
State secrets?
A scientist from Los Alamos National Labs is accused of lying about contacts at a Chinese organization that seeks to draw foreign nationals with inside info about other countries, and also didn't disclose that he has citizenship in four countries, among other things. Turab Lookman's attorney says that Lookman is not only innocent, but he didn't abscond with any sensitive information after he was terminated at LANL and that most of his work has been made public anyway. To be clear, Lookman is accused of misrepresenting the facts, not of actually sharing any secrets—but could still be sentenced to five years in prison if convicted.
Staycation postponed
The swank, sprawling resort at Bishop's Lodge used to be the place to go for relaxation and adventure. Since it closed for construction in 2015, however, it's become a ghost town of half-renovated buildings; not only that, but SFR discovered a mess of owed money and skipped taxes. The group managing the property still says it will be open for guests next year and promises liens will be settled and discharged "in the next week."
Keep (some of) ’em out
A private group in Sunland Park plans on keeping about a half-mile's worth of migrants out of the US. The organization We Build the Wall has erected a small section of border fence, a spokesman says, to show the government that it can indeed be done. The group didn't get a construction permit, however, and the city of Sunland Park has issued a cease-and-desist until it can be assessed if everything is up to snuff. Kevin Bixby of the Southwest Environmental Center called the action "despicable."
Park it
A new parking system could make Santa Fe's public parking garages function like they do in real cities. Features include license plate recognition in case you lose your ticket, lighted boards like they have at the ABQ airport to tell you how many spaces are on each level, and kiosks so you can pay your ticket on foot before you leave in your car. The city Public Works Committee approved the $1.5 million plan ($ TNM) to modernize the system without even a discussion, and now it goes before the full City Council on June 12.
Leaders in LEED
Might all of Santa Fe be LEED-certified in the future? Possibly. The prestigious environmental certification is well known as a goal for construction, but it's also available for entire cities and communities as well. The city received a grant that includes financial assistance for programs and trainings for staff, and a team plans to complete the assessment over the summer. Officials plan to apply for final certification in September.
Act it out
Is there a young person in your life who could really use some time onstage? An outgoing, gregarious teen probably popped into your mind, but don't forget the benefits of improvisation and acting for shy or anxious kids too. SFR took a look this week at three theater organizations running workshops for students this summer, and there's still time to sign up for each of them.
Farewell, Pinto
John Pinto, the longest-serving member of the New Mexico Senate and a former Navajo Code Talker, has died at age 94. He famously hitchhiked from Gallup to Santa Fe for his first day in the Senate in the '70s. A day-long memorial caravan has begun already this morning in Gallup, will pass through Shiprock, then swoop back down through Bernalillo and end up in Santa Fe. A service is scheduled for 3 pm today in the Roundhouse Rotunda (490 Old Santa Fe Trail), and on Thursday there will be a funeral service at 11 am at Sacred Heart Cathedral (415 E Green Ave., Gallup).
Speak up
Claims of abuse against Catholic priests are widespread in Northern New Mexico, and a deadline is approaching for survivors to file with the court for compensation. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has declared bankruptcy, and the public has until June 17 to make accusations known in order to be included before bankruptcy reorganization.
Look closer
State Auditor Brian Colón says his office is going to look into $1.7 million in settlements paid out late in the Susana Martinez Administration. The Word told you a few days ago about how it appears the hush money was doled out without due diligence about claims of harassment, and with special instructions to keep the agreements confidential for five years (rather than the usual 180 days). Colón aims to get to the bottom of it.
Thanks for reading! The Word wants to snuggle the new lobo pups at the zoo. Do you suppose that is allowed? I'm kind of a big deal.