Elias Garcia, 67, has been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter in a shooting incident in Southeast Albuquerque. Garcia called 911 to report shooting an intruder who had entered his home by cutting open a screen door. He claimed that he warned the intruder not to move but ended up firing when she attempted to escape. The woman’s actions led to a fatal outcome, resulting in Garcia’s arrest and detention. For more details read the full article.
Author: For Neighborhood Journal
José Luis “Güero” Sánchez, an Albuquerque-based boxer, is set to face Eric Tudor in a pivotal eight-round junior-middleweight bout in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight is part of a three-fight deal with Golden Boy Promotions. Sánchez’s recent victories and impressive performances have earned him this opportunity, including a dominant win against Rashad Shahid. Although Tudor is a formidable opponent, Sánchez is confident in his abilities. This fight marks a significant step in his career, with the potential for future 147-pound bouts if he secures the win. Sánchez’s determination and experience make him a compelling contender in the boxing world. Read…
La Cueva High School in Albuquerque was vandalized with graffiti containing messages and images of hate, prompting an investigation by Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) police. Messages included racial slurs, swastikas, and genitalia. APS stated that the hateful messaging was widespread on the school’s exterior surfaces, including walls, tennis courts, and athletic fields. Cleanup efforts will be costly and time-consuming. The incident has been met with condemnation, emphasizing the importance of fostering safe and respectful environments in educational institutions. For more information read the full article.
Albuquerque’s Tiny Home Village has seen an increase in occupancy after implementing changes to the application process and addressing staffing shortages. The 30-studio transitional housing project initially faced challenges reaching full capacity due to strict requirements. However, the removal of a $30 monthly utility fee and a reduced sobriety prerequisite has led to more applicants. Staffing levels have also improved, increasing security and support for residents. The village provides a supportive community for individuals transitioning into permanent housing, offering hope and a fresh start for those like Danette Lynn Todd, who values the opportunity to create new memories. Read the…
Chaparral Elementary, in collaboration with community organizations and Albuquerque Public Schools, was celebrated for successfully reducing chronic absenteeism by 25%. The city of Albuquerque, United Way of North Central New Mexico, and New Mexico PTA recognized Chaparral for its efforts and for receiving a National PTA School of Excellence award. The school’s focus on family engagement and support from school staff and the community contributed to improved attendance. The event highlighted the importance of student-teacher relationships and adult connections in promoting school attendance. See the APS website for more information.
Albuquerque is set to become a central hub for global space-observation missions as German company mtex Antenna Technology USA plans to invest $16 million in a 70,000-square-foot facility for designing and manufacturing components for the Next-Generation Very Large Array and the Smithsonian’s Event Horizon Telescope. The new facility, scheduled to begin operations in 2027, will provide high-tech jobs and strengthen the city’s position in the space industry. Albuquerque’s growing space industry, with support from local and state officials, is set to play a pivotal role in cutting-edge space observations. For more details read the full article.
Lapel camera video released by the Albuquerque Police Department captures a harrowing incident where an officer handcuffs a man with fentanyl paraphernalia when an SUV suddenly accelerates towards them, leading to gunfire. The alleged shooter, Kevin Morales-Molina, faces charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer and more. Police Chief Harold Medina cites a surge in violence against officers, partly linked to increased police shootings. Although it’s unclear if Morales-Molina fired at police, officers believed so. The officer’s quick actions to protect the handcuffed man are highlighted. This incident underscores the dangers officers face daily. Get more details in the…
Michael Koester, involved in a 2022 fatal shooting of Raul Gallegos during a family dispute in Albuquerque, has pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter. Koester, originally charged with first-degree murder, now faces five years of supervised probation instead of prison time. The decision was influenced by Gallegos being armed with brass knuckles during the altercation, creating a self-defense argument. The tragic incident was sparked by a teenage encounter, escalating into a fight that resulted in Koester fatally shooting Gallegos. The sentencing hearing is yet to be scheduled, as per court records. Read the full article for additional details.
New Mexicans To Prevent Gun Violence has unveiled its 14th mural, located outside the San Pedro Public Library. The mural program, initiated in 2016, provides a platform for young artists and students to address the impact of gun violence on their communities. The mural features blended faces, the message “BURQUE CARES!” and the image of Jessica Helen Lopez, the city’s poet laureate. What sets this mural apart is its integration of augmented reality; scanning a QR code triggers a recording of Lopez reciting a spoken-word piece on gun violence. The organization aims to raise awareness and educate through visual and…
Flix Brewhouse has announced plans to open its second Albuquerque location early next year at the former Regal UA High Ridge site. This 28,000 square-foot facility, situated at 12921 Indian School NE, will undergo extensive renovations to include 720 luxury electric recliners, all-laser projection, Dolby immersive sound, and “Easy Glider 2” sliding tabletops. Flix CEO Chance Robertson expressed excitement about bringing experiential cinema, craft beer, and food to the east side of Albuquerque. This expansion marks Flix Brewhouse’s eleventh location, with existing venues in several states. The new site is leased from Hinkle Income Properties. Read the full article for…
