Main Library Media Room Closing For Reorganization

Just a reminder that today is the last day Media Services at Main will be open. We apologize for any inconvenience to our patrons.

On June 1 the Main Library at 145 Washington Avenue will close the media room to begin the process of reorganizing the public spaces in the library to better serve our patrons.

To access media materials, patrons may place holds on media which will be available for pickup at the Circulation Desk. Patrons may also access media items at the La Farge and Southside Branches.

The reorganizing will include incorporating the media collection into the downstairs book collection. This will include the moving of audio books, CDs and DVDs. The first step will begin by moving the audiobooks to shelving in the large type book area.

To place a hold on any library item, patrons may call any of the libraries or go on line to www.santafelibrary.org. The Main Library can be called at 955-6781 or 955-6785; La Farge Branch at 955-4860 or Southside Branch at 955-2820. Materials on hold may be sent to the library chosen by the patron for pick up.

Digging into Science at the Main Library

City Launches New Water Conservation Website

The City of Santa Fe Water Conservation Office has launched a new user-friendly water conservation website to help customers preserve Santa Fe’s limited water resources and save money on water bills.

The new site has features to make searching, site navigation, and mobile browsing easier and more enjoyable. The technologically advanced, intuitive design provides quick access to site resources by displaying important content more prominently. The site’s revamped search function assists in finding relevant content more easily and effectively.

“The new website is better equipped to make it easier for customers to find the tools, resources and answers they need to save water and lower their water bills,” said Laurie Trevizo, City Water Conservation Manage.

“Our goal is to provide residents and businesses of Santa Fe with all the information and resources they need into one convenient site,” said Trevizo.

The new site includes tools to help customers calculate home and landscape water use and potential savings, rebate forms, drought updates, regulations, water restrictions, conservation education, and many tips and resource links on how to save inside or outside the home or at work.

To view and bookmark the site, please visit www.savewatersantafe.com. 

All Branches of SFPL Closed Monday, May 27

Don't forget: all Library branches will be closed tomorrow, Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day.

2013 Santa Fe Heritage Preservation Awards Presented May 30, 2013

The community is invited to attend the City of Santa Fe’s 2013 Heritage Preservation Awards on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. The awards ceremony will take place in the Great Room of the National Park Service Old Santa Fe Trail Building, with refreshments to follow in the courtyard. The Old Santa Fe Trail Building is located at 1100 Old Santa Fe Trail. Parking is provided onsite. This event is part of the Heritage Preservation Month.

The annual awards are presented by the City of Santa Fe Historic Preservation Division, the Historic Santa Fe Foundation, and the Old Santa Fe Association, highlight achievements in historic preservation and archaeology in the City of Santa Fe. The 2013 awards represent projects completed in the last two years.

The award categories and recipients are:

City of Santa Fe Historic Preservation Division

Archaeology Awards:

Public Service Company of New Mexico

Historic Downtown Archaeological Review District

Philip Alarid and Office of Archaeological Studies

616 East Alameda Street

Architectural Preservation Awards:

Raaga Fine Indian Dining and Plan A Architecture, LLC

544-B Agua Fria Street

Schmitt & Associates Inc. and Sees Design

607 East Palace Avenue

Architectural Restoration Award

Fabu-Wall-ous Solutions and Feather & Gill Architects

623-A Garcia Street

Compatible New Construction Award:

Fabu-Wall-ous Solutions and Feather & Gill Architects

623-B Garcia Street

Service Awards:

Rad Acton, Historic Districts Review Board member

Jeremy Kulisheck, Archaeological Review Committee member

Sara Melton Award:

Marilyn Bane

Historic Santa Fe Foundation

Stewardship Award:

Scottish Rite Masonic Center and Library

463 Paseo de Peralta

Old Santa Fe Association

Cultural Preservation Award:

Acequia Madre Community Acequia Association

Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Preservation

Senator Peter Wirth and Representative Brian Egolf

Water History Museum Legislative Appropriation

It’s Not Too Late to Nominate Your Favorite Artist for the Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards!

Public Invited to Nominate Artists and Organizations

Deadline May 31^st

Mayor David Coss and the City of Santa Fe Arts Commission are currently seeking nominations for the 2013 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. Now in its 24^th year, the annual Mayor’s Awards recognize the outstanding contributions that individuals, organizations, and businesses have made to the Santa Fe arts community. Any member of the public may nominate an artist, writer, performer, philanthropist, organization, or business for consideration. Nominees should have a demonstrated, sustained commitment to the Santa Fe arts community with a lasting impact. Young artists who have demonstrated artistic excellence and extraordinary commitment to their artistic pursuits may be nominated for the Melissa Engestrom Youth Arts Award. Mayor Coss will present selected recipients with their awards at a dinner on Thursday, October 10, 2013. Information and nomination forms are available on the Arts Commission’s website, www.SantaFeArtsCommission.org, or by calling 505-955-6707. The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, May 31, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

Individuals over 21 years of age are eligible to be nominated for the Mayor’s Award. Youth 21 years of age and younger may be nominated for the Engestrom Youth Award. Past recipients of the Mayor’s Awards as well as those who have received the Governor’s Arts Awards within the past five years may not be nominated.

Main Media Closing June 1

On June 1 the Main Library at 145 Washington Avenue will close the media room to begin the process of reorganizing the public spaces in the library to better serve our patrons.

  

To access media materials, patrons may place holds on media which will be available for pickup at the Circulation Desk. Patrons may also access media items at the La Farge and Southside Branches.

The reorganizing will include incorporating the media collection into the downstairs book collection. This will include the moving of audio books, CDs and DVDs. The first step will begin by moving the audiobooks to shelving in the large type book area.  

To place a hold on any library item, patrons may call any of the libraries or go on line to www.santafelibrary.org  The Main Library can be called at 955-6781 or 955-6785; La Farge Branch at 955-4860 or Southside Branch at 955-2820. Materials on hold may be sent to the library chosen by the patron for pick up. The Library regrets any inconvenience this may cause our patrons.

Dig Into Reading Summer Program Schedule

(click to enlarge)

Check out La Farge Branch's adorable summer reading display!

Display and photos by WC

Governor Susana Martinez Announces Four Summer Reading Challenges for New Mexico Students

Sponsored by numerous statewide community partners, reading contests offer exciting prizes to students who read over the summer

On March 22nd, Governor Susana Martinez announced the launch of four summer reading challenges for New Mexico children.  The programs are sponsored by a variety of statewide community partners and offer an array of exciting prizes for participating students and winners. 

The summer reading challenges are designed to stop the “summer slide,” where students often lose a portion of their reading proficiency during the summer months and must catch up on their skills when they return to school in August. 

“Learning to read well at an early age is critical to academic success and, ultimately, to success in the workplace and in life,” said Governor Martinez. “I am incredibly excited by the tremendous community involvement and partnerships that we have developed in creating and launching these reading challenges, and I’m hopeful New Mexico students will read throughout the summer and take advantage of the neat prizes and adventures we have in store for them.”

Three of the reading challenges are brand new, and the fourth is an existing summer reading program which the State is joining as a partner.  Under each program, students who read six books will receive a few small prizes, and those who choose to read an additional six books (and in some cases, submit a short write-up) will receive further awards and be eligible to win a grand prize. 

Details about each reading challenge are outlined below, and more information, including downloadable versions of each contest’s reading log, can be found online at www.ReadingChallenge.ped.state.nm.us. Follow the link to print out your reading log for one or more of the reading challenges!

Crew from the USS Santa Fe Visit Memorial Day Weekend

The City of Santa Fe and the USS Santa Fe Committee are hosting a visit of ten crewmembers from the 52^nd Los Angeles class fast attack nuclear-powered submarine, also dubbed the USS Santa Fe (SSN-763), over Memorial Day weekend. The group arrives tomorrow and has a full schedule of events in the capitol city including: a service day at Kitchen Angels, Plaza Monument cleanup, attending a Fuego baseball game, volunteering to place flags at the Santa Fe National Cemetery and crewmembers will also participate in the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

The USS Santa Fe Committee spearheaded the visit by holding several fundraising activities to pay for the crew to visit the city their ship is named after. The USS Santa Fe is a Los Angeles class nuclear attack submarine based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii lead by Commander Timothy Poe who will be accompanying the crewmembers. The submarine was commissioned in 1994.

The USS Santa Fe (CL-60), a Cleveland-class light cruiser, was the first ship in the United States Navy to be named for our city when it was launched June 10, 1942. We take pride in knowing that the sailors on this ship played a crucial role in the events leading up to World War II, and continued to defend our country throughout the war. The USS Santa Fe eventually was decommissioned in October 29, 1946.

The original bell and wheel that were attached to the steering rudder, the production sign from the New York Shipbuilding Co. of Camden, New Jersey, and the ship's compass are on display at the Marcy Street entrance to City Hall.

Below is a summary of some of the highlights of the USS Santa Fe crewmember’s agenda:

Wednesday, May 22^nd           Crew Arrives

Thursday, May 23^rd               Service Day 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at:

                                                Kitchen Angels (provides free meals to homebound residents)

1222 Siler Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507

Friday, May 24^th                     Santa Fe National Cemetery - post 14,000 flags on graves

Saturday, May 25^th                San Ildefonso Pueblo Feast Day 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 26^th         Fuegos Baseball Game Tailgate Party, Fort Marcy Park – 3:00 p.m.

Game 6:00 p.m. The president of St. John's College will throw out the first pitch, Commander Poe will catch. Tickets are $6.

Monday, May 27^th      Memorial Day, ceremony at Santa Fe National Cemetery 10:00 a.m.

Seeking Candidates for Santa Fe Public Library Board

The Santa Fe Public Library is seeking candidates for the Library Board.  Members are appointed by the Mayor to represent the residents of Santa Fe.  There are two City positions that need to be filled. Board members serve for three years. The Library Board members serve without compensation.

The seven member Library Board was created as an advisory board to the City Council and is charged with working with the Library administration to provide advice on policies such as on the use of the library, book selection, acceptance of gifts and bequests, management and operation and such matters as a public library board may properly set policy on. The Library Board meets monthly.

Interested residents may apply by submitting a letter of interest and a resume to:

Maria Finley

Santa Fe Public Library

145 Washington Avenue

Santa Fe 87501

Or hand-deliver to the Main Library, 145 Washington Avenue, by 5:00 pm on June 17.

“Cumulous Skies: The Enduring Modernist Aesthetic in New Mexico” Free Art Panel Discussions

The City of Santa Fe Arts Commission will present a series of programming in affiliation with the current Community Gallery exhibit, “Cumulous Skies,” which focuses on the enduring Modernist aesthetic in New Mexico. All events take place at the Community Gallery, 201 West Marcy Street, inside the Santa Fe Community Convention Center and are free and open to the public. For more information call, 505-955-6705 or email rdlambert@santafenm.gov.

New Mexico Modernists in Context, Thursday, May 23, 6-7 p.m.

Why were artists drawn to New Mexico in the early 20th century and how does the work of these Modernist painters compare and relate to Modernist artists who worked exclusively in other parts of the United States or Europe? Is their work as highly-regarded and influential on contemporary art as the Modernist painters that worked exclusively in other regions of the United States and Europe? Join panelists, David Clemmer, art historian, critic and writer, Cody Hartley, Director of Curatorial Affairs of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and Joe Traugott, Curator of 20th Century Art at the New Mexico Museum of Art for this fascinating discussion.

New Mexico Modernism and Cross-Cultural Influences, Thursday, June 6, 6-7 p.m.

The panel will explore the cross influences of indigenous culture in New Mexico on the Modernist painters who came to New Mexico in the early 20th century and the influence of the Modernist's work on Native American, Hispanic and Anglo artists. The panel will discuss both historical and contemporary artists. This outstanding panel includes Kathryn M Davis, art historian, critic and writer Carolyn Kastner, Curator at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and Victoria Rowe, owner, Addison Rowe Fine Art which specializes in New Mexico Modernist painting.

“Cumulous Skies” was curated by Lawrence Fodor. Fodor moved to New Mexico in 1989 from Santa Barbara, California. He studied painting, printmaking and art history at Orange Coast College and completed graduate work at Otis Art Institute in Lox Angeles. In addition to his studio practice, he worked as a master printmaker at Grey Arrow Press in Santa Barbara and Black Mesa Studio in La Mesilla, New Mexico, directed the contemporary department of Peyton Wright Gallery and was a curator/consultant for Charlotte Jackson and Linda Durham Contemporary Art at national and international art fairs. For the past ten years he has focused his full time attention to his studio practice, which includes painting and photography, and actively exhibits in galleries, museums and institutions throughout the United States.

The Community Gallery promotes, sells and exhibits the work of New Mexico artists and artisans, with the emphasis on Santa Fe, through exhibitions, professional training and community involvement in the arts. Community Gallery programming provides a range of services, exhibitions and activities that engage the public as well as support the efforts of local artists and artisans. As a result, the gallery is a hub for viewing and exhibiting exciting artworks and brings the community to art as well as art to the community.  For more information about the Community Gallery, visit www.SantaFeArtsCommission.org, send an email to rdlambert@santafenm.gov or call 505-955-6705.

This exhibit and programming is partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.

High Speed Internet Project Launched

A $1 million broadband infrastructure project to improve Internet speed, pricing and availability in Santa Fe is beginning today. This has been a priority for City of Santa Fe Economic Development for almost five years. A Request for Qualifications is being issued to selected firms to compete for the opportunity to design, build, own and operate a fiber-optic link from downtown Santa Fe to the St. Michael’s Drive corridor.

“It’s wonderful that we will finally be able to build this project and improve Internet in Santa Fe,” said Mayor David Coss. “The City Council heard the request from businesses and community members and made it a priority for our bond funding.”

The project was authorized by the City Council as part of a Capital Improvements Program bond issue in 2012. Once complete it will enable local Internet providers to increase their network capacities and reduce costs. In turn this will translate into better speeds and lower prices for customers. Slow and expensive Internet has been a recurring complaint among local residents and businesses.

Physically the project consists of a fiber optic cable running inside an underground pipe. Data is transmitted from one end of the cable to the other over strands of glass fiber using a signal composed entirely of visible light. This technology allows for extremely high data speeds, very low power consumption and no electromagnetic noise or interference. The cable will follow city streets using “directional boring” construction techniques which drastically reduce traffic impacts and asphalt cutting, trenching and patching. The only visual evidence of the completed project will be new manholes along the route.

Santa Fe is considered “well-served” in a national ranking of the number of local providers, geographical availability and median level of service. Every home and most businesses already have two physical routes to the Internet: A telephone line and a television cable. In addition to these physical connections, mobile devices, as well as small, fixed antennas attached to the outside of buildings; provide Internet to an increasing number of individuals, residences and businesses. But in spite of this abundance of pathways, there is a crucial missing link in the infrastructure, an enduring legacy of the former telephone monopoly. This missing link spans from the central telephone office to a location about two miles away where several fiber optic cables emerge from the ground after traversing many miles of road, railroad and countryside from remote junctions across the state. Absent this two-mile link, local providers have only one way to connect to the outside world, and must pay a steep toll on the data transmitted over it. This effectively limits the levels of service they offer their customers. The project being launched today will bridge that gap, allowing providers for the first time to shop for better toll rates, interconnect with their choice of carriers, and increase levels of customer service.

Once the project is operational, it is expected that local providers will begin to offer improved high speed Internet to businesses and institutions along the route, which will run through the Railyard to St. Michael’s Drive. Airport Road and other areas will achieve similar availability as demand grows and providers extend the network to serve customers in those areas.

Call for New Mexico Furniture Artists for Upcoming Exhibit of Artist Chairs

The City of Santa Fe Arts Commission Community Gallery is seeking artists to participate in an upcoming exhibition featuring New Mexico furniture artists. In the music world, an orchestra awards a musician a chair or seat based on their ability. The best player in a particular section is given the “principal seat” or “first chair” in a band or orchestra. The chair exhibit will feature the best chairs produced by local furniture craftspeople in New Mexico. All types of furniture-makers, from traditional to modern and sculptural to functional, are encouraged to submit portfolios for consideration. This exhibit will feature approximately 30 chairs created by local artists.

The Community Gallery is planning the exhibit to run from June through August 2014. Artists are asked to provide portfolios of previous work for review no later than June 28, 2013. Artists will be notified of their participation by the end of July, 2013.

Interested artists should submit a portfolio of their work to Rod Lambert, Community Gallery Manager.  Portfolios should consist of 5-10 printed images of the artist’s work on standard digital print paper and an artist statement, resume and/or bio. Please be sure to include a cover letter stating your interest in being considered for “Chairs” as well as complete contact information Portfolios should be addressed to Community Gallery, PO Box 909, Santa Fe, NM 87504. Portfolios must be received by June 28, 2013 for consideration.

The Community Gallery promotes and exhibits the work of New Mexico artists and artisans, with the emphasis on Santa Fe, through exhibitions, professional training and community involvement in the arts. For more information about the Community Gallery, visit www.SantaFeArtsCommission.org, send an email to rdlambert@santafenm.gov or call 505-955-6705.

"Dig Into Reading" Children's Summer Reading program

Toddlers and children up to 12 years of age are eligible to participate in the 2013 Dig into Reading Summer Reading Program. Children may read on their own or parents (grandparents, etc.) may read to their children. They can read their own books or library books.

Please register and turn in logs at only one library branch. When you register in the children's room of your library, you will receive a free book bag. In your book bag is the first reading log.

Children must read six books or 6 chapters of a book and record the titles on their weekly log. Once a week, bring the log to the children's desk in your library and receive a prize.

Starting with the 3rd log, the child may complete an entry card for the free bike drawing. This means that if your child completes all 7 weekly reading logs, the child will have 5 chances to win the free bike drawing! Each library branch will give away one girl's bike and one boy's bike, along with helmets for a different size if necessary. Drawings will be held at the end-of-summer party at each branch. (Entrants need not be present to win.)

All children who participate in the summer reading program are invited to a party at the end of the 8 week program at their library branch. Each child will receive a certificate showing their reading accomplishment.

Registration begins Saturday, May 25th and ends Wednesday, July 10th. No reading logs will be accepted the day of the parties.

If you have any questions, contact the children's department at your library. Happy reading!

Cities Mobilize For National Kids to Parks Day

City of Santa Fe and Boys and Girls Club of Santa Fe Signs On for May 18

Nationwide Park Celebration

Hundreds of thousands of children nationwide, including here in Santa Fe, New Mexico will take part in a grassroots movement to discover America’s parks through play on Saturday, May 18, to commemorate National Park Trust’s (NPT) third annual National Kids to Parks Day.

Mayor David Coss recently proclaimed National Kids to Parks day in Santa Fe and encourages locals to participate by exploring Frenchy’s Park, John Griego Park, Alto Park and the trails along the Santa Fe River.

“Santa Fe is committed to healthy living and our wonderful parks and recreation areas like Alto Park provide excellent spaces for outdoor play. I invite all Santa Fe residents to join me outdoors on May 18, for National Kids to Parks Day,” said Mayor David Coss.

At a time when an obesity epidemic touches nearly 1 in 3 children who are either overweight or obese, communities are witnessing sky-rocketing rates of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels in children. Like Santa Fe, other cities across the nation are committing to a simple motto: “active kids are healthy kids” and encouraging their residents to use National Kids to Parks Day as the first of many days spent outdoors, at local parks and recreation sites, to develop more active, healthy lifestyles.

NPT is working with numerous cities and towns included those affiliated with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Cities and Towns program, which is designed to encourage mayors and elected officials to adopt policies and programs that create systemic changes, reducing childhood obesity. Mayor David Coss joins mayors across the country, from El Paso, to Santa Fe, to Reading and to Orlando, Florida, who have signed official proclamations declaring May, 18^th National Kids to Parks Day in their city or town. This growing list of mayors has committed to urge their citizens to make time on May 18 to take the children and grandchildren in their lives to a neighborhood, state or national park.

The City of Santa Fe website now encourages residents to visit www.kidstoparks.org and sign up so that local families can be counted in the national tally. Then, on May 18, families are encouraged to visit a park or recreation area and submit photos of their adventures to Buddy@BuddyBison.org for possible inclusion in NPT’s national map commemorating the day.

National Kids to Parks Day has been endorsed by Department of Interior’s Youth in the Great Outdoors, America’s State Parks, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Education Association, Children’s National Medical Center, Boy Scouts of America, US Army Corps of Engineers, Children & Nature Network, National Environmental Education Foundation and officially in support of the First Lady’s Let Move Outside! initiative to get more youth and families to be active and live healthier.

A special commemorative National Kids to Parks Day is being planned for 9:00 a.m. at Frenchy’s Park, and all are invited to start their day of play there and adventure out to Veteran’s Park and then end at Alto Park throughout the day.

Reminder: FREE Foreclosure Workshop May 17-18

City of Santa Fe Cooperates with Attorney General’s Office and New Mexico Legal Aid to Help New Mexicans Keep their Homes

FREE: One-on-one, HUD-certified Foreclosure Counseling. Meet with Lenders. Hear about alternatives to foreclosure, loan modifications, and how to avoid scams.

SANTA FE, NM – Mayor David Coss and Santa Fe City Councilors announce the first Helping New Mexico Homeowners event will take place May 17th and 18th from 9 am to 6 pm at the Benildus Hall, Santa Fe University of Art and Design, 1600 St. Michael’s Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505. This will be the first in a series of outreach events around the State of New Mexico where homeowners can get free help and learn what options may be available to make their mortgage more manageable or to avoid foreclosure. The entire event is free.

Residents should bring:

• Any letters or court documents from your bank
• 2012 tax return
• Last two pay stubs or proof of other income
• Two most recent bank statements
• Current utility bill
• Most recent mortgage bill
• Brief “hardship letter,” which describes why you are behind.

What:              The Help for New Mexico Homeowners foreclosure prevention weekend May 17-18 (Friday and Saturday) offers help for homeowners who are having difficulty making their mortgage payments or who face foreclosure.

When:             May 17-18, from 9 am to 6 pm each day.

Where:            Benildus Hall, Santa Fe University of Art and Design, 1600 St. Michael’s Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505. For more information about the campus and to find a campus map, go to www.santafeuniversity.edu/About/VisitUs

Directions: From the south: Take I-25 North to St. Francis, west on St. Michael’s Drive. From the north: Take US-84/US-285 south to Cerrillos Road, go right on Cerrillos, and left on St. Michael’s Drive

For more information: www.keepyourhomenewmexico.org  or 1-855-664-6630.

City of Santa Fe Fire Department Issues Fire Restrictions

The City of Santa Fe Fire Department announces fire restrictions and will strictly enforce them. Fire restrictions include: fireworks in the dangerous category, open burning, smoking, and motorized ATVs/motorcycles on city owned open space, parks, trails, or other recreational areas due to severe drought conditions and progressively worsening wildland fire conditions. The fire restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. City fire officials will continue to monitor the risks and reassess as conditions change.

“I implore all city residents to abide by these fire restrictions,” said Reynaldo Gonzales, Fire Marshal for the City of Santa Fe. “It only takes a spark to ignite a fire in these dry conditions. These restrictions are in place to protect people, property and our city.”

In order to preserve lives and property during these emergency conditions, the City of Santa Fe Fire Department shall prohibit the following activities until further notice:

• Open Burning – All open burning, including camp fires, bonfires, pit barbecues, and the burning of weeds, trash, or other vegetation is prohibited.
  • All burn permit requests are being rejected until weather conditions improve and the fire danger has been reduced significantly.
• Smoking – No smoking in public parks, recreation areas, or on any public trail.
• Motorized ATV’s or Motorcycles –The use of any motorized ATV’s or motorcycles on City owned open space, parks, trails, or other recreational areas is prohibited.
• Barbecue Grills – The use of charcoal barbecue grills in public parks and recreation areas is prohibited.
  • Charcoal barbecuing at home will be permitted providing the fire is closely monitored and fire-extinguishing equipment, such as a garden hose or fire extinguisher, is readily available.

• All fireworks that fall in the dangerous firework category are prohibited:
  • Dangerous fireworks means any firecracker, roman candle, skyrocket, torpedo, bomb, blank cartridge, cone-shape fountain, bottle rocket and flyer or any other type or form of explosive; any item that is self-propelling or the effect of which extends above fifteen feet (15') in height from the ground; or any article which produces a report by combustion, explosion or detonation.

Fireworks that fall in the safe and sane fireworks firework category are permitted for sale and use.

• Safe and sane fireworks means all fireworks that have no report, that are not self-propelling and the effect of which does not extend above fifteen feet (15') in height from the ground, including the following:
  • Snakes, total pyrotechnic composition not to exceed twenty (20) grams each in weight;
  • Smoke devices and spray balls, total pyrotechnic composition not to exceed twenty-five (25) grams each in weight;
  • Wheels, total pyrotechnic composition not to exceed sixty (60) grams in weight per driver unit, but any number of drivers may be on any one wheel. The inside bore of driver tubes shall not be over one-half inch (1/2");
  • Illuminating torches and colored fire in any form, total pyrotechnic composition of illuminating torches not to exceed one hundred (100) grams each in weight;
  • Sparklers and dipped sticks, total pyrotechnic composition not to exceed one hundred (100) gains in weight. Pyrotechnic composition containing any chlorate or perchlorate shall not exceed five (5) grams;
  • Cylindrical fountains, total pyrotechnic composition not to exceed seventy-five (75) grams each in weight. 'Me inside tube diameter shall not exceed three-fourths inch (3/4");
  • Railway fuses, fuses, truck flares, hardship distress signals, smoke candles, smoke signals and smoke pots; and
  • All other fireworks similar to the above provided they are tested and approved by the chief of the fire department.

The City of Santa Fe Fire Department has the authority to impose additional fire restrictions as per the International Fire Code® as adopted by § 12-2.1 of the Santa Fe City Code (SFCC). Penalties for violating these restrictions may include fines up to $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail as specified in SFCC 1-3.1(A).

Kudos for service!

Once again the City of Santa Fe Longevity Awards have come around, and the Library had four employees with many years of service to the City – ranging from five years to twenty-five years!  Congrats and many thanks to our hardworking and wonderful co-workers.

Post by AA and photo by MGB

Next Week is Bike to Work Week!

(Click to enlarge)

Winners of the 10th Annual Children’s Water Conservation Poster Contest Announced

Grand Prize Winner

Tristan Lujan, Third Grade, La Mariposa Montessori

Show Us Your Water Appreciation

 The City of Santa Fe Water Conservation Office announces the winners of the 10^th Annual Children’s Water Conservation Poster Contest today. The grand prize winner is a third grader from La Mariposa Montessori. The judges’ top pick is a watercolor by Tristen Lujan that will be displayed on the back of a city bus for a year. Tristen’s poster was among nearly 300 submitted by students in first through sixth grade.

Tristen’s artwork features the chemical formula for water – H₂O – with ocean creatures swimming in the letter H, swirls of green and blue in the number 2 to represent the relationship between land and water, the world for the letter O, and the words, “El Agua Es Vida.”

The first and second place artwork for each grade in the contest will be featured in the city’s 2014 water conservation calendar. All 18 winners will receive a trophy and water conservation prize package.

The City Council will honor the students at 5:00 p.m. tonight, May 8, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 200 Lincoln Avenue. The winning posters will be displayed at City Hall during the Month of May.

The theme for this year’s contest was “Show Us Your Water Appreciation.” Posters were judged on water conservation message, neatness, creativity, originality and artistic design.

“This contest allows students to think creatively about water. Some of the artwork featured great water conservation messages but also the understanding that our water resources are limited,” said Lisa Randall, a member of the Water Conservation Committee and one of the judges in this year’s contest. “After all, it’s important to engage children. Creating water awareness now will encourage them to be water savers in the future.”

The other judges included City Councilors Chris Calvert and Rebecca Wurzburger, Santa Fe Public School Art Coordinator Amy Suma, Water Conservation Committee members Doug Pushard, Stephen Wiman, and Lisa Randall.

The winners are:

First Grade

1st, Joaquin Sisneros, Carlos Gilbert Elementary

2nd, Rio Ryan, NM Academy of International Studies

3rd, Elle Dunner, Carlos Gilbert Elementary

Second Grade

1st, Alec Hardy, Rio Grande Elementary

2nd, Rowan Sullivan, Dragonfly School

3rd, Josiah Griego, Carlos Gilbert Elementary

Third Grade

1st/Grand Prize, Tristen Lujan, La Mariposa Montessori

2nd, Molly Murphey, Dragonfly School

3rd, Santi Alvarez, Santo Nino

Fourth Grade

1st, Joanna Whysner, Acequia Madre

2nd, Deangelo Quintana, Agua Fria Elementary

3rd, Alex Rigales, Amy Biehl Community School

Fifth Grade

1st, Sam Matthews, La Mariposa Montessori

2nd, Eva Sophia Crocker, La Mariposa Montessori

3rd, Gabby Ruggeiro, Rio Grande Elementary

Sixth Grade

1st, Carlos Ruiz, Nava Elementary

2nd, Delilah Rodriguez, Nava Elementary

3rd, Angela Lowenthal, La Mariposa Montessori

For more information about water conservation in Santa Fe, including the Water Conservation and Drought Water Management plan, residential and commercial rebate programs, and outdoor/indoor water use requirements, please visit www.santafenm.gov/waterconservation.

El Dia de la Gente—the 20th Annual CommUNITY Day is Saturday, May 11, on the Santa Fe Plaza

Residential Recycling Bins Available Saturday at CommUNITY Day

El Dia de la Gente—the 20^th annual CommUNITY Day is this Saturday, May 11th from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., with local talent performing live on the Plaza Bandstand from noon until 10:00 p.m. Nonprofit and government agencies will inform the public about what they do. There is no charge to participate in this fun and free event. Again this year, all parking in city-owned lots and at parking meters (without a red hood) will be free. Disabled and zoned parking will be enforced.

The City of Santa Fe Environmental Services Division will also give recycling bins to any city of Santa Fe residential curbside customer, as well as provide information on waste reduction, saving water and energy, and keeping Santa Fe beautiful. If you have any questions call: City of Santa Fe Environmental Services Division at 505-955-2200.

CommUNITY Day is the brainchild of City Councilor Patti Bushee, and has grown steadily since its beginning in 1993. For more information about CommUNITY Day contact Bobbi Mossman at: 505-955-6979 or by email at bjmossman@ci.santa-fe.nm.us.

Southwest Book Fiesta is this weekend in ABQ

The Southwest Book Fiesta
Albuquerque Convention Center, Southeast Hall
May 10-12, 2013

The Southwest Book Fiesta is all about the past, present and future of books and publishing. We're bringing together authors, publishers and the public for a family-friendly weekend, focusing on nationally recognized as well as local authors, literacy, learning, and most of all - fun!

http://www.swbookfiesta.com/

Día de los Niños at The Santa Fe Public Library!

Día de los Niños at The Santa Fe Public Library was a huge success.  The three libraries of the Santa Fe Public Library had special programs and displays for all to enjoy.

Crowds came out to see the bilingual cuentos presented by Teatro Paraguas.  They were so popular we asked for a return engagement this fall.

Families enjoyed the mural, displays, and crafts set up for this special celebration.

We were delighted to participate in this annual event.  The program was just a part of our year round commitment to children and families in Santa Fe.

Show Your Support of Libraries at the City Council Meeting Tonight!

Despite the reprieve on closing La Farge one day a week, the New Mexican editorial today stated that “Tonight, Library supporters had said they plan to show up in force to let councilors know that they believe too many cuts have been proposed to library hours and staffing—although the initial proposal apparently has been discarded.

It would be great to have a contingent at City Hall Council Chambers.  The Council meeting begins at 5:00 pm but has special recognitions until at least 5:45pm  After that it is up to Council to decide if they will change the agenda to do the Budget first. At this point it is on the Agenda as item 11.

The regular general public comment session is on the agenda for 7:00 pm if anyone wants to address the importance of libraries. Usually each person is given 3-5 minutes.  A great forum to reinforce the value of libraries.

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/article_4aa9ec40-319f-5fd0-a981-84762e01b396.html

And the City press release:

No Changes to the La Farge Branch of the Santa Fe Public Library

The City of Santa Fe announces that there will be no changes in operating hours or cuts in services to the La Farge Branch of the Santa Fe Public Library.

“Library staff has worked hard on a plan to streamline services internally,” said Patricia Hodapp, Director of Libraries for the City of Santa Fe. “We can keep the library open and maintain our current level of service, despite some positions not being filled.”

The city budget submitted to the Finance Committee on April 22, 2013 recommends not filling 45 city-wide vacant positions, as part of a larger plan to balance a budget shortfall. The Santa Fe Public Library is part of the city-wide sustainable plan to balance the budget and has developed a strategy to maintain its current level of services without cutting library hours.

Thanks to resourceful planning by library staff the proposal to close the La Farge Branch of the Santa Fe Public Library one day a week is no longer necessary. The La Farge Branch provides services for an estimated 66,686 computer users who use the library to create resumes, apply for jobs and research for classes.

Help for New Mexico Homeowners, May 17-18

Traffic Advisory: Bishops Lodge Road Re-Opened and Washington Avenue Closure on May 6

The New Mexico Department of Transportation continues improvement work on the intersection of Paseo de Peralta and Bishops Lodge Road/Washington Avenue in Santa Fe.

Beginning next week, Bishop Lodge Road will be re-opened.  There will be a switch in traffic from the south side to the north side on Paseo de Peralta

Washington Avenue will be closed between Paseo de Peralta and S. Federal Place. Pedestrians will still have access to Washington Avenue.  Motorists can access businesses, the U.S. Postal Office, and Federal Government entities utilizing Grant Avenue and Marcy Street.

The Federal Highway Administration, the City of Santa Fe, and NMDOT have partnered to fund these improvements. This $1.9 million project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2013.

Motorists are urged to proceed through the work zone with caution and observe traffic control signing and reduced speed limits. Updates about the project will be posted on NMRoads.com and on the NMDOT website, www.dot.state.nm.us.  

City of Santa Fe Utility Billing Division Changes Vendors

Paperless Customers Will Receive Their Bill Via E-mail

The City of Santa Fe Utility Billing Division is changing contractors for printing and mailing of water, refuse and sewer utility bills. The transition from the old vendor to the new vendor will occur on May 9, 2013. Residential and commercial customers that receive paper bills may not notice a change. Paperless customers will now receive their bill via e-mail with a .pdf attachment and a link to pay their utility bill online.

Current paperless customers should be on the lookout for their utility bill and monitor their spam folder for the new utility bill. If a paperless customer does not receive their bill via e-mail they should contact customer service at UtilityCustomerService@ci.santa-fe.nm.us or by phone at 505-955-4333.

Ribbon Cutting and Picnic at Ashbaugh Park to Celebrate the Completion of the Los Piños Bridge, Acequia Trail and Park Renovations

Music, Food, Activities for the Kids and Tree planting, 

May 4, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

The public is invited to attend a community celebration and ribbon cutting with Mayor Coss and Santa Fe City Councilors to celebrate the completion and renovations of the Los Piños Bridge located at Ashbaugh Park this Saturday, May 4, beginning at 3:30 p.m. with the ribbon cutting at 4:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy a number of family-friendly fun activities. The ATC Marimba Band will play from 3:30 – 5:00 pm. Baskin-Robbins is providing free ice cream, Jambo Café will serve free Mango-Ginger Lemonade, and Revolutionary Bakery will be giving free pastries for the picnic. Santa Fe Disc Golf group will hold demonstrations and free classes. The City Parks Division will also have a tree planting ceremony.

The event is sponsored by the Parks and Open Spaces Advisory Commission and Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee. The Los Piños Bridge and Acequia Trail construction and Ashbaugh Park renovation were funded by the 2008 Parks and Trails Bond.

What:              Ribbon Cutting and Picnic

When:             May 4, at 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Where:            Ashbaugh Park

The public can enter the park at San Jose and Otowi Road, Velarde Street off of Agua Fria, or off of Cerrillos Road at Fire Station #3.

May 2013 Art Exhibits

• Main Library Tybie Davis Satin Gallery: Batik and Watercolors by, respectively, mother and daughter, Ann Shannon Feighney and Annie Lenney; Reception Thursday, May 2, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

• Main Library Display Cases: Children's Summer Reading Program by Santa Fe Children's Department

• Oliver La Farge Branch: Children's Summer Reading Program by Santa Fe Children's Department

• Southside Branch: Fantasy Kazul by Pamela Macias

City Outdoor Time-of-Day Watering Restrictions Begin May 1

Outdoor Watering Prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and

No More than Three Times a Week

City water managers want to remind all Santa Fe residents that water restrictions begin today, May 1. Outdoor watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and no more than three times a week.

The Santa Fe area is going into a third year of drought after the two driest and hottest years on record. In addition to limiting the time and number of days for outdoor watering, city water-use rules –Chapter 25 of the city municipal code – also address other water-wasting habits:

• Outdoor swimming pools must be covered when not in use.
• Vehicle washing at residences is limited to once per month, per vehicle, and must be done with a hose equipped with a “positive shut-off nozzle,” one that automatically shuts off when not in use.
• Commercial car sale lots and other commercial and governmental entities with on-site vehicle washing facilities are limited to washing each vehicle one time per month except under certain circumstances.
• No one is allowed to use water to clean sidewalks, driveways, patios or other hard surfaces with a hose or power washer.
• Water from landscape irrigation cannot flow onto hard surfaces or neighboring properties.
• Hand-watering must be done with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle and overhead watering is prohibited for trees and shrubs.
• Turf grass sod or grass seed mixes cannot contain more than 25 percent Kentucky bluegrass.
• A permit is required for all new irrigation system installations.

Those who violate the water-use rules can be fined up to $200. Violations are applied to water bills. Those who want to report water waste can call 995-4222. To report watering at city parks call 955-2100.

For more information about water conservation in Santa Fe, including the Water Conservation and Drought Water Management Plan, residential and commercial rebate programs, and outdoor/indoor water use requirements, please visit www.santafenm.gov/waterconservation.

Genoveva Chavez Community Center Presents Cinco de Mayo on Ice

Music, Fun and Ice Skating

The Genoveva Chavez Community Center invites the public to put their ice skates on and enjoy the music from a live disk jockey for a family fun event called Cinco de Mayo on Ice, this Friday, May 3, from 5:00 – 7:15 p.m. The price of the event is $5.50, which includes admission and skate rental.

For more information, contact Mandy Edwards at 505-955-4033 or email IceSkateOffice@santafenm.gov . 

What:             Cinco de Mayo on Ice

When:            Friday, May 3, at 5:00 – 7:15 p.m.

Where:           Genoveva Chavez Community Center

3221 Rodeo Road

Santa Fe, NM