Los Alamos Daily Digest Sunday, August 16, 2026
Ty's Take
The Frijoles Fire started small on the Pajarito Plateau Saturday and by evening had burned nearly nine thousand acres with a dozen percent contained and over five hundred personnel throwing everything at it. That's the language people here know by heart, the math that wakes you up at night, because Cerro Grande and Las Conchas taught this town what uncontrolled fire on the mountain means for everything below. The Santa Fe National Forest closure came fast, which is how it has to work around here, and folks who know these ridges and draws are already thinking about what comes next: the wind patterns, the timber that's been waiting to burn since the last one, the way smoke drifts over the plateau and into neighborhoods where physicists and engineers live alongside their neighbors who've been here for generations. Right now it's containment and prayer. Come October the community winds will play Star Trek music at a concert. But this weekend, the story is what's burning on the mountain and whether the people defending it can hold the line.
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Los Alamos Daily Post
New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office Celebrates National ABLE Savings Day
State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya's office in Santa Fe marked the third annual National ABLE Savings Day on August 14 to highlight the benefits of Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts for Americans with disabilities. The New Mexico State Treasurer's Office administers the NM STABLE program to...
Tickets Available To Eat Like A Bear At PEEC’s Dinner
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center and Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation are hosting their annual Bear Dinner on August 28 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Fuller Lodge. The evening features a talk by Dr. Kathleen Ramsay, followed by food from Vigilante Pizza and drinks from Bathtub Brewing...
Legislative Council Selects Ethan Watson As LCS Director
The bipartisan Legislative Council in Santa Fe selected Ethan Watson as the new Director of the New Mexico Legislative Council Service. Watson currently serves as City Clerk for the City of Albuquerque and is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law.
Scenes From LACDC Business Meet & Greet For County Economic Development Administrator Max Khudiakov
Los Alamos County's new Economic Development Administrator Max Khudiakov was welcomed by the local business community at a meet and greet hosted by the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation at SALA Event Center. Khudiakov has been in the position for two months.
Roadway Rehab Nightwork To Begin On I-40 East Of Grants
The New Mexico Department of Transportation and Albuquerque Asphalt Inc. will begin nighttime roadway work on August 16 on a $1.8 million rehabilitation project on Interstate 40 east of Grants. Work will occur from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. between mile markers 118 and 126 in both directions.
Scenes From Friday’s Summer Concert At The Pond
Award-winning reggae and rock band Innastate headlined the Summer Concert at Ashley Pond Park, with core members from Pueblos including Jemez, Santa Clara, and Isleta. The performance was sponsored by Wheeed and produced by Los Alamos County and Sancre Productions.
FBI: Sanostee Woman Pleads Guilty To 2022 Assault
A Sanostee woman pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque to using a rifle to seriously injure and threaten individuals during an August 2022 assault. Leticia Washburn, an enrolled Navajo Nation member, discharged the weapon during an argument, striking one victim in the abdomen.
The Back Porch To Perform At Pig & Fig This Evening!
Local indie-folk duo The Back Porch performed at 5 p.m. on August 15 on the back patio of Pig and Fig, located at 11 Sherwood Boulevard in White Rock. The venue offered its Happy Hour menu alongside live music.
County Council To Meet In Regular Session Aug. 18
Los Alamos County Council held a regular session meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18 at Fire Station Number 3 on New Mexico 4 in White Rock. The meeting was open to the public with a published agenda available beforehand.
Family Strengths Network: New Teen Grief Support Group
Family Strengths Network launched a new teen grief support group facilitated by Kristine Coblentz and Rumi Sauñe, meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays at 3540 Orange Street. The first session began on August 20, with activities including games, art, journaling, and sharing.
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Los Alamos Reporter
View Of Frijoles Fire Saturday Evening From Truchas Looking Towards Borrego Mesa
A view of the Frijoles Fire was captured Saturday evening from Truchas looking toward Borrego Mesa.
Muy Salsas Mexican Restaurant in Los Alamos received the Local Hero Award for Best Restaurant in Greater New Mexico from Edible New Mexico. The restaurant, owned by Christine Martinez, Patricia Corral, and Gisel Martinez, launched during the COVID pandemic.
Kiwanis Hears Presentation By Los Alamos JJAB Executive Director Dianna Reichelt
Dianna Reichelt, Executive Director of the Los Alamos Juvenile Justice Advisory Board (JJAB), presented to the Kiwanis Club about the organization's work reducing youth risk behaviors and building community resilience. The JJAB facilitates youth development through responsive programming.
The Frijoles Fire in the Santa Fe National Forest covered 8,921 acres with 12 percent containment as of Saturday, August 15, with 544 personnel assigned to the lightning-caused blaze. A new forest area closure was implemented, with evacuation status changed to Ready for Borrego Mesa and Nambe...
LARSO continued providing congregate meals at Fuller Lodge while the Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center underwent extensive renovations that include a modern HVAC system and ADA improvements. The project is expected to be completed next year.
The New Mexico Environment Department issued a request for proposals offering $11.5 million in funding for circular economy projects that support reuse, recycling, and recovery. Eligible applicants include New Mexico businesses, local governments, Tribal governments, schools, and nonprofits.
Los Alamos Community Winds To Present Special Star Trek 60th Anniversary Concert Oct.10
The Los Alamos Community Winds announced a special Star Trek 60th Anniversary Concert scheduled for October 10 at Crossroads Bible Church. The performance will feature music from the original 1960s television series and movies with the original cast and characters.
Frijoles Fire From Afar Saturday Afternoon
The Frijoles Fire was viewed from Anderson Overlook on Saturday afternoon during a rain shower.
The Santa Fe National Forest reported that the Frijoles Fire had burned 8,921 acres with 12 percent containment as of Saturday, August 15, with 544 personnel assigned. Evacuation status was changed to Ready for Borrego Mesa and Nambe Pueblo Lake Area.
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