City of Las Cruces

Happy National Intern Day! 🌟

On July 16th, we celebrated the graduation of our interns (see the first photo), marking the culmination of their summer with us. This year, we're proud to recognize two outstanding internship programs: the Doña Ana County Summer Student Internship Program and the DACC Career & Life Skills Academy Internship.

The Doña Ana County program hosted 1500 participants, including 108 interns aged between 15 and 18 with the City of Las Cruces. Starting June 3rd, these bright minds contributed for about 7 weeks, gaining hands-on experience across various fields.

Our DACC Career and Life Skills Academy interns also began on June 3rd, wrapping up with valuable on-the-job training by the end of July or mid-August. Their hard work didn't go unnoticed!

And a shoutout to our Communications Office interns (see photo 2) from New Mexico State University! Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives have been a game-changer for us.

Hats off to all our interns—you're making waves and shaping the future! Happy National Intern Day, everyone! 🌟

Cariño to Security Guard Martín Monje! 🌟

We’re excited to share a heartwarming and lifesaving story that truly embodies the spirit of care and community.

Roadrunner Transit Director Mike Bartholomew shared this touching story:

"I wanted to share with you a wonderful act that a Security Concepts guard did here at the MVITT [Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal] this morning.

One of our drivers, Bobby Roman, was taking over the Route 1 bus at the MVITT to provide a break to the driver; he took a quick bite of food and began to choke. Security guard Martín Monje was there when it happened and quickly stepped in to administer the Heimlich maneuver, which dislodged the food blocking Mr. Roman’s airway. Thanks to Mr. Monje’s quick action, our driver was able to recover quickly and was able to eventually return to driving the bus."

We’re incredibly grateful for Martín Monje’s bravery and swift response. Thank you for going above and beyond to keep our community safe! 🫶🩵

July is Disability Pride Month! 🌟

This month, we celebrate the rich history and ongoing impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. As we continue to reflect on the ADA's profound impact, it's crucial to uplift the voices of those living with disabilities, celebrate their accomplishments, and foster a more inclusive community. The 2024 theme is “We Want a Life Like Yours” – a call for equality and understanding. 🤝

Meet Saron McKee, ADA Compliance Coordinator for the City of Las Cruces 🌟

What is Disability Pride?

“To me, disability pride means that I can access buildings and services while using my wheelchair. I remember many places were not accessible to me as a person with a disability growing up. The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) has changed the fabric of how we write policy and procedures as well as design buildings.” – Saron

What does Disability Pride Mean to you?

We’re excited to announce that Steven Perez, a dedicated Regulatory Compliance Analyst with Las Cruces Utilities since 2002, has been promoted to Deputy Director of Regulatory Compliance! 🌟

Steven officially stepped into his new role on June 30, 2024, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for him! 🎊

In his new position, Steven will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing the daily operations of our regulatory compliance programs, which include environmental initiatives, pollution prevention, utility safety, and water quality laboratory services. 🌍💧

“Steven has proven to be an outstanding employee and team player, and we’re pleased that he has accepted his new role with enthusiasm,” says Adrienne L. Widmer, P.E., Director of Las Cruces Utilities. “Steven and his family have deep roots in New Mexico, and he has a passion for serving our city.”

Perez has experience as a soil scientist with a surveying office in Arizona and as an environment scientist for an environmental consulting company in Carlsbad, N.M. He has also worked as a geoscientist overseeing groundwater discharge permits for the New Mexico Environment Department’s Ground Water Bureau in Santa Fe.

Perez is a 2012 graduate of New Mexico State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science. He is from Peralta, N.M. Steven and his wife have two daughters.

The City of Las Cruces is happy to unveil the City Strategic Plan Public Dashboard—our new interactive tool designed to keep you informed about the progress of our community’s goals! 🌟

The dashboard showcases progress in strategic themes such as Community Prosperity, Capital Improvements and Infrastructure, and Environmental Sustainability, featuring updates on nearly 500 actions from the Elevate Las Cruces Comprehensive Plan, which offers a long-term vision for the community over the next 25 years. Adopted by the City Council in 2021, the City of Las Cruces Strategic Plan is our guiding policy document for resource allocation from 2021 to 2026, setting priorities and goals based on a vision, mission, and values that form the foundation for City staff’s work and drive our community’s growth and progress toward a better future.

Head over to lascruces.gov/Transparency to check it out.

It will be updated regularly, so make sure to check back often!

For more information, questions, or comments, contact the Planning and Implementation section at [email protected].

Cariño to Customer Service Representative II, Lorie Grijalva! ✨

"I had a complicated problem with my Utility Hawk account. A change in email address and credit card issues created a complicated mess. Lori Grijalva solved all of the issues. I am impressed with her technical expertise and customer service skills.

Pat Lori on the back for a job well done!" - Robert Brown, Resident of Las Cruces

Thank you for showing !

With soaring daytime temperatures, we’re opening City cooling stations to offer a cool refuge for those in need. 🌡️

From now until Wednesday, July 17, 2024, you can beat the heat at the following locations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

🏢 Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center
304 W. Bell Ave. 📞 (575) 528-2455

🏢 Henry R. Benavidez Community Center
1045 McClure Road 📞 (575) 541-2006

🏢 Meerscheidt Recreation Center
1600 E. Hadley Ave. 📞 (575) 541-2563

🏢 Munson Center
975 S. Mesquite St. 📞 (575) 541-3000

🏢 Thomas Branigan Memorial Library
200 E. Picacho Ave. 📞 (575) 528-4000

Stay Safe in the Heat:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Stay in air-conditioned spaces
- Avoid the sun
- Check on loved ones and pets
- Limit outdoor activities to early morning or evening

For updates or to verify the status of a cooling station, please call ahead. Stay cool, Las Cruces! 😎

You're invited to witness the creativity and vision of the finalists for the new Fire Station 9 public art project! 🎨✨🚒

🗓 Date: Tuesday, July 23
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Conference Room 2007A, City Hall, 700 N. Main St.

Come and support these talented artists as they unveil their design concepts that celebrate the history, spirit, and community of our local firefighters. 🔥👨‍🚒👩‍🚒 Each artist will have 30 minutes to present their unique vision for transforming Fire Station 9 into a vibrant and inspiring focal point!

Here’s the schedule for the presentations:
- 4:00 PM: First Finalist
- 4:45 PM: Second Finalist
- 5:30 PM: Third Finalist

Your presence will help shape the future of this special project. After the presentations, the Quality of Life/Las Cruces Public Art selection committee will discuss and select the winning design, which will be presented to the City Art Board and City Council for final approval.

It’s Friday! 🫶❤️ What makes Las Cruces, Las Cruces? Cariño! Cariño is the love, care, and affection we, as a city organization, put into our community.

Go to www.lascruces.gov/carino to submit your own story of experiencing cariño from the city!

Happy National Swimming Pool Day! 🏊‍♀️🎉

Did you know that July is also National Parks and Recreation Month? 🌳🎉 It’s the perfect time to dive into some summer fun right here in Las Cruces! ☀️

Here’s where you can enjoy a nice pool day:

Natatorium
📍 1405 E Hadley Ave
⏰ Lap Swim: Mon-Fri 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8 PM, Sat 8 AM - 12 PM. Closed on Sundays.

East Mesa Bataan Memorial Pool
📍 6141 Reynolds Drive
⏰ Open Swim: Tue-Sun Noon - 3 PM & 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Laabs Pool
📍 701 W. Picacho Avenue
⏰ Open Swim: Tue-Sun Noon - 3 PM & 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center
📍 1401 E. Hadley Avenue
⏰ Fitness & Gym: Mon-Fri 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM, Sat 8 AM - 7 PM, Sun Noon - 6:30 PM.

So grab your swimsuit and get ready for some poolside fun! Let’s celebrate National Swimming Pool Day and National Parks and Recreation Month together! 🎉🌞

The City of Las Cruces hired a consultant to evaluate a sinkhole on Regal Ridge Street that occurred on May 6, 2024. The evaluation was done as a matter of public safety and to assess the risk to public infrastructure. This report is now complete and available as a public record. Follow the link to below to access the Public Records Center: https://tinyurl.com/CLCPublicRecordsCenter

Public Records Center | Las Cruces, NM The City of Las Cruces hired a consultant to evaluate a sinkhole on Regal Ridge Street that occurred on May 6, 2024. The evaluation was done as a matter of public safety and to assess the risk to publ . . .

Cariño to Amelia Corrales, Keep Las Cruces Beautiful Program Coordinator! ✨

"We want to congratulate Mrs. Amelia Corrales, Keep Las Cruces Beautiful Program Coordinator on completing her Master’s in Business Administration degree recently. We are so thrilled that you reached your goal. You inspire by having such ambitious dreams, and then working hard to achieve them. We are proud of you and appreciate what you do for this organization and the community. Cheers to you for a job well done!"

Thank you for your work in keeping Las Cruces beautiful, while also accomplishing the completion of your MBA!

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Get ready for an evening of fun and live music! 🎶 The Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department is hosting Vegas McGraw - Tim McGraw Tribute Band and the Million Dollar McGraw Show as part of the Summer Community Concert Series!

The free show will be held at 7 PM Sunday July 14 at Young Park, 1905 E. Nevada Ave. ✨

Vegas McGraw’s tribute to country music legend Tim McGraw has captivated fans for more than a decade with performances in 46 states, Australia, Mexico and Canada. Along with honoring Tim McGraw, Vegas McGraw brings to life the Million Dollar Quartet with a Vegas twist to the songs of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

As an award-winning tribute act, Vegas McGraw recently won Episode 3 of the TV show "Clash of the Cover Bands." Adam D. Tucker, known as Vegas McGraw throughout his career, has been the opening act for huge stars such as Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Reba McEntire and many more.

Don't miss out and mark your calendars for THIS SUNDAY! 🤠🎸

A blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday July 10, 2024 at Las Cruces City Hall, 700 N. Main Street. Please click on the link below to schedule a time to donate.

For more information call Vitalant 877-25-VITAL or visit Vitalant.org.

Get a free T-shirt and a chance to Win a Harley.

https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa/appointment/guest/phl/timeSlotsExtr?token=1bYikF8FNvly8ZlPGulvRhM629tV5IuX8jplU5plWlg%3D

The City of Las Cruces and Las Cruces Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce the 2024 Electric Light Parade winners! 🏆 Congratulations to all!

🌟 BEST OVERALL FLOAT: Hernandez Plumbing Heating and Cooling

🎪 COMMERCIAL FLOAT WINNERS:
1st Place: Little Playmates
2nd Place: The Salvation Army Las Cruces Corps
3rd Place: Zia Natural Gas company

🎈 NON-COMMERCIAL FLOAT WINNERS:
1st Place: Amantes de Los Globos de Las Cruces
2nd Place: Las Cruces Police / Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces
3rd Place: Friends of the Community

This year's theme, "Rockin’ In The USA!", brought out amazing creativity and community spirit. Thank you to everyone who made this parade unforgettable! 🎶🎉

Celebrate the end of Summer Reading with the Las Cruces Public Libraries at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Avenue.

There will be a special magic show with the Amazing Adrian's Magic Shows, sponsored by the Friends of Thomas Branigan Memorial Library. There is still time to log your minutes and claim your prizes!

All ages can participate in the Summer Reading Program that runs from June 1 through July 13. Participants are encouraged to read for 20 minutes a day. Children and teens will receive prizes every 7 days, while adults will receive prizes every 14 days. Prizes were graciously sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library. Additional prizes were generously donated by the Eastern New Mexico University and the City of Las Cruces.

Happy 4th of July from the City of Las Cruces! 🇺🇸

City Hall and most city facilities are closed today in observance of Independence Day.

We hope to see you all at the 4th of July celebration concert at Pat and Lou Sisbarro Community Park, NMSU Campus, 3205 Arrowhead Drive. Music starts at 6pm and the fireworks display will begin around 9:45pm! 🎶

Cariño to Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Youth Program Specialist, Shannon Christie! ✨

As we continue to recognize our city employees through our cariño initiative, Shannon has been shining a spotlight on individuals in our community through a community-driven social media group. Today, we want to give a shoutout to Shannon for spreading kindness and positivity to those outside of our organization and within our city. Thank you for your dedication to spreading positivity and for your efforts to uplift our community! Cariño is the heart of our city.

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There's still time to vote for the Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces in the 16th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration™ by American Farmland Trust! 🌾☀️

In 2024, the Celebration will award $15,000 in total cash awards to the top five markets in America--$5,000 for first, $2,500 for second, $1,500 for third, $750 for fourth, $250 for fifth, and $100 to first in each state. These funds will be awarded to markets for marketing, communications, and other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact.

Go to markets.farmland.org and search for Las Cruces! Voting closes July 31st, 2024.

As a partner with Downtown Las Cruces Partnership and Arts and Cultural District (DLCP) we encourage you to take this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5J6ZSHF

Downtown Las Cruces Partnership and Arts and Cultural District Our mission is to create a signature business destination that celebrates our region’s rich culture.

Public Safety Survey

The City wants your input on public safety services provided by the Las Cruces Police Department and the Las Cruces Fire Department.

Please consider taking a few minutes to provide your input and help us improve the programs and services provided by the fire and police departments. All responses will be kept strictly confidential and will not be identified with any individual respondent.

The survey should take 15-16 minutes to complete.

Please, only complete this survey if you are 18 years of age or older and a resident of the City of Las Cruces. Thank you, in advance, for your time and honesty.
https://polco.us/n/res/vote/las-cruces-nm/las-cruces-2024-public-safety-community-survey?

The Las Cruces Fire Department graduated 20 cadets from its 37th Fire Academy.

Fire graduates include Nate Armendariz, Randy J. Ceballos, Andrew Isaac Corral, Ariel Edkin, Carlos Manuel Escamilla, Jared Lee Evaro, Joseph Guerrero, Erin Lara, Isaac Marin, Bryson P. Medeiros, Steven Ray Montoya, George Anthony Nino, Gerson Oronia, Josiah Gilbert Paez, Ryan T. Peraita, Diego E. Renteria, Miguel Rubalcaba, Derik J. Sanchez, Augustine Wang and Troy Weir.

Congratulations!

The City of Las Cruces has named retired Army Sgt. Joey Banegas ​as Grand Marshal of the Electric Light Parade that begins at 9 pm Wednesday, July 3, at Apodaca Park, 801 E. Madrid Ave!

Banegas, from Hatch, was 17 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1999 and became an infantryman. Banegas served as a specialist and 50-caliber anti-tank gunner in the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Division when, in 2004, he was chosen as one of about 100 soldiers to support a special forces group in south-central Afghanistan.

On 10/10/04, Banegas joined a small convoy with the important task of transporting ballot boxes from that year’s Afghanistan presidential election. While he was manning the gun on the lead Humvee, Taliban fighters ambushed the convoy and his vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled gr***de.

As the burning Humvee filled with smoke and was blasted with gunfire, Banegas saw his severely injured lieutenant attempting to get out of the vehicle. Banegas, with a piece of shrapnel lodged in his thigh, rescued the officer before returning to the Humvee and retrieving the gun. All 10 soldiers in the convoy survived and were successful in delivering the ballots.

After 4 days of recovery, Banegas ventured on a resupply mission in the same area as the incident earlier that week. This time, an improvised explosive device detonated nearby taking the lives of two of Banegas' fellow soldiers and causing severe injuries to his right leg. Banegas ultimately lost that leg and the injury led his to medical retirement after just six years of service.

While southern New Mexico is always home, Banegas now resides in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and children. He returned to boxing, a favorite childhood sport of his, and joined the National Amputee Boxing Association. He was the first amputee to fight in an officially sanctioned amputee boxing match main event in the state of Texas. Now equipped with the confidence to pursue his dreams, Banegas also earned an advanced scuba diving certification for a pastime he has found to be incredibly therapeutic.

To read his full bio follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/JoeyBanegas

The City of Las Cruces thanks and honors Sgt. Joey Banegas!

Today, our city employees showed their support for the LGBTQ+ community! 🏳️‍🌈 Happy Pride Month from all of us at the City of Las Cruces! Let's continue spreading love, acceptance, and equality. 🫶

Today marked the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the grand opening of the NEW Animal Services Center at 3551 Bataan Memorial West! 🐾

Thanks to Las Cruces voters and additional support from the American Rescue Plan Act, the $11.3 million facility is now a reality, boasting improved kennels, administrative offices, and covering a spacious 18,000 square feet.

This modern ASCMV is set to make a huge impact, providing a space for over 10,000 animals yearly.