You’re Invited to a Community Forum with Bernalillo County District Attorney Raul Torrez

The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s (D.A.) Office invites you to a Community Forum with D.A. Raul Torrez on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 5:30 p.m., North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, 7521 Carmel NE. D.A. Torrez will discuss his current and future plans to address crime in the Albuquerque community. E-mail: tbui@da2nd.state.nm.us for more information.

Neighborhood Associations Being Targeted By Scammers – Be Alert!

The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) warns neighborhood associations to be aware of scam attempts going on across town. Reports from several associations to APD indicate that calls and e-mails are being sent requesting association board members to transfer funds. The e-mails appear to come from association e-mail accounts, but have been found to be fraudulent. APD reminds you to always confirm the validity of any request for money or fund transfers, and to confirm with other board members any and all financial transaction requests.  Visit: www.cabq.gov/police to learn more about crime prevention.

A Very Star Wars Christmas Brings Darth Vader Along for the Holiday Season

Did you ever wonder how Darth Vader spends the holiday season? The South Broadway Cultural Center features a musical parody A Very Star Wars Christmas, starting Friday, Dec. 22 and Saturday, Dec. 23, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. each day. To buy tickets and learn more, visit: www.southbroadwaytickets.com.

Holiday Hours for City Departments Available Online

All city offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, to in observance of Christmas Day. Regular city services such as bus, Sun Van, trash and recycle pickup will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 26. For a complete listing of city closures on Christmas Day, visit: http://www.cabq.gov/holiday/news/christmas-holiday-closures

Holiday Safety Tips for Your Pets

We love our furry babies and want to spoil them, particularly during the holidays. But not everything that is good for humans is good for cats and dogs. Below are some tips for keeping our fuzzy friends healthy and safe through the holiday season:

·        Securely anchor your Christmas tree so that it can’t be tipped over and fall, possibly causing injury.

·        Keep poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly far away from pets. These plants are highly toxic.

·        Beware of putting up tinsel, as cats love its sparkle, but if swallowed, can cause stomach obstructions, vomiting, and possible emergency surgery.

·        Don’t leave lighted candles around pets, as they could knock them over and start a fire.

·        You know not to feed your pet chocolate or anything with xylitol, but grapes, onions, fatty and spicy foods, and chicken bones are also not good pet snacks.

·        If having a party or celebration, consider keeping your pet in his or her own quiet room and space. Not all dogs and cats do well around lots of people, and some may try to escape when letting guests in or seeing them off.

·        Pets are terrified of fireworks, so on New Year’s Eve, keep them in a safe, escape-proof area.

·        Keep your veterinarian’s number close at hand, as well as any 24/7 animal emergency clinics, if necessary.

·        As always, remember to microchip your pet and keep an identification tag on them at all times, in case they run off or are lost.

Get Involved With Your City Government

Ever wanted to learn more about how city government works or how policy is created? Interested in finding out how different departments operate? Now is the time to get involved! You can join a Policy Team, serve on one of 60+ committees and boards, volunteer, or even apply to work with the City of Albuquerque. Visit: https://www.cabq.gov/mayor/citizen-engagement and learn how you can make a difference!

ART Lanes for Buses Only – Please Drive with Caution

The Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) has started limited service on Central Avenue, and drivers are reminded that the ART bus-only lanes are for buses and emergency vehicles only, not for regular car traffic. Drivers caught in the ART bus-only lanes will be ticketed by Albuquerque Police Department. For more information on the ART bus lanes, or general information, call the ART hotline at (505) 398-4ART, or visit: www.brtabq.com

Holiday Storytime at South Broadway Library Features Two Classic Christmas Tales

Join the staff at the South Broadway Library on Thursday, Dec. 21, 3:00 p.m., and enjoy family storytime to get you into the holiday spirit! The Polar Express, that classic holiday train story, and The Farolitos of Christmas, Rudolfo Anaya’s beautiful story of a little girl’s holiday traditions, will be read, followed by fun arts and crafts! Visit: www.abqlibrary.org/southbroadway for more information.

The Office of Neighborhood Coordination wishes you, your family and your loved ones, a safe, healthy and happy holiday!

Vanessa Baca

Neighborhood Communication Liaison, Office of Neighborhood Coordination (ONC)

City Council Department

(505) 768-3331 Office

www.cabq.gov/neighborhoods

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