Chama Valley & Abiquiú Daily Digest Friday, August 07, 2026
Ty's Take
The settlement that came through four years after those evictions says something about how long justice takes in a place like this, and how much fight it takes to get even that far. You can read the headlines about CYFD overreach and government money vanishing into thin air, and they all point the same direction: institutions that are supposed to serve people up here sometimes serve themselves instead, and by the time anybody gets answers, years have passed and trust is gone. Meanwhile, somebody's cutting a ribbon at Cameron's Place, the Rail Runner's still burning through money down south, and a couple of fellas are staying locked up without bail. It's the rhythm of things in Rio Arriba County, where the land-grant families have long memories and the newer folks are still trying to figure out how the system actually works. Good news is the week's got some lighter moments too, Pets of the Week and Dodier getting her message out, which means there's still a community here paying attention to each other, not just the bureaucrats and the money.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 7 at 3:56AM MDT until August 7 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Temperatures from 98 to 103 degrees. * WHERE...Middle Rio Grande Valley including the Albuquerque Metro Area, Northwest Plateau, West Central Highlands, and Espanola Valley. * WHEN...From noon today to 8 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses....
Rio Grande SUN
Roxy, a 90-pound mixed breed with mismatched eyes and a gentle temperament, is looking for her forever home this week. The 4-year-old pup enjoys walks and is devoted to her people, though she has a well-earned reputation for investigating every snack within reach.
CYFD Violates Our Sense of Right and Wrong
Just days after assuring the public it was managing high caseloads and recruiting foster families, the state's Children, Youth and Families department faced criticism for allegedly walking a teenager to the Mexican border and ordering him to rejoin his mother. The incident raised serious questions...
The Rail Runner is a Costly, Environmentally Harmful Boondoggle
The New Mexico RailRunner Express marked 20 years of operation, but critics argue the system has become a costly burden that failed to deliver on its original promises to reduce traffic on I-25 and benefit the environment. The train service, once promoted by then Governor Bill Richardson as a major...
Washington Insiders Take Care of Themselves First
While New Mexico families struggle with rising costs for groceries and gas, members of Congress in Washington have created their own financial system that prioritizes their interests over those of ordinary Americans. The disparity between household budgets and what lawmakers do for themselves...
2 Men to Stay in Jail Without Bail
Marcos Romero, 46, will remain jailed without bail after waiving his right to preliminary and dangerousness hearings as he awaits trial. Romero faces kidnapping charges in connection with a woman found dead near a vehicle he allegedly helped use in the abduction.
Settlement Reached 4 Years After Evictions
Twenty-four former residents of the Santa Clara Apartments have reached a settlement with the property owner and management companies nearly four years after being evicted in November 2022. The lawsuit resulted in an undisclosed payment to the displaced tenants.
Karyn Dodier, a 26-year-old from Santa Fe and National American Miss New Mexico Elite winner, has made animal rescue and welfare the focus of her life and advocacy work. Her passion for helping animals began in childhood and has grown through volunteer work at Española Humane.
EPS Prepares for Special State Audit
Española Public Schools is preparing for a comprehensive special audit approved by the New Mexico Office of the State Auditor to examine six years of district operations. The investigation will review procurement, payroll, governance, personnel practices, records management and public fund...
Finance DepartmentDiscovers $900K GGRT Discrepancy
The City of Española's Finance Department uncovered a $900,000 discrepancy in Governmental Gross Receipts Taxes owed to the state over the past three years. Finance Director Patrick Varela presented the finding to the Española City Council in July to address the underpayment.
Groundbreaking on Cameron’s Place
Northern New Mexico College will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for Cameron's Place, a new outdoor amphitheater and redesigned Montoya Plaza. The project will create a community gathering space for students, families and the surrounding area for years to come.
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