Free VIN Etching Event Provides Deterrent to Auto Theft

You’re invited to a free Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching event on Saturday, April 14, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., at Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Bypass NW. Having your VIN etched on the windows of your vehicle is a major deterrent to auto theft, as it makes it very difficult for thieves to resell your car’s parts. It also assists law enforcement in retrieving stolen cars. For more information, e-mail: pgelabert@cabq.gov

Community Policing Council (CPC) Meetings This Week

·        Foothills Area Command, Monday, April 9 at 6:00 p.m., Holiday Park Community Center.

·        Northeast Area Command, Tuesday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m., North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center

·        NOTE NEW LOCATION - Southwest Area Command, Wednesday, April 11 at 6:00 p.m., Alamosa Community Center, 6900 Gonzales SW.

The CPCs highly encourage citizen attendance and participation, and all CPCs are accepting new members. For information on how to apply, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/police/community-policing-council

Great American Cleanup Encourages Neighborhoods to “Clean Up!”

The Great American Clean Up is the country’s largest community improvement program that kicks off in more than 20,000 communities each Spring. To register for Albuquerque, visit: www.keepalbuquerquebeautiful.com and click on the Great American Cleanup tab to download the registration form. Registration deadline is April 13.

Veteran’s Outreach Events Offer Resources For Those Who Have Served

The New Mexico Department of Veteran’s Services offers frequent military outreach events across the city, sharing information about benefits, tax information, health services, and much more. Please bring your DD-214. E-mail: josephm.dorn@state.nm.us for more information on these events. This week’s events are as follow:

·        Tuesday, April 10 at 12:00 noon, Los Griegos Public Library, 1000 Griegos NW.

·        Thursday, April 12 at 9:00 a.m., Holiday Park Community Center, 11710 Comanche NE.

“Pop with a Cop” Event Invites Residents to Meet APD Officers

Want to meet some of your police officers? Come on over to the “Pop with a Cop” on Tuesday, April 10 at 4:00 p.m. at Sonic Drive-Thru, 6320 Central SE, have a soda, and share your questions and concerns with Albuquerque Police Department officers. To learn more about APD initiatives, upcoming events, and crime-prevention tips, visit: www.cabq.gov/police.

Bernalillo County Capital Improvement Program Hosting Public Meetings in April

Bernalillo County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) continues to host countywide informational meetings through April to inform the public about the 2018 – 2024 Capital Improvement Plan and 2018 general obligation bond questions that will be on the November 2018 ballot. This week’s meeting takes place Thursday, April 12 at 6:00 p.m., at the South Valley Multipurpose Senior Center, 2008 Larrazolo Rd. SW. For more information on the CIP, visit: https://www.bernco.gov/events.aspx?calEventId=58c05e1d5b40462393194f0147e87933&calDate=636590880000000000&

Tips to Avoid Facebook Scams

Use of Facebook continues to grow, with neighborhoods and residents using this venue to promote various events and connect with others. Unfortunately, scam attempts via Facebook are also a concern. Below are some tips from the Attorney General’s Office on how to protect yourself when using Facebook or other social media sites:

·        Do not accept Facebook friend requests from people you don’t know. These individuals could be stalkers or scammers.

·        If you are contacted through Facebook to send money, don’t respond, even if you think you know the person. Fake Facebook accounts are frequently used to try and get money out of unsuspecting users.

·        Do not purchase anything via Facebook, even if you feel it is a secure site. Instead, verify that the online shop is legitimate by doing your own research.

·        If you are contacted in a romantic way by someone you don’t know, such as being asked for a date or to meet for coffee, do not respond. Online dating scammers can pirate financial information very easily.

·        Don’t volunteer any personal or financial information.

·        If you have been contacted by a scammer, or have any reason to be concerned about any Facebook interactions, report the person or page to Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/help/1216349518398524?helpref=hc_global_nav

·        If you have been the victim of an online scam, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357 or www.consumer.ftc.gov, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations at: www.ic3.gov

South Valley Library Offers Free Dental Health Fair for Kids and Parents

Bring your little ones to the South Valley Library, 3904 Isleta SW, on Wednesday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m., where they can meet Blue Bear and take photos with him and his bear-sized toothbrush, learn about dental hygiene, and get some free goodies. Visit: www.abqlibrary.org/southvalley to learn more about this event, and other fun things happening there!

Neighborhood Association (NA) Meetings Around Town

·        Academy Ridge East NA, Monday, April 9 at 5:00 p.m., Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary School. E-mail: jimmun@gmail.com for more information.

·        Silver Hill NA, Monday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m., Heights Community Center. E-mail: ja.montalbano@comcast.net for more information.

·        Fair West NA Annual Meeting, Tuesday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m., EXPO New Mexico Alice K. Hoppes African American Pavilion. E-mail: Dorothy.kerwin@gmail.com for more information.

·        SR Marmon NA, Tuesday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m., SR Marmon Elementary School. E-mail: monnet@srmna.org for more information.

·        Wells Park NA, Tuesday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m., Johnny Tapia Wells Park Community Center. E-mail: wellsparkna@gmail.com for more information.

·        Taylor Ranch NA, Wednesday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m., Don Newton Taylor Ranch Community Center. E-mail: president@trna.org for more information.

·        Huning Castle NA, Wednesday April 11 at 7:00 p.m., Albuquerque Country Club. E-mail: hcnaalert@gmail.com for more information.

·        Barelas NA, Thursday, April 12 at 6:00 p.m., Barelas Community Center. E-mail: info@barelas.org for more information.

·        South Valley Coalition of NAs, Thursday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m., Bernalillo County Sheriff’s SE Area Command. E-mail: rmahoney1@comcast.net for more information.

·        Quintessence NA, Thursday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church. E-mail: stephens58@q.com for more information.

Crime Prevention Resources for Neighborhood Associations

Are you interested in learning more about how to prevent property crime in your neighborhood? The Property Crimes Reporting Division at Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is offering presentations to all neighborhood associations on what you can do to help minimize theft in your area. Contact Scott Seibel at 505-823-4255 or e-mail: sseibel@cabq.gov for more information.

ONC Toolbox Series Offers Suggestions for Applying for Grants

Does your neighborhood association want to apply for grants to help with projects and initiatives in your area? Grants can be very exciting to get, and useful to understand, but before you start writing, there are some things that might help you along the way. Visit our Grant Writing Toolkit Series at: http://www.cabq.gov/office-of-neighborhood-coordination/neighborhood-toolbox/grant-writing-series and learn about the grant-writing process, pitfalls you may encounter, and suggestions for overall success.

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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