation at the border is at the center of some of Biden’s biggest priorities going into 2024, particularly as Republicans in Congress demand a new crackdown on immigration in exchange for wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel.

Mexico has been a key player in the U.S.’ efforts to stem the tide of migration as people from across the globe have passed through the country. On several occasions in recent weeks, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered more than 10,000 people a day trying to cross the border.

Shortly before Wednesday’s meeting, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico said the U.S. Congress should offer more support to Latin America instead of putting up “barriers, barbed wire fences on the river or thinking about building walls.”

He added, “It is more efficient and more humane to invest in the development of the people.”

López Obrador also said next year’s presidential election in the United States would bring migration to the top of the agenda.

“The migration issue is going to intensify,” he said.

Wednesday’s two-hour meeting also included Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, and Liz Sherwood-Randall, the White House homeland security adviser.

Mexico has taken steps to keep migrants from massing along the border in the past. But earlier this month, the Mexican government suspended migrant deportations because of a lack of funding, according to an official from the government’s National Migration Institute who was not authorized to speak publicly.

During the Trump administration, Mexico agreed to take migrants under the former president’s “Remain in Mexico” policy. The migrants waited in border towns for months as they awaited court hearings in the United States, a key pillar of Donald Trump’s crackdown on asylum-seekers.

Later, during the institution of Title 42, a measure that allowed border agents to quickly expel asylum-seekers, Mexico agreed to take in migrants from other countries.

Last week, López Obrador briefed reporters about a call with Biden in which they agreed that more enforcement at the border was needed.

“Now we have an extraordinary situation because the number of migrants passing through our country with the purpose of reaching the United States has increased,” López Obrador said, adding that Mexico was “going to help, as we always do.”

CORRECTIONS The Santa Fe New Mexican will correct factual errors in its news stories. Errors should be brought to the attention of the city editor at 986-3035.

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

Israel’s war threatens to spill into Lebanon

A shell from Israeli artillery explodes over a house in a Lebanese border village near Israel in October.

HUSSEIN MALLA/ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

Fighting with Hezbollah along border escalating

Drones targeted the Egyptian resort city of Dahab in the Sinai Peninsula, the second such incident there in the past

By Shira Rubin and Ruby Mellen month. There was an explosion The Washington Post outside the Israeli Embassy in India’s capital, New Delhi. And TEL AVIV — Escalating strikes an airstrike near Syria’s capital, and counterstrikes along the bor- Damascus, killed a senior officer der between Israel and Lebanon in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary are raising fears of a possible new Guard Corps. The group has front for Israel, even as its fightvowed Israel will “pay.” ers remain mired in bloody urban “We are now at a fork in the combat in Gaza to the south in its road,” Eylon Levy, spokesman for campaign to destroy Hamas. the office of Israeli Prime MinHezbollah fired more barrages ister Benjamin Netanyahu, said at northern Israel on Wednesday Wednesday. “Either Hezbollah in the latest in a string of attacks backs off from the Israeli border,

by Iranian-backed groups across in line with U.N. Resolution 1701, the Middle East against Israeli or we will push it away ourselves.” and U.S. assets.

“Hezbollah and its Iranian warlord patrons are dragging Hezbollah has lobbed scores Lebanon into a totally unnecesof rockets and explosives-laden drones at Israel this week, includ- sary war, into the war that Hamas started,” Levy said. “Our region ing at a Greek Orthodox church, where two Israeli Christians were does not deserve a broader war.”

On Tuesday, Defense Minister wounded.

Yoav Gallant said Israel was in “a multifront war,” in which the country had been attacked from “seven arenas” — Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran — and had responded in six.

Israeli media reported Israel has not yet acted in Yemen, where Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have for weeks been firing missiles at Israel and at commercial vessels at sea, disrupting international shipping routes.

Iranian-supported militants in

India stakes independent path from West in meeting with Putin

By Sameer Yasir

The New York Times

NEW DELHI — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday met with the Indian foreign minister at the Kremlin, highlighting Russia’s attempts to break through its isolation from the West by pivoting to an increasingly powerful Asian nation.

From the start of Russia’s war with Ukraine, India has taken a neutral stance, citing its longtime ties with Moscow and insisting on its right to navigate a multipolar world its own way.

Russia has long been the most important military supplier for India, and as international sanctions in response to the war began constricting Russian oil sales, India rapidly expanded its purchases to become one of the chief buyers of discounted Russian petroleum. In doing so, India has frustrated U.S. efforts to isolate Russia since the Ukraine war began in 2022, providing a much-needed financial boost to Moscow’s coffers.

“Everything is in your hands,” Putin said, “and I can say that we are successful because of your direct support.”

Putin added he intended to discuss the situation with the war in Ukraine and invited India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, to visit Russia.

The Indian foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, said he had brought a written letter to Putin from Modi in which the Indian leader conveyed his thoughts on the state of Russia-India relations.

Earlier Wednesday, Jaishankar conducted a separate meeting with his Russian counterpart.

He said his discussions would include “the state of multilateralism and the building of a multipolar world order.”

“We will focus on bilateral cooperation in different spheres, adjusting it to changing circumstances and demands,” Jaishankar said, according to a Russian video broadcast. “We will discuss the international strategic situation, conflicts and tensions where they are.”

Russia’s foreign minister,

Sergey Lavrov, said Wednesday his country’s relationship with India goes beyond bilateral ties.

The two nations are interested in “building an international political and economic system that would be open and fair for everyone,” he said in televised remarks before the meeting.

Despite the Biden administration’s efforts to make supporting Russia costly, U.S. officials have avoided open criticism of India.

Instead, President Joe Biden and others have courted Modi, even welcoming him to a state dinner over the summer. That courtship has continued even after U.S. law enforcement officials accused Indian officials in November of plotting the assassination of an American Sikh activist in the United States.

While Biden generally has emphasized common ground with India, the Indian government’s crackdown on human rights is a clear point of friction in the relationship. Protesters demonstrated against Modi’s efforts to stifle dissent during the state dinner.

Their relationship is driven by Modi’s desire to assert his country as an economic superpower and Biden’s need for a powerful ally to serve as a counterbalance to Russia and China.

After meeting with Jaishankar for more than an hour, Lavrov praised India’s “responsible approach” to global issues, which he said extended to its position on Ukraine. He said the two men had spoken about the war but did not elaborate, noting it was one of several issues, including arms

THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN

production and nuclear energy cooperation, that were discussed.

New Delhi is heavily reliant on Russia for the largest part of its arms imports, and Moscow has helped India to build nuclear and space capabilities from scratch.

But the relationship shows signs of strain. Indian officials are increasingly worried Russia’s pariah status will drive Moscow ever closer to China. On another potential competitive front, all three countries are more forcefully portraying themselves as providing leadership and a model for developing nations around the world.

In a reflection of how India is trying to walk the line between Western pressure and its relationship with Russia, this is the second year in a row that Modi has skipped his traditional in-person summit meeting with Putin. At the same time, India has refused to support resolutions at the United Nations that condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Happymon Jacob, who teaches Indian foreign policy at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, said that apart from India’s increased purchases of Russian oil, the relationship had been less close since the Ukraine invasion.

Still, he said, India will remain reliant on Russia to some degree, particularly in the energy and defense sectors.

“Russia is the only country that has provided India with nuclear reactors — notwithstanding the fact that India signed a nuclear deal in 2008 with the United States,” he said.

Lebanon and across the region have become more active since Oct. 7, when Hamas rampaged through Israeli communities, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages.

Hamas tried to involve Lebanon’s Hezbollah and militant groups in the West Bank and across the region to spark a regional war that would bring the Palestinian cause back to the center of the Middle East debate.

But when Israel struck back at

Gaza, vowing to destroy Hamas, Hezbollah did not immediately join the fight. That puzzled the Israeli military, according to former security official Jacques Neriah; analysts were scrambling to assess the war’s parameters.

In recent weeks, Israel has evacuated 70,000 people from its northern border in addition to the 150,000 evacuated from its southern border with Gaza.

In Lebanon, 120,000 people have fled their homes.

Three people were killed Tuesday night in what Lebanese media said was an Israeli airstrike in Bin Jbeil, a southern Lebanese town that Israel considers a Hezbollah stronghold.

An Israeli military official did not claim the strike, but said the dead were two militants and the wife of one of them.

As tensions rise along Israel’s northern border, commanders are expanding operations in

Gaza, moving deeper into the enclave’s center and south. But indications are mounting that the war will also include Lebanon, and potentially the wider region.

The Israel Defense Forces said it hit about 200 military targets in Gaza on Tuesday night, including in the Shejaiya district, where battles have raged in densely populated neighborhoods Israel says seem to have been heavily booby-trapped.

An Israeli airstrike on a residential building near al-Amal hospital in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis killed at least 20 people and wounded dozens more, the Gaza Health Ministry said.

More than 21,100 Palestinians have been killed since Oct. 7, according to Ashraf al-Qudra, a spokesman for the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilian and combatant fatalities, but the majority of the dead are believed to be women and children.

A war with Lebanon would no doubt add to that pain. Hezbollah is well trained, with an arsenal estimated at about 150,000 missiles.

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Spotlight on New Mexico’s historic movie theaters A fresh look at rock art in the Southwest A taste of Santa Fe honey Plus ...

Screening now: Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro pasatiempomagazine.com Great Gallery Anthropomorphic Forms (detail, 2021) Photo William Frej/Courtesy Peyton Wright Gallery

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THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN

Thursday, December 28, 2023

State to pay $30M upfront to plug almost 300 idle wells Continued from Page A-1

“As production from the field continues, so will the [plugging] of these legacy wells,” wrote Clark R. Moore, PEDEVCO’s executive vice president and general counsel.

With the agreement in place, Ridgeway can move with greater certainty to expand its production, knowing what to expect, Moore added.

Moore wrote his company inherited 300-plus abandoned wells when it acquired Ridgeway in 2018 — wells that had been cast off by previous operators.

The plan was to conduct horizontal drilling while cleaning up the sites, and this latest settlement with state oil regulators furthers that aim, he added.

Had the company not bought Ridgeway, the state’s taxpayers would’ve been wholly responsible for plugging the scrapped wells, Moore wrote.

“So we believe this a fair deal,” he added. “We have reached an agreement which should ultimately not require a penny of taxpayer funding.”

But Fox said the state shouldn’t be in a position to rely on an oil company repaying the costs over years, even decades, given how circumstances can change.

Blanket bonding to cover all of an operator’s wells within a lease or a state, which can be hundreds, is capped at $250,000, an amount Fox says is enough to cover about two wells.

State regulators propose raising the

TAKEAWAYS u State regulators have made a deal with Ridgeway Arizona Oil Corp. to plug 299 defunct wells at an estimated cost of $30 million, with the company getting as much as 83 years to repay the cost. u In the settlement between the state Oil Conservation Division and Ridgeway, the company will pay the state a minimum of $30,000 a month, an amount that would increase in line with its profits rising. u An environmental attorney said the state being stuck with such an enormous expense spotlights the need to raise bonding rates so drillers pay a larger dollar amount upfront as insurance for wells they might abandon.

maximum to $10 million, she said. That would be a huge increase but, as this situation shows, could end up falling way short, especially if costly restoration of sites is involved, she said.

“The state should have the flexibility to protect itself and protect taxpayers,” Fox said.

The proposed bonding reform is part of a coordinated effort by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to update the nearly 90-year-old Oil and Gas Act. She plans to introduce the proposed revisions in the next legislative session.

The changes also would include requiring operators to have wells set back a half-mile from homes, schools and businesses; removing the caps on penalties imposed on violators; and funneling the money from the penalties into a remediation fund for site cleanup rather than putting it into the state’s general fund.

The state has tallied roughly 1,700 orphaned wells the owners had deserted before going out of business or becoming insolvent, leaving the state to clean them up.

The idled wells pose risks to the environment and public health because they can emit pollutants like methane into the air or leak contaminants into groundwater.

As for the state’s deal with Ridgeway, it’s good New Mexico is getting reimbursed for plugging wells rather than getting nothing, as is the case with orphaned wells, said Charles de Saillan, an environmental attorney and former general counsel for the state Environment Department.

Still, the more money the state can be repaid upfront, the better, de Saillan said, because a company can fall onto hard times or file for bankruptcy later.

Capital & Main reported Ridgeway has an asset surplus of $15.1 million and its four top executives received a combined $2.3 million in compensation in 2022.

If that’s true, de Saillan said, the state should get some of that money. Ridgeway also should be paying interest on the money it owes, just like any other long-term debt, he added.

“The state is fronting the cleanup costs, which ultimately the company should be paying,” de Saillan said.

Cabinet official tapped for key post

NO DRILL TO PREPARE FOR THIS FIRE Continued from Page A-1

history at Mora schools that day.

Behind Mora Independent School District’s educational complex — which houses the small town’s elementary, middle and high schools — sits a blackened mountainside, scorched by the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire nearly two years ago. Looming over the schools’ playgrounds and classrooms, it serves as a constant reminder of the largest wildfire in New Mexico history, when most students and staff lived under evacuation orders.

As climate change contributes more frequent, extreme weather events — including the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon fire, according to one U.S. Forest Service report — it has pushed districts and schools across the north to get creative in their sustainability and resiliency efforts.

And in some ways, it has spurred new thoughts on melding education to the realities of what a climate disaster may bring.

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to go about preparing schools for environmental emergencies, said Tracy Alcon, principal of Mora Elementary School. Instead, she said, catastrophes like the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire serve as one more situation in which school leaders have to be ready to make on-the-spot safety decisions — and prepare their students for when it inevitably happens again.

“It’s not going to go away; it’s not going to be one and done,” Alcon said.

“We’re going to have to prepare for these kinds of things. They’re going to lead the future. We’ve got to teach them what they need, where they’re at and where they’re going because they’re going to take care of it when we’re not here anymore.”

Lefonso Castillo, principal of Mora’s middle and high schools, remembers the day in late April 2022 when a plume of smoke rose from the mountain behind his schools.

By 9 a.m. — not long after the start of the school day — district administrators had made the decision to send students home. The schools dissolved into an hour of “mass chaos,” Alcon said, as a flurry of buses and parents arrived to transport students.

Most would not return to campus until the start of the 2022-23 school year — their lockers exactly as they’d left them that day. Some 40 students dropped off the district’s enrollment roster altogether.

The ordeal was reminiscent of the day in 2020 when schools were shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But during the pandemic, there were rules, Alcon said. State and federal health agencies offered specific guidance on masks, testing, ventilation, disinfection and, when available, vaccinations.

The wildfire had no rules.

Alcon and Castillo voluntarily checked in with families and set up a hub to distribute food, diapers, hygiene products and other basic needs. But other than evacuation orders and official approval from the state Public Education Depart-

ment to end the school year early, the two principals said there was little official guidance on how to proceed.

“The fire hit, and there was no one. It was us,” Alcon said. “It was like on-thespot decisions: What are we going to do? How are we going to do it? We went from worrying about reading and math to worrying about: Do kids have a home?

Is everybody safe?”

These days, Castillo estimated Mora’s students are one to two years behind academically, with pandemic-era learning loss exacerbated by the fire’s involuntary extension of summer break.

“They left mid-first grade, and now they’re expected to behave like a fifth grader,” Alcon said.

That means the district’s teachers have to try to cram multiple years of information into just one year, a task made even more difficult after staff members left the school amid the pandemic and the fire.

Recruiting has become even more difficult, Castillo said. Two of his middle and high school classrooms are staffed by long-term substitutes.

Despite its destruction, the fire inspired some good things, too.

A slew of area students have selected new educational and career goals: firefighting and forestry management.

Mora High’s class of 2023 spawned four firefighters, and Castillo’s son is now studying biology in college in hopes of going into forestry management.

Preparing students for success in fields related to the environment is one of the major ways schools and districts must respond to a changing climate, said Lucy

Continued from Page A-1

PHOTOS BY GABRIELA CAMPOS/THE NEW MEXICAN

Mora Elementary School Principal Tracy Alcon speaks with The New Mexican about some of the challenges students faced after returning to school following the the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire of 2022 and the subsequent flooding.

Stanus, the sustainability program director at Santa Fe Public Schools.

The local district has undertaken a series of changes related to sustainability, Stanus said, from energy and water conservation initiatives to installing solar arrays. Even the district’s pandemic-era equipment enhancing ventilation and air quality could prove useful in providing clean indoor air during wildfires.

Still, she added, “One of the biggest things for educators to think about is what the next generation of jobs is going to look like. We don’t necessarily know what that is — especially for elementary school students, it might be strategies for climate reduction and adaptation that we haven’t even thought about — but I think trying to prepare our students for those up-and-coming careers is really important.”

In some ways, the children who lived

through the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire are uniquely equipped to serve as New Mexico’s future firefighters and foresters. They understand firsthand the effects climate change-fueled disasters can have on communities — and what it means to help a friend or neighbor in need during that challenging time, Alcon said.

Even now — nearly two years removed from the start of the catastrophe — Alcon rarely has to giver her students an incentive to help out around the school.

Instead, they just do what needs to be done, she said.

“They’ve experienced strength that a lot of communities probably never get the chance to,” Alcon said. “[They] really understand that sense of community and the sense of obligation to be part of a community and what that looks like — citizenship at a whole new level.”

Students make their way down the halls of Mora Elementary School on Dec. 12.

Mich. high court: Trump can appear on ballot Continued from Page A-1

should be interpreted today, or how much latitude states have to remove candidates from the ballot.

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s secretary of state, said in a statement Wednesday that the state’s top court had rightly concluded she lacked the authority to prevent Trump from appearing on the primary ballot. But she called on the U.S. Supreme Court to promptly provide guidance on his eligibility to run for office.

“I continue to hope they do this sooner rather than later to ensure that we can move forward into 2024’s election season focused on ensuring all voters are fully informed and universally engaged in deciding the issues at stake,” she wrote.

The cases nationwide are being litigated with enormous

urgency because primary voters will start casting ballots in Iowa in mid-January.

Trump applauded the Michigan ruling on social media. “We have to prevent the 2024 Election from being Rigged and Stolen like they stole 2020,” he wrote on his platform, Truth Social.

Ron Fein, the legal director of Free Speech For People, which filed the lawsuit seeking to disqualify Trump, said the Michigan Supreme Court ruled narrowly, sidestepping the core questions at the heart of the case.

But, he noted in a statement, “The Michigan Supreme Court did not rule out that the question of Donald Trump’s disqualification for engaging in insurrection against the U.S. Constitution may be resolved at a later stage.”

Michigan’s primary will be held Feb. 27.

The question of Trump’s eligibility is widely expected to be answered by the U.S. Supreme Court. Some form of challenge to his eligibility has been lodged in more than 30 states.

Many of those challenges have already been dismissed, and officials in some states, including California, have signaled they are wary of the efforts to have the former president removed. But several challenges are still pending.

Maine’s secretary of state is expected to soon decide whether Trump can appear on the ballot there after a challenge from voters under the same section of the 14th Amendment.

In Oregon, the same group that filed the Michigan lawsuit is also seeking to have the courts remove Trump from the ballot, although the secretary of state there declined to remove him in

response to an earlier challenge.

A key difference between the Michigan and Colorado decisions was that the latter followed a trial that established an evidentiary basis to find that Trump incited a violent uprising after losing the 2020 election. In Michigan, the lawyers challenging Trump’s eligibility sought a similar trial but were turned down by the courts.

The Michigan ruling included a dissent by Justice Elizabeth M. Welch. While she agreed with the decision allowing Trump to remain on the primary ballot, Welch argued the court should have issued a more detailed ruling tackling the legal questions at play.

Welch said Colorado state law makes it clear that political parties could only put forward “qualified” candidates in a primary presidential ballot.

Michigan election law includes no such requirement, she wrote.

The Michigan secretary of state “lacks the legal authority to remove a legally ineligible candidate from the ballot once their name has been put forward by a political party,” Welch wrote.

The efforts to disqualify Trump present the U.S. Supreme Court with one of its most politically explosive cases since it settled the dispute over the 2000 election in President George W. Bush’s favor. Since then, the court has become far more conservative, largely as a result of the three justices whom Trump appointed.

Ashraf Ahmed, a professor at Columbia Law School who studies election law, said the U.S. Supreme Court would be taking up a case on legal issues that have rarely been decided by courts.

“When we’re talking about how uncharted this is, this is radically new territory,” Ahmed said.

approved Clark as the next state investment officer on a vote of 8-0 “subject to finalization of all administrative processes associated with the hiring requirements for the state of New Mexico.” Clark is poised to start Jan. 22.

Council members made few comments after emerging from an executive session, indicating their decision already had been made.

“We’re very excited about the new state investment officer and the process that we used to get them,” said Catherine Allen, chair of the council’s governance committee.

Allen thanked Ohio-based Hudepohl and Associates, a leading executive search firm, for finding “such great candidates” to pick from.

“We are very lucky to have a number of really excellent finalists,” she said.

While Clark and Padilla-Jackson, who is currently serving as vice president of finance and operations at Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, emerged as the two finalists, the council interviewed six applicants.

In his cover letter, Clark wrote he would be the “best person” for the position and that his résumé was “quite unique.”

“I do not come from a traditional investment background, although I do have a finance degree and have led venture capital investments through my current role,” he wrote. “I also served as Chief Economist for the Legislative Finance Committee. However, this role does not require a traditional investment background. It requires a person who excels at making good managerial decisions and has sufficient understanding of the investment landscape to understand and act on the advice of the professional staff working at the SIC.” Clark did not return a message seeking comment.

Clark also wrote the State Investment Council, which manages more than $48 billion in total assets, has focused on one of its two missions — financial returns on the state’s permanent funds — for far too long.

“This is and always should be the primary focus, but the secondary mission of supporting economic development in New Mexico for the joint benefit of the state’s investment portfolio and the long-term economic viability of the state was essentially ignored for many years,” he wrote.

Clark called the agency’s secondary focus “critical” amid serious long-term financial concerns for the state. He noted economists project about 10 years of revenue growth followed by likely decreases.

“There are two ways to address this upcoming crisis: restrain growth in the recurring state budget and diversify and grow the state’s economy,” he wrote. “The SIC has a pivotal role to play in this, and I would be the ideal candidate to take on this charge while ensuring the continued growth of the permanent funds.”

Maddy Hayden, a spokeswoman for the governor, said Mark Roper, director of the department’s economic development division, will serve as acting secretary after Clark leaves his current position.

Follow Daniel J. Chacón on Twitter @danieljchacon.

Thursday, December 28, 2023

LOCAL&REGION

Swimmers in the girls 500-yard freestyle preliminary round start a race Feb. 17 at the State Swimming and Diving Championships at Albuquerque Academy Natatorium.

THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN

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Attendees await President Joe Biden’s arrival Aug. 9 at the Arcosa Wind Towers just outside Belen. The president touted the economy at a wind tower manufacturing plant.

2023 THROUGH THE LENS

P H OTOS BY GA B R I E L A CA M P OS T H E N E W M E X I CA N

Kelly Ludeking, a Minnesota ironmonger, spins molten iron while fellow artists throw liquid iron onto a plywood wall behind him during the biennial Iron Tribe gathering March 2 in Las Vegas, N.M. The gathering, started by Highlands University fine arts professor David Lobdell in 2001, has become a can’t-miss event, particularly for professors and students in the West and Great Plains.

ABOVE: Fourteen-year old Mylan Archuleta of Ohkay Owingeh adds feathers to his family’s horse, Thunder, while preparing to participate in the Horse and Rider Parade for the first time April 28 at the 40th annual Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque. The gathering — which draws upwards of 20,000 people each year for competitive Native American drumming, singing and dancing, among other events — bills itself as the largest powwow in North America.

LEFT: Michael Garcia shows a collection of his tattoos, including the Blessed Mother and the three crucifixes from the crucification of Jesus, as he arrives at El Santuario de Chimayó on April 6. Garcia has been making the Easter pilgrimage for nearly 30 years. At times, crowds near the santuario are rock-concert big, and passion for the walk has been renewed after the coronavirus pandemic canceled the event in 2020 and 2021.

Design and headlines: Richard Omsted, rolmsted@sfnewmexican.com

SANTAFENEWMEXICAN.COM

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THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN

Thursday, December 28, 2023

ED G E WO O D

Man accused of killing stepfather Victim reported dead on Christmas Eve

By Nicholas Gilmore

ngilmore@sfnewmexican.com

An Edgewood man faces a second-degree murder charge after he was accused in his stepfather’s beating death on Christmas Eve. Edgewood police officers were dispatched Sunday to Darius Semore Welch’s home on Aspen Drive in Edgewood in response to a report of an unattended death. They found the body of Welch’s stepfather, Brian Enright, 49, in the bathroom.

Enright had 20 bruises on his arms and torso, according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday in Santa Fe County Magistrate Court.

Welch — whose 24th birthday is Thursday, according to the complaint — was booked into the Santa Fe County jail Wednesday after police obtained a warrant for his arrest on the murder charge.

The Edgewood Police Department declined to answer questions about the case, citing an ongoing investigation.

Family members described Enright as a quiet man from California who had raised Welch before moving with him to New Mexico in recent years. The two shared a home.

Court documents indicate the Christmas Eve incident wasn’t the first time violence erupted in their household.

Welch was accused nearly a year ago of attacking Enright and pleaded guilty to a battery charge.

Investigators responding to Enright’s death determined there were “suspicious circumstances,” due to the bruising, the criminal complaint says, and the state Office of the Medical Investigator later made a preliminary determination he had died from “blunt force trauma to the abdomen.”

Police wrote in the complaint they had heard Welch talking on the phone with a person he identified as his “Nana,” saying the two men had gotten into a “little altercation,” and “that’s when I punched him in the stomach ... for not making it to the toilet.”

Welch was questioned by a medical investigator about the bruising on Enright’s body, police wrote. He told the official he and his stepfather “liked to wrestle.”

One of the bruises occurred when Welch “was mad and punched him in the stomach,” the complaint says.

Welch also told officers he had paid Enright $500 a few weeks ago, “and he let me kick him in his region,” the complaint says,

Pasaplus

A quick guide to fun in the North

Friday FIRST NATIONAL 1870 ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE & TRAIN CELEBRATION 62 Lincoln Ave. Santa Fe Model Railroad Club display with Polar Express and Hogwarts Express trains, a special holiday freight train, Victorian and winter villages; 9:30 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m.

FINAL FRIDAY: SHADOW AND LIGHT SCAVENGER HUNT Vladem Contemporary, 404 Montezuma Ave., 505-476-5062 Free, gallery-wide hunt; 5-7 p.m.

Contact Chris Nail, 505-795-4513, chris.nail@state.nm.us.

LUKE RAFFANTI First Presbyterian Church, 208 Grant Ave., 505-982-8544 Piano recital: music of Respighi, Brahms, Ravel and Chopin; 5:30 p.m., donations accepted.

TESUQUE COMEDY CLUB Tesuque Casino, 7 Tesuque Road, 800-462-2635 Scott Record and Dobie Maxwell, hosted by Carlos Medina; 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.; Saturday encore; $10 cover.

FRANK LETO & PANDEMONIUM Paradiso Santa Fe, 903 Early St., 505-577-5248 Percussion-driven Afro-Cuban dance music; 7:30 p.m.; $20; paradisosantafe.com.

PETER WILLIAMS AND THE STICKY Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery, 2791 Agua Fría St. Funk band; 7:30 p.m.; $10 in advance, $12 at the door; tumble rootbreweryanddistillery.com.

adding Welch pointed to his groin. Criminal records show Welch pleaded guilty to a battery charge in February after Enright Darius Semore Welch accused his stepson of beating him on the face and abdomen amid a dispute over money.

A police officer wrote in a criminal complaint in the case Enright’s face appeared severely bruised and his nose was broken after the incident.

Enright told police Welch had beaten him “intermittently, stopping and resuming again” for about an hour, first with a slipper, then with a closed fist and a lawn chair, according to the complaint.

In December 2022, a neighbor in Edgewood accused Welch of brandishing a handgun during an argument.

Prosecutors dropped an initial charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, records show, and Welch pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated.

Family members reached by phone Wednesday said Enright was a shy and reserved man.

His cousin Alma Dreier described him as an “introvert.”

Enright was born in Torrance, Calif., she said, and lived in the Los Angeles area most of his life.

Sometime in the last few years he moved to New Mexico with his mother and Welch, she said.

Enright had helped raise Welch and adopted him and two other stepsons after a divorce from the boys’ mother several years ago, Dreier said.

Darius Welch was the only stepson who moved with him to New Mexico, she added.

“Brian was very easygoing,” Dreier said. “He never had a violent disposition. He was always very relaxed, very quiet. He loved his job, and he loved to travel.”

Enright worked as a computer technician, Dreier said, a career that often took him to places around the country.

A Facebook account for Enright shows he regularly posted humorous memes, support for Los Angeles sports teams and messages displaying pride for New Mexico and its events, such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Enright’s aunt, Peggy Oliver, also described him as shy.

The idea that he had liked to “wrestle” with Welch, as the suspect reportedly told the medical investigator, struck her as strange, she said.

Saturday LA LUZ DE LAS NOCHES Santa Fe Botanical Garden, 715 Camino Lejo, 505-471-9103 Farolito-lined paths and holiday lights; at the gift shop: Standing Rock Lakota Sioux beadwork artist Charlene Holy Bear; performances by Acoma Pueblo Enchantment Dancers and Diné music collective Earth Surface People; 4:30-7:30 p.m. through Monday; $27, discounts available; santafebotanicalgarden.org.

Sunday NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW & PARTY Tesuque Casino, Tesuque Road, 800-462-2635 Carlos Medina and Danny Duran bands; 7:30 p.m.-midnight; $20 at the door.

DJ ZAPOT La Reina at El Rey Court, 1862 Cerrillos Road, 505-982-1931 Disco/house/Afrobeats; 8 p.m.-midnight; no cover.

J.J. AND THE HOOLIGANS Cowgirl BBQ, 319 S. Guadalupe St., 505-982-2565 R&B band; 9 p.m.-close; no cover.

LOVE & HAPPINESS DANCE PARTY Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery, 2791 Agua Fría St., 505-393-5135 Led by Raashan Ahmad; 9 p.m.; $12-$15; tumblerootbrewery anddistillery.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE ON THE PLAZA Hot chocolate, bizcochitos, live music with Sol Fire, the Alex Maryol Band and Felix y Los Gatos; food trucks, stationary heaters and bonfires; 9 p.m.; Zia symbol rises at midnight, with fireworks.

Compiled By Pamela Beach

LOCAL & REGION

Mental health facility closing Friday Life Health Center’s departure after 30 years called blow to behavior health care

of the Center was no longer sustainable.”

Nevarez and other officials wouldn’t say what specific challenges the center faced that led to it closing. They also wouldn’t say how many employees would

By Scott Wyland lose their jobs but wished them swyland@sfnewmexican.com well.

“We want to thank our staff for Life Health Center, a behavtheir hard work and dedication ioral health and rehabilitation in serving Santa Fe and the surfacility, will close Friday after rounding communities,” Nevarez operating 30 years in the Santa Fe area — another blow to a state wrote. “There remains a great need for behavioral health care where the availability of such in New Mexico.” services is at a premium.

Remaining patients will finish The center ran a residential their treatments before the doors program that enabled clients close, she added. to stay an average of 30 days, The center is one of about 250 whether it was to overcome facilities operated by Tennesaddiction or receive psychiatric see-based Acadia Healthcare. care for traumas or mental It’s unknown how much the illnesses. center served the area because In an email, the center’s chief many of the patients came from executive wrote the facility was out of state for treatment. able to serve patients through Still, behavioral health profesthe coronavirus pandemic and sionals say having any psychiatother complexities but couldn’t ric facility close is a significant keep going.

“Life Healing Center has made loss in New Mexico.

“While The Life Healing Centhe difficult decision to close ter was not a part of our partner its operations by December programs, their loss reduces 29,” CEO Sheila Nevarez wrote the availability of health care in an email. “The breadth of in our state,” said Nick Boukas, challenges created a situation where the long-term viability state Behavioral Health Services

TAKEAWAYS u The Life Health Center, a behavioral health and rehabilitation facility, will close Friday after 30 years in the Santa Fe area. u The center ran a residential program that enabled clients to stay an average of 30 days, whether it was to overcome addiction or receive psychiatric care for traumas or mental illnesses. u Although it’s unknown how much the center served the area because it took a lot of out-of-state clients, mental health professionals say losing any psychiatric care provider in New Mexico is cause for concern.

director. “We strive to work with all providers to ensure that New Mexicans have the best access to the care they need and are always looking to expand care.”

Stacy Martin, CEO of the Santa Fe Recovery Center, wrote in an email any reduction in mental health services and help with addiction are cause for concern.

“At the Recovery Center, we’re dedicated to partnering with other service providers and our colleagues in the state government to ensure every New Mexican can access these

IN BRIEF

critical, life-saving services,” Martin wrote. “When providers shut down, it means fewer services available, and that’s a big concern for all of us working together to improve outcomes for substance use disorder and mental health across the state.”

One former patient said she was dissatisfied with her recent eight-day stay at the center.

Jennifer Adee, who traveled from Oklahoma for treatment of borderline personality disorder, complained the care she received wasn’t worth the $850 she was charged per day, adding she planned to sue the parent company for not delivering what was advertised.

“My biggest accomplishment on campus was putting together a puzzle the entire eight days,” Adee said.

Center officials declined to comment on Adee’s complaints, saying it could breach confidentiality issues.

Nevarez wrote the center was good addition to Santa Fe and helped many people.

“We were a solution to a community that needed access to behavioral healthcare provided in a welcoming residential setting,” Nevarez wrote. faithful supporters, who saw it as a transgression of conservative, Christian values.

Rail Runner monthly discount now permanent

Arizona remains ID’d 47 years later

A limited 50% discount on a monthly pass to ride the Rail Runner Express commuter train that runs between Santa Fe and Belen will be the permanent price from now on.

The Rio Metro Regional Transit District, which operates the Rail Runner, announced Friday it is making the discount permanent. The discount went into effect about 1½ years ago amid escalating gasoline prices.

“We were fortunate to work with the Governor’s office and implement steep discounts on our fares right as gas prices across the nation shot way up and people were beginning to return to the workplace as the pandemic subsided,” Dewey Cave, the district’s executive director, said in a statement.

“We think that keeping the monthly pass discounted has given many the opportunity to save some money — as well as attract others who had never commuted by rail to give it a try,” Cave added.

The price of monthly passes vary, depending on how far a commuter travels. The Rail Runner corridor is divided into six zones. A person traveling through only one zone would pay $9.50 compared with the $50.50 a person traveling through all six zones would pay for a

LUIS SÁNCHEZ SATURNO/NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO

The Rail Runner Express arrives at the N.M. 599 station outside Santa Fe in March 2021.

monthly pass.

Boebert switches districts, avoiding Democratic rival DENVER — Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert announced Wednesday she is switching congressional districts, avoiding a likely rematch against a Democrat who has far outraised her and following an embarrassing moment of groping and vaping that shook even loyal supporters.

In a Facebook video Wednesday evening, Boebert announced she would enter the crowded Republican primary in retiring Rep. Ken Buck’s seat in the eastern side of the state, leaving the more competitive 3rd District seat she barely won last year — and which she was in peril of losing next year as some in her

party have soured on her controversial style.

Boebert implied in the video her departure from the district would help Republicans retain the seat, saying, “I will not allow dark money that is directed at destroying me personally to steal this seat. It’s not fair to the 3rd District and the conservatives there who have fought so hard for our victories.”

“The Aspen donors, George Soros and Hollywood actors that are trying to buy this seat, well they can go pound sand,” she said.

Boebert called it “a fresh start,” acknowledging the rough year following a divorce with her husband and video of her misbehaving with a date at a performance of the musical Beetlejuice in Denver. The scandal in September rocked some of her

BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. — Remains found by hikers in a shallow grave 47 years ago near a lake on the border of Arizona and Nevada have been identified.

The man was Luis Alonso Paredes, who was from El Salvador but may have been living or working in the Las Vegas, Nev., area at the time of his death, the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday.

The remains were discovered on Nov. 23, 1976, in a desert area east of Lake Mohave.

According to the sheriff’s office, an autopsy at the time revealed the victim was likely in his early to mid-30s and had been shot in the head at close range. But despite authorities collecting fingerprints during the autopsy, the case soon went cold and the victim remained nameless.

The sheriff’s office said Tuesday it revived its investigation in October by comparing the fingerprints to available fingerprints records, leading to the identification.

But authorities say they haven’t been able to find any relatives of Paredes, who may have been employed by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Navy in the San Francisco area about a decade before his death.

Staff and wire reports

FUNERAL SERVICES AND MEMORIALS YVONNE FAIRCHILD

JUNE 7, 1921 - DECEMBER 25, 2023 Santa Fe - Yvonne (Boursault) Fairchild died at the age of 102 surrounded by family and friends, supported by the loving, capable care of the El Castillo staff and Santa Fe’s Ambercare Care Hospice.

Yvonne squeezed out every morsel of life’s richest experiences. She enjoyed each decade of her life right up to its end.

She grew up in Mahwah, NJ with her parents, Marie and George Boursault, and her younger brother Bert. Her family loved everything outdoors, including scouting, hiking, and canoeing.

Yvonne met her future husband, George Fairchild, at a Halloween dance when she was 16. It was the beginning of a lifelong romance that culminated in 72 years of marriage. They married in 1944 just before George went off to war with the Army Air corps. He flew troops and supplies over the ‘Hump’ of the Himalayas from India to China.

At the end of the war, the couple began their married life in Tenafly, NJ. They had two children, Win and Anne, and raised them with the greatest love. The family grew. Yvonne and George worked as manufacturing representatives. Their neighborhood was full of young families and life was packed with backyard barbecues, canoe trips, and camping. After the kids launched and Yvonne and George retired, they followed Anne out to Santa Fe, drawn by the arrival of their first grandchild. That was 1988.

They wasted no time immersing themselves in Santa Fe’s life.

Yvonne volunteered at Agua Fria Elementary, built homes with Habitat for Humanity and created beautiful gardens. She felt like she had arrived in the place she was always meant to be.

As years rolled along, Yvonne and George acknowledged their aging and moved from their home over to the El Castillo Life Care Center, where they progressed from apartment living to Assisted Living and finally full care. George died in 2017 at 99, and Yvonne carried on with grace and strength.

Her life has been one of kindness and service to others. She has had rich and deep friendships. She has loved and nurtured her family. She has walked in nature with a spirit of wonder. Everyone who has been fortunate enough to know her has been enriched. We will miss her so much.

Yvonne is survived by her children and their families... 3 grandchildren and one great grandchild. They all love her dearly.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at El Castillo, Ambercare Hospice and the Care team from the First United Church.

Thank you also to each family member and friend for all of your love and support these many years.

BERNADETTE V. GONZALES September 27, 1957–December 4, 2023 Our Loving (Baby) sister went home with our Lord on December 4, 2023, after a lengthy illness. Our Angel gained her wings for sure.

Preceded in death were her parents Miguel and Ursula B. Espinoza, grandparents Juan and Palmedia Benavidez, Juilian and Adelida Espinoza, brothers Jose Arsenio, George, Miguel Thomas, Leroy E. Espinoza. Son’s Iwren B. and Cesar A. Gonzales. Brother–inlaw Peter A. Ortega, Nephew Michael and David Espinoza and niece Veronica Benavidez.

Surviving her granddaughters, Unique U, Mercedes, great grandson Anthony Cesar Gonzales, David P. Ortega, raised together as if brother and sister, sisters Mary Ann Sanchez, Cecilia Ortega, Mary Louise, and Patsy Espinosa, and many nieces and nephews. Special Friends Pauline, and Donna Chavez and the Chavez Family.

Thank you, Pauline, for being there in this time of need, the daily visits to and caring so much for Bernadette.

Special thanks to Patsy, Jessica and Mary Louise. The Lacy hospice for your loving care. Lynn, Donna, Kimberly.

Thank you all so much.

Services: December 29, 2023 St. Anne’s Church. Santa Fe, NM 87505.

Rosary at 10:00 am Mass at 11:00 am Burial will follow the Rosario Cometary, Santa Fe, NM Please join us for the Celebration of Life at St. Anne’s Parish Hall after Burial.

Celebrate the memory of your loved one with a memorial in The Santa Fe New Mexican

Call 986-3000

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Robert M. McKinney

Robin M. Martin

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Inez Russell Gomez

Owner, 1949-2001

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THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN

Editor

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Editorial Page Editor

OUR VIEW

Cleaning up after the holidays comes next

W

ith Christmas Day over, many people are taking down decorations, especially tired Christmas trees. It’s also not unusual for a string of lights to give out after the many hours of holiday illumination.

The question after Christmas, then, is what to do with the dying tree and damaged electric lights.

Fortunately, in Santa Fe, residents have options.

Of course, some committed environmentalists purchased live trees, which they will plant. Through photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are drawn in, utilizing energy from the sun to feed the tree. An important byproduct of the chemical reaction is oxygen, released into the air by each tree.

POST-CHRISTMAS RECYCLING LIGHTS u Buckman Road Recycling and Transfer Station — 2600 Buckman Road. u Capital Scrap Metal, Inc. — 1162 Cooks Lane. NonLED bulbs only. u City of Santa Fe Environmental Services Department, 1142 Siler Road.

TREES u Take them to Buckman Road Recycling and Transfer Station, 2600 Buckman Road. Remove all lights, ornaments and flocking and be sure to secure the trees properly for transport. Trees will be accepted until Jan. 15. BuRRT is open 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., seven days a week.

Scientists estimate one large tree can provide four people a supply of oxygen for a day. That’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Other holiday lovers choose artificial trees, with the reasoning that using one tree

over a number of years is better than cutting down a live tree. They’re convenient, too.

No messy needles falling on the floor. No need to keep water in the base. They are easier to set up and take down. What they are not, though, is necessarily good for the environment.

Some side effects include emissions from transportation — some 85% of artificial trees in the United States are made overseas. If you’re shopping after-Christmas sales to buy a tree for next year, try to find one made in the U.S. That doesn’t eliminate the emissions from manufacturing the trees, though. Eventually, fake trees will be dumped into landfills. Many artificial trees are made from PCV, a nonrecyclable and harmful plastic.

As with every environmental consider-

eVOICES

M Y V I E W M A RY E . H OT V E DT A N D LY N D O N H AV I L A N D

Views from the web

WNMU’s regents still backing their president

Joe and Michelle could save the day and the country, Ringside Seat, Dec. 24 An interesting column. The difficulty is the president can’t anoint a successor. It would be a wide open primary with a very short time period.

South Carolina is the first primary, which would give Kamala Harris an advantage. She is smart, eloquent and effective. Big Gretch (For non-rappers, that is Governor Whitmer.) or Cory Booker would also be excellent.” John Cook We can’t handle another Obama term. By the time Obama finished his second term, I and most of the country regretted voting for him, and Michelle would be handled

by Barack just like Joe is.”

Richard Reinders

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THE PAST 100 YEARS From The Santa Fe New Mexican: Dec. 28, 1923: All Good Citizens and True Will Attend the Volunteer Firemen’s Ball Tonight.

Dec. 28, 1948: Rio Arriba county cannot have a tax sale in 1949 because it is impossible to give proper notice and attend the other details of the state law limits the date of the sale to the third Monday in January, District Attorney Marcelino Gutierrez contends.

Dec. 28, 1973: A member of the Santa Fe Board of Education said today that a majority of the board members had given a vote of no confidence to superintendent Philip Bebo.

Board member Sam Garcia said the superintendent has asked the board what the chances were for his contract renewal. The request and the consensus came after the December board meeting.

Dec. 28, 1998: As a watchdog over Santa Fe Public Schools, Ken Prentice over the years has caught the Alta Street bureaucracy in error after error, misstep after misstep. So when the district recently lost track of a million dollars, then decided to file its annual audit six weeks late, Prentice figured enough was enough. He wrote to the state Department of Education, asking it to take over school-district finances.

LE T TERS T O THE EDIT OR

Paws page a joy each Thursday

E

very Thursday, I look forward to your Paws Page.

The photos of the animals are so sweet. I am thankful and encouraged by all the groups and shelters that support animals in our city. My favorite part of the page is reading Hersch Wilson’s monthly column. His article (“A moment of peace, courtesy of an old man and an old dog, Dec. 14”) was especially touching and appropriate. I read it while sipping my coffee with my two young dogs asleep at my feet, well aware that I am aging and my youngsters will age alongside me.

What a timely reminder to enjoy moments of peace and love no matter how crazy and noisy the outside world becomes. Thank you, Hersch.

I love your words. You made my day.

Patty Owens-Marko

Santa Fe

ant as a community that represents our current attitude about ourselves and the cultures we are fortunate to live near.

For me, the word that jumps into my mind about this issue is tolerance.

Tolerance is respect for others and is free of bigotry. In an era when politicians regularly use speeches to divide fellow Americans into groups either for our against them, demonstrates few values of sustainability for our future. I grew up not asking another person their political affiliation. I grew up tolerating other’s views on many different subjects I did not agree with. That’s called having a conversation. We as a city could be an example to other communities how we tolerate others with different perspectives. We could thrive even more.

Jay Dillon

Try tolerance For me, the dilemma of what should be done with the Soldiers’ Monument on the Plaza offers us the citizens, and you the city leadership, the opportunity to perceive this dilemma as a gift. A gift that all of us can consider what is import-

Santa Fe

Creative core Congratulations to all winners of the 2023 Pasatiempo Writing Contest. The front-page collage displays the true diversity of talented individuals who use words to interpret

their experiences in our town. They write with verve and truth. I appreciate The Santa Fe New Mexican showcasing the blaze of creativity burning at our core.

Ray Lopez

Santa Fe

New tales Just a suggestion that you think about removing the not-very-interesting or funny F Minus comic strip and replacing it full-time with Mutts. With all the pet lovers in Santa Fe and all the rescue operations in this area, I would think it would be welcomed. Mutts just ended a seven-week journey with Guard Dog that parallels stories we have seen recently.

Janet Eduardo

Santa Fe

WRITE US Send letters, preferably on local topics, up to one a month. Include your name, street address and daytime phone number for verification purposes. We edit all letters for style, grammar and factual content. Send letters using the online form at santafenewmexican.com.

M Y VIEW TERRY WARNELL

Produced water could supplement state’s supply

N

ew Mexico consumes about 160 million gallons of water every day for domestic use, with the average New Mexico resident using 90 gallons per day in and around their home.

Agriculture’s economic impact in New Mexico is just a few percent a year, and it’s by far the largest consumer of water. Irrigation accounts for 76% of water withdrawals, according to the latest available report from the state engineer. In New Mexico, the oil and gas indus-

ation, though, it’s complicated. Using the same artificial tree for seven to 20 years appears to be better for the environment than buying a new, commercially grown tree every year.

Of course, chopping a tree in the national forest or buying one from a local farmer, such as the growers from Mora, might be the best environmental choice.

Whatever you favor, part of the holiday is cleaning up after the celebration is done.

Pass on your artificial tree to another family — a Buy Nothing group on Facebook is one way to give it away. Or, turn your dying live tree into mulch, thus returning nutrients to the soil.

As for those pesky lights, a number of Santa Fe locations will take them for recycling. And now, to celebrate the new year.

try uses less than 1% of the state’s annual water consumption.

The oil and gas industry accounts for 45% of the state government income while using less than 1% of the state’s annual water consumption. The oil and gas industry consumes and produces water.

For every barrel (42 gallons) of oil produced, four to 10 barrels of water are generated at the surface.

In 2021, New Mexico’s oil and gas industry generated approximately 60 billion gallons of produced water,

over 160 million gallons per day.

That’s equal to New Mexico’s total daily municipal water consumption.

Produced water is fluid that is an incidental byproduct from drilling for and the production of oil and gas. Most produced water is naturally occurring, highly saline water that is recovered during oil and gas production.

Produced water may also include fluids that were used during drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Treated produced water has the potential to

Editorial page editor: Inez Russell Gomez, 505-986-3053, igomez@sfnewmexican.com, Twitter @inezrussell

augment or substitute for freshwater in many fit-for-purpose uses in a time of long-term climate aridity and declining freshwater availability in New Mexico.

Terry Warnell has lived and worked in New Mexico for over 30 years. He is a retired engineer, having worked at the New Mexico Oil and Conservation Division, the New Mexico State Land Office and as an Oil Conservation Commission hearing officer.

ilan Simonich’s opinion piece on Western New Mexico University and President Joe Shepard raised questions from some readers on the Board of Regents’ financial and personnel oversight of the president (“University president seeks audit of his own spending,” Ringside Seat, Dec. 15).

The Board of Regents is the highest governing body of the university. Each regent is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate.

We represent a mix of political parties and views.

Each institute of higher education in the state has a Board of Regents, and all regents are held to clearly outlined responsibilities, especially with regard to financial and fiduciary matters.

Each of us understands our duty of care for our students, faculty and staff, as well as for the resources entrusted to us by the Department of Higher Education and the people of New Mexico. We oversee the budget. We evaluate the president and the university’s performance annually considering specific, agreed-upon objectives as spelled out in the WNMU Strategic Plan. In addition, WNMU conducts an annual external audit.

The regents and the university have requested approval from the state auditor’s office to begin a special audit of the expenditures of the president’s office to be performed by our independent public accounting firm. The regents will be provided a report by the auditors to review any findings. As is customary, the regents will review the audit carefully.

We support Shepard. Under his strong leadership, the university is delivering results for our students and the region. WNMU has built strong relationships with the communities where we work, live, study and serve. We have invested in new technology and training programs, creating innovation and excellence in social work, early childhood development and nursing. WNMU has created partnerships and agreements with community colleges as well as schools in Mexico, South America, Spain and Africa.

These partnerships bring diverse students to Silver City and provide educational opportunities for nontraditional students including veterans, single parents and first-generation college students. WNMU is a place of promise for our local, national and international students as well as a designated bilingual, multicultural institution. Critically, under Shepard’s leadership, university reserves have increased, building a strong foundation for future development and increased student achievement.

As regents and as members of the WNMU family, we are particularly concerned by some parts of the recent media coverage. WNMU is a regional gem, and we feel strongly that Shepard has been an inspired leader, creating opportunities for students to learn and grow with world-class educational programs and innovative corporate partnerships. We are creating training programs for the jobs of tomorrow and providing opportunities for students to grow and thrive in Silver City and throughout the county.

The president’s wife, Valerie Plame, is well-known in New Mexico and nationally, and she has helped bring noted speakers and writers to WNMU. Plame is an asset to the university, but she is not an employee.

Finally, there is a not-so-subtle implication that WNMU should be more humble in its aspirations and not “punch above its weight.” As regents, we believe that Grant County residents deserve a world-class university, and we are proud of WNMU’s successes. Indeed, we are amazed by our faculty and staff and inspired by our students. We celebrate all the ways that we are preparing students to succeed in a multicultural world. We know that investments in WNMU are investments in the future of Grant County and in New Mexico.

Mary E. Hotvedt is the chair and Lyndon Haviland is vice chair of the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents. Other regents are Trent Jones, secretary and Dalva L. Moellenberg, member, who contributed to this article.

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

Losing a pet never gets easier

Sandra Jaramillo

Rescue Report

I

PAWS

still recall the day in 2009 when I contacted The Santa Fe New Mexican to see about publishing an obituary for my dog, Jackson. Jackson, who was 3 when I adopted him from the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society in 1993, had passed away at the age of 19. I was devastated.

Ben Swan, who is the special projects director at Española Humane, was managing the Paws Page at the time and patiently listened to me cry as I described what wonderful a dog Jackson was. Jackson was a Jack Russell terrierdachshund mix who could outrun my oldest son in any race. After going through a heartbreaking divorce, Jackson was my best friend. I was surprised to hear obituaries for pets were not published in the paper.

Swan, knowing I had already written my memorial of Jackson, encouraged me to email it to him. I did, and he published it as part of his column discussing his own pet Beta’s death.

Last week, I lost another best friend.

Jordy was 11 years old. He was only 10 months old when we adopted him from the Santa Fe animal shelter.

He was a terrier mix with a big, black button nose; I am not sure what caused his death. Jordy was the healthiest of my three dogs. I am thinking he probably had eaten a mouse that was full of rat poison. So many homeowners still use rat poison, not knowing the rats will continue moving until dead. Sometimes, they move into a neighbor’s yard who owns a pet.

So, on the day after Christmas, I drove my beloved Jordy 13 miles out to Cañoncito to be cremated. Loving Care Pet Cremation had cremated one of my other dogs, Myla, in May 2022. Losing a pet never gets easier.

When I arrived at Loving Care Pet Cremation, I unloaded the box with Jordy wrapped in one of his favorite blankets and sat it on the front porch as I went inside. Maria, who runs the front office, greeted me. I had called her earlier to let her know I was on my way, and she went over the protocol and charges with me. Then Roger walked in from the

back room. Roger is the pet cremator at the facility.

It takes a special kind of person to be able to deal with pet owners who arrive at their doorstep with their fur baby in a box. In this case, I met two wonderful people. Maria and Roger listened to me cry as I told them about Jordy. Maria pointed to photos on the wall of past clients who had passed. Loving Care Pet Cremation is also Canine Cottage, which is a dog day care center and kennel.

Roger explained to me how he is able to get to know the pets he takes care of through their owners.

After about an hourlong visit, I had composed myself enough to drive the 13 miles back home. I was still sad but felt a sense of comfort knowing that I had left Jordy in good hands. Like I said, losing a pet never gets easier.

Tracks Dew Paws Rescue: Eight-week-old puppies are ready for adoption. Their om and dad are mini-Aussie mixes who weigh no more than 30 pounds. Puppies will be going to Lifeline next week but Jordy are available for adoption until then. All will be having their second DHPP shot Felines & Friends: Captain Marvel this week. and Miss Marvel were rescued as Anyone interested in adopting may 8-week-old kittens from a colony in call 505-412-9096 or email infodewpaws Pecos. Now 3 months old, they were @gmail.com for more information. raised in foster with Nick Furry, a Española Humane: Griffin is such a similarly aged stray found in Santa Fe. jolly fellow that he keeps himself enterBlack-and-white Captain Marvel is a tained by throwing his own toys in the very playful girl. Her favorite things to air to fetch. The 3-year-old, 70 pound do are to chase her siblings around and shepherd mix is a happy-go-lucky fun play all day. lovin’ dog. He knows basic commands Merryweather, Flora and Fauna were and is a polite boy on leash, loves to play with other dogs and could probably trapped as 2-month-old kittens near Jackalope. Alone and scared, these girls spend all day on the couch just snuggling. entered foster care.

Snowflake is as stunning as fresh Five weeks later, the litter has warmed fallen snow in the sunshine. This sweet to people. Merryweather, a gray and social boy loves to play the day away and white tabby, is the most friendly and then collapse in a person’s lap. Snowcurious of the bunch. flake is 4 months old and weighs Over 100 adoptable cats and kittens 4 pounds. He is neutered, vaccinated and are in foster care with Felines & Friends. microchipped.

Dozens more are awaiting adoption at The shelter is open to walk-in adoptthe shelter, Teca Tu and Petco. All are ers from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday spayed or neutered, vaccinated, tested through Saturday. and microchipped. Apply to adopt at

Pet shelters overflow with animals

By Jacob Bogage

The Washington Post

U.S. animal shelters will start 2024 the most overcrowded they have been in years, according to a broad survey of animal rescue facilities, a symptom of persistent economic concern as the country’s pandemic pet-adoption boom finally cools.

There are roughly a quartermillion more pets in animal shelters this holiday season than there were in the same period in 2022, according to Shelter Animals Count, a nonprofit that tracks unhoused pet populations.

That figure would be higher, said Stephanie Filer, the group’s executive director, if shelters

Dew Paws Rescue puppy

were not already overcrowded and had more space to keep animals.

Pet adoptions skyrocketed during the coronavirus pandemic. Nearly 1 in 5 households adopted a pet during the pandemic, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Even President Joe Biden adopted a dog, Commander, and a cat, Willow.

At the pandemic’s height, 70% of U.S. households owned pets, according to the American Pet Products Association trade group, and 54% of all households owned dogs.

But as the economy turned sour and inflation rose to historic

PET CALENDAR

heights, consumers’ buying power dwindled and the pace of adoptions slowed. That, in turn, put a strain on rescue facilities, which have limited space to house unwanted cats and dogs, Filer said. Now about two-thirds of households own a pet, according to APPA, and half own dogs.

Pet populations, though, have continued to grow; owners skipped nearly 3 million spay or neuter surgeries in 2020 and 2021, according to research conducted by the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Shelters experienced a dramatic influx of puppies, including sought-after breeds, such as French bulldogs, or purposeful breed crosses, like labradoodles.

Visit espanolahumane.org.

Saturday

Friday ADOPTIONS AT PETSMART Noon-3 p.m., 3561 Zafarano Drive Presented by the Española Humane.

ADOPTIONS AT PETSMART Noon-3 p.m., Zafarano Drive Presented by the Española Humane.

Visit espanolahumane.org.

Griffin

Marlin

Merryweather

may view her videos at thehorseshelter. org or call 505-577-4041.

The Santa Fe Animal Shelter & FandFnm.org or visit the adoption center Humane Society: Marlin is a small 6-year-old boy who was very scared and at Petco.

The Horse Shelter: Jill is a 4-year-old in need of human touch. He is being fostered in an office and is doing great in sorrel grade quarterhorse-type mare, who continues to improve under saddle. his ability to trust and feel comfortable in his surroundings. Marlin would prefer She can still get a little unsure, but relaxes when she looks to her calm rider a quiet home with not a lot of excitement. One-year-old Kimbo has bountiful for help. Jill has been out on the trail a handful of times and has started to figure energy and would do great on open land or with someone who can match his love out how to relax and be confident by herself. Jill is a sweet girl who just wants of exercise and play.

Call 505-983-4309, ext. 1610, for more to please. Jill requires an experienced rider. Anyone interested in adopting Jill information.

Captain Marvel

Snowflake

IN BRIEF ‘Pet Chat’ discusses water cremation of deceased pets Pet “aquamation,” also known as water cremation, is a natural process that does not burn fossil fuels, has greater than 90% energy savings, compared to flame-based pet cremation and has only one-tenth of the carbon footprint.

This week on Pet Chat with Murad & Bobbi, the team from Chamisa Veterinary Services discusses aquamation, which is available in Santa Fe, and some of their other services, including Rainbow Senior Care, rehabilitation, and house calls with a

veterinarian.

Pet Chat airs 9 a.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday on KTRC 1260 AM and 103.7 FM. The show also streams at SantaFe.com. Email the hosts at petchat@santafe.com.

Felines & Friends still needs people to foster kittens Felines & Friends continues to receive a record number of abandoned and injured kittens. Foster parents and donations are still greatly needed to help care for these cats until adoption.

Visit FandFnm.org to learn more, apply to foster and donate to their medical care.

The New Mexican

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NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY DEADLINES 2023 & 2024 PUBLICATION DATE

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RETAIL & CLASSIFIED DISPLAY Tuesday, January 2 Wed. & Thurs., Jan. 3 & 4 Thrifty Nickel, January 4 Friday, Pasatiempo, Jan. 5 Saturday TV Book, Jan. 6

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“Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day.”– Michael Josephson The Santa Fe New Mexican’s offices at 150 Washington Avenue will be closed Monday, January 1, 2024, and reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, January 2. Distribution and home delivery will operate normally during the New Year’s holiday. The Distribution Center will close Monday, January 1, and reopen at 6 a.m. Tuesday, January 2. The Newsroom can be reached at 505-986-3035.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday!

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 - NEW YEAR’S DAY

Sunday JOBS, December 31 Fri. & Sat., December 29 & 30 Sunday, December 31 Mon. & Tue., January 1 & 2

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OBITUARIES Sun., Mon. & Tue., Dec. 31, Jan. 1 & 2 Friday, Dec. 22, Noon Death Notices – After the above deadlines, phone the New Mexican through Saturday, December 30, at 505-986-3095.

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The offices of the Santa Fe New Mexican will be closed on Monday, January 1, 2024. While normal distribution will occur on this date, Circulation Customer Service will be closed. The call center will re-open on Tuesday, January 2 at 6am

Weather Classifieds Time Out

SPORTS

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COLLEG E FO O TBALL PL AYOFF

SECTION B ThuRSDAy, DecemBeR 28, 2023 THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN

NFL

Broncos bench Wilson, will start Stidham Payton calls QB switch a football decision rather than financial

By Arnie Stapleton

The Associated Press

JOHN BAZEMORE/ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe sets back to pass during the Southeastern Conference championship against Georgia on Dec. 2 in Atlanta. The final fourteam College Football Playoff promises to be one of the closest in the 10-year history of the event.

Alabama, Texas have edge to reach national championship Combined spread of New Year’s Day semifinals is smallest since 2017

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos are benching quarterback Russell Wilson in a move that could have major ramifications for both his future and theirs.

Although the move keeps open the team’s options next year and could ultimately save the Broncos $37 million, coach Sean Payton on Wednesday called the switch to journeyman Jarrett Stidham more of a football decision than a financial one.

“I understand all the speculation and everything that surrounds a move like that, and I can tell you we’re desperately trying to win,” Payton said. “Sure, in our game today there are economics and all those other things, but the No. 1 push behind this ... is to get a spark offensively.”

The Broncos (7-8) have a narrow path to the playoffs. They’d

By Ralph D. Russo

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson speaks Sunday during a news conference after the Broncos lost to the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. Coach Sean Payton said Wednesday he’s benching Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham.

have to win out and Kansas City (9-5) would have to lose out for Denver to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 season.

Payton said the entire offensive operation, himself included, has been deficient and this move isn’t meant as an indictment of Wilson alone.

“I can’t replace the entire offensive line; I can’t bring in five new receivers,” Payton said, “and if it continues over a period of time, then there’ll be another guy here talking to you, as well.”

Payton and Wilson have always been a clash of styles and two weeks ago Payton berated

his QB on the sideline while Wilson patiently listened without response.

Going with a journeyman with two NFL starts in his five-year career over a Super Bowl champion who was the fastest QB in league history to 100 wins could backfire on Payton.

“There’s always risk, but as a head coach you’ve got to make some tough decisions, and they’re not always going to be right,” Payton said. “So, you trust your instincts and you go by what you feel and those have been good for me over the years.”

Stidham will start Sunday when the Broncos host the Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) and in all likelihood start at Las Vegas in the season finale, too.

It’s a remarkably similar situation to last year when Stidham started the Raiders’ final two games after the team benched Derek Carr in a business decision and sent him home.

This circumstance in Denver differs from the Raiders’ situation a year ago because the Broncos Please see story on Page B-2

JAE LE NE BE RG ER HOLIDAY CL A SSIC SANTA FE HIGH 60, ALBUQUERQUE ST. PIUS X 51

The Associated Press

The final four-team College Football Playoff promises to be one of the closest in the 10-year history of the event.

The combined spread of the two New Year’s Day semifinals sits at six points, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

No. 1 Michigan is a 11/2-point UP NEXT favorite against fourth-seeded Alabama in the Rose Bowl. No. 3 3 p.m. Monday on Texas is a 41/2-point favorite over ESPN — Rose Bowl: No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 4 No. 2 Washington in the Sugar Bowl.

Alabama 6:45 p.m. Monday on That’s the smallest combined ESPN — Sugar Bowl: line for the CFP semifinals since No. 2 Washington vs. the 2017 playoff, when Georgia No. 3 Texas beat Oklahoma in overtime at the 5:30 p.m. Monday on Rose Bowl as a 21/2-point favorite ESPN —CFP National and Alabama was favored by Championship Game, 31/2 against Clemson in the Sugar Houston, Texas Bowl and rolled over the Tigers.

These are the matchups that will decide each CFP semifinal, with the winners advancing to the Jan. 8 championship game in Houston.

No one-man band

Demons show they can get job done even when star guard Turner isn’t on court in win over Sartans

Rose Bowl Alabama’s offense and quarterback Jalen Milroe have been a work in progress this season. Recent Crimson Tide teams have paired eventual first-round draft pick quarterbacks with a bevy of star receivers to create explosive offenses.

This isn’t that. Alabama is 30th in the country in yards per play (6.36) and has allowed 43 sacks, a woeful 123rd nationally, while throwing only 302 passes (122nd nationally).

“The big question will be which Alabama offensive line shows up because the one we saw against Georgia [in the SEC championship game] was dominant. There have been times this year where they have been a flat-out liability,” Cole Cubelic, who works as an analyst for ESPN and the SEC Network, said on the AP Top 25 College Football Podcast.

Michigan doesn’t have one player up front defensively that stands out as a star — the way Alabama All-America Please see story on Page B-2

NBA

Nuggets’ Gordon needs 21 stitches after cuts to face, hand from dog bite

By Pat Graham

The Associated Press

DENVER — Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon needed 21 stitches after suffering lacerations to his face and right hand while being bitten by a family dog on Christmas, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because details of the incident, first reported by The Athletic, haven’t been released. The Nuggets announced in a statement the 28-year-old “is in good condition” but will remain away from the team indefinitely to recover.

Gordon is averaging 13.6 points and 6.9 rebounds for the defending NBA champions. He had 16 points and 10 rebounds in a 120-114 win over Golden Aaron Gordon State on Christmas.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone said after practice Wednesday that he’s checked in with Gordon.

“He’s hanging in there,” Malone said. “Obviously, a very traumatic experience and the most important thing I told him is that you take as much time as you need. We’re a family — wins, losses, and when people go through tough times like Aaron’s going through right now.

“We have his back. We love him. We’re here for him. So whenever he’s able to come back, we’re going to open our Please see story on Page B-3

PHOTOS BY JIM WEBER/THE NEW MEXICAN

Santa Fe High’s Joe Gonzales, right, battles for a loose ball against Albuquerque St. Pius X center Aidan Thomas during Wednesday’s opening game in the Jaelene Berger Holiday Classic at Rio Rancho High. The Demons won 60-51 to advance.

By James Barron

jbarron@sfnewmexican.com

RIO RANCHO t was high time the Santa Fe High Demons made opponents pay for thinking they were a one-man team.

Possibly the best thing that happened Wednesday afternoon was the second foul Santa Fe High senior guard Lukas Turner picked up just 4 minutes into his team’s game against Albuquerque St. Pius X in the opening round of the Jaelene Berger Holiday Classic. With him on the bench for most of the first half, the Demons lost their “easy” button — the guy who could score when the rest of them couldn’t.

But Santa Fe High showed it could score when Turner wasn’t on the floor, and it was the rest of the Demons who were crucial in turning a listless first-quarter performance into a comfortable 60-51 win to advance to Thursday’s semifinal against host Rio Rancho at 7 p.m.

Much to head coach Cisco Rivera’s delight, the Demons (6-1) used a balanced attack and relentless pressure to turn an early 14-9 deficit into a 19-14 lead 69 seconds into the second quarter when Nico Morales scored on a breakaway layup.

It happened again when a five-point flurry to end the first half morphed into a 14-2 run that gave Santa Fe High a 40-30 lead halfway through the third quarter.

The first spurt was led by the trio of Morales, Joe Gonzales and Christian Herrera.

The second run saw four players record points — including Turner, who had the last four points of the run. his two free throws

I

Sports editor: Will Webber, wwebber@sfnewmexican.com Design and headlines: Eric J. Hedlund, ehedlund@sfnewmexican.com

Demons guard Lukas Turner, second from left, shoots under pressure by Sartans Josh Darling, left, and Crystian Perea during Wednesday’s opening game in the Jaelene Berger Holiday Classic at Rio Rancho High. The Demons won 60-51 to advance.

brought the lead to double figures for the first time in the contest.

“It’s all about moving the ball, and not forcing things,” Gonzales said. “Just find the open man and make the shot.”

The ball was moving exceptionally well to end the first quarter, when Herrera scored on a turnaround jumper just before the buzzer to bring the Demons within 14-11. Then came the “bang-bang-bang” flurry of shots and

steals. It started with Morales’ 22-foot triple to open the second quarter, then came Gonzales’ steal and 3, followed by Herrera’s steal that fed the transition game and to Morales’ layup and a sudden five-point margin.

Even though the Sartans (4-4) responded with their own 8-0 run, highlighted by a pair of 3s from Jason Montoya for a 22-19 lead that Please see story on Page B-3 SANTAFENEWMEXICAN.COM

B-2

THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN

SCOREBOARD

Thursday, December 28, 2023

TODAY ON TV Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts. All times local.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S) 5 p.m. BTN — Coppin St. at Maryland 7 p.m. ESPN2 — Southern Cal at Oregon ESPNU — UC Santa Barbara at UC Davis 8 p.m. PAC-12N — UCLA at Oregon St. COLLEGE FOOTBALL 9 a.m. ESPN — The Wasabi Fenway Bowl: SMU vs. Boston College, Boston 12:15 p.m. ESPN — The Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers vs. Miami, New York 3:45 p.m. ESPN — The Pop-Tarts Bowl: NC State vs. Kansas St., Orlando, Fla. 7:15 p.m. ESPN — The Valero Alamo Bowl: Arizona vs. Oklahoma, San Antonio, Texas IIHF HOCKEY (MEN’S) 9 a.m. NHLN — World Junior Championship Group Stage: Switzerland vs. U.S., Group B, Gothenburg, Sweden 11:30 a.m. NHLN — World Junior

FOOTBALL NFL AMERICAN CONFERENCE

EAST

W

L

x-Miami Buffalo e-N.Y. Jets e-New England

11 9 6 4

4 6 9 11

Houston Indianapolis Jacksonville e-Tennessee

8 8 8 5

7 7 7 10

x-Baltimore Cleveland Cincinnati Pittsburgh

12 10 8 8

3 5 7 7

Kansas City Denver Las Vegas e-L.A. Chargers

9 7 7 5

SOUTH

NORTH

WEST

W

W

W

L

T

0 0 0 0

T

0 0 0 0

W

0 0 0 0

.600 .467 .467 .333

333 327 285 325

265 377 294 369

L

T

PCT

L

T

PCT

L

T

PCT

11 7 7 6

4 8 8 9

W

244 311 345 291

PCT

7 8 8 13

WEST

417 345 318 257

T

8 7 7 2

y-Detroit Green Bay Minnesota Chicago

.800 .667 .533 .533

L

Tampa Bay Atlanta New Orleans e-Carolina

W

331 372 343 321

PCT

4 5 10 11

NORTH

328 354 331 274

T

11 10 5 4

W

.533 .533 .533 .333

PCT

L

x-Phila. x-Dallas e-N.Y. Giants e-Washington

SOUTH

314 276 315 322

PCT

6 8 8 10

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

PA

463 403 231 212

T

0 0 0 0

PF

.733 .600 .400 .267

L

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

EAST

PCT

PF

PF

PF

PF

PA

PA

PA

PA

.733 .667 .333 .267

392 451 214 309

366 286 371 453

.533 .467 .467 .133

326 287 331 236

302 288 297 381

.733 .467 .467 .400

412 333 314 314

355 331 299 345

PF

PF

PF

PA

PA

PA

y-San Francisco 11 4 0 .733 444 267 L.A. Rams 8 7 0 .533 357 332 Seattle 8 7 0 .533 320 352 e-Arizona 3 12 0 .200 275 403 e-Eliminated from playoffs; x-clinched playoff spot; y-clinched division

Championship Group Stage: Germany vs. Sweden, Group A, Gothenburg, Sweden 4 a.m. Friday NHLN — World Junior Championship Group Stage: Slovakia vs. Norway, Group B, Gothenburg, Sweden NBA 5:30 p.m. NBATV — Detroit at Boston 8 p.m. NBATV — Miami at Golden State NFL 6:15 p.m. PRIME VIDEO — N.Y. Jets at Cleveland SOCCER (MEN’S) 12:30 p.m. USA — Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur at Brighton & Hove Albion TENNIS 7 p.m. TENNIS — United Cup Group Stage 2 a.m. Friday TENNIS — United Cup Group Stage 4 a.m. Friday TENNIS — United Cup Group Stage Clemson vs. Kentucky, 10 a.m.

Sun Bowl El Paso, Texas No. 15 Notre Dame vs. No. 21 Oregon St., noon Liberty Bowl Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis vs. Iowa St., 1:30 p.m.

Cotton Bowl Arlington, Texas No. 7 Ohio St. vs. No. 9 Missouri, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 30

Peach Bowl Atlanta No. 10 Penn St. vs. No. 11 Mississippi, 10 a.m.

Music City Bowl Nashville, Tenn.

Maryland vs. Auburn, noon Orange Bowl Miami No. 4 Florida St. vs. No. 6 Georgia, 2 p.m.

Arizona Bowl Tucson, Ariz.

Toledo vs. Wyoming, 2:30 p.m.

NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE

N.Y. Jets at Cleveland, 6:15 p.m.

Detroit at Dallas, 6:15 p.m.

SUNDAY’S GAMES

Arizona at Phila., 11 a.m.

Atlanta at Chicago, 11 a.m.

Carolina at Jacksonville, 11 a.m.

L.A. Rams at N.Y. Giants, 11 a.m.

Las Vegas at Indianapolis, 11 a.m.

Miami at Baltimore, 11 a.m.

New England at Buffalo, 11 a.m.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 11 a.m.

San Francisco at Washington, 11 a.m.

Tennessee at Houston, 11 a.m.

Pittsburgh at Seattle, 2:05 p.m.

Cincinnati at Kansas City, 2:25 p.m.

L.A. Chargers at Denver, 2:25 p.m.

Green Bay at Minnesota, 6:20 p.m.

SUNDAY, JAN. 7

Atlanta at New Orleans, 11 a.m.

Buffalo at Miami, 11 a.m.

Chicago at Green Bay, 11 a.m.

Cleveland at Cincinnati, 11 a.m.

Dallas at Washington, 11 a.m.

Denver at Las Vegas, 11 a.m.

Houston at Indianapolis, 11 a.m.

Jacksonville at Tennessee, 11 a.m.

Kansas City at L.A. Chargers, 11 a.m.

L.A. Rams at San Francisco, 11 a.m.

Minnesota at Detroit, 11 a.m.

N.Y. Jets at New England, 11 a.m.

Phila. at N.Y. Giants, 11 a.m.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 11 a.m.

Seattle at Arizona, 11 a.m.

Tampa Bay at Carolina, 11 a.m.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL SCORES, SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27

Military Bowl Presented Annapolis, Md. Virginia Tech 41, No. 23 Tulane 20 Duke’s Mayo Bowl Charlotte, N.C. West Virginia 30, North Carolina 10 Holiday Bowl San Diego, Calif.

Southern Cal 42, No. 16 Louisville 28 Texas Bowl Houston No. 22 Oklahoma St. 31, Texas A&M 23

THURSDAY, DEC. 28

Fenway Bowl Boston No. 17 SMU vs. Boston College, 9 a.m.

Pinstripe Bowl New York Rutgers vs. Miami, 12:15 p.m.

Pop-Tarts Bowl Orlando, Fla. No. 19 NC State vs. Kansas St., 3:45 p.m.

Alamo Bowl San Antonio, Texas No. 12 Oklahoma No. 14 Arizona, 7:15 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 29

ATLANTIC

W

23 21 17 15 12

6 9 12 16 18

Miami Orlando Atlanta Charlotte Washington

18 18 12 7 5

12 12 18 21 25

Milwaukee Cleveland Indiana Chicago Detroit

23 17 15 14 2

8 13 14 18 28

SOUTHWEST

W

SOUTHEAST

CENTRAL

W

W

L

L

PCT

PCT

GB

L

PCT

22 22 19 13 8

7 10 9 18 21

L.A. Clippers Sacramento L.A. Lakers Golden State Phoenix

18 17 16 15 14

12 12 15 15 15

TUESDAY’S GAMES

GB

PCT

Minnesota Denver Oklahoma City Utah Portland

W

— — 6 10 13

L

12 14 13 19 25

PACIFIC

.600 .600 .400 .250 .167

GB

— 5½ 7 9½ 20½

18 17 15 10 4

W

— 2½ 6 9 11½

.742 .567 .517 .438 .067

Dallas New Orleans Houston Memphis San Antonio

NORTHWEST

GB

L

Orlando 127, Washington 119 Brooklyn 118, Detroit 112 Oklahoma City 129, Minnesota 106 Indiana 123, Houston 117 Utah 130, San Antonio 118 Chicago 118, Atlanta 113 Memphis 116, New Orleans 115, OT Portland 130, Sacramento 113 L.A. Clippers 113, Charlotte 104

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Toronto 132, Washington 102 Phila. 112, Orlando 92 Milwaukee 144, Brooklyn 122 New York at Oklahoma City, late Phoenix at Houston, late Cleveland at Dallas, late

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Detroit at Boston, 5:30 p.m.

Dallas at Minnesota, 6 p.m.

Indiana at Chicago, 6 p.m.

Utah at New Orleans, 6 p.m.

Memphis at Denver, 7 p.m.

Miami at Golden State, 8 p.m.

San Antonio at Portland, 8 p.m.

Charlotte at L.A. Lakers, 8:30 p.m.

Brooklyn at Washington, 5 p.m.

.600 .548 .536 .345 .138

— 1½ 2 7½ 13½

.759 .688 .679 .419 .276

— 1½ 2½ 10 14

PCT

.600 .586 .516 .500 .483

GB

GB

— ½ 2½ 3 3½

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP 25 SCHEDULE THURSDAY’S GAMES

No. 12 Oklahoma (10-1) vs. Cent. Arkansas (310), 5 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

No. 1 Purdue (11-1) vs. E. Kentucky (4-8), 5 p.m.

No. 4 Arizona (9-2) at California (4-7), 8:30 p.m.

No. 8 Kentucky (9-2) vs. Illinois St. (8-4), 5 p.m.

No. 9 North Carolina (8-3) vs. Charleston Southern (4-8), 6 p.m.

No. 11 Illinois (9-2) vs. Fairleigh Dickinson (67), 7 p.m.

No. 13 Gonzaga (9-3) vs. San Diego St. (10-2), 7 p.m.

No. 15 Colorado St. (11-1) vs. Adams St. (0-1), 7 p.m.

No. 18 Clemson (10-1) vs. Radford (10-4), 5 p.m.

No. 21 Texas (9-2) vs. UNC-Greensboro (9-3), 6 p.m.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

No. 2 Kansas (11-1) vs. Wichita St. (8-4) at Kansas City, Mo., 2 p.m.

No. 3 Houston (12-0) vs. Penn (8-5), 5 p.m.

No. 7 FAU (10-2) at Florida Gulf Coast (5-9), 5 p.m.

No. 10 Marquette (10-3) vs. No. 22 Creighton (9-3), noon No. 14 BYU (11-1) vs. Wyoming (7-5), 4 p.m.

No. 16 Duke (8-3) vs. Queens (NC) (6-8), noon No. 19 Memphis (10-2) vs. Austin Peay (7-7), 5 p.m.

No. 20 James Madison (12-0) vs. Texas St. (66), noon

SUNDAY’S GAMES

No. 4 Arizona (9-2) at Stanford (5-5), 2 p.m.

No. 12 Oklahoma (10-1) vs. Monmouth (NJ) (75), 1 p.m.

No. 24 Mississippi (12-0) vs. Bryant (8-6), 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY’S SCORES SOUTH Virginia 79, Morgan St. 44

FAR WEST

Grand Canyon 124, Bethesda 74

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP 25 SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

No. 5 Texas (12-0) vs. Jackson St. (5-5), 6 p.m.

Friday’s Games No. 9 Stanford (10-1) at California (10-2), 3 p.m.

No. 22 Florida St. (9-3) vs. Georgia Tech (9-3), noon

SATURDAY’S GAMES

No. 1 South Carolina (11-0) at East Carolina (73), 10 a.m.

No. 2 UCLA (11-0) vs. No. 6 Southern Cal (100), 6 p.m.

No. 4 Iowa (12-1) vs. Minnesota (11-1), noon No. 5 Texas (12-0) vs. No. 10 Baylor (11-0), noon No. 7 LSU (12-1) vs. Jacksonville (4-8), 6 p.m.

No. 8 Colorado (10-1) vs. No. 12 Utah (10-2), 1 p.m.

No. 11 Kansas St. (12-1) at Cincinnati (8-3), noon No. 17 Ohio St. (10-2) at Michigan (10-3), 10 a.m.

No. 21 Creighton (9-2) vs. St. John’s (7-6), 3 p.m.

No. 23 TCU (13-0) vs. BYU (10-3), 3 p.m.

Broncos bench Wilson Continued from Page B-1

will dress Wilson, who could theoretically get into the game Sunday.

If Wilson doesn’t play another down this season, however, the Broncos will have kept open their options in 2024 — although his five-year, $242.6 million contract extension that kicks in next season carries massive dead money chargers over the next two years if Denver decides to part ways with Wilson.

Wilson’s $39 million salary for next season is already guaranteed but if he’s on the roster March 17, his 2025 salary of $37 million also becomes guaranteed. Because injured players cannot be cut, the Broncos would be on the hook for that 2025 salary if Wilson gets hurt and can’t pass his spring physical.

That’s the reason the Raiders sent Carr home a year ago.

Payton insisted no determination has been made about Wilson’s future in Denver, although it will be hard to move on from him because of the salary cap hit the Broncos would absorb.

If the Broncos release Wilson after June 1, they’d owe him his $39 million salary for next

season and they’d owe $85 million in dead money spread over two years, which would seriously handicap their roster building and force Payton to find a bargain solution at quarterback, something that could be difficult with a middling group of free agent QBs in 2024.

Trading Wilson before June 1 would leave the Broncos with $68 million in dead money next season unless the acquiring team would pay his $22 million option bonus.

The Broncos, who have traded away three first- and three second-round picks to acquire Wilson and Payton, have just six selections in next April’s draft and no second-rounders.

They’ll likely be picking in the teens, too, when the four QBs projected as first-rounders — USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy, should he leave Michigan — figure to be long gone by the time the Broncos are on the clock.

Wilson made a brief appearance at his locker Wednesday, but the team said he won’t address his benching until Friday.

jbarron@sfnewmexican.com

Saturday Boys basketball — Senai Eagle Tournament at University of New Mexico (Johnson Gym): championship, 8 p.m.

(Johnson); third place, 7:30 p.m.

(South Gym A); fifth place, 7:30 p.m.

(South Gym C); seventh place, 7:30 p.m. (Auxiliary Gym) Dual Cities Tournament at Santa Rosa: championship, 6:30 p.m.; third place, 5 p.m.; fifth place, 3:30 p.m.; seventh place, 2 p.m.

Girls basketball — Senai Eagle Tournament at University of New Mexico (Johnson Gym): championship, 6 p.m.

(Johnson Gym); third place, 6 p.m.

(South Gym A); fifth place, 5:30 p.m.

(South Gym C); seventh place, 5:30 p.m. (Auxiliary Gym).

SUNDAY’S GAMES

Miami at Utah, 3 p.m.

Toronto at Detroit, 4 p.m.

New York at Indiana, 5 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Minnesota, 6 p.m.

Phila. at Chicago, 6 p.m.

Dallas at Golden State, 6:30 p.m.

.793 .700 .586 .484 .400

PCT

WESTERN CONFERENCE

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Gator Bowl Jacksonville, Fla.

L

Boston Phila.

New York Brooklyn Toronto

By James Barron

No. 3 NC State (12-0) at Virginia (8-3), 4 p.m.

No. 9 Stanford (10-1) vs. Morgan St. (4-8), 7 p.m.

No. 13 Notre Dame (9-1) at Syracuse (10-1), noon No. 14 Virginia Tech (9-2) vs. Pittsburgh (5-7), noon No. 15 UConn (9-3) vs. No. 18 Marquette (12-0), 11 a.m.

No. 16 Indiana (10-1) vs. Illinois (6-5), 10:30 a.m.

No. 19 Louisville (11-2) at Miami (9-1), 2 p.m.

No. 22 Florida St. (9-3) vs. Wake Forest (4-8), 10 a.m.

No. 24 North Carolina (8-4) vs. Clemson (8-5), 10 a.m.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

CFP National Championship Houston Semifinal winners, 5:30 p.m.

Dons, Cardinals, Lady Horsemen advance at tourneys

No. 25 West Virginia (11-0) at Kansas (7-4), 11 a.m.

New York at Orlando, 5 p.m.

Milwaukee at Cleveland, 5:30 p.m.

Sacramento at Atlanta, 5:30 p.m.

Toronto at Boston, 5:30 p.m.

Phila. at Houston, 6 p.m.

Charlotte at Phoenix, 7 p.m. () Oklahoma City at Denver, 7 p.m.

San Antonio at Portland, 8 p.m.

Memphis at L.A. Clippers, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 8

SATURDAY’S GAME

Thursday Boys basketball — Jaelene Berger Holiday Hoops Classic at Rio Rancho: semifinal, Santa Fe High vs. Abq. Rio Rancho, 7 p.m.; consolation, Española Valley vs. Abq. Highland, 1 p.m.

Stu Clark Tournament at New Mexico Highlands University: semifinals, Belen vs. Las Vegas Robertson, 6 p.m.; Portales vs. West Las Vegas, 7:30 p.m.; consolation, St. Michael’s vs. Socorro, 2:30 p.m.; Taos vs. Pecos, 1 p.m.

Senai Eagle Tournament at University of New Mexico (Johnson Gym): first round, East Mountain vs. Santa Fe Indian School, 7:30 p.m.

Rumble In The Jungle Tournament at Aztec: Academy for Technology and the Classics vs. Farmington JV, 3 p.m.

(Koogler Middle School) Poe Corn Invitational at Roswell/ Roswell Goddard: semifinal/consolation, Los Alamos vs. Kirtland Central/ Goddard, 7:30 p.m. (semifinal)/6 p.m. (consolation) Dual Cities Tournament at Santa Rosa: first round, Peñasco vs. Monte del Sol, 3:30 p.m.; Mora vs. Questa, 5 pm.

Girls basketball — Lady Horsemen Christmas Tournament at St. Michael’s: semifinal, Española Valley vs. St. Michael’s, 6 p.m.; Abq. Hope Christian vs. Taos, 4:30 p.m.; consolation, Peñasco vs. Abq. Sandia Prep, 3 p.m.; Los Alamos vs. Pecos, 1:30 p.m.

Senai Eagle Tournament at University of New Mexico (Johnson Gym): first round, Santa Fe Indian School vs.

Native American Community Academy, 6 p.m.

Rumble In The Jungle Tournament at Aztec: semifinal, Mesa Vista vs.

Grants, 3 p.m.; consolation, Academy for Technology and the Classics vs.

Red Rock (Ariz.), 11 a.m.

Boys basketball — Jaelene Berger Holiday Hoops Classic at Rio Rancho:

ReliaQuest Bowl Tampa, Fla. No. 13 LSU vs. Wisconsin, 10 a.m.

Citrus Bowl Orlando, Fla. No. 20 Iowa vs. No. 25 Tennessee, 11 a.m.

Fiesta Bowl Glendale, Ariz.

No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 18 Liberty, 11 a.m.

Rose Bowl College Football Playoff Semifinal Pasadena, Calif.

No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 5 Alabama, 3 p.m.

Allstate Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff Semifinal New Orleans No. 2 Washington vs. No. 3 Texas, 6:45 p.m.

BASKETBALL

Subject to change. Check with schools regarding tickets and game times and dates. Send changes to sports@sfnewmexican.com.

Friday

MONDAY, JAN. 1

THURSDAY’S GAME

PREP SCHEDULE

PREP BA SKE TBALL

championship, 7 p.m.; third place, 5 p.m.; fifth place, 3 p.m.; seventh place, 1 p.m.

Stu Clark Tournament at New Mexico Highlands University: championship, 7:30 p.m.; third place, 6 p.m.; fifth place, 2:30 p.m.; seventh place, 1 p.m.

Senai Eagle Tournament at University of New Mexico (Johnson Gym): semifinal/consolation, Santa Fe Indian School vs. Mescalero Apache/Dexter, 8 p.m. (semifinal, Johnson Gym; consolation, Johnson South Gym A) ATC at Rumble In The Jungle Tournament at Aztec: TBA Los Alamos at Poe Corn Invitational: TBA Dual Cities Tournament at Santa Rosa: semifinal/consolation, Mora/ Questa vs. Cimarron/Des Moines, 5 p.m. (semifinal)/2 p.m. (consolation); Peñasco/Monte del Sol vs.

Cuba/Santa Rosa, 6:30 p.m. (semifinal)/3 p.m. (consolation) Escalante at Navajo Pine, 6 p.m.

Girls basketball — Los Alamos, Española Valley, Peñasco, Taos, Pecos at Lady Horsemen Christmas Tournament at St. Michael’s: TBA Senai Eagle Tournament at University of New Mexico (Johnson Gym): semifinal/consolation, Santa Fe Indian School vs. Mescalero Apache/ To’hajiilee, 6:30 p.m. (semifinal, Johnson Gym)/8 p.m. (consolation, South Gym C) ATC, Mesa Vista at Rumble In The Jungle Tournament at Aztec: TBA Santa Fe High at Clovis, 2:30 p.m.

Coronado at Questa, 5 p.m.

Escalante at Navajo Pine, 4 p.m.

Abq. Highland at West Las Vegas, 4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY’S SCORES SOUTHWEST Texas 97, Jackson St. 52

FAR WEST

Grand Canyon 115, Arizona Christian 41

HOCKEY EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC

GP W L OT PTS GF GA

Boston Florida Toronto Tampa Bay Detroit Montreal Buffalo Ottawa

33 20 7 34 20 12 32 17 9 36 17 14 35 16 15 33 15 13 36 14 18 30 13 17

6 2 6 5 4 5 4 0

46 104 86 42 99 89 40 117 109 39 120 123 36 124 119 35 95 112 32 107 125 26 104 105

33 24 8 34 16 9 33 18 11 35 18 13 32 17 10 33 18 13 33 16 13 36 11 18

1 9 4 4 5 2 4 7

49 113 90 41 104 115 40 101 92 40 116 112 39 78 91 38 113 118 36 100 90 29 111 132

METROPOLITAN GP W L OT PTS GF GA N.Y. Rangers N.Y. Islanders Philadelphia Carolina Washington New Jersey Pittsburgh Columbus

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL

GP W

PACIFIC

GP W

Colorado Winnipeg Dallas Arizona Nashville St. Louis Minnesota Chicago Vancouver Vegas Los Angeles Seattle Calgary Edmonton Anaheim San Jose

L OT PTS

GF GA

35 33 33 34 35 34 33 34

21 20 20 18 19 18 16 11

11 9 9 14 16 15 13 22

3 4 4 2 0 1 4 1

45 44 44 38 38 37 36 23

129 110 115 108 109 102 106 82

109 84 102 99 109 112 106 124

35 36 31 36 35 31 34 35

23 21 20 13 14 15 13 9

9 10 7 14 16 15 21 23

3 5 4 9 5 1 0 3

49 47 44 35 33 31 26 21

135 124 112 97 103 108 91 74

89 101 74 113 117 106 113 145

L OT PTS

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

GF GA

N.Y. Rangers 5, Washington 1 Florida 3, Tampa Bay 2 New Jersey 4, Columbus 3, OT Ottawa 4, Toronto 2 Boston 4, Buffalo 1 Pittsburgh 7, N.Y. Islanders 0 Minnesota 6, Detroit 3 St. Louis 2, Dallas 1 Carolina 5, Nashville 2 Chicago 2, Winnipeg 1, OT Arizona 5, Colorado 4, OT Seattle 2, Calgary 1 Anaheim 5, Vegas 2 Los Angeles 5, San Jose 1

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Montreal at Carolina, 5 p.m.

Los Angeles at Vegas, 8 p.m.

Philadelphia at Vancouver, 8 p.m.

Edmonton at San Jose, 8:30 p.m.

After the Broncos lost to the Patriots on Christmas Eve, Wilson was asked about his future in Denver and said, “I came here to win a championship for us and to find a way to do that. I obviously love being here with these guys, these teammates. I’m excited to keep playing ball and playing hard for us.”

Wilson has rebounded from an awful 2023 season when he threw a career-low 16 touchdown passes to go with 11 interceptions.

This year, his 26 TD throws rank sixth in the league and he has eight interceptions.

Wilson is just 11-19 as Denver’s starter since the blockbuster trade brought him over from Seattle last year. The Seahawks are 17-16 since then and reached the NFC playoffs last season behind Wilson’s former backup, Geno Smith.

Payton called each QB into his office Wednesday to notify them of the switch.

He said Wilson was disappointed but had responded like a true pro.

Stidham, who signed a two-year, $10 million deal with Denver last offseason, worked with the starters Wednesday for the first time save for a handful of snaps he took at Detroit two weeks ago.

“To get a true evaluation and see what he can do, I mean, he needs to play,” Payton said. “But I’m hopeful he gives us a spark.”

It was a good Wednesday for schools from Las Vegas, N.M., and for the St. Michael’s Lady Horsemen.

Not so much for the reigning Class 3A champion St. Michael’s Horsemen.

The West Las Vegas and Las Vegas Robertson boys basketball teams advanced to the semifinals of the Stu Clark Tournament, while the Horsemen suffered a shocking 70-47 loss to Belen to fall into the tournament’s consolation bracket.

Meanwhile, the St. Michael’s girls reached the semifinals of its Lady Horsemen Christmas Tournament with a 47-38 win over Albuquerque Sandia Prep.

The Lady Horsemen will play Española Valley, a 48-36 winner over Peñasco, in a 6 p.m. matchup in Perez-Shelley Gymnasium.

As for the Dons and Cardinals, they are one win away from an all-city showdown for the Stu Clark title in the John A. Wilson Athletic Complex. West Las Vegas overcame a sluggish first half in which it trailed the Pecos Panthers 26-20 with an offensive onslaught to produce a 62-57 win over the reigning 2A champions.

The Dons used a balanced attack that saw a trio of players — Lucas Archuleta, DeVaughn Kensey and Johnathon Gonzales — scored 12 points and P.J. Montaño added 10.

West Las Vegas will play Portales, a 55-49 winner over Taos, in a 7:30 p.m. semifinal.

Alabama Continued from Page B-1

edge rusher Dallas Turner does — but they are deep and committed to stopping the run, often with eight players close to the line of scrimmage.

Michigan will want to put the game in Milroe’s hands. Early in the season that seemed like the way to beat Alabama, whose only loss was by 10 points at home to Texas. Now, less so.

Milroe is 6-foot-2, 220 pounds with speed and a powerful arm. He is a player with difference-making skills, but his game has holes, especially as a midrange passer. Milroe will miss some open throws, but he has thrown only six interceptions and Alabama has lost only four fumbles.

Tide offensive coordinator Tommy Rees doesn’t call many designed runs for Milroe. He might need to dip into the bag in the Rose Bowl.

“They’re going to have to do that to have some success on the ground,” said Mike Kuchar, the co-founder of the X&O Labs football research company. “I don’t see them lining up and coming downhill on Michigan’s defense at all.”

Michigan allowed 4.28 yards per play, fourth in the nation.

The numbers suggest an elite defense, but beware: The Wolverines saw few potent offenses in the Big Ten. On offense, Michigan is runheavy and mistake-free. The Wolverines have committed only seven turnovers.

But the Wolverines’ running game fell off this season. After averaging well over 5 yards per carry the last two years, they are down to 4.27. Blake Corum scored 24 touchdowns, tops in the nation, but his average per carry was 4.72 yards after being over 5.0 the previous two season.

Michigan will also be without All-American guard Zak Zinter, who broke his left leg during the Ohio State game. The Wolverines have had some pass protection issues off the edge, too.

What coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore’s team has shown is a knack for being able to run when they needed to most in big games against Penn State and Ohio State.

Alabama hasn’t locked down the run as well as most of Nick Saban’s best teams (3.7 yards per carry against, 31st in the country), but nobody is going to bully the Crimson Tide.

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy is rarely asked to carry the offense. The third-year player has NFL tools, both with his arm and legs.

On the other side of the bracket, Robertson also needed a half to get going. In a rematch with Socorro, the Cardinals only led 32-27 at the half to outscore the Warriors 46-30 in the second half for a 78-57 win. Robertson guard Jesse James Gonzales was crucial to the outburst, scoring 13 of his 17 points in the second half.

They will take on Belen, which overcame an early 7-0 deficit to the Horsemen with a 10-0 spurt to erase it. The Eagles then held St. Michael’s to just seven second-quarter points as they built a 34-20 lead.

LADY HORSEMEN CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT The Lady Horsemen led 22-18 at the half, but Sandia Prep crept to within 33-32 before scoring just six points the rest of the way as St. Michael’s wing Mia Duran scored six of her 12 points in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Española Valley came out strong in both halves to keep Peñasco at bay. The Lady Sundevils led 18-6 after a quarter, then outscored the Lady Panthers 14-7 in the third quarter to turn a 25-17 halftime lead into a 39-24 lead.

On the other side of the bracket, Albuquerque Hope Christian built a 32-20 halftime lead and never looked back in a 63-43 win. The Lady Huskies will play Taos, which held the Pecos Lady Panthers to just 14 second-half points to turn a 23-21 halftime lead into a 41-35 win in the opening game of the tournament.

Hope Christian and the Lady Tigers will play at 4:30 p.m. for a spot in the tournament championship.

In a game where yards are likely to be hard to get and points at a premium (the over/ under is 44.5), he will need to be at his most efficient against an Alabama secondary that features two All-America defensive backs in Kool-aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold.

PREDICTION: Alabama 23-20.

Sugar Bowl The nightcap of the CFP semifinal doubleheader figures to a very different game than Alabama-Michigan.

Washington and Texas both have top-15 offenses, talented quarterbacks in Michael Penix Jr. and Quinn Ewers, multiple future NFL draft picks to throw to and problems stopping the pass.

That’s a recipe for points.

The one group that stands out on defense: The Texas defensive line, which features All-American T’Vondre Sweat and second-team All-American Byron Murphy II. Part of the reason teams attack the Longhorns secondary, especially their inexperienced safeties, is because they mostly give up on the running game.

Texas is allowing 80.5 yards per game and 2.87 per carry, top-five in the country in each.

Washington counters with an offensive line that was underappreciated much of the season, but ended up winning the Joe Moore Award as the best in the country. Led by second-team All-America tackle Troy Fautanu, the Huskies allowed only 11 sacks while throwing the ball 37 times per game.

Washington doesn’t run it in volume, but coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb seemed to evolve as opponents adjusted to try to take away the deep throws the Huskies love. Running back Dillon Johnson’s role in the offense expanded later in the season, with Penix often lining up under center.

Stops could be hard to come by for the Huskies, but Texas coach Steve Sarkisian’s red-zone offense has been a problem much of the season. The Longhorns have scored touchdowns on 49% of their opportunities, 120th in the country.

Then again, tightening up near the goal line hasn’t been a strength for Washington’s defense. The Huskies have allowed 31 touchdowns in 44 red-zone trips (70.45%).

Washington has scored touchdowns on 70% of its redzone trips, 19th in the country.

But when the field shrinks, Sweat and Murphy become even tougher to handle. Texas is 10th in the nation in red-zone defense, allowing touchdowns on only 46% of opportunities.

PREDICTION: Texas 35-28.

THE WEATHER ALMANAC

Midnight through 6 p.m. Wednesday

Santa Fe Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.00" ....

Yesterday . . . . . . to . . .date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.65" ....

Month . . . . .to Year . .date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11.97" .....

AREA RAINFALL

Albuquerque Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.00" ....

Yesterday . . . . . . to Month . . .date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.34" ....

Tonight

Today

Sunny.

42

POLLEN COUNTS Santa Fe Severity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,. .Low ...

Allergens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Juniper ......

Albuquerque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,. .Low Severity ...

Allergens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Juniper ......

Source: https://pollen.com

TODAY'S UV INDEX + 10 8 6 4 2 0

Extreme Very High High Moderate Low

The UV index forecasts the ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun. The higher the number the more risk of sun damage to your skin.

38 / 20

Humidity (Noon)

Humidity (Noon)

40%

37%

51%

56%

59%

60%

Wind: WNW 15 mph

Wind: SSW 10 mph

Wind: SW 10 mph

Wind: W 10 mph

Wind: SSW 10 mph

NEW MEXICO WEATHER

NATIONAL WEATHER

Shown is today's weather. Temperatures are today's highs and tonight's lows.

Taos 43 / 12

Farmington 41 / 17

San Francisco 64/55

Las Vegas 48 / 18

Pecos 46 / 19 Albuquerque 49 / 23

Denver 45/22

Atlanta 51/32

Dallas 48/32

New Orleans 51/37

Mérida 78/70

Guadalajara 73/48 Mexico City 68/49

-0s

0s

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

60s

Carlsbad 54 / 23

70s

High Low

58° in Playas 5° in Costilla

80s

90s

100s

110s

Thunderstorms

Snow

Ice

Jet Stream

Warm

Cold

Stationary

The Northeast will see partly to mostly cloudy skies with isolated rain, highest temperature of 56 in Baltimore, Md. The Southeast will experience partly cloudy skies with isolated rain, highest temperature of 72 in Key West, Fla. In the Northwest there will be partly to mostly cloudy skies with the highest temperature of 58 in Coos Bay, Ore. The Southwest will see partly to mostly cloudy skies with the highest temperature of 74 in Palm Springs, Calif.

WEATHER HISTORY

NEW MEXICO CITIES

Yesterday Today Tomorrow Hi/Lo W Hi/Lo W Hi/Lo W City 53/29 s 50/19 s 41/-5 s 56/24 s 57/26 s 42/8 s 50/24 s 53/25 s 42/18 s 56/28 s 43/24 s 54/25 s 48/18 s 44/21 s 57/23 s 47/16 s 48/18 s 57/30 s 56/28 s

Las Vegas Lordsburg Los Alamos Los Lunas Portales Raton Red River Rio Rancho Roswell Ruidoso Santa Rosa Silver City Socorro T or C Taos Tucumcari Univ. Park White Rock Zuni

Yesterday Today Tomorrow Hi/Lo W Hi/Lo W Hi/Lo W 45/21 s 49/29 s 40/23 s 47/20 s 52/26 s 44/21 pc 38/7 s 43/22 s 57/27 s 48/28 s 50/25 s 52/21 s 50/28 s 52/28 s 41/8 s 53/23 s 53/29 s 40/23 s 44/11 s

48/18 s 54/23 pc 40/22 s 47/19 pc 52/19 s 42/21 s 38/8 s 47/23 s 53/24 s 48/20 s 49/22 s 50/27 pc 49/21 pc 51/27 pc 43/12 s 49/20 s 55/27 pc 43/18 s 47/17 pc

52/22 s 55/28 s 42/23 s 48/18 s 57/24 s 48/23 s 39/5 s 46/24 s 57/25 s 49/24 s 55/26 s 52/28 s 50/22 s 52/28 s 44/16 s 54/24 s 56/28 s 44/20 s 51/21 s

Dec. 28, 1987 - A winter storm produced heavy snow in the upper Mississippi Valley and the upper Great Lakes region. Up to twenty inches of snow buried southern Minnesota, and 20 to 40 mph winds produced snow drifts six feet high and reduced visibilities to near zero.

NATIONAL EXTREMES WEDNESDAY High

84° in Ochopee, Fla.

NIGHT SKY

Low

-16° in Peter Sinks, Utah

Sunrise Today Friday Saturday

Mercury 7:12 a.m.

7:12 a.m.

7:13 a.m.

Rise Set

6:09 a.m.

4:09 p.m.

4:58 p.m.

4:58 p.m.

4:59 p.m.

Rise Set

Mars

4:13 a.m.

2:33 p.m.

Rise Set

6:24 a.m.

4:02 p.m.

6:33 p.m.

7:35 p.m.

8:35 p.m.

Rise Set

1:11 p.m.

--

8:51 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:02 a.m.

Rise Set

Uranus

10:30 a.m.

9:24 p.m.

Rise Set

1:49 p.m.

--

Sunset Today Friday Saturday Today Friday Saturday

WIND TRACKER

Moonset Today Friday Saturday

8 p.m.

2 a.m. Fri.

Last Q. Jan. 3

New Jan. 11

Venus

Jupiter

Moonrise

Weather (w): cl-cloudy, fg-fog, hz-haze, mc-mostly cloudy, pc-partly cloudy, r-rain, rs-rain & snow, s-sunny, sh-showers, sn-snow, ss-snow showers, t-thunderstorms

a huge win,” Cuban said.

Miriam Adelson is the controlling shareholder of Las Vegas Sands Corp., a publicly traded Las Vegas company that built the Venetian and Palazzo resorts but now only has casino operations in Macau and Singapore. Sheldon Adelson, the founder of Las Vegas Sands, died in 2021 at age 87.

“Through our commitment and additional investment in the team, we look forward to partnering with Mark Cuban to build on the team’s success and legacy in Dallas and beyond,” the Adelson and Dumont families said in a statement.

“The goal is to win and to have a team that proudly represents the greater DFW area and serves as a strong and valuable member of the local community.”

Cuban said when he bought the Mavericks in 2000, he had the advantage of understanding technology. He became a billionaire when the radio internet streaming company he co-founded was bought by Yahoo.

Now, the future of media rights deals is in question. Diamond Sports, the company that owns the regional sports network that carries the Mavericks, is in bankruptcy proceedings.

Cuban said the sale makes revenue from media rights deals much less of a concern for the Mavericks.

“Financially, we’re in a far better position this afternoon than we were yesterday afternoon to be able to compete like that,” Cuban said.

The 65-year-old insisted he would have final say in the hiring and firing of coaches, and the signing of free agents, “unless we’re going to go hire somebody that cost $300 million a year.”

Cancún 76/71

Fronts: Rain

2 p.m.

Miami 73/61

Monterrey 65/52

Hobbs 53 / 23

Alamogordo 52 / 27

Washington D.C. 59/42

St. Louis 39/34

Albuquerque 49/23

New

LYork 53/46

Detroit 47/37

L

Hermosillo 76/58 La Paz 74/64

STATE EXTREMES WEDNESDAY

52/27 pc 49/23 s 40/2 s 54/21 s 54/23 s 45/11 s 47/18 s 47/24 s 40/17 pc 51/22 s 40/21 pc 53/24 pc 47/15 s 41/17 pc 51/19 s 46/13 pc 47/14 pc 53/23 s 55/27 pc

Chicago 41/37

Omaha 34/25

H

Las Vegas 64/43 Phoenix 67/44

Roswell 53 / 24

Las Cruces 55 / 27

Alamogordo 52/21 s Albuquerque 46/25 s Angel Fire 38/7 s Artesia 55/27 s Carlsbad 56/28 s Chama 43/15 s Cimarron 38/7 pc Clayton 46/32 pc Cloudcroft 52/21 s Clovis 52/26 s Crownpoint 42/20 s Deming 54/21 s 40/23 s Espan~ ola Farmington 41/14 s Fort Sumner 52/24 s Gallup 45/7 s Grants 47/13 s Hobbs 55/27 s Las Cruces 53/29 s

Los Angeles 69/50

Clovis 51 / 22

Ruidoso 48 / 20 Truth or Consequences 51 / 27

Boise 43/29

Boston 48/41

Minneapolis 39/27

Billings 44/25

Santa Fe 42 / 21

Gallup G 46 4 / 13

City

Seattle 54/46

Clayton 47 / 24

Los Alamos 40 / 22

Sillver City 0 / 27 50

H

Raton 42 / 21

~ ola Espan 47 / 15

NBA approves sale of Mavs to families that run Las Vegas Sands casino company DALLAS — Mark Cuban sees a future of NBA ownership where the advantages will be in real estate.

The high-profile billionaire says that’s why he sold his majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks to a pair of families with strong ties to the hotel and casino industry.

The NBA on Wednesday approved Cuban’s sale of a controlling interest in the Mavericks to the Adelson and Dumont families, who run Las Vegas Sands Corp.

The deal was approved just shy of a month since Miriam Adelson and Sivan and Patrick Dumont announced their intention to buy the club. The purchase is in the valuation range of $3.5 billion.

Patrick Dumont, Adelson’s son-in-law and president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands, will serve as Mavericks governor. Adelson is the widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson.

Cuban will be the alternate governor with a 27% stake in the club and will maintain control of basketball operations.

He made it clear there were no plans for the franchise to leave Dallas.

“The advantage is what can you build and where and you need to have somebody who’s really, really good at that,” Cuban said before the Mavs’ game against Cleveland on Wednesday night. “Patrick and Miriam, they’re the best in the world at what they do. Literally, around the world.

“When you get a world-class partner who can come in and grow your revenue base and you’re not dependent on things that you were in the past, that’s

41 / 26

Humidity (Noon)

Wind: SW 20 mph

BA SKE TBALL

By Schuyler Dixon

Partly Cloudy.

52%

8 a.m. Thu.

The Associated Press

Partly Cloudy.

42 / 25

Humidity (Noon)

Wednesday

Wind: NE 15 mph

AIR QUALITY INDEX

Source: www.airnow.gov

Partly Cloudy.

43 / 24

Humidity (Noon)

Tuesday

43%

A partial list of the City of Santa Fe's Comprehensive Water Conservation Requirements currently in effect: No outside watering from 10am to 6pm from May 1 to October 31.

For a complete list of requirements call: 955-4225 http://www.santafenm.gov/water_conservation

0-50, Good; 51-100, Moderate; 101-150, Unhealthy for sensitive groups; 151-200, Unhealthy; 201-300, Very Unhealthy, 301-500, Hazardous

Mostly Sunny.

42 / 23

Humidity (Noon)

Monday

Wind: S 10 mph

WATER STATISTICS

.Wednesday's . . . . . . . . . . . rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 .. . . . . . . . Forecast Today's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 ..

Sunday

Partly Cloudy.

43 / 24

Humidity (Mid.)

Los Alamos Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.00" ....

Yesterday . . . . . . to Month . . .date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.56" ....

The following water statistics of December 26th are provided by the City Water Division (in millions of gallons).

Total water produced from: Canyon Water Treatment Plant: 3.997 Buckman Water Treatment Plant: 1.946 City Wells: 0.0 Buckman Wells: 0.148 Total production: 6.091 Total consumption: 6.457 Santa Fe reservoir inflow: 1.13 Reservoir storage: 288.91 Estimated reservoir capacity: 22.61%

Saturday

Sunny.

21

Humidity (Noon)

Las Vegas Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.00" ....

Yesterday . . . . . . to Month . . .date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.33" ....

Taos Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.00" ....

Yesterday . . . . . . to Month . . .date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.94" ....

Friday

Clear.

THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN

B-3

NATIONAL CITIES

7 DAY FORECAST FOR SANTA FE

Santa Fe Airport Temperatures High/low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43°/23° ......

Normal . . . . . . . high/low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43°/18° ...... . . . . . . .high Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56° . . . in . . 2017 ....

Record . . . . . . .low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -1° . . . in . . 1997 ....

Santa Fe Airport Precipitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.00" ....

Yesterday Month . . . . . . to . . .date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.92" .... . . . . . . . month Normal . . . . . .to . . date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.70" ....

Year . . . . .to . .date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.46" .... . . . . . . . year . . . . to . . date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13.43" .....

Normal Last . . . . year . . . . .to. .date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11.81" .....

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Saturn

First Q. Jan. 17

Full Jan. 25

No one-man band Continued from Page B-1

lasted all of a minute before an Isaiah Martinez 3 from the top of the key gave the Demons a 26-24 edge.

The surge came with a sudden uptick in energy the Demons displayed. They seemed stuck in the mud to start the game after a 12-day layoff from their 44-42 win over St. Michael’s on Dec. 15.

Rivera gave his players an earful, emphasizing a quality he and his coaching staff emphasize daily in practice.

“We talk about energy all the time; that’s the word I use more than any other word,” Rivera said.

“We have to play with energy.

When we do, we’re so good.”

The energy Rivera sought was there for most of the next 24 minutes, but it also had to coexist with playing intelligently.

When Turner, who scored four straight points in the second quarter, shot a 25-footer with two men guarding him on the next possession, Rivera pulled Turner for the rest of the half.

He called it a lesson about understanding game situations.

“It was just a poor decision in

JIM WEBER/THE NEW MEXICAN

The Demons’ Christian Herrera, below, tries to make a steal from the Sartans’ Mason Montoya during Wednesday’s opening game in the Jaelene Berger Holiday Classic at Rio Rancho High.

that moment,” Rivera said. “We just can’t have that if we’re going to be successful, and he knows it.

He adjusted accordingly.”

That was evident in the second half. He led the charge in the second half, scoring 16 of his 20 points after the break — and

Yesterday Today Tomorrow Hi/Lo W Hi/Lo W Hi/Lo W

City

Anchorage 16/10 pc 10/1 mc 11/-1 pc Atlanta 56/46 mc 51/32 s 46/34 mc Baltimore 56/48 cl 60/47 ra 54/40 ra Bangor 40/34 ra 40/31 ra 36/30 ra Billings 38/21 s 44/25 mc 45/26 pc Bismarck 37/25 pc 34/19 s 39/20 s Boise 41/28 cl 43/29 pc 46/34 mc Boston 53/41 cl 48/41 ra 46/40 fg Charleston,SC 73/57 mc 61/42 mc 54/37 s Charlotte 61/55 cl 58/35 pc 50/30 pc Chicago 45/32 mc 41/37 ra 42/31 ra Cincinnati 54/36 pc 43/33 cl 41/34 rs Cleveland 56/45 ra 48/36 sh 42/34 sh Dallas 52/41 s 48/32 mc 54/33 s Denver 45/33 pc 45/22 s 51/24 s Des Moines 36/32 sn 37/29 mc 39/25 pc Detroit 52/48 cl 47/37 sh 43/34 sh Fairbanks -11/-12 s -18/-31 fg -13/-17 pc Flagstaff 52/12 s 48/17 pc 49/24 pc Helena 30/9 pc 34/23 pc 36/24 mc Honolulu 78/66 pc 79/68 sh 80/69 s Houston 66/43 s 55/36 s 56/37 s Indianapolis 48/29 pc 41/33 ra 40/34 rs Kansas City 37/33 cl 38/29 mc 39/26 mc Las Vegas 57/38 mc 64/43 s 63/44 pc Los Angeles 66/52 mc 69/50 pc 67/52 mc Louisville 54/34 pc 41/34 sh 40/35 rs Memphis 54/35 pc 43/31 mc 41/32 rs Miami 77/64 pc 73/61 sh 72/58 mc Milwaukee 43/30 mc 43/35 ra 42/27 sh Minneapolis 38/30 mc 39/27 mc 40/28 s New Orleans 61/52 mc 51/37 s 52/39 s New York City 48/45 ra 53/46 ra 50/41 sh Oklahoma City 41/35 s 42/29 mc 49/30 s Omaha 34/28 mc 34/25 mc 36/24 pc Orlando 72/61 mc 63/52 sh 60/45 pc Philadelphia 52/45 ra 53/43 sh 52/37 sh Phoenix 67/43 pc 67/44 s 70/48 pc Pittsburgh 56/50 ra 52/36 mc 43/35 mc Portland,OR 49/46 cl 53/45 sh 52/44 ra Richmond 61/50 ra 63/53 sh 64/52 sh Salt Lake City 43/30 pc 41/27 mc 45/32 s San Antonio 70/36 s 63/38 s 62/39 s San Diego 65/52 mc 66/50 pc 67/52 mc San Francisco 61/54 ra 64/55 sh 65/53 sh Seattle 55/48 ra 54/46 ra 55/45 ra Sioux Falls 36/30 sn 37/22 cl 35/24 pc St. Louis 43/33 ra 39/34 rs 40/32 rs Tampa 73/63 mc 68/55 sh 64/48 mc Trenton 47/43 ra 53/43 sh 52/36 sh Tulsa 43/30 mc 41/29 mc 47/28 pc Washington,DC 56/46 ra 59/42 mc 51/35 ra

WORLD CITIES

Yesterday Today Tomorrow Hi/Lo W Hi/Lo W Hi/Lo W

City Amsterdam Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Bermuda Bogota Cairo Copenhagen Dublin Frankfurt Guatemala City Istanbul Jerusalem Johannesburg Lima London Madrid Mexico City Moscow Nassau New Delhi Oslo Paris Rio Rome Seoul Stockholm Sydney Tel Aviv Tokyo Toronto Vienna

48/37 ra 64/52 s 69/50 s 35/10 pc 42/37 pc 70/63 ra 66/48 ra 75/58 pc 40/35 pc 56/45 ra 49/41 mc 78/55 pc 60/54 s 61/52 pc 63/52 ra 77/68 s 53/43 ra 51/32 pc 59/53 ra 29/18 cl 81/68 pc 76/52 pc 26/7 mc 52/47 ra 81/72 ra 60/49 mc 44/21 pc 31/21 pc 76/62 ra 75/63 s 54/44 pc 46/43 ra 52/45 mc

52/50 ra 64/52 s 66/57 ra 33/12 s 47/40 pc 68/67 cl 66/49 ra 71/58 ra 47/39 ra 48/44 ra 50/43 mc 77/53 pc 57/47 s 61/52 ra 76/53 pc 76/70 ra 53/51 cl 49/35 mc 68/49 s 29/11 mc 75/68 ra 74/50 mc 24/15 sn 53/50 mc 83/72 s 58/46 s 39/22 s 37/17 ra 85/61 pc 70/57 ra 48/42 mc 44/43 ra 49/37 pc

51/49 ra 61/51 pc 69/56 s 32/20 mc 49/45 cl 70/68 ra 66/50 ra 72/58 s 45/41 ra 43/42 ra 50/47 cl 74/57 ra 55/50 s 60/52 s 70/56 ra 77/70 ra 50/48 ra 51/41 cl 67/50 s 34/18 sn 73/72 cl 74/60 s 25/18 sn 52/48 ra 93/74 pc 56/48 cl 38/32 s 37/30 ra 76/69 ra 71/63 s 56/44 s 43/42 ra 54/44 mc

none of them came from 3-point range. He attacked the rim and also showed off his midrange game.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Demons provided the perimeter attack. Gonzales and junior forward Isaiah Martinez each had a pair of 3s, while Morales and senior wing Juan Ortiz each had one. Ortiz’s make came 90 seconds into the fourth and extended Santa Fe High’s lead to its zenith — 52-38.

Martinez said the almost two-week break gave the team a chance to work on emboldening everybody to take shots when opposing teams are offering them.

“We’ve been working on our confidence a little bit in practice,” Martinez said. “We’ve been working on our shots to be more confident in them.”

Rivera said it’s the only way to make teams pay for trying to bottle up Turner and out of the game. That was lacking in the win over St. Michael’s, as Santa Fe High struggled to hit shots until the fourth quarter. The Demons had that shot-making ability in droves against the Sartans.

“When we’re hitting shots, other teams have to adjust and get out of their game plan,” Rivera said. “They’re not going to be able to do that and that frees Lukas up, like it did in the fourth quarter, to have his way.”

Nuggets’ Gordon needs 21 stitches after cuts Continued from Page B-1

arms up and embrace him. I told all the guys to make sure they’re reaching out to him, to make sure he’s never feeling like he’s on an island.”

The Nuggets are off to a 22-10 start in their quest to repeat as champions. Gordon, who shoots with his right hand, won’t be rushed back to the court.

“We need him to heal inside and out,” said Malone, whose team hosts Memphis on Thursday. “Going through something like that is not something you come back from easily. That’s something where you have to heal from the physical, but you also have to heal from the mental and what you just kind of went through.

“We want him back. We know we’re better off with him. But I want to support Aaron Gordon and make sure when he comes back,

he’s ready to come back and play at the level that we know he’s capable.”

Teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said he was planning to reach out to Gordon after finding out the news at practice.

“He just uplifts everybody that comes in when he’s around them,” Caldwell-Pope said.

“We’ve got to do the same for him.”

The Nuggets were without Gordon for five games earlier this season because of a strained right heel. They also played without point guard Jamal Murray for more than a dozen games as he dealt with ankle and hamstring issues.

“To our players’ credit, whether it was Jamal being out, whether it’s Aaron being out, whoever it is, our guys have stepped up,” Malone said. “It speaks to the quality of our depth. We have guys that are stepping up and taking advantage of any and all opportunities.”

FRANK FRANKLIN II/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Denver Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon dunks the ball in front of Brooklyn Nets’ Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges during Friday’s game in New York.

FORThursday, RELEASE DECEMBER 28, 2023 B-4 THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN December 28, 2023

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle sfnm«classifieds

to place an ad call: 986-3000 | email: classad@sfnewmexican.com | visit: sfnmclassifieds.com

Edited by Patti Varol

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53 James Blunt’s “__ Beautiful” 54 Helps in a bad way 55 Apt spot to breakdance?

60 Long hike 62 __ of New York: photoblog with street portraits and interviews 63 Afflicts 66 River through Aswan 67 Respond impatiently 68 Gadget review site 69 Let the cat out of the bag 70 Pre-MBA hurdle 71 Like custard

rentals

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29 Not smooth 30 More than one would like 32 Disturbing 33 Official messengers 34 Weakens

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©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

36 Apple virtual assistant 37 Much of a shipwreck 40 Cam button 41 Easy for ewe to say?

47 Stuck to the shadows 48 Galway’s isl.

49 Some lab workers 50 Part of PBR

12/28/23

51 Lawyers’ org.

52 Do up again, as a corset 56 “__ Fu Panda” 57 Quran scholar 58 Wine-producing valley 59 Minute annoyance 60 Dynamite kin 61 __ Grande 64 Drumstick 65 Hog’s digs

Incredible downtown location! 1 Bedroom 1 Bath. Many upgrades in an older four-plex. No need for a vehicle however residential parking permits are available. Super close to the Plaza as well as shopping. $1600.00 per month plus utilities. Inquiries may call 505-988-5299 Casita. Exclusive Eastside. East Alameda.

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JANRIC CLASSIC SUDOKU

Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block. Use logic and process elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from Bronze (easiest) to Silver to Gold (hardest).

Rating: GOLD

986-3000

This is a great way to make some money and still have most of your day for other things - like picnics or time with family, other jobs or school. The Santa Fe routes pay $650 every other week and take 2-2.5 hours a day.

The New Mexican is a daily newspaper and our subscribers love having it at their homes every day. You can make that happen! You must have a clean driving record and a reliable vehicle. This is a year-round, independent contractor position. You pick up the papers at our production plant in Santa Fe. It’s early morning in and done!

Applicants should call: 505-986-3010 or email circulation@ cir culation@ sfnewmexican.com sfnewmexican.co

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Italian Leather Couch For Sale. 84 inch length. Good condition. Perfect for home or professional office. Black.

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WANT TO BUY

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CASH PAID PAID FOR FOR VINYL RECORDS RECORDS 33RPM Albums/LPs, 45RPM Singles/7”s, even 78s! Bring them to our NEW location at 131 W. Water St in Santa Fe every weekday from 11AM to 4PM or Call 505-399-5060 to schedule an appointment!

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SHOWCASE YOUR BRAND IN THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE WHERE ART MEETS SOUL.

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JANRIC CLASSIC SUDOKU

Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block. Use logic and process elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from Bronze (easiest) to Silver to Gold (hardest).

The Santa Fe New Mexican seeks a dependable person with a valid driver’s license and spotless driving record to help us get the news out to the community we serve. As Single Copy Delivery Driver, you’ll be responsible for making sure The New Mexican is available everywhere it’s sold. Duties include stocking vending racks, supplying street vendors, monitoring inventory, and safely operating a company vehicle in every weather condition Northern New Mexico has to offer.

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Solution to 12/27/23

12/28/23

NO-STRESS IN-HOME CA CAT CARE CARE Licensed & Professional Reasonable Rates THE CAT CONCIERGE Call Judy Roberts Santa Fe 505-954-1878 thecatconciergesantafe.com

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within the municipal boundaries of the City of Rio Rancho in Sandoval County, west of V. Sue Cleveland High School, north of Paseo del Volcan and east of Loma Colorado Boulevard.

to pay all costs associated with the auction and sale. The deposits of unsuccessful bidders will be refunded.

See the bid packet for additional information and requirements regarding the required deposits.

sfnm«classifieds

The Land is offered “AS IS”; the Commissioner does not make PETS - SUPPLIES any representations or provide any warranties regarding title to the Land or its condition or fitness for any purpose.

The Land is offered for a cash sale (i.e., full payment in cash due at closing) as a single LEGAL #92009 tract; bids for less than the entire tract Stephanie Garcia will not be considered.

Richard, Commissioner of Public Lands Details regarding the Maremma sheepdog puppies StatePureof New Mexico auction, potential sale, bred Maremma puppies, pedigree, applicable rules, bidfirst shots, de-wormed, ready now.

COMMISSIONER OF ding instructions and please call for more info.

1000 PUBLIC LANDS forms are set forth in 9709858610 NOTICE OF SEALED BID the bid packet, which PUBLIC AUCTION can be obtained by FOR SALE OF LAND writing the State Land Land Sale LE-1421, Office, P.O. Box 1148, 44.5267 (plus/minus) Santa Fe, NM 87504, Atacres tention: Christopher Wolf, Special Project Sandoval County, New Analyst, by telephone Mexico at 505-827-5095, or by e-mail to The Commissioner of cwolf@slo.state.nm.us Public Lands (“Com- . The bid packet also is missioner”) gives no- posted on the State French bulldog pups, females $1500. tice ofUtd a sealed bid Land Office website, Potty trained. Health guarantee. auction on shots. 4 months old, loving andpursuant to www.nmstatelands.or the home.

New Mexico En- g. The bid packet is inplayful. Great addition to your 505-901-2094 505-929-3333. abling Act (36 Stat. corporated in this no557) and NMSA 1978, tice by reference and Red and white border collie/19-7-1 and 19- should be reviewed in Sections Australian shepherd puppies sale.sell 44.5267 detail before submit7-2for to 2 male 2 females available 12/26. (plus/minus) acres of ting a bid.

Parents are working dogs, and lands (the state trust puppies are fourth generation “Land”) located in The Minimum Bid to bloodline $200. Call/ text 505-670-5410 Sandoval County, New purchase the Land is Mexico, more particu- $3,921,000.00 (three larly described as fol- million nine hundred lows: twenty-one thousand dollars). Bids offering Tract 17 of Unit 17 as less than the minimum the same is shown and will not be considered. designated on the plat Bidders are encourentitled “Paseo Gate- aged to offer amounts way Parcel A, Tracts 1 greater than the Minithru 9, 10A, 10B, 10C, 11 mum Bid, with addithru 18, A and B-1A, a tional amounts in Replat of Portions of increments of Tract C in the Town of $10,000.00.

Alameda Grant Unit Seventeen etc.,” filed Sealed bids must be in the office of the accompanied by a County Clerk, San- $3,000.00 non-refunddoval County, New able sale application CAMPERS & RVS Mexico on November fee and deposits in the 14, 2008 as Instrument amounts set forth No. 2008033908; below. Deposits must be in the form speciBeing and intended to fied in the Bid Informabe part of Lot 3 tion Sheet (Exhibit “1” (34.9360 acres), part of of the bid packet).

Lot 4 (1.1106 acres), Failure to include the and part of Lot 2 sale application fee (8.4801 acres), Section and required deposits 32, Township 13 North, will result in disqualifiRange 3 East, N.M.P.M. cation. In addition to making the required The Land is located in transaction cost dethe Paseo Gateway posit, the successful master plan area, bidder will be required within the municipal to pay all costs associboundaries of the City ated with the auction of Rio Rancho in San- and sale. The deposits doval County, west of of unsuccessful bidV. Sue Cleveland High ders will be refunded.

1979 Apollo, 33ft RV, Stored fornorth of Paseo See the bid packet for School, deltop Volcan over 10 years. All fiberglass of and east of additional information Loma Colorado Boule- and requirements rethe line. 42,000 original miles. vard. or garding the required Great for temporary living deposits. construction office. Needs TLC. The Land is offered $2,177. 505-699-6161 “AS IS”; the Commis- Transaction Cost Desioner does not make posit: any representations or Advertising public provide any war- auction (estimated) ranties regarding title $5,005.60 to the Land or its con- Advertising Section 19dition or fitness for 7-9.1 public meeting any purpose.

The $996.23 Land is offered for a Tract 17 appraisal and cash sale (i.e., full payappraisal review LEGALS LEGALS LEGALS ment in cash due at $6,634.32 closing) as a single Tract 17 survey LEGAL #92009 tract; bids for less $3,689.33 than the entire tract Total Transaction Cost Stephanie Garcia will not be considered. Deposit $16,325.48 Richard, Commissioner of Public Lands Details regarding the The sealed bid must State of New Mexico auction, potential sale, be accompanied by applicable rules, bid- both a $16,325.48 COMMISSIONER OF ding instructions and transaction cost dePUBLIC LANDS forms are set forth in posit and a performNOTICE OF SEALED BID the bid packet, which ance deposit in the PUBLIC AUCTION can be obtained by amount of $392,100.00, FOR SALE OF LAND writing the State Land representing 10% of Land Sale LE-1421, Office, P.O. Box 1148, the Minimum Bid. 44.5267 (plus/minus) Santa Fe, NM 87504, Atacres tention: Christopher Bids must conform Wolf, Special Project strictly to the requireSandoval County, New Analyst, by telephone ments set forth in the Mexico at 505-827-5095, or by bid packet and be sube-mail to mitted in a sealed The Commissioner of cwolf@slo.state.nm.us package marked Public Lands (“Com- . The bid packet also is “Land Sale No. LEmissioner”) gives no- posted on the State 1421.” tice of a sealed bid Land Office website, auction pursuant to www.nmstatelands.or Sealed bids must be the New Mexico En- g. The bid packet is in- submitted to the State abling Act (36 Stat. corporated in this no- Land Office, 310 Old 557) and NMSA 1978, tice by reference and Santa Fe Trail, Santa Sections 19-7-1 and 19- should be reviewed in Fe, NM, 87501 (courier 7-2 to sell 44.5267 detail before submit- service or personal de(plus/minus) acres of ting a bid. livery) or P.O. Box 1148, state trust lands (the Santa Fe, NM 87504“Land”) located in The Minimum Bid to 1148 (USPS postal Sandoval County, New purchase the Land is mail), Attention: Mexico, more particu- $3,921,000.00 (three Christopher Wolf, Spelarly described as fol- million nine hundred cial Projects Analyst. lows: twenty-one thousand BIDS MUST BE REdollars). Bids offering CEIVED NO LATER Tract 17 of Unit 17 as less than the minimum THAN 12:00 P.M. on the same is shown and will not be considered. February 29, 2024. designated on the plat Bidders are encourentitled “Paseo Gate- aged to offer amounts Sealed bids will be way Parcel A, Tracts 1 greater than the Mini- opened on March 1, thru 9, 10A, 10B, 10C, 11 mum Bid, with addi- 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at the thru 18, A and B-1A, a tional amounts in New Mexico State Replat of Portions of increments of Land Office (Morgan Tract C in the Town of $10,000.00.

Hall), 310 Old Santa Fe Alameda Grant Unit Trail, Santa Fe, New Seventeen etc.,” filed Sealed bids must be Mexico 87501. in the office of the accompanied by a County Clerk, San- $3,000.00 non-refund- The Commissioner redoval County, New able sale application serves the right to reMexico on November fee and deposits in the ject all bids and 14, 2008 as Instrument amounts set forth withdraw the Land No. 2008033908; below. Deposits must from sale or to reinitibe in the form speci- ate the process of ofBeing and intended to fied in the Bid Informa- fering the Land for be part of Lot 3 tion Sheet (Exhibit “1” sale or exchange on (34.9360 acres), part of of the bid packet). the same or different Lot 4 (1.1106 acres), Failure to include the terms at a future date. and part of Lot 2 sale application fee The Commissioner’s (8.4801 acres), Section and required deposits selection of a bid shall 32, Township 13 North, will result in disqualifi- not constitute or be Range 3 East, N.M.P.M. cation. In addition to evidence of a contract making the required between the CommisThe Land is located in transaction cost de- sioner and the sethe Paseo Gateway posit, the successful lected bidder. The master plan area, bidder will be required Commissioner will within the municipal to pay all costs associ- have no obligation to boundaries of the City ated with the auction any bidder unless and of Rio Rancho in San- and sale. The deposits until the Commisdoval County, west of of unsuccessful bid- sioner and that bidder V. Sue Cleveland High ders will be refunded. execute a written School, north of Paseo See the bid packet for agreement for condel Volcan and east of additional information veyance of the Land.

Loma Colorado Boule- and requirements re- Closing shall occur no vard. garding the required later than 90 days deposits. after the selection of The Land is offered the winning bid.

“AS IS”; the Commis- Transaction Cost De- Upon satisfaction of sioner does not make posit: all of the conditions any representations or Advertising public for completing the provide any war- auction (estimated) sale, the Commisranties regarding title $5,005.60 sioner will convey the to the Land or its con- Advertising Section 19- Land subject to all dition or fitness for 7-9.1 public meeting valid easements and any purpose.

The $996.23 other encumbrances Land is offered for a Tract 17 appraisal and shown in the records cash sale (i.e., full pay- appraisal review of the State Land Ofment in cash due at $6,634.32 fice and the Sandoval closing) as a single Tract 17 survey County Clerk’s Office. tract; bids for less $3,689.33 Bidders are responsithanContinued... the entire tract TotalContinued...

Transaction Cost ble Continued... for verifying enwill not be considered. Deposit $16,325.48 cumbrances and their effect on the Land. The Details regarding the The sealed bid must Commissioner will furauction, potential sale, be accompanied by ther reserve to the applicable rules, bid- both a $16,325.48 State all minerals of ding instructions and transaction cost de- whatsoever kind, ge-

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Transaction Cost Deposit: Advertising public auction (estimated) $5,005.60 Advertising Section 197-9.1 public meeting $996.23 Tract 17 appraisal and appraisal review $6,634.32 Tract 17 survey $3,689.33 Total Transaction Cost Deposit $16,325.48

TWO WAYS TO UNLIMITED DIGITAL ACCESS The sealed bid must be accompanied by both a $16,325.48 transaction cost deposit and a performance deposit in the amount of $392,100.00, representing 10% of the Minimum Bid.

Total access Bids must conform strictly to the requirements set forth in the bid packet and be submitted in a sealed package marked “Land Sale No. LE1421.”

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Sealed bids must be submitted to the State Land Office, 310 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM, 87501 (courier service or personal delivery) or P.O. Box 1148, Santa Fe, NM 875041148 (USPS postal mail), Attention: Christopher Wolf, Special Projects Analyst.

BIDS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 12:00 P.M. on February 29, 2024.

The NEW eNewMexican App for iOS and Android

Online access ONLINE ONLY Plus

Sealed bids will be opened on March 1, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at the New Mexico State Land Office (Morgan Hall), 310 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501.

The NEW eNewMexican The Commissioner reserves re- Android App the for right iOS toand ject all bids and withdraw the Land from sale or to reinitiate the process of offering the Land for sale or exchange on the same or different terms at a future date.

The Commissioner’s selection of a bid shall not constitute or be evidence of a contract between the Commissioner and the selected bidder. The Commissioner will have no obligation to any bidder unless and until the Commissioner and that bidder execute a written agreement for conveyance of the Land.

Closing shall occur no later than 90 days after the selection of the winning bid.

Upon satisfaction of all of the conditions for completing the sale, the Commissioner will convey the Land subject to all valid easements and other encumbrances shown in the records of the LEGALS State Land Office and the Sandoval County Clerk’s Office.

Bidders are responsible for verifying encumbrances and their effect on the Land. The Commissioner will further reserve to the State all minerals of whatsoever kind, geothermal resources, and certain water rights, together with rights of access and surface use necessary for or incident to exploration for and extraction and removal of such minerals, geothermal resources, and water rights. Bidders may request that the Commissioner enter into a surface non-disturbance agreement for a separately agreed upon fee.

santafe newmexican.com /subscribe

STATE OF NEW MEXICO STA COUNTY OF RIO ARRIBA ARRIBA FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT No. 00179

ATTENTION ADVERTISERS

D-117-CV D-117-CV-2023-

MARIANNE GRIEGO GRIEGO

Plaintiff, NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY DEADLINES 2023 & 2024 vs.

RICK BLEA, MARYELLEN MAR YELLEN BLEA, JOE ABEYTA, ABEYT A, EVA EV A ABEYT ABEYTA, A, EST ESTA ATE RETAIL & CLASSIFIED DISPLAY OF L LOURDES OURDES FRESQUEZ (Deceased), and Tuesday, January 2 Thursday, Dec. 28, 5pm ANDREW TRUJILL TRUJILLO O Wed. & Thurs., Jan. 3 & 4 Friday, Dec. 29, Noon Defendants.

PUBLICATION DATE

DEADLINE

Thrifty Nickel, January 4 Friday, Pasatiempo, Jan. 5 Saturday TV Book, Jan. 6

Friday, Dec. 29, Noon ORDER FOR FOR SERVICE SERVICE Thursday, Dec. 29, NoonOF PROCESS B Y PUBLICA PUBLIC A TION IN A Friday, Dec. 29, 5pm NEWSP NEW SPAPER APER

Plaintiff has filed a motion requesting that the Court approve Sunday JOBS, December 31 Wed., Dec. 27, Noon service of process Defendant, AnFri. & Sat., December 29 & 30 Thur., Dec. 28, 2pmupon drew Trujillo, by publication in a newspaper Sunday, December 31 Friday, Dec. 29, Noon of general circulation.

Mon. & Tue., January 1 & 2 Friday, Dec. 22, 1pmThe Court finds that the Plaintiff has made diligent efforts to OBITUARIES make personal service, but has not been Sun., Mon. & Tue., Dec. 31, Jan. 1 & 2 Friday, Dec. 22, Noon able to complete service of process at the known address of Death Notices – After the above deadlines, phone the last Defendant and through certified mail New Mexican through Saturday, December 30, at 505-986-3095. and the Defendant has evaded service.

The Court further finds LEGALS that a newspaper of general circulation in Wednesday, January 3 Friday, Dec. 29, Noon Santa Fe County is the Santa Fe New Mexican and that this newspaCOMMUNITY CALENDAR per is one that is most likely to give the DeAndrew TruWednesday, January 3 Thursday, Dec. 28, fendant 5pm jillo, notice of the pendency of the action.

THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that The offices of the Santa Fe New Mexican will be closed onHEREBY Monthe Plaintiff serve process day, January 1, 2024. While normal distribution will occur on this on Defendant Andrew Trujillo by once a date, Circulation Customer Service will be closed. The call publication center week for three consecwill re-open on Tuesday, January 2 at 6am utive weeks in the Santa Fe New Mexican.

The Plaintiff shall file a proof of service with a copy of the Affidavit of Publication when service has been completed.

CLASSIFIED JOBS & LINE ADS

KATHLEEN MCGARRY ELLENWOOD DISTRICT COURT JUDGE LEGAL #92012

Classifieds

Marianne Griego P.O. Box 813 Espanola, NM 87532 Pro Se PlaintitI

LEGAL #92014 STATE OF NEW MEXICO STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF SANTA FE STA COUNTY OF FIRST JUDICIAL Rick Blea RIO ARRIBA ARRIBA DISTRICT COURT 119 County Road 116 FIRST JUDICIAL Espanola, NM 87532 DISTRICT Case No. Defendant Call to place your ad!

D-101-PB-2023-00115 No. D-117-CV D-117-CV-2023- Maryellen Blea IN THE MATTER OF THE 00179 119 County Road 116 ESTATE OF Espanola, N:rvI 87532 MARIANNE GRIEGO GRIEGO PRISCILLIANO M. Defendant Plaintiff, TRUJILLO, DECEASED Andrew vs.

Trujillo 119 BLEA, County Road 16 NOTICE OF HEARING RICK MARYELLEN MAR YELLEN BLEA, JOE Espanola, NM 87532 ABEYTA, A, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE ABEYT Defendant EVA A ABEYT ABEYTA, A, EST ESTA ATE that the above-enti- EV L LOURDES OURDES Joe Abeyta tled cause has been OF (Deceased), 170 B Lower scheduled for a hear- FRESQUEZ San Pedro LEGALS LEGALS LEGALS ing before the Honor- and Rd. Espanola, NM TRUJILLO O able Francis J. Mathew, ANDREW TRUJILL 87532 District Judge, Division Defendants.

Defendant I for the date, time, FOR SERVICE SERVICE Estate and place set forth ORDER FOR of Lourdes OF PROCESS below: Fresquez PUBLICATION IN A (Deceased) Date: Tuesday, January BY PUBLICA 170 B NEWSP NEW SPAPER APER 16, 2024 Lower San Pedro Time: 11:30 a.m.

Rd. Plaintiff has filed a Espanola, NM 87532 Place: In-Person requesting Defendant Judge Steve Herrera motion that the Court approve Judicial Complex First Judicial District service of process Pub.: Dec. 28, 2023 Jan upon Defendant, An- 4, 11, 2024 Court (3rd Floor) drew Trujillo, by publi225 Montezuma Avenue, Santa Fe, NM cation in a newspaper LEGAL #92031 of general circulation.

87501 The Court finds that NOTICE OF PUBLIC Purpose: Verified the Plaintiff has made HEARING - Santa Fe Petition for Formal diligent efforts to Civic Housing (SFCHA) Probate and make personal serv- – will convene a public Appointment of ice, but has not been hearing to discuss the Personal able to complete serv- Annual/Five Year Plan Representative ice of process at the on February 20, 2024.

Time Allotted: last known address of The SFCHA Plan is a 30 Minutes Defendant and comprehensive guide public housing Pub: Dec 14, 21, 28, through certified mail to and the Defendant has agency policies, pro2023 grams, operations and evaded service.

LEGAL #92068 The Court further finds strategies for meeting that a newspaper of local housing needs TICE OF HEARING: HEARING NOTICE NO general circulation in and goals. It is through Santa Fe County is the the Five Year and AnMembers of the public Santa Fe New Mexican nual Plan that the are invited to provide and that this newspa- SFCHA receives capital comment on hearings per is one that is most funding. In addition to for the issuance of or likely to give the De- Santa Fe housing Sites, transfers of liquor li- fendant Andrew Tru- the SFCHA manages censes as outlined jillo, notice of the public housing in Esbelow. This Hearing pendency of the ac- panola and manages Section 8 vouchers at will be conducted tele- tion. phonically. To attend THEREFORE, IT IS multiple locations. The the Preliminary Hear- HEREBY ORDERED that Annual plan is availing, dial 505 312-4308 the Plaintiff serve able for review on and enter meeting process on Defendant weekdays from 8:30 to number: 378 022 847# Andrew Trujillo by 4:30 at 664 Alta Vista on the date and time publication once a Street in Santa Fe and of the hearing. To pro- week for three consec- at 136 Calle Pajarito in vide written public utive weeks in the Espanola. The Public comment send by Santa Fe New Mexican. Hearing will be conemail to assigned The Plaintiff shall file a ducted at the SFCHA Hearing Officer, proof of service with a Administration BuildTammy M. Sandoval at copy of the Affidavit of ing in Santa Fe, 664 Alta Vista Street. The Tammy.Sandoval@rld. Publication when nm.gov. service has been com- Public Hearing will be held during the meetpleted. ing of the Board of A hearing will be held on on January 2, 2024 at KATHLEEN MCGARRY Commissioners February 20, 2024 and 9:30 a.m. regarding ELLENWOOD will start at 5:30 PM. Application for a DISTRICT COURT You may contact David Restaurant B Liquor Li- JUDGE Martinez, Deputy Dicense to Torogoz rector for additional Restaurant LLC, doing Marianne Griego information, including business as Torogoz P.O. Box 813 accessibility for perRestaurant, located at Espanola, NM 87532 sons with disabilities, 410 Old Santa Fe Trail, Pro Se PlaintitI Office 505-930-5901 or Suites A&B, Santa Fe, Cell 505-321-1689. This NM 87507.

Rick Blea meeting will be acces119 County Road 116 sible through Zoom, PUB: Dec. 28, 2023 Espanola, NM 87532 meeting information Defendant LEGAL #92014 below: Zoom Meeting ID: 881 Maryellen Blea ATE OF NEW MEXICO 119 County Road 116 STA ST 5595 0076 COUNTY OF Passcode: 870727 Espanola, N:rvI 87532 RIO ARRIBA ARRIBA Invite Link: Defendant FIRST JUDICIAL https://us02web.zoom Andrew DISTRICT .us/j/88155950076?pw Trujillo 119 d=SkJyZmtuQ0MwWE County Road 16 No. D-117-CV D-117-CV-2023- Espanola, NM 87532 ErRVArVTE4dW5TQT09 00179 Defendant Pub: Dec 21, 28, 2023 MARIANNE GRIEGO GRIEGO Joe Abeyta Plaintiff, 170 B Lower San Pedro vs.

Rd. Espanola, NM RICK BLEA, 87532 986-3000 MARYELLEN MAR YELLEN BLEA, JOE Defendant A, ABEYTA, ABEYT Continued...

EVA EV A ABEYT ABEYTA, A, EST ESTA ATE Estate of Lourdes OF L LOURDES OURDES Fresquez FRESQUEZ (Deceased), (Deceased) 170 B and LowerTo San Pedro place a ANDREW TRUJILL TRUJILLO O Rd. LegalNM Notice Defendants.

Espanola, 87532 Defendant Call 986-3000 Continued...

ORDER FOR FOR SERVICE SERVICE OF PROCESS Pub.: Dec. 28, 2023 Jan

BY PUBLIC PUBLICA ATION IN A 4, 11, 2024 NEWSP NEW SPAPER APER

Get Results!

QUESTIONS? 505-986-3010

sfnm«classifieds

B-5

LEGAL #92014 to place an ad call: 986-3000 | email: classad@sfnewmexican.com | visit: sfnmclassifieds.com

any way YOU want it 1

THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN

986-3000

to place legals call: 986-3000 | toll free: 800-873-3362 | email: legals@sfnewmexican.com

Disabled individuals requiring aid to bid may call (505) 8275095; FAX 827-6157 or TTY (800) 659-8331.

Upon request, this notice may be available in other formats.

Pub: Dec 21, 28, 2023, Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 2024

To place a Legal Notice Call 986-3000 LEGAL #92065

LEGALS

LEGALS

LEGAL #92030

LEGAL #92019

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - Santa Fe Civic Housing (SFCHA) – will convene a public hearing to discuss the 5 Year Capital Fund Action Plan for 2023-2027 and the Capital Fund awards for 2020, 2022 and 2023 along with their respective Annual Statements on February 20, 2024. The SFCHA Plan is a comprehensive guide to public housing agency policies, programs, operations and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals. It is through the Five -Year Capital Fund Action Plan and Annual Statement that SFCHA proposes capital needs and yearly expenditures based on awarded capital fund amounts. In addition to Santa Fe housing Sites, the SFCHA manages public housing in Espanola and manages Section 8 vouchers at multiple locations. These Plans are available for review on weekdays from 8:30 to 4:30 at 664 Alta Vista Street in Santa Fe and at 136 Calle Pajarito in Espanola. The Public Hearing will be conducted at the SFCHA Administration Building in Santa Fe, 664 Alta Vista Street. The Public Hearing will be held during the meeting of the Board of Commissioners on February 20, 2024 and will start at 5:30 PM. You may contact David Martinez, Deputy Director for additional information, including accessibility for persons with disabilities, Office 505-930-5901 or Cell 505-321-1689. This meeting will be accessible through Zoom, meeting information below: Zoom Meeting ID: 881 5595 0076 Passcode: 870727

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - Santa Fe Civic Housing (SFCHA) – will convene a public hearing to discuss the Annual/Five Year Plan on February 20, 2024.

The SFCHA Plan is a comprehensive guide to public housing agency policies, programs, operations and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals. It is through the Five Year and Annual Plan that the SFCHA receives capital funding. In addition to Santa Fe housing Sites, the SFCHA manages public housing in Espanola and manages Section 8 vouchers at multiple locations. The Annual plan is available for review on weekdays from 8:30 to 4:30 at 664 Alta Vista Street in Santa Fe and at 136 Calle Pajarito in Espanola. The Public Hearing will be conducted at the SFCHA Administration Building in Santa Fe, 664 Alta Vista Street. The Public Hearing will be held during the meeting of the Board of Commissioners on February 20, 2024 and will start at 5:30 PM. You may contact David Martinez, Deputy Director for additional information, including accessibility for persons with disabilities, Office 505-930-5901 or Cell 505-321-1689. This meeting will be accessible through Zoom, meeting information below: Zoom Meeting ID: 881 5595 0076 Passcode: 870727 Invite Link: https://us02web.zoom .us/j/88155950076?pw d=SkJyZmtuQ0MwWE ErRVArVTE4dW5TQT09

Bids can be downloaded from our webs i t e , w w w. g e n e ra l s e rvices.state.nm.us/stat epurchasing, Questions? Call (505) 8270472. Sealed bids will be publicly opened online via Microsoft Teams at 2:00 PM, MST/MDT on dates indicated. Request for Proposals are due at time indicated inside RFP and are not opened publicly. https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup -join/19%3ameeting_NDBmNmQzMDUtNzNjYi00YzUyLTky OGEtMTE5ZDZiMGRhOGE2%40thread.v2 /0?context=%7b%22Ti d%22%3a%2204aa6bf4 -d436-426f-bfa404b7a70e60ff%22%2c %22Oid%22%3a%2217 Invite Link: 362856-1f15-4445-851c- https://us02web.zoom d0a4af6e7161%22%7d .us/j/88155950076?pw d=SkJyZmtuQ0MwWE 1/8/2024 ErRVArVTE4dW5TQT09 40-80500-23-17041 NMDOT C i n d e r s , Pub: Dec 21, 28, 2023 Crushed Scoria Materials D-3

Pub: Dec 21, 28, 2023 LEGAL #92012 STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF SANTA FE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT Case No. D-101-PB-2023-00115 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PRISCILLIANO M. TRUJILLO, DECEASED

To Place A NOTICE OF HEARING Legal Notice PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the above-entitled cause has been 1/18/2024 Call scheduled for a hear40-80500-23-17068 ing before the HonorNMDOT Attenuators Francis J. Mathew, 986-3000 able and Supplies District Judge, Division 1/17/2024 40-80500-23-17066 NMDOT Delineators and Channelizing Devices

PUB: Dec. 28, 2023

I forContinued... the date, time, and place set forth below: Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Time: 11:30 a.m.

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B-6 THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN Thursday, December 28, 2023

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TIME OUT

ACROSS 1 Org. founded in 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers 4 “Hulk” action 9 Grill past perfection, say 13 Make one’s way, as through snow 14 Place for an Adirondack chair 15 Stockings 16 OPTO18 Spot food, perhaps 19 No. on a check 20 What’s the scoop?

21 Managed by 22 Bush hopper, informally 23 MAR 25 Movie shots that take a closer look 27 They’re mandatory 28 England’s largest all-boys boarding school 29 Portend 32 VALENTIN38 Audibly enthused 39 Emphatic type 41 Lieu 44 “Me as well!”

46 _IGS_ _

No. 1123

50 Bon ___ (good friend) 51 What the Dutch call “klompen” 52 Knock-off weapon?

53 Whole bunch 54 Replete (with) 55 BEL LY 57 At any point 58 Animal in a romp 59 A strong attraction, with “the” 60 “Star” follower, in Hollywood 61 Invalidates 62 Sean Taro ___ Lennon DOWN 1 Site of what many regard as the first Thanksgiving 2 How combatants may go 3 Agitation 4 Hunting tips?

5 Button-shaped bit of candy 6 Not quite perpendicular 7 Brawn 8 One taking the lion’s share 9 Repeats a mantra

10 “Time out!”

11 Trees that form colonies from a single root system 12 Corporate shuffle, for short 13 Actor Guy of “L.A. Confidential” 17 Not play it by ear 21 Seize illegally 24 “Are you awake?” response 26 “___ perfect world ...”

29 Flick of a flicker?

30 Sporty vehicle, in brief 31 Pan, e.g.

33 Intimidating sounds

34 Heading above a list 35 Company featured in the documentary “Game Over: Kasparov and the Machine” 36 What composers use to settle the score?

37 Grab and not let go 40 Activities 41 Important component of oral health 42 Double deal 43 Trimming tools 44 Acquires, as a penalty

45 How long it can feel like to wait 46 Major clothing retailer with both stores and catalogs 47 Second-most massive of the solar system’s known dwarf planets 48 Smith with the 1978 hit “Because the Night” 49 Where one might let sleeping dogs lie 55 Nonpublic domain extension 56 Howe’er

Thursday, December 28, 2023

HOCUS FOCUS

JUMBLE

Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes. com/mobilexword for more information.

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

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HOROSCOPE The stars show the kind of day you’ll have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023: You’re confident and passionate about whatever you do. You impress others with your energy and commitment to your goals.

In 2024, life will be enjoyable, lighthearted and playful!

MOON ALERT: Avoid shopping or important decisions from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST. After, the Moon moves into Leo. ARIES (March 21-April 19) HHH This is a tricky day! Don’t throw your weight around,

especially in matters related to politics and religion, because your efforts might be misguided. Tonight: Socialize.

your energy. Meanwhile, issues at work might be confusing.

Tonight: Check your belongings.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) HHH Avoid arguments with relatives, neighbors and siblings today, which might be tempting. Instead, enjoy time spent with partners and close friends.

Tonight: Cocoon.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) HHH Disputes about finances or your possessions might occur today. Ironically, financial discussions related to your job or your health will go well. Tonight: Conversations!

CANCER (June 21-July 22) HHHH Ego battles with partners and close friends might take place today. Don’t waste

CRYPTOQUIP

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) HHH Seek solitude and peace of mind today by staying in the background. You’ll enjoy redecorating and relaxing at home.

Steer clear of arguments with co-workers or issues about pets or your health. Tonight: You win.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) HHH Avoid power struggles with friends, groups and your kids today. Likewise, avoid a head-on collision with a romantic partner. Instead, appreciate your daily surroundings.

Tonight: Solitude.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) HHH You’re high-viz today, which is why it might be wise

TODAY IN HISTORY

to avoid a public argument or power struggle. Instead, use your influence for financial matters or boosting your earnings.

Tonight: Friendships.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) HHHH Travel plans appeal to you today! You’ll love a change of scenery and a chance to do something different. Be smart and avoid power struggles about finances and possessions. They will drain your energy. Tonight: You’re noticed.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) HHH Today is a mixed bag. You have lots of energy, which is why you might want to get outdoors and do your thing. But be careful. Avoid accidents. Efforts to enjoy solitude in beautiful surroundings will please you — guaranteed. Tonight: Explore!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) HHH Relations with friends and groups will be mutually sympathetic today. Nevertheless, you might find yourself at odds with a spouse, partner or close friend. Tonight: Check your finances.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) HHH Power struggles related to your job, health or a pet might arise today, which might lead to poor financial decisions about property or your belongings. Tonight: Cooperate.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) HHHH For your own good, avoid power struggles with romantic partners and your kids. Likewise, double-check instructions from authority figures because there could be confusion. Tonight: Work.

SHEINWOLD’S BRIDGE

THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN

D EA R A N N I E

Spouse is hurt when husband’s focus shifts Dear Annie: My husband — who is loving, hardworking and helpful around the house — slights me from time to time. I believe he loves me, but these slights really hurt and began to become a pattern about 12 years ago.

It happened for the first time in our marriage when his ex-girlfriend from 35 years ago showed up in our social circle. He would sit right next to her at events “because I was talking to others” or “already sitting.” When I told him I had saved him a seat and it would have been nice if we would have sat together and that I felt slighted and discounted, he said, “Well, I haven’t seen her in years, and I wanted to catch up.” Then, at several following events, it was the same way.

I trust my husband, so I didn’t say much until the ex-girlfriend would come to talk to him, not even acknowledging me. It was then that I finally spoke up and said, “I’m not understanding why she’s so important to you, and I feel disrespected.”

Then, during the pandemic, he was consistently over at his mother’s doing projects and having meals whenever he wasn’t at work. I even voiced that I was feeling isolated working from home so it would be nice if he could spend at least one day of the weekend with me and have an occasional meal together.

We planned to have dinner together, and just before our scheduled dinner, he said he was going to his mother’s for pizza.

Now one of my childhood friends has moved back to our state, and as we reconnected, my husband and her would get into discussions about outdoor activities. Next thing I know he is inviting her hunting (I don’t hunt). The first time they went it was with another buddy. I learned about it after the invite, the day before they were going, so there was no discussion. The next week it was just the two of them. I asked that he not spend time with her alone, stating that, after all, I don’t hang with other men alone. He did respect that request.

The most recent slight happened when we were going out on a double date with another couple. They came to pick us up, and when the woman got out of the car (to allow my husband to sit up front), my husband said, “Wow, you really look nice” and then opened the back door for her to get in.

My husband used to open doors for me. But he made no mention of my appearance or outfit. I just don’t understand. Any advice/ insight would be appreciated.

— Feeling Slighted Dear Feeling Slighted: I commend you for speaking up. Your husband may be the loving, trustworthy man that you feel he is — but if he’s not acting in a way that makes you feel loved and trusting, then you have an issue. It’s very easy to become so comfortable in a relationship that you wind up taking each other for granted. I recommend finding a couples therapist to help guide you both.

SUPER QUIZ Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the Graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

Subject: BOX

compliment.

Each answer is

Answer________

a word that ends

5. What is another

in “box.” (e.g.,

word for an accordion?

It preceded the

Answer________

refrigerator in homes.

6. A small, enclosed

Answer: Icebox.)

Today is Thursday, Dec. 28, the 362nd day of 2023. There are three days left in the year.

Today’s highlight in history: On Dec. 28, 2014, the U.S. war in Afghanistan, fought for 13 bloody years, came to a formal end with a quiet flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul that marked the transition of the fighting from U.S.-led combat troops to the country’s own security forces.

B-7

FRESHMAN LEVEL 1. A temporary platform used while making an impromptu public speech.

Answer________ 2. A machine that plays music when you put money in it.

Answer________ 3. “Close cover before striking” was seen on this box.

Answer________

KENKEN

gun emplacement (usually of fortified concrete).

Answer________ PH.D. LEVEL 7. “Who’s the little ____, the one with pretty auburn locks?”

Answer________ 8. Computer pages designed for testing and experimenting without affecting the system.

Answer________

Rules • Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 through 6 without repeating.

• The numbers within the heavily outlines boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners.

• Freebies: Fill in single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner.

GRADUATE LEVEL

9. A potentially

4. “She looked

explosive place or

as if she came out of a ____” is a

situation.

Answer________

ANSWERS: 1. Soapbox. 2. Jukebox. 3. Matchbox. 4. Bandbox.

5. Squeezebox. 6. Pillbox. 7. Chatterbox. 8. Sandbox.

9. Tinderbox.

SCORING: 18 points — congratulations, doctor; 15 to 17 points — honors graduate; 10 to 14 points — you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 4 to 9 points — you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 3 points — enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0 points — who reads the questions to you? (c) 2023 Ken Fisher

© 2023 KenKenPuzzle LLC Distributed by Andrews McMeel

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THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN

Thursday, December 28, 2023

WITHOUT RESERVATIONS

TUNDRA

BABY BLUES

B-8

PEANUTS

F MINUS

MACANUDO

LA CUCARACHA

RHYMES WITH ORANGE

ZITS

PICKLES

LUANN

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE

NON SEQUITUR