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DAILY P ST
WEEKLY PRINT EDITION
Daily Edition at valleydailypost.com
Vol. 1 No. 7 Thursday Sept. 10, 2015
Car Chase Suspects Arrested
Staff Report
As reported at valleydilypost.com, last
Friday afternoon Española Police arrested
the two suspects wanted in the Aug. 5
car chase and shooting that resulted in
the death of Jeannie Gutierrez, 35, from
Albuquerque and Santa Clara.
Following a tip called into police that the
two suspects were seen at Lowe’s Grocery
Store on Riverside Drive, Officer George
Martinez drove into the parking lot and
witnessed two individuals who matched
the description of the suspects driving
away from the store in a car. Officer
Martinez followed and then performed a
traffic stop and questioned the suspects.
Both suspects gave false names but Officer
Martinez was able to positively confirm
the identity of Francisco Rodriguez, 27,
and took him into custody. Rodriguez is
Oswaldo Valenzuela and Francisco
Rodriguez were arrested. Courtesy photo
suspected of being the driver of the truck
involved in the Aug. 5 car chase and
shooting.
Officer Martinez was not able to positively
identify the second suspect and released
him. However, soon after Officer Martinez
arrived at the police station to book
Rodriguez, the second suspect arrived
in an apparent attempt to have his friend
released. During that time Martinez and
other officers were able to use various
photos to ID the second suspect as
Oswaldo Valenzuela, 26, and Martinez
placed him under arrest.
Both Rodriguez and Valenzuela have been
booked into police custody and are being
held at the Rio Arriba Detention Facility
in Tierra Amarilla. At this time Rodriguez
is to be charged with Shooting At/From a
Moving Vehicle, four counts of Aggravated
Assault with a Deadly Weapon and four
counts of Aggravated Battery with a
Deadly Weapon. Valenzuela is also being
help on a State Police warrant on previous
narcotics charges.
Rodriguez is known to go by aliases
including Jose Rodriguez, Jose Villegas
and Jose Suarez. Valenzuela is suspected of
being the passenger of the truck involved
in the shooting and car chase.
Council Still Reeling From Joint
Meeting With Commission
By TARIN NIX
Valley Daily Post
Tuesday night's Española City Council
meeting was centered around honoring
the Española Fire Department for their
outstanding work and encouraging
community members to participate in
the "Fall Clean-Up Day" Oct. 3 but it
didn't stop some members and staff from
continuing to rehash disagreements with
the Rio Arriba County Commission that
arose during the special joint meeting
between the two bodies two weeks ago.
Members of the Española Fire Department.
Photo by Tarin Nix/valleydailypost
During Mayor Pro Tem Pedro Valdez's
report on North Central Solid Waste
Authority (NCSWA), Valdez was quick
to point out that he had a copy of the new
preliminary engineering report and noted
"it shows on this report how the City
and Pueblos are doing their part for this
service." Valdez was referring to a heated
exchange at the joint meeting where it
was implied that the City and Pueblos
were not paying their fair share for the
services NCSWA provides. During the
joint meeting, Valdez adamantly denied
the County's claim that the City wouldn't
be able to continue on with NCSWA if the
County voided the contract but he seemed
to have somewhat of a change of heart
Tuesday night when he encouraged the
City to come up with a, "plan B in case the
County pulls out."
City Manager Kelly Duran reported on
the E911 services shared by the City and
the County through a tax administered by
the County. Once again, this report too
focused on the previous discussions in the
joint meeting were the City accused the
County of misappropriation of E911 funds.
In the City's eyes, the E911 services, which
cost an estimated $1 million, should be
fully funded before the secondary medical
emergency services the County currently
partially funds through the tax. Duran
explained, "the tax is being paid for by
citizens and we want to make sure that the
tax is preserved for what it was intended
for the 911 center and then secondary,
medical services."
Mayor Alice Lucero was quick to chime
in when talking about the 911 call center,
"the needs are 1 million and the County is
only funding $900,000. The County is using
$300,000 to fund other medical initiatives."
Councilor Michelle Martinez pointed
out that a court had already ruled that the
tax could be used to provide emergency
medical services and questioned what really
could be done to positively effect the needs
of the call center.
Working To Rebuild A
Musical Tradition
By TARIN NIX
Valley Daily Post
Española Valley High School’s music
program director, Brian Wingard is not
a native of the Valley but for the past
five years he has been working hard to
revive a once proud musical tradition at
EVHS and provide local students with the
opportunities to be part of a world class
music program.
Wingard, who just started his sixth school
year at EVHS and several program
supporters organized a fundraising event
at the Plaza de Española during Labor Day
weekend where a car show and several
musical performers entertained a crowd
gathered to support the reborn EVHS
music program.
The event was intended to help build
relationships with the community and to
raise money for the music program that
now serves around 300 students in Choir,
Percussion Ensemble, Drum Line and two
Music Appreciation classes.
“Until this year we were constantly in
survival mode” said Wingard about the
program. He added that the community has
rallied to support the students. This past
May Wingard took several of his performers
to a national band and choir festival in
Denver where they were awarded the Gold
Plaque rating, the highest possible for
quality of musical elements.
Floyd Archuleta, a former school board
member who attended the Saturday event
on the Plaza said “I’m here to support
the kids and Brian (Wingard). I’ve been
working with him since I was on the
school board and am very glad he agreed
to come here.”
Wingard is originally from Ohio where
he attended Central State University and
Española Valley High School’s music
program director, Brian Wingard. Photo/
valleydailypost
majored in music and Jazz Tenor. Before
his work in Española, he taught at Taos
Christian for one year and then in Questa
for three years.
At Saturday’s event Wingard told the
assembled crowd that Española schools
have been the best place he has ever
worked at, with a supportive administration
and amazing families helping to rebuild a
proud music program. After the Saturday
fundraiser ended Wingard said “we got a
lot of out reach done, but most importantly,
we built lots of relationships, both with the
young and old.”
Wingard and participants wanted to
personally thank Randy Perraglio for
contributing sound equipment and trophies
and Holmes Boxing Club, especially Tone
Martinez, for their generous act of raffling
off a pair of boxing gloves signed by the
champion boxer who competed Saturday
night at Buffalo Thunder Casino. To get
involved in the EVHS music program or
for more information on how to suppor it
contact Brian Wingard at BrianWingard@
hotmail.com.
Brian Wingard and some of hos students at the weekend car show fundraiser. Photo/
valleydailypost
A stylin’ ride at the car show! Photo by valleydailypost.
Española City Council. Photo by Tarin Nix/valleydailypost
See a list of the winners on page B-4
A-2 Thursday Sept. 10, 2015
VALLEY DAILY POST
EDUCATION
School Board Meeting Update
Staff Report
The Española School Board met Thursday
night for their regularly scheduled Board
meeting. Community members and
teachers were on hand to welcome new
lead teachers in various schools throughout
the District.
Superintendent Bobbie Guiterrez noted
that unlike School District's of comparable
size with more than 20 teacher vacancies,
Española Public Schools were only short
eight teachers at this point in the year.
Guiterrez expressed her concern and noted
that arrangements were being made to access
additional resources to fill these positions.
After weeks of discussion and some
confusion regarding why the minimum
wage of all District hourly employees
wasn't raised last year, the Board officially
approved salary increases to $10 an hour.
Jon Petersen addresses the Board. Photo/
valleydailypost
San Juan Elementary PAC Vice President
Jon Petersen was in attendance once
again to discuss structural problems with
San Juan Elementary. During previous
meetings, Petersen was very vocal about
a lack of capital improvement projects
and the “unbearable learning conditions”
students deal with on a daily basis.
Petersen expressed concern, "I don't want
it crumbling around my children. You're
holding our kids back by keeping a campus
that is falling down around them."
Although Petersen noted some repairs
had been done, the large bulk of the
complaints he sent in over a year ago had
yet to be addressed. Facilities Manager
Adan Cordova explained that the roof
was causing a bulk of the issues cited by
Petersen. He went on to explain that the
roof would need to be completely replaced
in parts and they are working on getting
bids to present at a future School Board
meeting. School Board Vice President
Lucas Fresquez and Member Ruben
Archuleta again expressed frustration
with the lack of response to Petersen's
claims and ordered staff to do some
research on improvements to the
elementary school and respond to each of
Petersen's maintenance requests.
Guiterrez was excited to introduce the
new head teacher at Velarde Elementary
School Philip Seamus and asked the Board
to honor the request of current Velarde
parents to meet with the board and discuss
future plans for Velarde and get feedback
from new parents who are unaware of the
backstory behind the school's potential
closing. The board agreed to sit down with
parents during a special board meeting
soon and would do that prior to refilling
for closure.
Guiterrez was excited to announce that
thanks to the new Pre-K, enrollment
numbers were up this school year and
that the portables had been delivered
and freshman would return to Española
Valley High School on Tuesday. Guiterrez
was happy to report that all staff in
the administration office have had
background checks and that the District
has already submitted the appropriate
policies’ to the State to prove compliance
with new requests.
Board member Pablo E. Lujan and
Superintendent Bobbie Gutierrez. Photo/
valleydailypost
Pojoaque Valley High Men’s Club
Beautification Project Kickoff
VALLEY
DAILY POST
P.O. Box 484
Española, NM 87532
Eric Vasquez
Publisher/Business Operations
[email protected]
Carol A. Clark
Publisher/Editor
Tarin Nix
Government Reporter
[email protected]
Robert Naranjo
Community Reporter
[email protected]
Steven Lovato
Community Reporter
[email protected]
Nancy Coombs
Graphic Artist
Staff Report
POJOAQUE - As many people know, having
a positive male role model is essential to
the proper growth and development of
children, especially young men. With this
in mind Pojoaque Valley Schools (PVS)
would like help in establishing a Men's Club
in order to involve influential males from
the community in school activities. Public
participation will allow students who may
not have access to a male role model at home
a chance to connect with someone positive
at school. PVS Administration appreciates
public support for the children of our
community and hopes community members
will be willing to contribute ideas for projects
and activities.
Join the Men's Club kickoff event, a
campus beautification project from 8 a.m.
to 12 p.m. Sept. 19. They will be working
on the planters and outside table areas
where students gather during breaks and
lunch. Volunteers will remove weeds and
replace them with natural vegetation,
which will give the campus a natural and
inviting look. PVS will close the event
with lunch: hamburgers, hotdogs, chips
and drinks. PVS hopes to use this time to
connect and share strategies for supporting
our young people.
BRING YOUR LAWN TOOLS AND
MEET AT THE HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE!
Northern Biology Student Receives
Accolades at NM Research Symposium
Staff Report
Under the leadership of Northern
biology professor Dr. Mario IzaguirreSierra, three Northern students – Laida
Fletcher, Adriel Martinez and Sergio
Cordova – participated in a joint poster
symposium with the UNM Undergraduate
Pipeline Network and the New Mexico
Idea Network of Biomedical Research
Excellence (NM-INBRE) program Aug. 5,
2015. Cordova's poster on spinal muscular
atrophy in plants shared first place with a
student from New Mexico Tech.
I promised my parents that I would work
hard and do well in college."
When Cordova took his Compass test
as a Northern freshman, he learned he
was good at math. In his Introduction
to Engineering class he built and
programmed a robot, and from that
moment on decided that he wanted to be
an Engineer. Cordova, now a junior, plans
to attend graduate school to get his Masters
Degree in Engineering.
“Our students use a combination of
bioinformatics, genetics and cell biology
techniques to study the basic biology of
the cell nucleus,” Izaguirre-Sierra said.
Cordova, a student in Northern's
Information Engineer Technology
program, used computer software and
programming to analyze, "shred," and
realign the RNA of two plants, one with a
particular gene mutation leading to spinal
muscular atrophy and the other without
that mutation.
"Even though plants have no brain or
muscles, this is the same gene that we have
as humans," Cordova said. "By 'realigning'
the mutated plant RNA, putting the pieces
back the way they should be, we can
learn where things may have gone wrong.
This is how we can use genomic analysis
in plants to advance human biomedical
research and help find a cure."
In June 2015 Cordova was selected for a
paid summer internship at the National
Center for Genome Resources (NCGR)
in Santa Fe, where he learn how to use
programming and the Linux operating
system to study bioinformatics, skills he
applied to his poster research.
Cordova moved from Mexico when he was
9 years old and lives in Pojoaque.
"I wasn't a good student in high school,"
Cordova said. "My mom sacrificed a lot
for me. She left her family and had to
learn a new language and a new culture.
Sergio Cordova’s poster on spinal
muscular atrophy in plants shared first
place with a student from New Mexico
Tech. Courtesy photo
NM-INBRE is a statewide network
funded by the National Institutes of Health
(NIH) to provide research opportunities
and enhance science and technology
knowledge for students and faculty from
undergraduate institutions. Northern New
Mexico College is one of the science
partner institutions that collaborate with
the leading parent institution, New Mexico
State University. Dr. Pedro Martinez,
Northern's Provost, is the institutional
liaison for the grant at Northern.
Dr. Izaguirre-Sierra's laboratory has
hosted research projects for students
from different institutions including
Northern New Mexico College, The
Santa Fe Indian School, Northern Arizona
University, Santa Fe Community College
and Carlos Vigil High School. Follow the
lab at: bughalo.wix.com/cell-nucleus-lab
and Izaguirre-Sierra lab @ NNMC on
Facebook.
Thursday Sept. 10, 2015 VALLEY DAILY POST A-3
Udall Promotes Local
Small Businesses
Staff Report
the business anything. It doesn't hurt, it
only helps." With 40 people employed,
Guiterrez acknowledges businesses like
his raising the wage is only the first step.
"They still need to make more money to
compete," commented Guiterrez.
Sen. Tom Udall visits with local small
business owners. Photo by Tara Nix/
valleydailypost
Senator Tom Udall visited the Valley
Thursday to meet with local small
business owners and have conversations
about raising the minimum wage, federal
programs small businesses can take
advantage of in the Valley, the Valles
Caldera National Preserve, and Ohkay
Owingeh's new historical project.
Udall spoke with Angelina's owner,
Fidel Guiterrez about his decision to raise
his hourly employees wages. Guiterrez
mentioned having conversations with a
majority of his regular customers about
potentially increasing pay and the 1520 cent additional cost it would have on
customers’ meals. According to Guiterrez,
only a handful of customers objected, so
he moved forward with the raise. Udall
thanked Guiterrez for not waiting on the
government to mandate an increase before
he took action.
Sen. Udall and Angelina’s owner,
Fidel Guiterrez. Photo by Tara Nix/
valleydailypost
Along with visiting community
members dining at Angelina's, Udall
visited with Rio Arriba County
Economic Development Director Chris
Madrid and Assistant County Manager
David Trujillo about pressing matters
impacting to Rio Arriba County and the
isues facing the Valley's businesses that
contract with LANL.
Sen. Udall, Chris Madrid, and David
Trujillo. Photo by Tara Nix/valleydailypost
Avanyu LLC presenting to Sen. Udall and
community members. Photo by Tara Nix/
valleydailypost
In regards to why Guiterrez decided to
be a trailblazer, Guiterrez noted, "People
are hurting in Española. It doesn't cost
Prior to stopping by Ohkay Owingeh to
tour their new historical project, Udall
visited the La Tierra Montessori School
of the Arts and Sciences, to view recent
improvements made by local small
business, Avanyu, LLC. Udall was
excited to hear about the advancements
Avanyu, LLC has made in sustainable
preservation on Pueblos and what
struggles they have faced as a small
business in Northern New Mexico.
Actors and Actresses Wanted
By STEVEN E. LOVATO
Valley Daily Post
Española’s MainStreet Theatre will be
holding an audition for their upcoming
play, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles
Dickens adapted for stage by Gina Trujillo
and Sonya Gonzales. The audition will be
held at 5:15-6 p.m. on Sept.22-23 at the
MainStreet Theatre, 500 Paseo de Oñate.
This audition is open to the community,
with no prior experience required.
People are asked to prepare a monologue
no longer than one minute long and
expect to do cold reads and scene
improvs. Ages of the characters are
flexible with speaking and nonspeaking
roles available. Other audition times are
available by appointment.
Some of the character roles needed:
• narrator - male or female
• Ebenezer Scrooge - older male
• teenage Scrooge - child
• Bob Cratchit - middle-aged man
• Fred Scrooge - Scrooge’s nephew,
20’s-30’s
• gentleman - any age
• Ghost of Christmas Past - youthful, male
or female
• Ghost of Christmas Present - very tall,
male or female
• Ghost of Christmas Future - silent and
foreboding, male or female
• Jacob Marley’s Ghost - older man
• Fan - Scrooge’s Little Sister - child
• Fezzwig - male, 40+
• friend and co-worker to Scrooge in his
teen years -teen-20’s
• Mrs. Cratchit - middle aged woman
• Cratchit Children - all ages, male or
female
• Martha Cratchit - grown daughter
• Tiny Tim Cratchit - child, male
• Fred’s Wife - 20’s-30’s
• party guests - all ages, male and female
• Ignorance - demonic child
• Want - demonic child
Camino Santa Cruz Hits A Speedbump
By ROBERT A. NARANJO
Valley Daily Post
Cars Scraping Top of Bumps Residents
Say, City Manager Responds To Issue
Recently, the City of Española raised the
height and width of some existing speed
bumps on Camino Santa Cruz in the Yates
subdivision and simultaneously raised the
ire of some of the Camino’s residents. A
recent visit to the site of the contentious
speed bumps found a roadrunner, New
Mexico’s State Bird, running quickly across
a lawn in front of the offending speed
bumps but cars reduced to a slow crawl as
they drove over the road obstacles.
Local residents have voiced several
concerns over these new speedbumps,
saying that many cars are unable to clear
the newly raised and widened speed bumps
on Camino Santa Cruz without bottoming
out and possibly damaging the cars.
“I hate them,” a family member of a
homeowner near one of the raised speed
bumps said. “The cars make an awful loud
noise when they scrape the bottom of their
cars,” she explained. She said the scraping
noise happens day and night. “They should
have put the speed bumps on the other
road near the school, it makes more sense
to put them there,” she reasoned. Another
local resident named Albert said that his
wife’s car scrapes the top of the speed
bumps, especially the northernmost one on
Camino Santa Cruz.
Another homeowner on Camino Santa
Cruz said over a telephone interview that
the scraping sound cars are making can be
heard in the backyard although a 6’ wall
serves as a sound barrier. She added, “Cars
are being damaged” by the speed bump.
She said that she had voiced concern to
city employees while they were installing
the speedbumps but was told that they
were being installed because “…everybody
was asking for them.”
An inquiry into the City of Española
Streets & Public Works Department at
City Hall eventually led to a conversation
with a City Streets Department employee
whom was helpful but not too forthcoming
with information. He did refer the reporter
to the City Manager, Kelly Duran who
explained the entire matter about the speed
bumps on Camino Santa Cruz.
“The project was initiated because of reports
of it being a safety concern. There was a
study conducted by the General Services
Cars are scraping the top of speed bumps
in residentail neighborhoods.Photo by
Robert A. Naranjo/valleydailypost
Director and some of the Council members
indicating that a high amount of traffic was
coming down Camino Santa Cruz at a high
rate of speed,” Duran explained.
“The Council received numerous
complaints about it, I received numerous
complaints about it, the General Services
Director received complaints about it and
a study was done. And, I believe there was
one speed bump that was installed,” he said.
Duran mentioned that the City Council
voted on the speed bumps and said that
the speed bumps installed on Camino
Santa Cruz were “not in accordance with
the latest standards” so the bumps have
been milled down to the correct standard
height. He also said that the current “speed
bumps will be completely milled down
and replaced by speed humps” and that the
General Services Director and the Streets
Department are currently “looking at their
schedules” to get the work done as soon
their schedules will permit.
Cars and speed bumps are at odds.
Courtesy photo
At the end of the day, the speed bumps
– soon to be speed humps -- were made
higher because of safety concerns caused
by speeding traffic on Camino Santa Cruz,
but an outdated design of speedbump
has caused problems for many residents.
Speed humps should soon replace all the
speedbumps, smoothing the ease of traffic
flow and residents nerves.
Regional Teens Compete
In Business Challenge
Staff Report
Los Alamos National Laboratory
partnered with the Española Valley
Chamber of Commerce to sponsor
the Regional Teen Biz Challenge on
Sept.3. The event was hosted by the
Valley Entrepreneurial Network and the
Greater Española Valley Community
Development Corporation during their
monthly networking meeting.
Rehearsals will begin on Oct. 20, with
performance projected for December
15-20. Please note, these dates include
possible daytime school performances. For
further information you may contact Sonya
Gonzales at 505-927-0527 (cell), 505-7530877 (theatre) or at [email protected].
Courtesy photo
The teams presenting won their local
competitions allowing them to compete in
the regional competition. Teams included
Sam’s Commercials from Los Alamos
who was the voters/audience choice for
the favorite presentation; Ready, Set,
Snap from Española who the judges felt
had the best financial projections; and
Moto Mania Motocross Rentals who
the judges felt have the best chance of
expansion for a well thought out business.
A-4 Thursday Sept. 10, 2015 VALLEY DAILY POST
OBITUARIES
ADONAISO “JUNI”
MARTINEZ JR.
Sept. 4, 2015
Adonaiso Martinez Jr.
“Juni”, 56, a resident
of Cordova, went home
to rest on Friday, Sept.
4, 2015. Juni was preceded in death by his father Adonaiso Martinez Sr.,
mother, Clorinda Martinez; brothers, Lito, Lenny, Roy
and Andrew; brother-in-law, Filiberto Dominguez.
Juni was an easy going guy who always had a smile
and could make you laugh no matter the mood you
were in. He was the Mayordomo of the Asequia in
Cordova and the caretaker of the Cordova Cemetery. He is survived by his sons Solomon Romero
and Charlene of Española, Lito Martinez and Olivia
of Truchas, dauther, Rylene Martinez of Truchas;
the mother of his children and loving friend, Angie
Martinez of Truchas; 3 grandchildren, Ashley, Matthew and Lacey Romero; brother, Amos Martinez
of Cordova, sisters, Elsie (Jerry) of El Rito, Patricia
Brunello of Santa Fe, Annabelle Dominguez and
Margie and Danny Martinez all of Truchas; niece
he helped raised, Crystal Lucero, as well as many
other relatives and friends. Public visitation with
a rosary was in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of
DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory.
Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on at the
San Antonio Catholic Church in Cordova, with burial
at the Cordova Catholic cemetery. Serving the
family as pallbearers were Sammy, Roy, Orlando,
Tommy, Polo, Michael, and Matthew. Honorary
pallbearers were Solomon, Isaac, Silviano, Paul,
Marcella, William, Crystal, Ashley and Jacinto.
The family of Adonaiso Martinez Jr. “Juni” has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas
Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.
505-747-7477 – www.devargasfuneral.com
ELSIE ORTEGA
MIRANDA
Sept. 5, 2015
Elsie Ortega Miranda,
age 94, died peacefully
at her home in Fairview,
New Mexico on Sept. 5,
2015. She was born June
12, 1921 in Chimayo to Apolonia Martinez and Juan
Melquiades Ortega.
Elsie was preceded in death by her parents and by
sisters Adonaisa, Benigna (Nina), Esther, Eustolia
(Eustie), Lourdes, and Lucille (infant), and by brothers Ambrosio (died at age 4), Juanito (infant) and
Ismael.
She is survived by her son Monte (Bonnie), her
daughter Annalisa, her brother Ambrosio J. Ortega
(Eva) of Albuquerque, and brothers-in-law Clovis
J. Romero of Embudo and Enoch A. Rodriguez of
Belen. She is also survived by her grandchildren
Desiree (Rico), Michelle and Mario, great-grandchildren Nyana, Brianna and Jazmine, beloved
“comadre” Irene R. Vigil, and dear friend David
Loren Bass, as well as many nieces, nephews,
cousins, family and friends too numerous to name
but not forgotten.
Elsie received her compulsory education at John
Hyson School in Chimayo, Allison James School
in Santa Fe, and Manaul School in Albuquerque.
She graduated from Regina School of Nursing in
Albuquerque with an R.N. in 1945, and later earned
a B.S. from the College of Santa Fe.
Elsie worked as a registered nurse for 50 years,
caring for others both personally and professionally.
As a student during WWII, she was a member of
the Nurse Cadet Corps. Elsie began her nursing
career in 1945 in Manhattan Project-era Los Alamos. Following this service, she practiced pediatric
nursing, her first love, as well as school and public
health nursing. Elsie returned to Los Alamos during
the last 20 years of her career and retired from
LANL.
She was a faithful member of El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church (PC U.S.A) in Chimayo and served
the church as both an ordained deacon and elder.
A person of bold intelligence, wit and humor, Elsie
was renowned for her energy, generosity and work
ethic. She had no patience for prejudice, bigotry
or elitism in any form. Elsie’s personality defied all
labels. It was not unusual for someone to approach
her in a store or restaurant, greet her affectionately,
and say, “This woman saved my life.”
Elsie’s family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 6:30
pm on Friday, September 11, 2015 at DeVargas
Funeral Home in Española. A devotional service will
follow at 6:30 pm. A funeral service will take place
at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 12, 2015, also
at DeVargas Funeral Home.
In Elsie’s memory, in lieu of flowers, donations may
be made to El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church,
PO BOX 185, Chimayo, NM 87522. The family of
Elsie Ortega Miranda has entrusted the care of their
loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477 – www.
devargasfuneral.com
ANNABELLE F.
GONZALES
Sept. 3, 2015
Annabell F. Gonzales,
56, a resident of Chimayo, passed away on
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015
from a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death
by her mother, Adelia Trujillo; son, Leon Gonzales; brothers, Michael Trujillo and Gaylord Trujillo;
nephews, Michael Trujillo Jr. and Kenny Martinez;
ex-mother-in-law who was like a 2nd mom to her,
Eudalia “Lala” Gonzales.
Annabell “Bell” Gonzales was a caring mother
who showed unconditional love for her children.
She touched so many lives and left an imprint on
everyone she came in contact with. A “jokester”
many would call her; as she could put a smile on
anyone’s face no matter the situation. As the baby
of her siblings she was always treated as their
little princess. Bell was an angel to her family and
friends and was taken far too soon. She’ll be leaving behind her best friend, her “brown-eyed girl”,
her daughter.
Annabell is survived by her father, Ignacio Trujillo;
son, Manuel Gonzales Jr; daughter, Nicole Gonzales; sisters, Margie Benevidez, Loretta Duran,
Evelyn Baca and husband Orlando; brother, Jerry
and Maria Trujillo; sister, Melissa Fuentes and husband Danny; uncle, Carlos Vigil and wife Rosina;
her closest nephews and nieces, Jamie Duran,
Cindy Burrell, Beetle Benevidez, Gene Burrell, and
Juan Archuleta; her special babies that she adored
her beloved dogs, Buddy and Bella; plus numerous
other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Public visitation took place in the Chapel of Peace
of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a
Wake service. Memorial Mass was held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo, with burial at the
Nuestra Senora de Dolores Cemetery.
The family of Annabell F. Gonzales has entrusted
the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral
Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505747-7477 – www.devargasfuneral.com
LEROY “TIGER”
DOMINGUEZ
Sept. 2, 2015
Leroy “Tiger” Dominguez 63, a resident of
Chimayo, passed away
on Wednesday, Sept.
2, 2015. He was preceded in death by his father,
Jose Dominguez; mother, Celina Dominguez;
father-in-law, Willie Cordova; brothers, Levi Trujillo,
Floyd Dominguez, David Dominguez, and Randy
Dominguez. Leroy was a beloved husband, father,
brother, and friend. He will be truly missed by all
those that had the privilege of having him in their
lives. Leroy, Dad, Daddy, Tiger, Brother, Carnel,
or Pampa – of the many names he was known by,
loving, considerate, compassionate, selfless, and
hardworking, were just a few of things that he was
known for in life. Leroy’s most important thing in life
was his family/friends and never missed out on the
opportunity to enjoy laughing or spending time with
those closest to him. He proudly served his country
in Vietnam while in the Army and worked in the coal
mines to support his family. He loved the mountains
and going for “lena” was something he did every
chance he got. He loved dancing, his Sparx, and
all Northern New Mexico Ranchera music. Leroy
was always there to lend a helping hand to those
in need and not once would ever ask or except
anything in return – his heart was completely filled
with love and sincerity. “The world will never be the
same without you!”
Leroy is survived by the mother of his children, Ciria
Cordova; mother-in-law, Sabina Cordova; son, Jose
Dominguez; daughter, LeeAnn Patton & son-in-law
Robert Patton; siblings, Louise & Juan Jimenez,
Walter Trujillo, Evelyn & Dan Martinez, Lucille &
Dennis Martinez, Sandra Dominguez-Solis, and
Lorraine Dominguez & Albert Torrez; grandchildren,
Antonio Dominguez, Luzia Dominguez, Darius
Patton, DeSean Patton, Jezeus Dominguez,
Anyka Dominguez; great-granddaughter, Madelynn
Dominguez; plus numerous cousins, nieces and
nephews. Public visitation was on Monday, Sept. 7,
2015 in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas
Funeral Home & Crematory with burial at the Rio
Chiquito Cemetery. Serving the family as pallbearers were Rigo Perez, Albert Rael, Betty Davis, Rudy
Vigil, Adam Martinez, & Josh Martinez. Honorary
Pallbearers were Joe Barela and Dan Martinez. A
special thank you to the De Vargas Funeral Home
for their loving care and arrangements.
The family of Leroy “Tiger” Dominguez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas
Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.
505-747-7477 – www.devargasfuneral.com
CALVIN D.
TAFOYA
Sept. 4, 2015
Calvin D. Tafoya 67, a
resident of Santa Clara
Pueblo, passed away
on Friday, Sept. 4, 2015
of a short illness. He was preceded in death by his
mother; Victoria Dasheno, Father; Teofilo Dasheno,
grandfather; Domacio Tafoya and grandmother;
Patricia Tafoya.
Mr. Tafoya was a veteran of the United States Army.
He graduated from the school of banking at the
University of Colorado and was Vice-president of
Sunwest Bank. He was the first Native American
Tourism Director for the State of New Mexico,
appointed by Governor Bruce King. Mr. Tafoya
was past Governor of the Santa Clara Pueblo and
CEO-President of the Santa Clara Development
Corporation. He was also currently Chairman of the
Board for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years; Barbara
Tafoya. Children; Tanya Sapcutt and husband
Craig, Denise Tafoya and Chris Tafoya. Grandchildren include; Summer Sapcutt, Janaya, Coasta,
Asia, Amanda and Dominic Tafoya, Autumn, Elgin
and Camron Gutierrez. Brothers and Sisters;
Stanley Tafoya and wife Michelle, Gail Yepa and
husband Wally, Karen and Cynthia Dasheno all of
Santa Clara Pueblo, JoAnn Montoya and husband
Georgeof Santa Ana Pueblo, Walter Dasheno and
wife Judy, Marie Dasheno and companion Michael
Browning, Merle Dasheno and special niece; Fauna
Gutierrez all of Santa Clara Pueblo. Many nieces and
nephews, countless friends and loving relatives.
Recitation of the rosary was held at the family home
in Santa Clara Pueblo. Mass of Christian Burial
took place at the Santa Clara Pueblo Catholic
Church with burial at the Pueblo Cemetery.
DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. of the
Española Valley 747-7477 or toll free 1-877-747-3600.
JERRY L.
MARTINEZ JR.
Sept. 6, 2015
Jerry L. Martinez Jr., 48,
a resident of Española
passed away on Sunday,
Sept. 6, 2015 due to an
unexpected illness. He was preceded in death by
his parents, Jerry and Rosemary Martinez. Jerry is
survived by his daughter, Adriana Martinez; siblings,
Eileen Martinez and companion Joseph Springfield,
Mark Martinez, John Martinez and companion
Roberta; nieces and nephews, Jeralee Gorden
and companion Adrian Lucero, Jamie Barton, Ty
Springfield; great nieces and nephews, AJ, CC, and
Sedona Lucero. A memorial service was held on in
the Chapel of Peace of DeVargas Funeral Home
and Crematory.
The family of Jerry L. Martinez Jr. has entrusted
the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral
Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505747-7477 – www.devargasfuneral.com
ELLEN “ELLIE”
ATENCIO
Sept. 7, 2015
Ellen “Ellie” Atencio,
was welcomed home by
our Lord and Savior on
Monday, Sept. 7, 2015.
Ellie was a loving, caring, spiritual woman who was
loved by all. She was preceded in death by her
parents, Neil and Jean Shay, two brothers, Brenden
and Kevin Shay, three stepsons, Valdy, Wilfred
and Patrick Atencio, and her beloved husband,
Margarito Atencio.
Ellie is survived by her loving children, James Shay
and Sharon and Jacob Atencio. Her sisters, Mary
Bickley (Bill), Nora Boulware (Mark), Cathy Blume
(Walter) and Cecilia Tensky (Bobby). She is also
survived by her stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces,
nephews, and many other loving relatives and
friends. Services are pending at this time and will
be posted as soon as they become available.
Everyone is invited to join the family for a meal at
11:00 at the Agua Sana Fire Department on Friday,
Sept.11, 2015.
The family of Ellen “Ellie” Atencio has entrusted the
care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral
Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505747-7477 – www.devargasfuneral.com
JAY JUAN A.
MARTINEZ
Sept. 6, 2015
Jay Juan A. Martinez, 76,
a resident of La Villita,
passed away on Sunday,
Sept. 6, 2015. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Adolfo and
Tonita Martinez; brother, Deloy, Aniver and Eliu P
Martinez, sister, Lucy Manzanares; Jay is survived
by his brothers, Eliu Martinez of La Villita, Margarito
Martinez and wife Loretta of Española, Frank
Martinez and wife Barbro of Las Vegas Nevada,
sisters, Dulcinea Martinez of Albuquerque, Marylee
Gomez and husband Ciybe of Las Vegas Nevada,
Pauline Governale of Albuquerque, and Virginia
Ulibarri and husband Danny of Santa Fe, and sister
in law, Sarah Martinez and many nieces, nephews
and many friends.
Public visitation will begin on Thursday, September
10, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, with
a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian
burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 11,
2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic
Church in Ohkay Owingeh.
The family of Juan A. Martinez has entrusted the
care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral
Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505747-7477- www.devargasfuneral.com
SOCORRO
MARTINEZ
Sept. 7, 2015
Socorro Martinez, born
April 13, 1942, a lifelong
resident of Ensenada,
NM went to be with the
lord on Monday, September 7, 2015 joining her
beloved husband of 52 years, Oso Martinez.
Socorro was preceded in death by her daughter,
Georgia Pritz; parents, Ubaldo and Asencion Martinez; and several brothers and sisters. Many people
say there is nothing like a mother's love, and they
are right. Our mother was a wonderful person who
showed love to everyone she came in contact with.
She was caring and beautiful inside and out. She
loved life, her family, and her friends. She touched
many lives and left an imprint on those she came in
contact with. Socorro’s laughter and generous spirit
will be missed greatly by all her relatives, friends
and all who knew her.
Socorro is survived by her children; George and
wife Jeanette Martinez, Angelo and wife Renee
Martinez, Jonathan and wife Angela Martinez;
grandchildren, Ashley, Michael, Maria Elena, Marisol, Miguel Angel, Justin, Anelisia, Cameron, Alexa,
and Jayden, great grandson, Isayah; brothers,
Albert Martinez and wife Gloria, Ramon Martinez
and wife Rose; sister Margaret Valerio.
Services are pending at this time and will be posted
as soon as they become available. Socorro’s sons
and grandsons will serve as pallbearers. She
leaves her loving memories to be cherished by all
of us. Socorro will forever be in our hearts until we
meet again.
The family of Socorro Martinez has entrusted the
care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral
Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.
Remember your
Loved Ones.
Obituaries
and
Anniversaries
published on
VALLEYDAILYPOST.COM
Thursday Sept. 10, 2015 VALLEY DAILY POST B-1
ARTS & EXPERIENCE
Moving Arts Wins SF Community Foundation Piñon Award
Staff Report
Ongoing Events
Men’s and Women’s Softball Leagues
Leagues happen every Mon. – Thurs.
at the Sportsplex from 6 – 10 p.m.
Moving Arts Española will be recognized by the Santa Fe
Community Foundation at 6 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the La Fonda Hotel
as the 2015 Piñon Visionary Award Honoree. The Piñon Visionary
Award honors an organization that can anticipate the unmet needs
of future generations and has the stamina to achieve success.
Ghost Ranch Box Canyon Hiking Trail
opened July 24th for the first time
since the flood waters, July 7th, Thanks
to the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps
for their work in opening access to the
trail. Safe Hiking.
In operation since 2008, Moving Arts Española, Inc. (MAE)
nurtures the children and youth of the Española Valley and
surrounding Native American pueblos in Rio Arriba and Santa Fe
Counties. Education in the performing and visual arts enhances
the health, creative expression, and connection to cultures and
traditions in a region known for endemic gang activity, high
school drop-out rates, substance abuse, and obesity.
MAE provides classes in dance, music, gymnastics, circus arts,
flamenco, visual arts, hip-hop, and Mexican folk dance. Through
arts and nutrition education, MAE attempts to redirect children
to a safe and supportive environment. MAE has trained a
growing number of students and young adults over the last seven
years. As a result of Moving Arts Española Inc.’s programming
Than Povi and Hugo performing at the Lensic, “Sacred Body” multigenre production, Nov.14, 2014. Photo by Paulo T. Photography
and mentoring, many young people have successfully entered
professional careers in the arts, pursued advanced education, and
explored entrepreneurship and small business development.
Progress At Canjilon Community Center
Staff Report
Rio Arriba Public Works Director, Jon Paul Romero
has exciting news for the residents of Canjilon.
There is progress being made on the new Canjilon
Community Center. The concrete for the foundation
has been poured. Vertical construction is slated to
begin within the next couple of weeks. The facility is
scheduled to be completed before summer.
Photos by Jon Paul Romero
Española Police Arrests
Staff Report
The following information is provided by the Española Police Department.
Neither arrests nor charges indicate a conviction, and neither means that a person is guilty of the charges filed against them.
LEONARD PACHECO
Aug. 27 / NMSP Officer Shane Beckford arrested Leonard
Pacheco, 21, of Alcalde on an outstanding Municipal Warrant.
JULIAN MARTINEZ
Sept. 2 / Officer Robert Vigil arrested Julian Martinez, 18,
of Santa Cruz and charged him with Possession of Drug
Parphernalia.
JOSEPH ORTIZ
Aug. 30 / Officer Danny Pacheco arrested Joseph Ortiz, 47, of
Ohkay Owingeh on an outstanding Misdemeanor Warrant.
NICHOLAS MARTINEZ
Sept. 2 / Officer Robert Vigil arrested Nicholas Martinez, 19,
of Santa Cruz and charged him with Possession of Drug
Parphernalia and Purse Snatching (Larceny/Theft).
ASHLEY VASQUEZ
Sept. 2 / NMSP Officer Ernest Garcia arrested Ashley
Vasquez, 21, of Española on an outstanding Municipal Warrant
and an outstanding District Warrant.
EVERETT BACA
Sept. 1 / Officer Greg Esparza arrested Everett Baca, 34, of
Española on an outstanding Municipal Warrant.
KASEY WATSON
Sept. 2 / Officer Robert Vigil arrested Kasey Watson, 19, of
San Juan Pueblo and charged him with Purse Snatching
(Larceny/Theft).
ECHO GALLEGOS
Sept. 1 / Officer Greg Esparza arrested Leland Martinez, 21, of
Santa Fe on an outstanding District Warrant.
SYLVIA CASTILLO
Sept. 3 / Officer Cory Atencio arrested Sylvia Castillo, 39, of
Española on an outstanding Municipal Warrant.
RUBEN GAYTAN
Sept. 1 / Officer Albert Rael arrested Ruben Gaytan, 32,
of Española and charged him with Driving while License
Suspended or Revoked.
VICTOR QUEZADA
Sept. 3 / Officer George Martinez arrested Victor Quezada, 27,
of El Duende and charged him with Tampering with Evidence
and on an outstanding APO Warrant.
NICHOLES GONZALES
Sept. 1 / Officer Jason Gallegos arrested Nicholes Gonzales,
26, of Española on an outstanding Misdemeanor Warrant.
GINA SANCHEZ
Sept. 3 / Officer Jeremy Apodaca arrested Gina Sanchez, 45,
of Velarde, on an outstanding Municipal Warrant.
PATRICK GONZALES
Sept. 1 / Officer Greg Esparza arrested Patrick Gonzales, 34,
of Española and charged him with Unlawful use of a License.
GABRIELA LUJAN
Sept. 4 / Officer Cory Atencio arrested Gabriela Lujan, 28,
of Alcalde, and charged her with Driving While License
Suspended or Revokedand Tail Lamps Required.
ALEXANDER GRIEGO
Sept. 1 / Officer Richard Trujillo arrested Alexander Griego, 24,
of Vallecitos and charged him with Larceny and Possession of
Drug Parphernalia.
FRANCISCO SUAREZ
Sept. 4 / Officer George Martinez arrested Francisco
Suarez, 27, of Chimayo on an outstanding District Felony
Warrant and charged him with Controlled Substance;
Possession Prohibited.
LELAND MARTINEZ
Sept. 1 / Officer Cory Atencio arrested Leland Martinez, 36, of
Ohkay Owingeh and charged him with Driving while License
Suspended or Revoked and on an outstanding Magistrate
Warrant.
DAMIAN MARTINEZ
Sept. 2 / Officer Robert Vigil arrested Damian Martinez,
18, of Santa Fe and charged him with Possession of Drug
Parphernalia.
Friday, Sept. 11
Santa Fe Opera Comes to Española,
On the Plaza de Española Convento
Gallery, Heike Strobel, 5-7p.m.
www.heikestrobel.com/Home.html
Free food buffet and music
Monday, Sept. 14
MAE Launches ninth fall session
with a broader array of classes, new
instructors and adult and senior fitness
classes .
Tuesday, Sept. 15
UNM-LA Digital Photography Class
6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 15 Nov. 17. Community Education class
for beginning students: image capture
and post processing. Cost is $140
The Canjilon Community Center will provide space
for meetings and parties, and includes a kitchen.
ERICA DURAN
Aug. 31/ Officer Albert Rael arrested Erica Duran, 34, of
Santa Cruz and charged her with Concealing Identity, on an
outstanding Magistrate Warrant and an outstanding District
Warrant.
WEEKLY CALENDAR
JASMINE TRUJILLO
Sept. 4 / Officer Albert Rael arrested Jasmine Trujillo, 21, of
Alcalde, and charged her with Criminal Damage to Property.
OSVALDO VALENZUELA
Sept. 4 / Officer George Martinez arrested Osvaldo
Valenzuela, 25, of Taos on an outstanding District Felony
Warrant.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Show & Shine Car Show on the Plaza
de Española 5-9pm
Sunday, Sept. 20
9 a.m. 1st Annual Española Valley
Athletics Booster Club Homecoming
Golf Tournament. Registration
deadline Sept. 13. Information or to
register a team, contact Eric Vigil at
367-3402 or visit the Española Valley
Booster Club Facebook page
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Española City Council meeting 6pm
City Hall
Friday, Sept. 25
FREE movie night Education Center old post office6:00pm (Showing Spare
Parts)
Sat & Sun, Sept. 26-27
30th Annual Española Valley Arts
Festival at the Plaza de Española.
Entertainment includes Sim Balkey
and the Honky Tonk Crew, Encanto,
Dave Maestas Band, Heartless, The
Cavaliers, Justin Sanchez, Gary Vigil,
Stealing Hearts, Eddie Herrera Y
Vengancia, Balli Illuson and more!
If you are interested in having a booth
at the event, contact Andrew Herrera at
[email protected].
Tuesday, Oct. 6
2015 Piñon Award Winner -Visionary
Non Profit Category. Six youthful
aspiring MAE artists will be
showcased at award ceremony and
banquet at the La Fonda Hotel.
October 9-10
Moving Arts Performance Center
announces first touring production with
“El Bocon”an original production from
Albuquerque’s Working Classroom
non profit . This original short play
mixes satire as it explores the plight of
a young immigrant from Peru coming
to the U.S. though the voices of six
professional teenaged actors.
B-2 Thursday Sept. 10, 2015
VALLEY DAILY POST
COLUMNS
Nature’s Presence Ragnar Trail Relay Angel Fire
By MARCIE MARTINEZ
Nature’s Presence means many things, as the phrase is pertinent in many ways.
Last weekend I had the privilege of spending time “in nature” with some of the
most inspirational individuals from the beautiful Española Valley who joined me in
participating in a 24 hour running relay race, the first of its kind in New Mexico.
Around Christmastime some friends and I got together and the topic of running came
up, as it usually does with this particular group of friends, since we all share a love of
running. One friend, Therese Trujillo, mentioned a race called “Ragnar” and informed
us that New Mexico would host its first in Angel Fire in August. We all but committed to
signing up right then and there and eventually we put a team together of people mainly
from the beautiful Española Valley.
We called our team “Los Ocho Locos” because we realized we were embarking on
something crazy. From this team sprang a second, also locals, who called their team “The
Renegades.”
Participants for Los Ocho Locos included: Lynn Velarde (Alcalde), her husband
Moises Gonzales (Carñuel, NM), Tania Sanchez (Española), Benny (Velarde) and Gina
(Española) Montoya, Larissa Herrera (Chimayó), Miguel Martinez (Alcalde) and yours
truly from Chimayó.
Participants for The Renegades included Joe Sanchez (Española), Jeremy and Rolanda
Martinez (Chimayó), Crystal Espinoza (Española), RayLynn Aguino (Ohkay Owingeh),
Christina De La Torre (Española), Jeff Rodriguez (Española) and Danielle EsquibelMares (Pojoaque).
a challenge that tested their strength, endurance, courage, and will.
Ragnar relay races were started in 2004 and named after a king and hero of 9th century
Scandinavia who was a conqueror, leader, wild, fearless and free-spirited man. A Ragnar
encompasses a 24-hour relay amongst a team of either four or eight members. In Angel
Fire we each ran three legs consisting of
a “green” (easy – 3.6 miles), “yellow”
(intermediate – 4.6 mi.) and “red” (difficult
– 6.2 mi.) loop trail for a total of 115.2 miles
per team. Each team has a runner out on a
trail at any given time, even at night. I had
the pleasure of running both my red and
yellow loops in the dark using a headlamp
for light. The trails all had difficult elements,
even the “easy” green loop. In fact the red
happened to be my favorite; I would have
preferred running two red loops foregoing
the tortuous yellow loop.
While on the trail several things cross your
mind, especially during the night runs, “Am
I the only person out here?” “What animals
are watching me run?” “I hope I don’t trip T-shirt for the Ragner Trail Angel Fire Aug.
28-30, 2015. Photo by Marcie Martinez.
and fall,” “They call this a RUNNING
trail?” “Is that another incline?!” In addition
to these thoughts I had conversations with my niece, who is a personal trainer, on the
downhill portions, “okay Lee, I hear you, engage the glutes, protect the knees…” and my
guardian angel throughout, “thank you for protecting me out here!”
Conditions were outrageous at best. There was a downpour of rain and hail at one point
and a lightning hold for some of the runners yet those who were on the trail at the time
had to complete the loop. In addition to muddy and slippery conditions on the trail, the
rain caused the temperature to drop significantly so most people were generally huddled
by the bonfire at Ragnar Village drinking hot chocolate or coffee when they weren’t
running. All runners generally had at least one night run. Some runners had no sleep at
all while others had only an hour or so. Ragnar’s slogan is “Run. Camp. Sleep? Repeat.”
The “Sleep?” part is about right. I got just over an hour of sleep, having to get ready
for my final yellow loop around 4:00 AM. The tent was nice and warm but I only had
the time it would take for the previous runner to finish his green loop to get dressed and
make my way to Ragnar Village.
Ragnar Trail Relay involves three different trails in the Moreno Valley, the Sangre de
Cristo range and Wheeler Peak. Teams run relay style, rotating through all three loops.
Teams consist of 8 or 4 runners and will run a total of 120 miles. The race takes an
average of 22 hours to complete. Photo by Marcie Martinez of team Los Ochos Locos.
Just prior to the race two of The Renegades’ teammates, including Heather Trujillo,
dropped out due to injuries. Christina courageously took Heather’s spot and Danielle
took on the other. Other teams included Gina Ortiz (Chimayó), and an “ultra” team with
Tammy Diaz (Alcalde) and Amanda Cola (La Mesilla). This column is dedicated to all of
these incredibly inspiring individuals who stepped out of their comfort zones and took on
Each team was allowed approximately 300 ft2 of space for camp, which resulted in tight
living quarters, however this made for an even better experience of camaraderie, not to
mention that only a handful of participants were at their campsites at any given time. We
shared many stories, laughs, and experiences that we will never forget. We laughed about
“Caballo Blanco” and Christina “the warrior,” worried about Crystal who we thought
was lost on the Red Loop, discussed our trips and falls – par for the course, and relished
in the dedication of Heather, our injured team mascot who, despite a broken foot, got no
sleep at all and spent most of her time at the transition station seeing runners in and out.
Shortly after our fearless team captain, Lynn, and I had both completed our race, I asked
her if she would do it again and she said, “Oh he** no!” I said, “me either!” We are now
planning team names and participants for next year’s Ragnar. Anyone who is interested
in embarking on this crazy amazing journey can contact anyone named here to join, or
start another team of “locos.” Please comment and share your experiences or those of
others’ you know of who ran this crazy relay!
HELP WANTED
Northern New Mexico College seeking applicants
for the following positions:
Adult Basic Education Director
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business
Administration or related field and two years
experience in secondary education, curriculum
review/development.
Assistant Professor of Management
Minimum requirements: Ph.D. or D.B.A is required.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
is also desirable but not required. Previous teaching
experience in higher education and experience
teaching web-based courses is preferred.
Northern Rio Grande STEM Collaborative Director
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting,
or related field and two (2) to four (4) years of
experience in advanced accounting principles; grant
management training, and a strong familiarity with
federal and state regulations. Any combination of
education from an accredited college or university in a
related field and/or direct experience in the occupation
totaling six (6) years may substitute for the education
and/or experience.
IT Technician
Associates Degree in Computer Science/MIS
and two (2) years of experience in Level II Help
Desk support or four years of experience in Level
II support including current experience in the
various information technology fields with handson experience working in information technology
supporting customers in multiple hardware platforms
and experience in use of various enterprise software
packages.
Bookstore Manager
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or
a related field and four (4) years of progressively
responsible experience in retail merchandising,
management, fiscal management, purchasing and/or
inventory control, including one (1) year of personnel
supervision. Any combination of education from an
accredited college or university in a related field and/
or direct experience in the occupation totaling eight
(8) years may substitute for the education and/or
experience.
Nursing Faculty
Minimum of a Master’s degree in nursing. Work
experience in Medical-Surgical and/or Critical Care
preferred. Formal teaching experience in nursing
education simulation is desired. The candidate must
be eligible for RN licensure in New Mexico.
High School Equivalency Program (HEP)
Recruiter/Advisor
Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling
or related field and two (2) to four (4) years of
experience in student advisement and/or mentoring,
working with low-income minority students in rural
communities, preparing and delivering presentations
to high school and college students.
ABE (Adult Basic Education) Data Technician
Associates degree in computer technology,
management information systems (MIS), business
administration, or other related field of study. Three
(3) years of hands-on work experience with data
collection/entry/maintenance, database programs/
systems; computer technology and/or software
applications.
For any of the above positions, senda letter of
interest and current resume to: Northern New
Mexico College Office of Human Resources, Attn:
Nicole Fresquez, 921 Paseo de Oñate, Española,
NM 87532 or email to [email protected].
The Española YMCA Teen Center
The Española YMCA Teen Center is seeking a
PT teacher & instructional assistant for its Day
Reporting Program
See http://laymca.org/careers.shtml for job
descriptions including pay range & Y employment
application
Please send employment application and resume to:
HR Specialist, The Family YMCA, 1450 Iris Street,
Los Alamos, NM 87544 or email to cdaniels@
laymca.org.
City of Española
Water Operations Administrative - $11.00 - $12.00
Aquatics Coordinator - $11.00 to $13.73 per hour
Detention Officer - $12.00 - $13.00 DOQ and
Certification
Equipment Operator - $12.00 - $13.03 per hour
Certified Police Officer - $17.00 per hour, shift
differential, uniform allowance.
Complete job descriptions and applications available
at:
Human Resources Department
405 N. Paseo De Onate
Española, NM 87532
(505) 747-6100
City of Española is an Equal Employment
Opportunity Employer
UNM-LA is Seeking Applications for the
Following Full-time Staff Position:
Coordinator of Enrollment Services, Posting
#0831407
UNM-Los Alamos is seeking a Coordinator of
Enrollment Services. This position coordinates and
performs admissions, registration, and student
records functions as well as manages the busy
reception and customer service area for the
department of Student Services.
Minimum Qualifications:
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution
that are above the minimum education requirement
may be substituted for experience on a year for year
basis. High school diploma or GED; at least 3 years
of experience that is directly related to the duties and
responsibilities specified.
Salary Range: $11.64 to $ 16.88 Hourly
For complete details or to apply, please visit https://
UNMJobs.unm.edu and reference the Posting
Number. Questions, please contact UNM-LA Human
Resources Office at [email protected]
Rio Arriba County Fire Marshall
The Fire Marshall is responsible for all Rio Arriba
County Volunteer Fire Departments; coordinates
with the Fire Departments all activities including
training, supervision and other duties as detailed in
the full job description.
Closing Date: September 11, 2015 by 5:00 p.m.
Starting Pay: as per 2015-2016 Rio Arriba County
Salary Schedule. Selected applicants must complete
and pass a pre-employment drug test and possess a
valid New Mexico Driver’s License. Employee will be
on 24-hour emergency call.
For more details on duties, responsibilities, and
qualifications please contact Annabelle Almager,
Human Resource Director at 505-747-5325 or send
her an e-mail at [email protected]
Thursday Sept. 10, 2015 VALLEY DAILY POST
B-3
SPORTS
EVHS Football Wins Big at WLV
by ROBERT A. NARANJO
Valley Daily Post
LAS VEGAS, NM - It’s hard to win big
in your hometown, especially if you’re
the head coach of the visiting football
team. By the same token, there’s no end
to the “carria” or “to bother or harass,”
(“A Dictionary of New Mexico &
Southern Colorado Spanish,” Revised and
Expanded, By Ruben Cobos) if you lose
big as the coach of the visiting team in
your hometown. So most coaches would
agree that it’s better to win big or at least
win when returning to your hometown as
coach of the visiting team.
That’s exactly what happened to Española
Valley Football Coach, Miguel Medina,
when his football team gave the West Las
Vegas Dons all they could handle and
more. “That’s where I went to school,”
Coach Medina told Valley Daily Post
Sports about the City of Las Vegas, New
Mexico. He said that EVHS “won last year
by 20 points or so,” but this time around
the Sundevils beat the Dons with more
than double the winning margin of last
year’s game.
Coach Medina told Valley Daily Sports
Post that the Sundevils “hit them hard first
and our defense played physical. We had
431 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.”
Asked if the seven touchdowns was a
school record, he answered that, “The
athletic director (Eric Vigil) is looking at
the books to see if that’s a record and if
rushing over 400 yards is too.” Athletic
director Eric Vigil may want to check if the
50 points tallied by the Sundevils is also a
record effort. It was that kind of game in
the 50-0 drubbing of the West Las Vegas
Dons by the Sundevils.
Post Sports asked the coach how the
Sundevils QB, Marcos Flores, did
individually. “Marcos ran for 134 yards,
and half back Josh Belmontes had over
200 yards,” he said with excitement in
his voice. Post Sports confirmed with the
coach that QB Marcos Flores is averaging
over 120 yards per game with two played.
Belmontes had the longest gainer of 20
or so yards in the tough opener against
El Paso Cathedral and now added
considerably more yards (200) against
West Las Vegas making that yardage
outstanding for a single game. Flores and
Belmontes are the Sundevils’ rushing
leaders at this point. Post Sports asked
Coach about the passing game. “We had
our first passing TD, but we didn’t pass
as much because there really was no
need to with the rushing game working
for us,” he explained.
Asked if he felt the team will begin to
feel overconfident with two consecutive
wins he said, “Stay humble, keep it in
perspective -- because arrogance and
confidence are not too far apart,” Coach
said he tells his players. He said that early
on Monday, Labor Day morning, the team
was back at practice working hard for the
next game and not relenting at all. “This
morning we worked on agility skills and
some running. They know they have a job
to do and are still completely focused.”
Next game slated for the Sundevils is
Pojoaque. There was some controversy
caused by a Pojoaque student due to what
he posted on social media disparaging
EVHS. It was picked up by at least one
Albuquerque TV news station. The post
has since been removed and Pojoaque
Schools has disciplined that student.
Ultimately, it may backfire on this
Pojoaque student and his Elks team as
many times things like this have a way of
firing up the team or school being bashed.
The Sundevils may have been provoked
into an early Elk hunting season.
Coach Medina wrapped up his statements
to Post Sports by relating what he told
his Sundevils football team. “I told them
not to get drawn into the negativity and
lose focus. Prove it on the football field,”
Coach Medina advised. That’s good
advice, because, after all, that’s what the
game of football is all about. And, the
operative word is “game!”
Española Valley Football Coach, Miguel Medina, Courtesy photo
The Sundevils scored seven touchdowns, with 50 points and 431 yards rushing in
the game against the West Las Vegas Dons. Athletic director Eric Vigil will check for
records. Photo by Robert Naranjo/valleydailypost
Valley Football Results
by ROBERT A. NARANJO
Valley Daily Post
Bloomfield Bobcats – 52
Pojoaque Valley Elks – 0
Mercy! The Bloomfield Bobcats ran up
the score on the hapless Pojoaque Elks
as the “mercy rule” stopped game. A
game is stopped under the New Mexico
Activities Association (NMAA’) “mercy
rule” to prevent a team from intentionally
running up the score on an opponent that
is being overwhelmed.
Last week, the Elks played well enough to
lead the Los Alamos Hilltoppers most of
the way but lost the game close to the end.
However, the wheels came off completely
for the Elks against the always-tough
Bloomfield Bobcats.
McCurdy Charter Bobcats – 36
Cuba Rams- 25
McCurdy Charter Bobcats got back some
the school’s old tradition of winning in
football by getting a victory against the
Cuba Rams.
B-4 Thursday Sept. 10, 2015
VALLEY DAILY POST
Column: Que Viva Española
By STEVEN E. LOVATO
Valley Daily Post
Que Viva
Española is an
online community
that promotes
and explores the
culture, history,
and traditions
around the
Española Valley
area. Que Viva publishes a weekly column
in the Valley Daily Post. The objective is
uniting as a community to celebrate what
makes the valley beautiful and unique while
changing the culture of crime and drugs.
We sat outside on the front patio
underneath the trees that shaded the area.
On the table he would lay down old
newspapers to act as a place mat for the
chile. It was easier to remove the piles of
peelings and empty it in the trash by lifting
the papers and throwing them. That is a
technique I still use till this day.
Pets Of The Week
Staff Report
Week of Sept. 10 - Sept. 16
Each week the Valley Daily Post features
pets that are ready for adoption. Take a
look at this weeks highlighted pets and
then drop by the shelter to see the whole
selection.
Guido
Peeling Chile with my Grandfather
The roasting and peeling of green chile
has become a sacred tradition for New
Mexicans. The crop not only defines the
culture of its people but it also shares in
their numerous traditions. At times it goes
beyond just peeling the chile, filling them
in plastic freezer bags and saving them
in the freezer. Attached are the stories,
bonds and togetherness that is part of that
sacredness. For me, this tradition is an
integral part of my connection with my
grandfather and our time spent together.
When I was about seventeen, my
grandfather brought home a couple of
sacks of roasted green chile he had just
picked up from Romero’s Fruit stand in
Hernandez.
Roasted green chile. Courtesy photo
Trinket. Courtesy photo
Peeling the chile. Courtesy photo
For the next three or four hours we peeled
the chile (without gloves) and placed them
on a pan for my grandmother. She would
then grind them and place in freezer bags
with freshly chopped garlic. It was our
very own assembly line. The end reward
was getting to eat that freshly roasted
chile on some tortillas my grandmother
secretly made in her kitchen while we
were outside.
That was one of the last times I would
share in that tradition with my grandfather
as he would pass away a couple of years
later. I reflect back on that moment and the
previous times and I’m filled with joy. It
was in those moments where we connected
and bonded with his wisdom, appreciation
and love. It was special. To honor that
tradition, each year I continue it whether
it’s through my grandmother or my
mother. This is what makes New Mexico
so unique; it’s these small traditions that
are at the heart of who we are as people.
Guido. Courtesy photo
Guido is a charming little guy who’s
very playful, outgoing and friendly. At
4 months old he came into the Gallup
Humane Society as a stray. Guido was
then transferred to Española Valley
Humane Society so he could have a
second chance at finding a home. He gets
along great with other cats, and would
love to join your family today!
Trinket
Trinket is affectionate and active gal. Very
much still a puppy at 1 ½ years old, she
loves to give kisses and receive belly rubs.
Trinket came in as a stray so she can be a
little picky with her dog friends so we’d
recommend a meet and greet before she
goes home. Look at that heart shape nose!
There is one unwanted animal for every
two households in Española. In 2012 the
Española Valley Human Society performed
4,012 spay/neuters, and this year they will
complete 5,000 spay/neuter surgeries.
Please help end pet overpopulation by
donating at evalleyshelter.org.
If you have any questions please feel free
to call (505)753-8662.
Car Show Award Winners
Staff Report
Saturday’s car show to benefit the Española Valley High’s music program brought
out some of the Valley’s finest automobiles. Winners were selected in the categories
of classics, low riders, bikes and pedal cars. There was also one entry in the custom
category. The winners were:
Pedal Car
Bikes
1. Dezmond
1. Daylan
2. Adrian
Classics
3. Twisted Way
1. Super snake
2. Topless Beauty
3. Ken Pacheco
Low Riders
4. Steven Padilla
1. Anna Marie Medina
2. Tomas Lopez
Custom
3. Donald
1. Joseph Manzanares
All photos by valleydailypost.com
Valley
The
DAILY P ST
Valley Daily Post Print Edition Available At These Locations
• El Parasol restaurant in Pojoaque
• Kokoman Fine Wine & Liquor in Pojoaque
• Zia Credit Union in Española
• Valley Superette in Española
• Northern New Mexico College Bookstore
• Northern New Mexico College Library
• Del Norte Credit Union branch in Española
• Lucero Center / Española Library
• Big Dawgs Restaurant
• Lovin Oven Bakery in Española
• New Mexico Office Products, 209 N. Riverside
• Accu Copy, 635. N. Riverside
• Classic Cuts by Toner, 416 Riverside Suite G.
• JoAnne's Ranch O Casados Restaurant
• Baskin Robbins in Española
• Mariscos la Playa, 1213 N. Riverside
• Mike's Trading Post in Velarde
• La Tiendita store in Alcalde
• Poe Tsawa Community Library in Ohkay Owingeh
• Abiquiu Inn
• Abiquiu Library
• Bodes Store in Abiquiu