Central & San Mateo Recycling Site Will be Replaced Soon

Many have noticed the recyclable drop-off site at Central and San Mateo, inside the Wal-Mart parking lot, has been removed. About two weeks ago, Wal-Mart informed the City to remove the recycling site and since then the City of Albuquerque has been searching for a nearby site to place the large bins.

We understand that many residents used this drop off site and we are working to get another site up very soon. We apologize for any inconvenience and ask you to use another drop-off site in the area and we can keep you updated when the new location is set up.

Click here for a map of other recycling drop-off sites.

WATER AUTHORITY CUSTOMERS MEET ANNUAL CONSERVATION GOAL WITH BEST-EVER USAGE NUMBERS

from the Water Utility Authority

Albuquerque, Jan. 13 – Water Authority customers used six gallons less per person per day in 2008 than in 2007, bringing the metro area’s daily per-person water usage down to 161 gallons – the lowest per-person usage on record and four gallons below the 165-gallon annual goal for 2008.
"This is a tremendous achievement by our customers," said Water Authority Chair Deanna Archuleta. "We have cut our per capita consumption by an amazing 91 gallons per day since 1994, keeping us on track to meet our long-term conservation goals."
The Water Authority, which must reduce per-capita water consumption under state requirements for the San Juan-Chama Drinking Water Project, has set a usage goal of 150 gallons per person per day by 2014. The goal for 2009 is 159 gallons per person.
Archuleta said much credit for the success in 2008 goes to the 1-2-3-2-1 "Water by the Numbers" program, which asked Water Authority customers to voluntarily limit their outdoor water usage to one day per week in March, two days a week in April and May and three days a week in the summer before ramping down in the fall.
"For 2009, we are asking all our customers to save just two additional gallons per day," Archuleta said. "We can do it if everyone sticks with the 1-2-3-2-1 formula for outdoor irrigation while looking for a few additional ways to save water. We’ll be providing a top-10 list of ways to do this, and at the top of that list will be toilet replacement."
Water Authority customers replaced more than 8,500 water-guzzling high-flow toilets with low-flow models in 2008 (year two of "The Great Flush Rush" campaign) and earned almost $1 million in rebates. The estimated yearly water savings: 30 million gallons. Rebates of $100 per toilet will be available for low-flow toilets through the end of 2009, at which time the toilet rebate program will end. Water Authority customers can qualify for rebates of $200 for super high-efficiency toilets, and rebates also are available for hot-water recirculation systems, multi-setting sprinkler controllers, rain sensors, rain barrels, compost, and replacement of turf with low-water use landscaping (xeriscaping). More information is available at http://www.abcwua.org//ohttp://www.abcwua.org/

Increased Noise WIll be Heard from KAFB

from a Kirtaland Air Force Base News Release;

Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico - The New Mexico Air National Guard, 150th Fighter Wing is conducting an Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE), from January 8 – 12, 2009. This exercise is in preparation for an evaluation team, from the United States Air Force Air Combat Command, to conduct an Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), of the 150th Fighter Wing in February 2009. Preparation for the inspection has included numerous training scenarios that have taken place throughout the past year, including the current ORE. This training has required enormous support from unit members and their employers.

During the January 10-12, 2009 exercise period, area residents should be aware, but not alarmed, that this training will include the simulation of explosives and small arms fire. An increase in aircraft flying activity during day and night-time hours is also anticipated during this time. Activities are expected to begin around 2:00 a.m. on January 10, 2008 and end at approximately 2:00 a.m. on January 12, 2009. We appreciate the communities continued support as we prepare both for our wartime mission and upcoming inspection.

Members of the 150th Fighter Wing, New Mexico Air National Guard, prepare and train to perform our missions as they are assigned to us. We support our nation’s war against terrorism and all other war time contingencies both at home and abroad.

Congrats to a Friend

We wanted to post this link to Democracy for New Mexico, to congratulate our friend Javier Benavidez on his new post in Congressman Martin Heinrich's local office. Javier will be the Coordinator of Community Engagement.

Javier has deep roots in City Council District 6 and we look forward to continuing to work with him and the community.

Albuquerque Indian Center to Receive Money to Equip Newly Renovated Kitchen

The Albuquerque Indian Center, located at 105 Texas St in the SE Heights of Albuquerque, provides services and programs that cater to the Native American Community.

The AIC strives to empower the community by promoting wellness, healing, self-sufficiency, traditions, and to educate and inform public about the indigenous culture in Albuquerque.

The large Native American community in Albuquerque benefits from the AIC and will continue to because the Albuquerque City Council has approved $5,500 for kitchen equipment in their newly renovated kitchen.

After inviting City Councilor Rey Garduño to the center, Garduño was able to amass support from the Council to appropriate money to equip the kitchen.

The equipment and kitchen will provide a space for the center to conduct cooking classes, restaurant business trainings, and their large community meals. Their goal is to be an asset by providing not only kitchen training but business training to community members that are looking to open a small business or restaurant. Giving aspiring entrepreneurs all the tools they will need for a new business.

The AIC also hosts community meals 2-3 times a year as well as food, clothing, and jacket give-aways. The AIC’s last give-away attracted about 500 people.

The AIC is not only available to Native Americans, from the total amount of people served, 70% is Native American, 20% Hispanic, and 5% mixed.

There will be a press conference and check distribution at the Albuquerque Indian Center TODAY at 2:00 pm. The AIC staff and board will be joined by City Councilor Rey Garduño.