Needle Safety at Parks and Other Community Areas

Our city has many beautiful parks with amenities for families, dogs, bicyclists, walkers, and many more; but unfortunately, some of these parks also have disposed needles or syringes left on the grass or in the play areas. To safely deal with needles, here are some tips from Bernalillo County, the City Parks and Recreation Department, and APD:

·        Do not walk or run barefoot in the parks.

·        If you see needles or syringes in city parks, you can call 311 to request needle pick-up.

·        If you encounter needles and decide to dispose of them, wear latex rubber gloves or leather utility gloves before handling, to protect against blood borne pathogens, fluid contamination and chemicals.

·        When picking up needles, ensure that you use tweezers, tongs, or pliers. Never pick up needles or syringes with your hands, even if you have gloves.

·        The City requires that needles and syringes are disposed of in Sharps containers. Some, but not all, APD area commands and substations have a Sharps container that you can safely dispose of needles.

·        A Bernalillo County Needle Safety flyer is attached for further reference.

To learn more about city parks, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation

City Closures and Service Changes for President’s Day

President’s Day will be observed on Monday, Feb. 19, and many City offices will be closed. However, many services will still be available and on regular schedules, including bus and Sun Van paratransit service; trash and recycle pickup; 311; the Aquarium, Botanic Garden, Tingley Beach and the Zoo; and the Sunport. For a complete listing of city services available on President’s Day, visit: http://www.cabq.gov/holiday/news/presidents-day-closures

Neighborhood Association Meetings Around Town

·        Silver Hill NA, Monday, Feb. 12 at 7:00 p.m., Heights Community Center. E-mail: ja.montalbano@comcast.net for more information.

·        Semillas y Raices, Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6:00 p.m., Art Center Square (AC2), NE corner Mountain and Broadway. E-mail: s33dsnroots@gmail.com for more information.

·        Wells Park NA, Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m., Wells Park Community Center. E-mail: wellsparkna@gmail.com for more information.

·        Elder Homestead NA, Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6:00 p.m., Cesar Chavez Community Center. E-mail: carlpennington1004@yahoo.com for more information.

·        Santa Barbara Martineztown, Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6:00 p.m., 1420 Edith NE. E-mail: sbmartineztown@gmail.com for more information.

·        South Broadway NA, Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6:00 p.m., South Broadway Cultural Center. E-mail: sbnaabq@gmail.com for more information.

·        Westgate Heights NA, Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6:00 p.m., Albuquerque Country Club. E-mail: hcnaalert@gmail.com for more information.

·        Alameda North Valley Association, Thursday, Feb. 15 at 7:00 p.m., Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center. E-mail: anvanews@aol.com for more information.

Online Air Quality Website Shows Daily Pollen Count in Anticipation of Springtime

Did you know that the Environmental Health Department’s online Air Quality website offers a wealth of health information? You can find a daily pollen count (useful with springtime coming upon us), information on whether or not you can burn in your fireplace or wood-burning stove, and general air quality. The website also offers resources on permits, filing an air quality complaint, and much more. Visit: http://www.cabq.gov/airquality to learn more.

Community Policing Council (CPC) Meetings This Week

·        Foothills Area Command, Monday, Feb. 12 at 6:00 p.m., Holiday Park Community Center.

·        Northeast Area Command, Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m., North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center.

·        Southwest Area Command, Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 6:00 p.m., Patrick J. Baca Library.

·        Southeast Area Command, Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6:00 p.m., César Chávez Community Center.

For a complete listing of CPC meeting dates, times and locations, as well as information on applying to serve on a CPC, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/police/community-policing-council

IDO Training Sessions, Study Halls, and Community Planning Area Trainings This Week

The City of Albuquerque wants to help you learn more about the new land use, zoning, and planning regulations that are part of the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO), before it becomes effective on May 17. Come to a daytime or evening IDO training session at a location convenient to you. Learn more at: www.abc-zone.com

This week’s Community Planning Area (CPA) Training Sessions:

·        For the Near North Valley

Thursday, Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m., Los Griegos Health and Social Services Center, 1231 Candelaria NW.

This week’s Training Session and Study Hall:

·        Friday, Feb. 16, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Plaza del Sol, 600 2^nd St. NW, Basement Hearing Room

“That’s A Moray” at The Aquarium Offers A Romantically Fishy Option This Valentine’s Day

Ever wondered how fish fall in love? Me too! And this year, the ABQ BioPark Aquarium will answer that burning question, and more, with “That’s A Moray!” this Wednesday, Feb. 14, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. There will be appetizers and beverages, romantic fish stories, touch pool animal encounters, and a guided tour. This event is adults only. To learn more, visit: http://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark/events/valentines-day-at-the-biopark-adults

Food Pantry Programs at Health and Social Service Centers Asking for Donations

Did you know that our City’s Food Pantry program provides those in need with free groceries once a month? This great program is in need of donations of grocery items, to continue serving those who need help. Food Pantry programs take place at the following four Health and Social Service Centers: Alamosa, Los Griegos, John Marshall, and East Central. To learn more about how you can donate to these programs, visit: http://www.cabq.gov/family/income-eligible-services/health-social-services

Presentation Resource for Neighborhood Associations

The New Mexico Resource Center for Victims of Violent Death offers numerous resources for those who have been affected by violent deaths. Family members, friends, neighbors, and other community members are directly affected by these terrible events, sometimes even moving out of their homes and neighborhoods, and the Resource Center can help. To schedule a presentation for your neighborhood association or community group, e-mail: resourcecenter@gmail.com or visit: http://bridgesforvictimsofviolentdeath.org/

Robinson Park Temporarily Closed for Maintenance

The Parks and Recreation Department reminds residents that Robinson Park will be temporarily closed for maintenance, preparing the park for spring and summer events such as the Downtown Grower’s Market. The park will be closed Monday, Feb. 12 through Friday, April 6. To learn more, e-mail: pclelland@cabq.gov

ONC Training Videos Available on YouTube!

The ONC has some new video trainings available on its YouTube channel, if you’re looking for ideas for an upcoming neighborhood meeting! Check the YouTube channel again, as we are always adding new videos for our neighborhoods. Visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtPaOOlqsog7jRkxF0zRKjw and see what we have!

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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