• Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Join 85 other subscribers
  • Around the Neighborhood

    LADERA WEST BOARD 2022

    President – Steve Collins

    Vice President – Hope Eckert

    Treasurer – Shariesse McCannon

    Secretary – Rose Marie Keating 

    At Large – Isabel Solano

     

     

    Abandoned Shopping Carts 

    We have had many inquiries on abandoned shopping carts and who to call.   Abandoned Walmart carts may be reported directly to Walmart at 2550 Coors Blvd NW, (352-1870, press 0). Walmart uses a collection service to retrieve scattered carts. Report Home Depot and other carts to 311.  Remember to have the names of the cross streets at hand.

     

    Resources for Mental and Emotional Stress During COVID-19 and Beyond

    The COVID-19 public health pandemic has created not just a physical health concern, but extreme mental and emotional stress as well. There are many resources available for residents who are feeling the anxiety and fear that are so common right now, and that may continue post-COVID. If you or someone you know is having anxiety, or thoughts of self-injury or suicide, the New Mexico Crisis Access Hotline is available 24/7/365 and you can reach it by calling 1-855-662-7474.  You can also visit www.nmcrisisline.com for many other online resources.

     

    Northwest Area Command Community Policing Council Meetings:

    Held the third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM. The meeting is at the Northwest Area Command Substation located at 10401 Cibola Loop, NW 87114 across from Cibola High School.

     

  • Outreach and Assistance Events

    NMDWS Offers Online Workshops Aimed at Helping You Get a Job!
    The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions is hosting Workforce Connection online workshops geared toward increasing and improving workforce skills, interview skills and tips on how to ace job interviews. The workshops take place weekly and cover a variety of employment topics, so sign up today at: https://www.dws.state.nm.us/en-us/Job-Seekers

  • What’s Going on in Albuquerque

    Contact Mayor Keller
    At the City of Albuquerque, we always want to  know about the issues that matter most to our residents.  To share your views, or request assistance with City related services, you may email Mayor Keller.   https://www.cabq.gov/mayor/contact-us/email-the-mayor

    APD Reminds Residents To Not Leave Running Vehicles Unattended In Colder Months
    The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) reminds us that we should not leave our cars unattended if warming them up in the cold mornings. Leaving your car running to warm up is one of the main ways car thieves strike in the winter. If you must warm your car before driving, consider using a remote starter or separate valet key, so you can lock your vehicle doors while it is unattended. For more ideas and tips on preventing auto theft, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/police/crime-prevention-safety/auto-theft

     

    OASIS SENIOR LEARNING IS PROVIDING ONLINE PROGRAMS
    Contact 884-4529 or visit albuquerque.oasisnet.org for more information.

     

    ABQ RIDE Offers Numerous Resources For Getting Around Town Safely
    Get up-to-date information about bus locations in Albuquerque with Where’s My Bus. From any device with an internet connection, you can select any active bus route and get live tracking on City & UNM bus locations. Live tracking is available at: www.cabq.gov/mybus. You can also easily find when the next regularly-scheduled bus is due at your stop with a simple text. TXT2RIDE is fast and easy to use. Send a text to 27433 (2-RIDE) with the 4-digit bus stop number, a space, and then the route number, and hit Send! In seconds, you’ll receive a text with the next two scheduled departure times. Message & data rates may apply. To find the bus stop number, look for the round puck with a tactile blue 4-digit number posted on the bus stop pole four to five feet above the ground. Most pucks will face the sidewalk. The bus stop number also appears in Type II Braille below the tactile number. Learn more at: www.cabq.gov/txt2ride

    City Partners with Multiple Agencies to Make Flu Vaccine Easily Accessible
    Flu shots will lessen severity of flu symptoms and save hospital resources to fight COVID-19 pandemic  At a press conference, Mayor Tim Keller and the City Environmental Health Department’s Dr. Mark DiMenna highlighted the partnership between several agencies to make voluntary flu vaccinations easily accessible for all Albuquerque residents. Getting vaccinated for the flu helps reduce respiratory illness and preserve limited health care resources that may be in short supply due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Find a flu shot clinic today at: http://www.cabq.gov/humanresources/employee-benefits/better-health-program/employee-flu-shots

    Homeless Coordinating Council Meeting Invites Community to Participate

    Got concerns about homelessness in Albuquerque? Why not join in the bi-weekly Homeless Coordinating Council Meeting that happens every other Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. online? This is a community-wide initiative that discusses issues and possible solutions to combat the issues related to individuals experiencing homelessness. To learn more about this Council and to attend upcoming meetings, visit: http://www.cabq.gov/family/partner-resources/meeting-minutes-agendas/homeless-coordinating-council

    Illegal Dumping Partnership Encourages Safe Disposal of Unwanted Items

    The Illegal Dumping Partnership is an initiative sponsored by the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, PNM, Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), AMAFCA, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), and other groups, encouraging residents to safely dispose of unwanted items at one of the City’s convenience centers located throughout Bernalillo County. Illegal dumping is not only rude, it’s against the law and is punishable by fines and possible jail time. To report illegal dumping, call 1-877-668-4769. You can also dispose of your trash at one of the following locations:
    • South Side (Montessa Park), 512 Los Picaros Rd NW, 505-768-5930
    • West Side (Don Reservoir), 117 114th Street SW, 505-768-3920
    • North Side (Eagle Rock), 6301 Eagle Rock Rd NE, 505-857-8318 Bernalillo County
    • East Side (East Mountain Transfer Station) 505-281-9110

     

  • Bernalillo County Happenings

    Bernalillo County offers drive-thru grocery pickup for low-income seniors  
    https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/bernalillo-county-offers-drive-thru-grocery-pickup-for-low-income-seniors/  

     

    Here’s the newest Bernalillo County Newsletter at a Glance chocked full of the latest updates on most every important topic currently of interest to Bernalillo County residents: November Newsletter

     

  • Landscaping Tips

    ABQ Water Authority Watering Recommendations

    One time per month.  Established plants need watering one time per month for the remainder of the winter season.  Choose a warm day to water.  For more information go to:  https://www.505outside.com/

     

    Have You Winterized Your Pipes and Irrigation System?
    Don’t let burst pipes put the freeze on your holidays! Mild temperatures this week make it a great time to winterize your home’s plumbing and irrigation system if you haven’t already done so. For winterizing tips:  https://www.abcwua.org/Latest_News.aspx?8d915011d39a40e4974cf32d10f927f2blogPostId=bb2e205f41314139960ac67dcf36872f

     

    The Balancing Act of Watering Trees in the Fall and Winter

    The balancing act of watering your trees in the fall and winter is important. Established trees should be watered two to three times a month in the fall season and once a month in the winter season. If not watered properly, trees that get too dry during this time can suffer stress and drought injury. This often does not show up until the heat of the following summer, which then makes trees more susceptible to pests and disease. Fall is the time to set your trees up for winter success.

    Other important factors to consider when watering trees:

    • Newly planted trees (trees planted within 1-3 years), are more susceptible to damage from dry conditions and should be watered more frequently than established trees. Try watering them to a depth of 24 inches three times a month in the fall and twice a month in the winter.
    • Evergreen trees lose water through their needles in the dry winter air. They need more stored-up water going into the winter season to make up for that. Cold, dry winds can strip water from evergreens faster than their roots can absorb it, too. That is why it is especially important to provide enough water in the fall and during dry, warm spells in the winter.
    • Even though they lose their leaves, deciduous trees should also not get too dry in the fall and winter. Water acts as an insulator for both the tree and soil. Soil that stays moist will be warmer. Likewise, plant cells that are plump with water will be less susceptible to damage from the cold. Water deciduous trees to a depth of 24 inches twice a month during the fall and once a month in the winter.
    • When watering any tree, remember to apply water out to the edge of the tree’s canopy drip line. Most established trees have a root spread equal to their height and beyond. Water deeply and avoid spraying foliage. Watering to the right depth depends on your specific soils, so you will want to measure how much water it takes your soils to reach 24 inches deep. Read this article for tips on measuring watering depth.

    One of the best things you can do for your trees in the coming months is to add mulch. Layering three to four inches of organic mulch protects the soil from moisture loss and helps regulate soil temperature throughout the winter. Treebates for bulk organic mulch is available.

    Pro Tip: “Watering to the right depth and managing the frequency of watering are both very important aspects of keeping our plants healthy throughout the year, but especially in the fall and winter months,” says Patrick Chavez, Trees of Corrales Wholesale Nursery.

     

     

     

  • 311 is Here for You

    311 Customer Service Survey Invites Public Feedback

    Have you taken the 311 Customer Service Survey yet? This online survey offers you the chance to give feedback and share ideas for making the City’s 311 service more open, accessible and accountable to the community it serves. To take the survey, visit:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S8TKMZV

    311 Citizen Contact Center

    Information about the 311 Citizen Contact Center.

    The 311 Citizen Contact Center is a centralized call center for the City of Albuquerque. The 311 service is a single telephone number for all non-emergency City of Albuquerque inquiries and services.

    We answer questions and respond to requests for service.

    Hours

    Monday through Saturday – 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    Sunday – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Animal welfare calls and fixed bus times)

    How Can We Help?

    There are several ways the City of Albuquerque and 311 can answer questions or requests for service.

    Click here for website

     

    The new City website link to report abandoned vehicles.

        Report Abandoned Vehicles at: https://www.cabq.gov/report-abandoned-vehicles/report-abandoned-vehicles

     

  • Safety

    Sign Up for APD’s Security Camera Analytical Network! Does your home or business have a security camera? Register it with the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Security Camera Analytical Network (SCAN) network at: www.cabq.gov/scan. Connecting your street-facing security camera to the SCAN network can help counter crime in your area and helps APD with visual surveillance and information in the event a crime was captured on camera.

     

     

  • Check out the latest Neighborhood Newsletters

    From the City, the County and APD - just go to our "Neighborhood News" page!
  • Archives

State of the City Celebration

Let’s celebrate our city together at the 2023 State of the City in the heart of downtown at the iconic Albuquerque Rail Yards. Learn what different resources and services City departments and partner organizations offer our community all while enjoying local food trucks and live entertainment. Join in the fun this Saturday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the Albuquerque Rail Yards, with Mayor Keller’s speech starting at 1:00 p.m. To learn more, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/mayor/events/join-mayor-tim-keller-for-the-2023-state-of-the-city-address-and-community-celebration

Spring 2023 Green Waste Collection – This week!

The City of Albuquerque’s Solid Waste Management Department will pick up residential Green Waste at no additional charge. This year’s spring Green Waste collection program begins on Monday, May 1 and will end on Friday, May 12, 2023.
Solid Waste customers should have their Green Waste at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of their regular trash collection day. All Green Waste must be placed 5 feet from automated trash and recycling containers as well as any large items scheduled for pick-up. Solid Waste customers must place their Green Waste (leaves, grass, and brush) in trash bags.
Each trash bag should not weigh more than 40 pounds. Customers that have branches must cut them to four-foot lengths and bundle them securely.
The following items will not be picked up: dirt, construction debris, gravel, construction material or tree stumps.
The green waste is processed into a rough chip mulch and is used to help prevent erosion at the Cerro Colorado Landfill.
Please call 311 or 505-768-2000 with questions or to report a missed Green Waste pick-up.

Great Clean-Up! Next up: Yard Sales!

Dear Neighbors: Thank you all SO much for a great turnout to the neighborhood cleanup! We had 17 volunteers, and as you can see from the photos, collected LOTS of trash! It was so great to meet new neighbors and work together.

Now, it’s time to do some of our own Spring cleaning – we will be advertising yard sales for the entire neighborhood the weekend of May 5th. Another great opportunity to both get rid of some things and meet your neighbors. Please post on your social media as well. Thank you!

Neighborhood Cleanup – We need YOU!

Hello Dear Neighbors!

The Albuquerque Neighborhood Cleanups will be happening on Saturday, April 22nd. We will be meeting at Riconada Point Park at 9:00 with everything you need – gloves, bags, snacks and drinks! All you have to do is fill up a bag and it will be hauled off for you! It would be great to have a big showing this year (have you seen all the trash lately?). We would LOVE to see you there! Thank you in advance for considering taking time out of your weekend to participate!!!

State Senator Town Hall Meeting, Jan. 14th

Dear Neighbors – Happy New Year! Below please see contact info and a Town Hall meeting with our newly appointed State Senator, Moe Maestas.

FALL 2022 GREEN WASTE COLLECTION

The City of Albuquerque’s Solid Waste Management Department will pick up residential Green Waste at no additional charge. This year’s fall Green Waste collection program begins on Monday, November 28 and will end on Friday, December 9, 2022.

Solid Waste customers should have their Green Waste at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of their regular trash collection day. All Green Waste must be placed 5 feet from automated trash and recycling containers as well as any large items scheduled for pick-up. Solid Waste customers must place their Green Waste (leaves, grass, and brush) in trash bags.

Each trash bag should not weigh more than 40 pounds. Customers that have branches must cut them to four-foot lengths and bundle them securely.

The following items will not be picked up: dirt, construction debris, gravel, construction material or tree stumps.

The green waste is processed into a rough chip mulch and is used to help prevent erosion at the Cerro Colorado Landfill.

Call 505-761-8167 with questions.

Green Waste Collection Event Tips

During collection events, please follow these guidelines:

  • Green Waste must be 5 feet away from trash/recycling containers.
  • Green Waste must be placed in trash bags.
  • Trash bags must not weigh more than 40 lbs.
  • Cut branches to four-foot lengths and bundle them securely.
  • Dirt, debris, gravel, construction material or tree stumps will not be picked up.
  • Do not place green waste in your recycling cart.

(Slightly) New Voting Location & Household Waste Drop-off

Hello Neighbors and Happy Fall!

Just a couple of helpful neighborhood announcements:

  • WestBluff early/regular voting location – if you are used to going here to vote, the polling place is still in the shopping center and open Monday – Saturday, but has moved to the building with the Mattress Firm & GNC (5211 Ouray Rd NW, Suite B)
  • There will be a household waste drop-off in November. More information from the City:

Household Hazardous Waste Event Coming First Saturday in November


Got old cans of paint, bottles of weed killer, motor oil, bug spray, cleaning supplies or poisons lying around and want to get rid of them? Pack them up and take them over to Balloon Fiesta Park on Saturday, November 5 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., as part of the Solid Waste Management Department’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event.

Items that will be accepted are:
•    Paint
•    Automotive oil
•    Antifreeze
•    Gasoline
•    Cleaning supplies
•    Finishes and stains
•    Aerosols
•    Pesticides/herbicides
•    Poisons
•    Batteries
•    Corrosives/Photographics
•    Pool chemicals
•    Fluorescent light bulbs
•    Mercury

To learn more, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/HHW

Ouray Road Construction Proposal & Meeting

Dear Neighbors, information from the City:

The City of Albuquerque will be installing center medians with dedicated left turn bays along Ouray Road from Coors Boulevard to Ladera Drive. The goals of the project are to reduce crash rates and traffic speeds, deter unsafe passing maneuvers, and improve safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at 6 p.m., the City of Albuquerque will be hosting an online pre-construction public meeting via Zoom to discuss the details of the project, including the project’s design, proposed aesthetics, goals, benefits and timeline. As a local resident, we invite you to join us on Zoom to learn more and get answers to any questions you may have about the project. A notice will also be placed in the Albuquerque Journal, but we request that you pass this along to the residents of your neighborhoods as well. To join the meeting, please use the link and/or meeting information below.

Online Public Meeting Information:

·         WHEN: Tuesday, October 25, 2022

o   6-7 p.m.

·         WHERE: Via Zoom

o   https://cabq.zoom.us/j/89221095165?pwd=c3d6RE9KOFMraXlOVk0xendaanpndz09

o   Meeting ID: 892 2109 5165

o   Passcode: 426837

INFORMAL CLEANUP

Dear Neighbors:

It was great to see you at our annual meeting last night!  As you may have noticed on signs around town, this Saturday, September 24th, is the annual ABQ neighborhood cleanup day.  We have not arranged a formal cleanup, but will be out picking up at least one small bag’s worth and encourage you to do the same if you are willing and able.  AND, we have noticed that some of you have quietly been out there doing this all along and wanted to take this opportunity to publicly say THANK YOU!!!!!!

LWNA Annual Meeting

Join us on Tuesday, September 20th at 6:00 at the Golf Course events room for our annual meeting! Come reconnect with your neighbors and participate:

Guest Speakers – Louie Sanchez, our City Councilor, & Erika Wilson, Manager of the Emergency Communications Center (9-1-1 & 242-COPS)

Association Business – Elections and Approval of Updated Bylaws (updated to comply with the new Neighborhood Association Recognition Ordinance). Proposed Bylaws

We Look Forward to Seeing You!!!

Watering Guidelines

Hi neighbors, here are some good guidelines on watering from the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority. The chart shows watering recommendations for plant types by season. More information can be found at https://www.505outside.com/

Auto Burglaries in our Neighborhoods

Thank you to our friends at Ladera Heights Neighborhood Association for the following information:

Vehicles have been broken into in the NW Area Command Community. Some of the reports are coming from the Next- Door web site, Emails and phone calls.  APD is getting videos from the residents that have cameras.  The video shows the individuals breaking into cars. This information is given to the officers. Some of the videos show the individual opening the doors and taking the valuables. Please lock your vehicle’s doors and take your valuables inside your home.  Auto burglary is a crime of opportunity; vehicles are easy targets and often contain property that is attractive to thieves.  Large parking lots and neighborhoods with a lot of on-street parking can be prime targets for theft. Use the easy, inexpensive tips below to reduce your risk.

Precautions – remove these items and leave nothing in plain-view inside your vehicle:

Park in visible, well-lit areas.

Roll up windows and lock doors.

Place items in your trunk before reaching your destination.

Secure the trunk, hatches, bed-mounting tool boxes and canopies.

Garage door openers

Electronic items (laptops, cell phones)

Luggage/bags

Cash

Firearms

Mail

Wallets/Purses

July 4 Fireworks Restriction Message From AFD

Thanks to our friends at Ladera Heights Neighborhood Association for the following information:

In anticipation of July 4th, the Albuquerque Fire Marshall’s Office has put together a flyer which they are distributing to all vendors who sell fireworks within Albuquerque city limits specifying the types of fireworks they are allowed to sell and penalties for selling illegal fireworks. That flyer is below.

2020Fireworks

The Fire Marshall’s Office has asked that you, as neighbors, also be vigilant about what types of fireworks you might buy, and if you observe any illegal fireworks around the City, please report them immediately using the ABQ311 web app at: https://www.cabq.gov/311/abq311/311-web-app.  You can also download the ABQ311 app to your smartphone and report illegal fireworks in that manner. NOTE: when reporting illegal fireworks, remember to enter the address where the illegal fireworks are being used and not your own address.

With the current public health order still restricting large gatherings, the City will not be hosting the annual Freedom 4th event at Balloon Fiesta Park this year, and it might be tempting to buy your own fireworks to use at home. But please also remember that many of them are illegal, as clarified on the attached flyer, and that setting off fireworks can not only be dangerous to you and your family, but can also cause extreme stress for those with post-traumatic stress, and also for pets and animals in your vicinity. As well, remember that we live in the desert and that drought conditions are always a consideration when using fireworks, so be sensible and use common sense.

NEIGHBORLY TIP OF THE WEEK: HELP ELDERLY NEIGHBORS!

A couple of weeks into the Corona Virus crisis, I received an email from membership chairman, Elmer Jackson. He said this is a wonderful neighborhood. Eight neighbors concerned for him, at his age, had offered to get supplies for him. The City of Albuquerque, Office of Neighborhood Coordination gives us ideas on ways we can help our seniors in the Neighborhood Weekly E-news Tuesday, March 9th, 2020.

“Do you have a neighbor who is elderly? Why not check on them and ask if there is anything you can do to help them out? Many senior citizens have difficulties with grocery shopping, taking out trash and recycle bins, pulling weeds or simply driving. You can help by taking out and putting back trash bins, delivering groceries, organizing other neighbors to help pull their weeds, and driving them to appointments.”

Please enter your email to the left to follow this blog. That way you’ll be notified when we post our next blog

ATMs are to modern people, as watering holes are to animals in the Serengeti. These are convenient places for predators to wait and attach. In the March 2020 The Communicator, the monthly newsletter from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office we learn how to carefully approach our ATMs.

“Because of the variety of ATMs, the unique characteristics of each installation, and crime considerations at each location, no single formula can guarantee the security of ATMs.  Therefore, it is necessary for ATM customers to consider the environment around each ATM and various procedures for remaining safe when using an ATM.

Criminals select their victims and targets, focusing on the unaware or unprepared.  Criminals are also drawn to environmental conditions that enhance the opportunity to successfully  complete their crime. The attitude and demeanor you convey can have a tremendous effect on potential assailants. There are a number of things you can do to increase your personal             security and reduce your risk of becoming an ATM crime victim.

THE FOLLOWING CRIME PREVENTION TIPS CAN HELP MAKE THE USE OF ATM’S SAFER FOR EVERYONE:

WALK  purposefully and with confidence. Give the appearance that you are totally aware of your surroundings.

BE AWARE  of your environment and what is going on around you. Criminals tend to avoid people who have this type of demeanor.

PERFORM  mental exercises and plan out what you would do in different crime or personal security situations.

FOLLOW  your instincts. If you feel you are in danger, respond immediately. Remember that your personal safety is the top priority.

ATM SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS:

Whenever possible, select an ATM that is monitored or patrolled by a security officer.

Always watch for suspicious persons or activity around an ATM. Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car in close proximity to or at a distance from the ATM location.

If you notice anything strange, leave and return some other time. Even if you have already started a transaction, cancel it and leave.

Maintain a small supply of deposit envelopes at home, in your car or office. Prepare all transaction paperwork prior to your arrival at the ATM site. This will minimize the amount of time spent at the ATM.

Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction. Do not become so involved with your transaction that you are not aware of changing conditions in the area.

Do not wear expensive jewelry or take other valuables to the ATM. This is an added incentive to an assailant.

If you get cash – put it away immediately. Do not stand at the ATM and count it.

Never accept offers of assistance with the ATM from strangers; ask the bank for help.

Never lend your ATM card to anyone; treat it as if it were cash or a credit card.

If you use a drive-up ATM, ensure your vehicle doors and windows are locked.

During evening hours consider taking a companion along, park close to the ATM in a well-lighted area and lock your car. If the lights around the ATM are not working properly, do not use it.

When leaving an ATM location make sure you are not being followed.  If you are being followed, drive immediately to a police, sheriff or fire station, crowded area, well-lighted location or open business. Flash your lights and sound your horn to bring attention to your situation and call 911.

If you are involved in a confrontation and the attacker is armed with a weapon and demands your money or valuables, GIVE IT TO THE SUSPECT. Do not resist, property may be recovered later or replaced.”

Please enter your email to the left to follow this blog. That way you’ll be notified when we post our next blog on Helping Elderly Neighbors.

NEW WATER AUTHORITY REBATES: EASY WAY TO BOOST YOUR LANDSAPE IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY

The Water Authority can help you plan and plant a beautiful yard. There website gives list of landscaping tips and well-adapted plants. Part of a beautiful yard is watering. Types of irrigation are also described on this website at http://www.505outside.com/ . The March 6th, 2020 Monthly Landscaping Newsletter, 505Outside, told us about rebates for new irrigation projects. The rebate forms are available on the website.

“Having a healthy and functional (and desert friendly) landscape is about making smart horticultural and irrigation decisions. Burqueños know that water conservation is a way of life — and an important responsibility in this beautiful high-desert region. By working together, we can continue to ensure a reliable water supply and keep Albuquerque landscapes colorful and beautiful.

Watering your yard efficiently is one of the best and easiest ways to conserve water. More importantly, proper watering will keep your plants healthy throughout the year. The trick is to give your plants enough water – but not too much. Fortunately, improvements in irrigation system technology are making it easier to do just that – and the Water Authority is rolling out new rebates in April to help you add the latest in irrigation tech:

WaterSense-labeled controllers allow watering schedules to better match plants’ water needs.

A WaterSense labeled controller can automatically or manually reduce watering times or the number of days when the system operates. That means less water is delivered to the plants during cooler months or when it has rained recently. As outdoor temperatures increase or rainfall decreases, WaterSense labeled controllers increase irrigation systems’ watering run times or schedule to compensate. Some of these controllers are equipped with smartphone friendly irrigation technology that allows the user to set watering times remotely. Replacing a standard irrigation timer with a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller can save up to 30% in outdoor watering. Customers can choose from a list of pre-qualified controllers.

Irrigation flow sensors measure the speed at which water travels through an irrigation system and sends that information to the Smart Irrigation Controller. This helps detect issues and conserves water. For example, if water is flowing at an unusually high rate (because of a line break or broken sprinkler), a flow sensor works with the controller to take corrective action. Such action could include stopping the water flow or sending alert messages to your device. Additionally, some flow sensors can quantify how much water is used in a landscape, making it easier to stick to a landscape water budget.

Pressure regulation devices increase the efficiency and performance of your sprinkler and drip system by reducing the water pressure to a set, optimal rate. This is important to improve water distribution uniformity and avoid underwatering or overwatering. The three most common pressure regulating devices are pressure reducing valves, flow control valves and pressure sustaining valves.

These devices provide pressure regulation at each individual spray head. The sprinkler body is the exterior shell that connects to the irrigation system piping and houses the spray nozzle that applies water on the landscape. WaterSense labeled spray sprinkler bodies with internal pressure regulation can reduce water waste by providing a consistent flow at the sprinkler nozzle. When the sprinkler body maintains pressure near its optimal operating pressure, the connected nozzle is better able to generate the right amount of water spray and coverage for more uniform distribution of water across the landscape. Customers can choose from a list of pre-qualified spray sprinkler bodies.”

Please enter your email to the left to follow this blog. That way you’ll be notified when we post our next blog on Crime Reduction Safety Tips: ATM.

CYBER HARASSMENT SAFETY IS PART OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS

The end of a relationship could trigger unwanted behaviors, like cyber harassment. On Monday, October 24th, 2019, Albuquerque’s Office of Neighborhood Coordination gave us some safety suggestions for this kind of harassment in the Neighborhood Weekly E-news. As usual, please forward this blog to your family and friends that will find it useful.

“Breaking up is hard to do, as well all know, but can be dangerous for survivors of abusive relationships. Even if you’re able to physically leave the relationship, the abusive ex-partner can still cause harm online and using social media. As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, here are some safety suggestions for avoiding and dealing with digital abuse:

Clearly tell your ex to stop harassing you, if you feel safe doing so. If you send a text message or an e-mail telling them to stop harassing you, keep a copy of your electronic communication and DO NOT respond to any messages they might send you afterward.

Save all electronic communications. You might want to delete them, but it’s better to save them somewhere safe online, either in another e-mail folder, or by keeping screenshots of text messages. Make sure the date and time are included in the saved messages.

Increase your online privacy. Set your social media profiles to the maximum privacy settings, change passwords, block or “unfriend” your ex, and don’t provide details of your social plans or whereabouts, such as checking in on Facebook or using apps like Foursquare.

If your ex is harassing you via e-mail, create a separate e-mail account with a difficult-to-guess password and only use it with people you trust.

Let people in your support system know you’re being harassed, and ask them to help by not “tagging” you on social media or otherwise mentioning your location online.

You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and you can visit:  http://www.thehotline.org/help/tech-social-media-safety-2/ for more ideas about online safety.”

Please enter your email to the left to follow this blog. That way you’ll be notified when we post our next blog on New Water Authority Rebates.

TIPS FOR AVOIDING SCAMS

When it comes to scams research and time are our best friends. The City of Albuquerque, Office of Neighborhood Coordination’s Neighborhood Weekly E-news Tuesday, March 9th, 2020 gave us strategies to protect our finances.

“Don’t send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request, whether it comes as a text, a phone call or an e-mail.

Google a product name or company with words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam” if you receive a financial request.

Technology makes it easy for scammers to fake caller ID information, so the name and number you see aren’t always real. If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up, or verify with family and friends.

Someone might call and ask you to pay in advance or send a fee for things like credit and loan offers, prizes or a job. Just hang up immediately. Don’t engage.

Con artists want you to make decisions in a hurry. They might threaten you and play on your fear. Slow down, check out the story, do an online search, talk to someone who might know. Before you give up your money or personal information, talk to someone you trust.

Consider how you pay for something. Credit cards are safest. Wiring money through Western Union or MoneyGram or using a reloadable or gift card is risky because it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. Using your debit card is the riskiest so avoid if possible.

If you answer the phone and hear a recorded sales pitch, hang up. These calls are illegal, and often the products are bogus.

Some companies use free trials to sign you up for products and bill you every month until you cancel. Before you agree to a free trial, research the company and read the cancellation policy.

For more information on consumer protection and avoiding scams, contact Karen Meyers, Director of the City’s Consumer financial Protection Initiative, at: kmeyers@cabq.gov .”

Please enter your email to the left to follow this blog. That way you’ll be notified when we post our next blog on Cyber Harassment Safety.

 

TIPS FOR REDUCING SITTING TIME

Are you getting the exercise you need to stay healthy? Have our social distancing orders kept you from your regular exercise routines? My mother-in-law recently told me that her neighbor runs an hour a day without leaving the backyard. Even with social distancing, that sounds extreme on several levels. But, exercise is an important part of our lives. On Tuesday, February 4th, the City of Albuquerque, Office of Neighborhood Coordination’s Neighborhood Weekly E-news gave us ideas to keep us moving.

“Like many people, you may have a fairly sedentary job sitting behind a desk and staring a computer screen most of the time, or you may just sit a lot at home! Because sitting requires less energy than standing or moving, sitting for long periods of time can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol levels and back pain. Try these tips for being more active at work or home:

  • Set a timer/reminder every 30 minutes to take a break from sitting
  • Stand or pace as you talk on the phone
  • Take the stairs if possible
  • At your office, take a short walk after you eat lunch and try not to eat at your desk too often
  • Park far away from your office or from the store and walk
  • Stand and stretch when sitting for long periods at your computer
  • Schedule walking meetings with colleagues instead of the traditional conference table meeting
  • Get up to refill your water bottle every hour
  • Try to stand for a minimum of two hours per day and four hours for optimal health.”

And, for a chuckle: when I was organizing my office, we had to frequently contact another department by phone. We knew we were going to have an hour’s wait. So, my employee, Hank, would volunteer. Then, he would stand with his headset on and dance to the music. That’s a good memory for me. That music was horrible. He made lemonade from the lemons.

Please enter your email to the left to follow this blog. That way you’ll be notified when we post our next blog on Tips for Avoiding Scams.

 

Holiday Safety Training & Tree Recycling

Hello Neighbors and Happy Holidays! Below are a few events from the City that might interest you in the coming weeks. Wishing you safe holidays and a good new year!

ONC Lunch and Learn Training Thursday, December 22 


The Office of Neighborhood Coordination (ONC) is hosting its final Lunch and Learn virtual training of 2022 on Thursday, December 22via Zoom. The topic, Neighborhood Holiday Safety, will include tips on preventing package and mail theft, ideas for keeping your home and neighborhood safe, and resources that neighborhoods can utilize to increase security. Panelists include Maria Wolfe of Project Safety ECHO, Laura Kuehn of the Albuquerque Police Department, Val Simpson of Mesa Detection, and Rudy Garcia of the Huning Castle Neighborhood Association. To register for the webinar, visit: https://cabq.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ULS6giQPTFudDdY1JS3AbA

TREE RECYCLING:

The Solid Waste Management Department, Parks and Recreation, and PNM will recycle real Christmas Trees for FREE at three separate locations in Albuquerque beginning December 26, 2022. No artificial trees will be accepted. PNM Vegetation Management crews and Parks and Recreation staff will grind trees into mulch chips, which can then be used as mulch to provide a better growing environment for plants and residential landscapes. Residents can pick up the mulch free of charge while supplies last. 

Trees may be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday, December 26, 2022through Sunday, January 8, 2023 at the following locations:

·       Eagle Rock Convenience Center, 6301 Eagle Rock NE, (505) 857-8318

·       Ladera Golf Course, 3401 Ladera Dr NW, (505) 836-4449

·       Montessa Park Convenience Center, 3512 Los Picaros SE, (505) 873-6607, temporarily closed on Thursdays and Fridays

Please remove all bags, tree stands, decorations and lights from trees before dropping them off to be mulched. Limit 5 trees per resident, no commercial customers.

For more information call 311, TTY 711, or visit: www.cabq.gov/treecycling