Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Meet the Albuquerque elementary principal just named Principal of the Year
Coming up: Down to Earth Garden Program on the Albuquerque Patch calendar
Good morning Albuquerque! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Meet the Albuquerque elementary principal just named Principal of the Year
- How will APS's new vape detectors actually work in school bathrooms?
- Will Sawmill's new hotel boost business or overwhelm the neighborhood?
Also on today's calendar: Down to Earth Garden Program and 2 more events.
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Douglas M.!
Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 99 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Thursday: Very warm with some sun, temps: high: 95, low: 70.
- Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 95 and low of 70 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Jessica Chavez Named Principal of the Year (aps.edu) — Albuquerque families may recognize Jessica Chavez, principal of Dennis Chavez Elementary, who has just been named Principal of the Year by the Albuquerque Public Schools Principals and Assistant Principals Association. With 22 years serving Albuquerque students and leading Dennis Chavez Elementary for eight years, she also heads both the APS principal association and a UNM education alumni board, helping shape local school leadership. 
2. Albuquerque schools install vape detectors to create safer spaces (koat.com) — Albuquerque Public Schools has installed 93 vape detectors in bathrooms across all 13 district high schools, investing $500,000 to curb teen vaping and improve campus safety. District leaders and parents emphasize using the technology for early intervention and support, and APS is considering expanding detectors to middle schools after reviewing this year's results.
3. Albuquerque City Council greenlights $40 million in tax incentives for Sawmill hotel (abqjournal.com subscription) — Albuquerque City Council has approved over $40 million in tax incentives for a new Hilton-branded hotel in the Sawmill area, despite strong concerns from nearby residents. Supporters say the project will add affordable rooms and dozens of jobs, while neighbors worry about traffic, height, noise, and preserving the character of Old Town and Sawmill.
4. Albuquerque City Council approves millions for tech companies, 200+ jobs ahead (kob.com) — Albuquerque City Council has approved millions in incentives for three local tech companies, backing projects expected to create more than 200 jobs over the next decade. Councilors tied the support to hiring New Mexico workers, while firms like BlackVe and Quantinuum plan new satellite manufacturing and quantum research facilities in the metro area.
5. Man arrested in fatal shooting of Juan Lopez in Southeast Albuquerque (abqjournal.com subscription) — Police have arrested 34-year-old Kwamie Williamson in connection with a deadly early-morning shooting near San Pedro and Central in Southeast Albuquerque, where 33-year-old Juan Lopez was shot in the chest and later died. Investigators say license plate readers, surveillance footage, and prior encounters helped identify Williamson, who now faces murder and several related charges after allegedly confronting Lopez while he walked home with a woman.
📸 Around Albuquerque
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Albuquerque
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Down to Earth Garden Program →
Coronado Historic Site, 485 Kuaua Rd, Bernalillo
10:30 am - Learn International Folk Dances →
Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal Ave SE, Albuquerque
7:00 pm - A Night of Elegant Jazz Featuring The Abigail Riccards Quintet and Just the Two of Us and Friends →
African American Performing Arts Center, 310 San Pedro Dr NE, Albuquerque
7:00 pm - Learn International Folk Dances →
Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal Ave SE, Albuquerque
7:00 pm - Learn International Folk Dances →
Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal Ave SE, Albuquerque
7:00 pm
Wednesday August 19
Saturday August 22
Saturday August 29
Saturday September 5
🗓 Events Nearby
- Archives Meeting - Annex
Corrales Historical Society 966 Old Church Rd, Corrales, NM 87048
1:00 pm - Saturday Shake and Shimmy at the South Valley Library →
South Valley Public Library, 3904 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque
11:00 am - Razzle Dazzle Cheer Clinic
Sandia Vista Elementary Rio Rancho, NM 87144
4:15 pm - OPEN HOUSE
Rio Rancho High School Rio Rancho, NM 87124
6:00 pm - No Thursday Birders
Central New Mexico Audubon Society PO Box 30002, Albuquerque, NM 87190
4:00 am - LEGO Club at North Valley Public Library →
Rudolfo Anaya North Valley Public Library, 7704 2nd St NW B, Albuquerque
3:30 pm - Brantley Gilbert →
Rio Rancho Events Center Dock, 3001 Civic Center Cir NE, Rio Rancho
7:00 pm
Wednesday August 19
Saturday August 22
Monday August 24
Tuesday August 25
Thursday August 27
Friday September 4
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Albuquerque PatchAM possible:
- Icarus Recovery Center — (505) 305-0902
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Fostering a litter of kittens and their mother through Southwest Cat Initiative.
The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee is just beginning to open their eyes. I am going to have a whole pride of little black panthers stalking and pouncing… (Nextdoor Candelmen) - Update!!
Charlie is home!! Thank you all for the advice. Since I've never been through this before it was definitely appreciated. The kind words and support I… (Nextdoor Mirabella)
- American Logistics Authority posted a job opening for Transportation Support Coordinator (Remote) $865$1,195 per week in Albuquerque. Apply here.
- Menzies Aviation, plc posted a job opening for Ramp Agent in Albuquerque. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Albuquerque here.
Ok Albuquerque! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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