Author: Rene Thompson

Local award-winning journalist and proud Burqueña over 25 years. Published in ABQ Free Press, Elbow Room NM, Alibi and NM Entertainment Magazine. Passionate about local issues and seeking the good news of our great city. Contact at: rthompson@neighborhoodjournal.com

The Skyline Dog park right next to the James Dwyer Police station is a leash-free haven made just for dogs to run around and play.There is a double gate, a doggie drinking fountain and ample parking. Toys, balls, and a ball-thrower are provided courtesy of volunteers.The space is a two-level dog run covered in mulch with shade covers and benches for dog owners.Several dogs from big to small can be seen here during the mornings and afternoons, but especially when folks get out of work.Patrons said they love the space and bring their dogs for the interaction with fellow resident…

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The suspect in a carjacking was killed in a shootout with police Wednesday night in the Northeast Heights. Undercover detectives were working in the northeast area command in a specific operation to combat the increase in robberies in the area, according to Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina. Around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched to the area of Osuna and Seagull to an apartment complex where the armed suspect had stolen a vehicle at gunpoint. Undercover detectives located and followed the vehicle, which was then pursued by police to a cul-de-sac at Spain and Eubank, where the suspect fled on…

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For the first time in two years, Eisenhower Middle school eighth-grade students will get to participate in end-of-the-year activities scheduled in May. Students will go on a field trip to the Main Event amusement center, have a luau-themed dance and a family-attended field celebration ceremony. The school is looking for parent volunteer chaperones for the first two events, and EMS is also asking for $25 from each eighth-grader to cover the cost of all three events. All payments must be submitted to the PTA hub at https://eisenhower.memberhub.com/store. To be a parent-chaperone for these events, sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9i7vSdffQ8kEmuZHFKAIArqTa3cVFzuCOu_H8wd1xLG4hrA/viewform. Upcoming event…

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The CNM Dual Credit program helps high school students get a head start on their college educations. The program offers college level courses to start working on a degree or certification. An informational session on the program is set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Although fitness courses are not a part of the program, Eldorado students can take any 1000 level course or higher to earn college credit. Students must be enrolled at least half-time as a high school student, but they can start taking dual-credit courses as early as their freshman year. According to the CNM website, all textbook costs are…

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Housing options are expanding at the old Hastings/Hobby Lobby Shopping Center. Fifty-two new luxury townhomes are being built there this year. The La Mirada Twilight Homes will feature two- to three-story townhomes — some equipped with elevators — and will be 2,000-3,o00 square feet. “Twilight Homes features award-winning floor plans and our Total Value Package, where upgraded amenities are our standard amenities,” according to the company’s website. All La Mirada homes come equipped with “Build Green Silver Certified,” including full stainless steel Samsung appliances, granite kitchen and bath, tankless hot water heater and precision framing, to name a few features. Pauline…

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A new location for Lindo Mexico will be opening in two weeks at The Promenade on Eubank and Spain. Owner Sergio Bias said the delay in opening the location was caused by the supply-and-demand issues happening in every industry. Bias explained the décor that will been going into the traditionally authentic Mexican restaurant is all furniture hand-made in Central South America. It took longer to get the furniture in, setting back the opening date. Lindo Mexico Grill and Seafood offers a secret mole recipe originated by the Oaxaca and Puebla regions of Mexico, as well as their Chile Rojo, which…

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Although gas prices have receded somewhat, most people are still paying an average of $4 per gallon. Here are a few places in the Heights that might be worth visiting to save a few extra cents. According to GasBuddy, these are the best-priced stations in the Northeast Heights. • Costco at 1420 N. Renaissance Blvd. NE is at $3.79 • Circle K at 2934 Eubank Blvd. NE is also at $3.79 for cash or $3.89 for credit • Murphy’s USA at 9700 Montgomery Blvd. NE is at $3.95 To check out other prices in the city, visit https://www.gasbuddy.com/gasprices/new-mexico/albuquerque.

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The city of Albuquerque recommends everyone set up a Vial of Life packet for first responders to be able to know people’s basic health information in case of an emergency. The Vial of Life form asks questions such as do not resuscitate information or EKG (records of electrocardiogram) when applicable. The form also asks about current and past medical conditions, allergies and emergency contact information. This will help first responders better assist people when such information is readily available. The CABQ site suggests putting a copy of the form in a baggie securely taped on the front of fridges, as…

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Eldorado High School will be hosting a panel discussion from community members sharing their personal stories to better health and wellness. From 5-7 p.m. April 7, there will be food trucks and door prizes for attendees at the performing arts center courtyard. The four guest speakers include: Jeremy Lihte, founder of New Mexico Leaders in Recovery Nico Morales, author and founder of No Halo, LLC Nika Lawrie, founder/CEO Moringa Health + Wellness, LLC Mike Robertson, parent, teacher and coach. For more information, contact Tim Huggins, Crossroads counselor at Eldorado High School, at timothy.huggins@aps.edu. or at 505-296-4871 ext. 35176.

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It was a sweet weekend in Albuquerque Established in 2009, the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest is one of the world’s largest festivals dedicated to chocolate, coffee and gourmet foods. More than 120 vendors set up inside and outside Expo New Mexico. The event also featured live music, food trucks and a block party. A variety of vendors, such as coffee roasters, bakers, candy makers, as well as breweries, wineries and distilleries turned out for the event. Samples of a variety of chocolates, pastries, breads, brittles, dips, jams, jerky and more were offered. Theobroma Chocolatier Manager Jenelle said she was having…

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