COVID-19 by the numbers
New Mexico health officials yesterday reported 281 new COVID-19 cases—the highest number of new cases since July—bringing the statewide total number of cases so far to 29,435.
Bernalillo County led with new cases: 61 of them, followed by Doña Ana County with 41 and Curry County with 33. Santa Fe County had eight new cases. The Public Education Department also announced seven new cases at public schools in Chaves, Doña Ana, Eddy, Lea, McKinley and Santa Fe County in the last 24 hours. PED does not disclose school names in its daily news releases; however, the Environment Department reported a rapid response at Acequia Madre Elementary School on Sept. 29
The state also announced two additional deaths yesterday from Lea County; there have now been 877 fatalities. As of yesterday, 85 people were hospitalized with COVID-19.
You can read all of SFR's COVID-19 coverage here. If you've had experiences with testing or the virus, we would like to hear from you.
Council postpones lease for homeless shelter
The Santa Fe City Council voted unanimously last night to postpone renewing the lease for Pete's Place after council members raised concerns about missing safety inspections for the building. The nonprofit shelter's 10-year lease for the city-owned building expired yesterday and now automatically becomes month-to-month. City Economic Development Director Rich Brown cited the pandemic as the reason for the delay when Councilor JoAnne Vigil Coppler asked why the issue had not come before the governing body sooner, saying unexpected departures of key personnel, budget shortfalls and other projects put the shelter's lease on a back burner. City councilors also raised concerns about how Santa Fe Police are handling increasing disturbances in the shelter's neighborhood. Villareal said the city was "not sufficiently addressing health and safety" of shelter guests or nearby businesses, while Vigil Coppler cited rumors "that the police department won't even respond to calls there anymore." Shelter Executive Director Joe Jordan-Bereni tells SFR the city has not provided an adequate response to problems caused by people camping out on Harrison Road, one of the streets directly adjacent to the shelter.
State finances exceed expectations
Economists reported to the Legislative Finance Committee yesterday the state's finances are better than anticipated, but the future remains unclear. The state's income surpassed expectations by close to a half-billion dollars for the fiscal year that ended June 30, largely thanks to federal relief money. As for the current fiscal year, general fund income could range from $6.8 billion to $7.6 billion; state lawmakers authorized $7.2 billion in spending in the budget passed during the special legislative session. According to a state news release, the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, composed of state agency and LFC economists, forecasts improved revenue outlooks for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 compared with what they said in June. "Despite the many economic uncertainties, we are pushing forward as a state to ensure we continue to deliver services to New Mexicans," Acting Finance and Administration Secretary Deborah Romero said in a statement. "There are many factors beyond our control, but we can control our spending and allocation of funds. That is why we have taken a cautious, calculated approach to our general budget and spending. The future is uncertain, but our approach will hopefully continue to put New Mexico in the best possible position."
Public hearing set for no-knock warrant ban
Santa Feans will have a chance later this month to weigh in on a proposal to ban no-knock warrants for police. The City Council last night scheduled an Oct. 28 hearing and council vote for the ordinance—proposed by Mayor Alan Webber—which would ban Santa Fe Police Department officers from requesting, using or participating in any actions in which police enter a home without warning. The issue of no-knock warrants rose to prominence this year after the shooting death of Breonna Taylor last March in Louisville, Ky. That city has since banned no-knock warrants. Santa Fe's proposed law would also require any recorded material from policy body cameras be preserved for five years. According to an Aug. 17 memo written by Deputy Police Chief Paul Joye, SFPD hasn't used a no-knock warrant for at least a decade and has had a policy for body cameras since 2016.
Listen up
As we head into a season of fear, jump-scares and sugar highs (we're talking about Halloween rather than the general election but, you know, potato/potato), be sure to check out the latest episode of Eric Carter-Landin's true-crime podcast True Consequences. Carter-Landin investigates and tells the story of the murder of Sasha Krause, a Mennonite woman who disappeared from Farmington last January and was later found murdered in Arizona. The horror in this story is real and, as always, Carter-Landin handles difficult material well. But if you'd prefer some urban legend and humor to kick off October, check out Carter-Landin's other podcast, Dos Spookqueños, hosted with "Alex" and exploring New Mexico's paranormal side. The most recent episode, from last month, centers on haunted hotels.
Health department warns of job scam
According to the state health department, a new scam targets people who think they are applying for a job with the department through a fake LinkedIn employment ad. Upon applying, job seekers receive an email congratulating them on being selected for a job interview with both federal I-9 and W-4 forms attached. From there, applicants are told to download and install a chat application for a job interview, during which they are asked to send the completed forms along with photocopies of their driver's licenses and Social Security numbers. Needless to say, some people found this suspicious and reported it to the health department, which is now working with the Attorney General's Office to pursue the perpetrators. DOH also reminds the public state jobs are always advertised on the New Mexico State Personnel Office, and employees only fill out tax paperwork once they are hired and working.
Hit the road
If you've lately toyed with the idea of buying an RV to hit the open road, you're not alone. RV sales are booming as are sales for most outdoor equipment for camping, kayaking and the like. However you plan to go rambling, Outside Magazine offers up the five most scenic campsites in each US region. We kinda thought Outside would give New Mexico props seeing as how the magazine is located here but, no, Mogollon Campground in Arizona wins out for the Southwest. It does look pretty cool, but we were more drawn to the Old Man's Cave Campground in Ohio—although if we ever get out of here, we're heading somewhere with a beach.
Write away
SFR's annual Writing Contest opens for submissions this week with timely topics for you to consider. This year's theme for the fiction entries homes in on one simple word we've all been living: pivot. You don't have to use the word in your entry, but you do need to use the words: mask, pinnacle and distance. Non-fiction pieces should explore the concept of Not-So-Brave New World, i.e. essays that reflect on fear and anxiety, as well as the coping mechanisms/activities you've found to help you through. Entries are open through Oct. 31; each entry requires a $10 fee; and first place winners in each category receive a $100 cash prize. Details here.
Turn over a new leaf
Today's forecast looks a teensy bit cooler than yesterday: Sunny, with a high near 70 degrees and east wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Need more fall? How about a scenic ride on the Cumbres & Toltec?
Thanks for reading! The Word found cheer in this Atlas Obscura story about a group of calligraphers who decided to make some of the epistolary elements of Jane Austen's novels more tactile. And here's the book they made.
