Next Meeting
Next CCIA Meeting: 17 October 2024, 6PM;
Special Speakers: ZIA RECOVERY – Ryan Brewer and Daniel Smead
@ Kitchen Kraft (980 N Telshor Blvd)
Special Speakers: ZIA RECOVERY – Ryan Brewer and Daniel Smead
@ Kitchen Kraft (980 N Telshor Blvd)
TROLC_
CCIA_flyer2
Latest News
Rob WoodSeptember 24, 2024Sound-OffGood Morning Mayor,
Good Morning Councilor Mattiace
I talk a lot about the problems created by a lack of meaningful economic development in our region. Santa Teresa and El Paso are seeing huge benefits for their people that it appears Las Cruces is unable to connect to. I hope you are aware of this publication as it highlights so much of the potential we can benefit from due to our proximity to the US/Mexico Border.
https://border-now.com/category/bordernow-magazine/
Our West Mesa Industrial Park and our airport are ideal if marketed correctly. I realize the huge accelerator for both locations would be an I-10/I-25 bypass that connects to I-10 near the fairgrounds. As the Union Pacific Rail Terminal north of the Doña Ana County airport continues to expand the necessity of that bypass will become necessary if NM just opens its eyes to a bigger picture. Right now all the growth in the Santa Teresa area actually benefits El Paso more than us to the north especially with the upcoming build of the Border Highway Connector between Santa Teresa and Paisano/375Loop.I suggest getting in touch with Union Pacific Railroad in order to learn about their plans for the Santa Teresa and the Picacho Peak AZ Rail Yards as sorting destinations to offset the lack of capacity in the CA Riverside area.Rob Wood [...]
Read more...
BethSeptember 16, 2024Sound-OffDear Editor:
Thank you for such a thorough covering of the Sept 12 public meeting on the shopping cart enforcement plan. With all the outrage that has eaten up hours of City Council time it is a pretty pathetic statement when only 6 people show up. It appears, at least to me, that since the heaviest penalties and costs weigh on the businesses that offer shopping carts for their customers convenience they are no longer the victims of a city soft on petty crimes but have now become the criminals. All those new costs will be added into the stores pricing so the honest consumer pays for them in the name of ridding our city, not of the homeless, but of the eye sore of them using shopping cars laden with their belongings. It does absolutely nothing with regards to the despondent state of those using them as they now appear to have wagons. Who is paying for that upgrade? Where can I get one?As far as those prosecuted for possessing an apparently stolen cart the article states that municipal court is all of a sudden going to get tough on this crime and force people into treatment programs which the cost of will be another burden on the public since most of those on the streets are not financially capable of paying a fine. Inn essence this makes the taxpayer complicit in the crime and thus pay the fine in their taxes as the success rate of forced treatment without long term mandated continual overview is extremely low.Unless the City and its complaining citizens quit focusing on appeasing poverty and turns to focusing on prosperity generating economic development we will continue down this bottomless rabbit hole as is shown by the failure of all poverty eradication programs that billions of dollars have been wasted on over the decades.Rob Wood
575-635-0803
3427 Chimney Rock Rd 88011 [...]
Read more...
SarahSeptember 8, 2024Action AlertThe City is accepting comments on the August 1st revision of the Zoning code through September 12th.
If you don’t think retail stores and large apartment complexes should be allowed in all neighborhoods, now is the time to speak up!
See the presentation below for more information on the newest Zoning revision and how to submit a comment.
Zoning-update-Aug-2024Download
Go here to leave a comment on the newest Zoning code revision by September 12th: https://freese.mysocialpinpoint.com/realize-las-cruces-openhouse/ideas#/ [...]
Read more...
rob woodAugust 22, 2024Sound-OffAll Children Are Dreamersand then they’re sent to schoolSince all children have grand dreams how about offering two books early on in their education, “The Richest Man in Babylon” by Clason, and “How to Be Rich” by J. Paul Getty. Yes, adults should read them also since they were denied this information in their education.I really encourage all to get a copy either in book form or for free online of John Taylor Gattos “Weapons of Mass Instruction”. Gatto taught from the late 60s into the 90s middle school in high end and low end public schools in NYC and finally in dismay resigned saying he no longer could do this to children. His resignation letter was published in the WSJ. I drove my grandson to school today. He is now a senior at a top performing 20 year old Charter school in San Diego. Here he is after over 11 years of school and he makes the comment to me that it is so discouraging to him that he was left behind throughout the years. I explained that it was not his fault, it is by design of a failed institution that leads to some premise that there is some standard of average it teaches to. I also suggest “The End of Average” by Todd Rose.In 1991 New York State Teacher of the Year, John Taylor Gatto, sent his resignation letter to the Wall Street Journal
I quit, I think
I’ve taught public school for 26 years, but I just can’t do it anymore. For years I asked the local school board and superintendent to let me teach a curriculum that doesn’t hurt kids, but they had other fish to fry. So, I’m going to quit, I think.
I’ve come slowly to understand what it is I really teach: A curriculum of confusion, class position, arbitrary justice, vulgarity, rudeness, disrespect for privacy, indifference to quality, and utter dependency. I teach how to fit into a world I don’t want to live in.
I just can’t do it anymore. I can’t train children to wait to be told what to do; I can’t train people to drop what they are doing when a bell sounds; I can’t persuade children to feel some justice in their class placement when there isn’t any, and I can’t persuade children to believe teachers have valuable secrets they can acquire by becoming our disciples. That isn’t true.
Government schooling is the most radical adventure in history. It kills the family by monopolizing the best times of childhood and by teaching disrespect for home and parents.
An exaggeration? Hardly. Parents aren’t meant to participate in our form of schooling, rhetoric to the contrary. My orders as schoolteacher are to make children fit an animal training system, not to help each find his or her personal path.
The whole blueprint of school procedure is Egyptian, not Greek or Roman. It grows from the faith that human value is a scarce thing, represented symbolically by the narrow peak of a pyramid.
That idea passed into American history through the Puritans. It found its “scientific” presentation in the bell curve, along which talent supposedly apportions itself by some Iron Law of biology.
It’s a religious idea and school is its church. New York City hires me to be a priest. I offer rituals to keep heresy at bay. I provide documentation to justify the heavenly pyramid.
Socrates foresaw that if teaching became a formal profession something like this would happen. Professional interest is best served by making what is easy to do seem hard; by subordinating laity to priesthood. School has become too vital a jobs project, contract-giver and protector of the social order to allow itself to be “re-formed.” It has political allies to guard its marches.
That’s why reforms come and go-without changing much. Even reformers can’t imagine school much different.
David learns to read at age four; Rachel, at age nine: In normal development, when both are 13, you can’t tell which one learned first — the five-year spread means nothing at all. But in school I will label Rachel “learning disabled” and slow David down a bit, too.
For a paycheck, I adjust David to depend on me to tell him when to go and stop. He won’t outgrow that dependency. I identify Rachel as discount merchandise, “special education.” After a few months she’ll be locked into her place forever.
In 26 years of teaching rich kids and poor, I almost never met a “learning disabled” child; hardly ever met a “gifted and talented” one, either. Like all school categories, these are sacred myths, created by the human imagination. They derive from questionable values we never examine because they preserve the temple of schooling.
That’s the secret behind short-answer tests, bells, uniform time blocks, age grading, standardization, and all the rest of the school religion punishing our nation.
There isn’t a right way to become educated; there are as many ways as fingerprints. We don’t need state-certified teachers to make education happen–that probably guarantees it won’t.
How much more evidence is necessary? Good schools don’t need more money or a longer year; they need real free-market choices, variety that speaks to every need and runs risks. We don’t need a national curriculum, or national testing either. Both initiatives arise from ignorance of how people learn, or deliberate indifference to it.
I can’t teach this way any longer. If you hear of a job where I don’t have to hurt kids to make a living, let me know. Come fall I’ll be looking for work, I think.
John Taylor Gatto, The Wall Street Journal July 25th, 1991. Rob Wood [...]
Read more...
Jody KincaidAugust 19, 2024Sound-OffCCIA members, we are here because we want to resist the incremental deterioration of our society and the concomitant destruction of our way of life here in America. Juan has invited a speaker on two occasions that touched on the subject of the incorporation of our government, effectively setting aside the Constitution and substituting a non Constitutional entity. As a means of reversing this action, researchers have found that the original Constitutional Republic was never actually closed down or destroyed, but was simply unoccupied. Lincoln essentially declared martial law after the South walked out of Congress without adjourning the session. The government was unoccupied, not ended. The Republic for the United States of America is a movement that is reoccupying the vacated seats and establishing a Constitutional Republic as it was originally intended. When the corporation fails, patriotic citizens will be able to re-establish the Republic that our Founding Fathers by having a real government ready to take the reins. Juan has posted the link to a Rumble video by Lt Col Sandy Miarecki PhD going into detail regarding this subject. We should all watch this and consider if you want to participate in this project. At this time it doesn’t involve time or effort to sign up and register as a supporter of the Constitution. Please watch this presentation and share it with anyone who might be interested. Thanks to all of you- Jody Kincaid [...]
Read more...
WebservantAugust 8, 2024Action Alerthttps://www.givesendgo.com/lchomeless
CCIA is raising funds to provide essential carrying solutions (like backpacks, duffels, etc.) for homeless individuals. These replace the inappropriate use of grocery carts for carrying personal belongings. We partner with charities to ensure donations reach those in urgent need.
1 [...]
Read more...
Juan GarciaAugust 7, 2024Bulletin Board / Knowledge BoxCCIA is raising funds to provide essential carrying solutions (like backpacks, duffels, etc.) for homeless individuals. These replace the inappropriate use of grocery carts for carrying personal belongings. We partner with charities to ensure donations reach those in urgent need.
https://www.givesendgo.com/lchomeless [...]
Read more...
SarahAugust 5, 2024Action AlertLas Cruces City Council PASSED the ordinances against shopping cart possession (to direct people into treatment), soliciting/loitering on roadways and narrow medians, and aggressive panhandling.
THANK YOU Mayor Eric Enriquez, Councilor Becki Graham, Councilor Cassie McClure, and Councilor Bill Mattiace for having the COURAGE to try something different in supporting LCPD Chief Jeremy Story’s ordinances!
If you want to THANK those who voted YES, here’s their contact info:
Mayor – Eric Enriquez – [email protected] – 575-541-2067District 1 – Cassie McClure – [email protected] – 575-541-2073District 2 – Bill Mattiace – [email protected] – 575-541-2068District 3 – Becki Graham – [email protected] – 575-541-2070
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO TOOK ACTION ON THIS! This was a great collaborative effort by several local community groups including CCIA, Businesses for a Safer Las Cruces, and Neighborhood Watch Associations. TEAMWORK!
It’s a small step, but for now we can celebrate this little win towards a better future for our City! [...]
Read more...
SarahAugust 1, 2024Action Alert / UncategorizedDear Las Crucens,
We need your help! The two crime-related ordinances proposed by Chief Story will be voted on by City Council on August 5.
Will you please email, call, and/or attend the Monday August 5 City Council meeting to make a public comment? See below for more information and potential talking points.
The Situation
TWO PROPOSED ORDINANCES The Las Cruces police department has developed two new ordinances to help with the crime situation. Snapshots of the ordinances are at the bottom of this email, or you can download and read the proposed ordinances with the links below.Shopping cart containment and retrieval ordinance (DOWNLOAD Ordinance 3079): Requires businesses to be proactive in trying to prevent theft of their shopping carts Makes it unlawful to take shopping carts, possess shopping carts, and abandon shopping carts Imposes penalties such as petty misdemeanor charges and fines
Solicitation ordinance (DOWNLOAD Ordinance 3078): Makes it illegal to aggressively panhandle Makes it illegal to solicit money on roadways with speed limits of 30mph or greater Makes it illegal to stand or loiter on highways or their exits Makes it illegal to stand or loiter on medians less than 4-feet across on a roads with speed limits of 30mph or greater
CITY COUNCIL VOTE ON ORDINANCES
These two ordinances will be voted on at the City Council meeting on Monday August 5. The Mayor is expected to allow the public to make comments at the meeting. Typically, 3 minutes are allowed for public comments, however be prepared to trim your comment down to 1 or 2 minutes if there are many people who will be speaking.
Comments and emails will be most effective if they relate to personal experiences with issues related to shopping carts or soliciting (panhandling) specifically.
NOTES: The meeting agenda includes many other items. If you are going to speak about the ordinances at the meeting, be prepared to potentially stay at the meeting for a long time.
There is usually a public comment period near the beginning of the meeting. The Mayor will NOT allow people to speak about agenda items at that time, but would instead ask you to wait until your agenda item is reached.
TWO WAYS TO TAKE ACTION
Potential talking points are provided below. Make sure to send individual emails instead of one group email if you want a response. Please be respectful in your communications for the maximum positive impact.
PLEASE EMAIL/CALL CITY COUNCIL
Mayor – Eric Enriquez – [email protected] – 575-541-2067District 1 – Cassie McClure – [email protected] – 575-541-2073District 2 – Bill Mattiace – [email protected] – 575-541-2068District 3 – Becki Graham – [email protected] – 575-541-2070District 4 – Johana Bencomo – [email protected] – 575-541-2071District 5 – Becky Corran – [email protected] – 575-541-2072District 6 – Yvonne Flores – [email protected] – 575-541-2069City Clerk – Christine Rivera – [email protected] – 575 541-2115
All email addresses: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
PLEASE ATTEND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING- WEAR YOUR CCIA COLORS
We need as many people as possible to attend. Even if you are not going to speak, please attend to show support for these ordinances.
WHAT: City Council Meeting
WHEN: Monday August 5th at 1pm
WHERE: City Hall, 700 N Main St, Las Cruces 88001
POTENTIAL TALKING POINTS
Here are some potential talking points about this issue. Please do NOT copy-paste these verbatim. Your communications will be most effective if you add in your own words as well. Please be respectful to make the most positive impact.
Please support the shopping cart ordinance and solicitation ordinance.Shopping carts are being stolen and there need to be consequences.Please make it easier for businesses and families to be safe by approving the solicitation ordinance.NM has one of the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities. Please support the solicitation ordinance to decrease pedestrian accidents in Las Cruces.The shopping cart ordinance does NOT criminalize homelessness. It is already illegal to steal shopping carts and to be in possession of stolen property. The new ordinance will make it possible for the judge to direct the offender into treatment as a form of community service.
1 [...]
Read more...
SarahJuly 28, 2024Action Alert / UncategorizedGovernor Lujan Grisham’s Town Hall
Although we have opposed much of what the Governor has done during her tenure, she demonstrated with the Bills she proposed for the special session and her comments at Thursday’s Town Hall that she is ready to work on the crime issues. No matter her motives, we need to take what we can get for better crime laws.
The Governor understands the competency issues, she recognizes that we cannot continue to allow “incompetent” repeat offenders to destroy their own lives and our community, and members of her own family have suffered horrifically at the hands of offenders in NM. The meeting lasted until almost midnight because the Governor allowed everyone to speak.
MORE THAN 5000 DANGEROUS FELONIES HAVE BEEN DISMISSED FOR “INCOMPETENCY” – Gov MLG
NM IS KNOWN FOR PERMISSIVE HOMELESSNESS, PEOPLE COME HERE FOR NO ACCOUNTABILITY – Gov MLG
City Councilors Mattiace and McClure attended the Town Hall. However, as demonstrated in the below Progressive Manifesto, several of our City Councilors (Bencomo and Corran) are not willing to actually engage with the public, hear what people are experiencing, and challenge their own beliefs based on the evidence of what is happening in our community.
What the Governor is calling for is a way to get “incompetent” offenders into the treatment they need. It is NOT compassionate to allow people to continue destroying their own lives with drugs. But Councilors Bencomo and Corran apparently can’t move past their politicized talking points.
Message From the Chair
Capitalize on opportunities
For years, Las Cruces has been overwhelmed by a “blue political tide.” But we finally have a chance to push back. I am not a fan of MLG, but when she began holding the legislature accountable for ignoring public safety, I saw that she shared many of our frustrations. At last Thursday’s Town Hall, she echoed our sentiments.
The Governor’s validation of our concerns about local progressive candidates (incumbents) is an opportunity we can’t miss. The incumbents have consistently ignored and refused to support our small businesses that have been ravaged by crime. We must seize this moment to demand change. Candidates, don’t miss this chance to show your support for our community and our businesses and contrast your message with the progressives.
This billboard is not allowed by the Billboard company, but we can make an impact by posting it far and wide!
Message from the 1st Vice Chair
Op Ed: Both Republican and Democrat Legislators Failed Us
1 [...]
Read more...
SarahJuly 15, 2024Action Alert / Uncategorizedby Sarah Smith
Dear New Mexicans,
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is calling the legislature into Special Session on July 18th to focus specifically on crime bills. Although we haven’t agreed with most of what the Governor has done, this is one time when we are alignment, as the Bills she is proposing (described below) have the potential to help our situation with repeat offenders and high crime.
Will you please give 2 minutes to send an email to all NM legislators to urge them to collaborate to make the special session a success?
GO HERE to easily email the legislators: https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=22939
NOTE: Your email will be even more effective if you CHANGE THE SUBJECT LINE so it will stand out in the legislators’ email inboxes.
ABOUT THE CRIME BILLS
Here is a summary of some of the crime Bills being proposed by the Governor.
COMPETENCY BILL – This bill requires judges to order district attorneys to consider filing for involuntary commitment of criminal defendants if their competency is in question and gives the judge the ability to detain the defendant for up to seven days to initiate the petition. The judge would be required to hold the defendant for up to seven days and the DA is required to file a petition for involuntary civil commitment under at least one of the following three circumstances:
Serious violent offenseA felony involving the use of a firearmDefendant has been found incompetent two or more times in the previous 12 months
INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT – This bill would broaden the definitions of danger to self and danger to others in the involuntary commitment statue.
FELON IN POSSESSION – This bill would upgrade the regular felon in possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime law from a third degree to a second-degree felony. It would also establish a new mandatory minimum term of nine years imprisonment for this offense. (Current law provides for “up to” a three-year for regular offenders). The bill would also change the serious violent felon in possession sentence from third to second degree felony with mandatory 12-year prison sentence. (Current law provides for an up to nine-year term).
MEDIAN/PEDESTRIAN SAFETY – This bill would make it illegal to loiter on a median 36 inches or narrower in areas where the speed limit is 30 mph or more.
There is more info about the Bills here:
2024 Special Legislative Session
ABOUT REPEAT OFFENDERS
Here are a few resources if you want to learn more about “competency” and repeat offenders in New Mexico.
Santa Fe New Mexican Op-Ed, “Legislature Must Fix Catch and Release System”Top repeat offenders in Las CrucesLas Cruces Police Chief Story Presenting to Legislature Crime, Courts and Justice Committee about Incompetency and Repeat Offenders
GO HERE to easily email the legislators: https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=22939
Thank you for taking action on this for the safety of our community! [...]
Read more...
BethJuly 9, 2024Knowledge Box / UncategorizedI invite all to access this site and consider adding your name to the list of concerned voting citizens who want the SAVE ACT to pass. You can sign up to Join the Movement to Protect the Ballot Box for American Citizens and also, sign the ACTIVIST PLEDGE requesting Congress pledge to stop non citizen voting.
DO IT TODAY!!
https://www.onlycitizensvotecoalition.com/ [...]
Read more...
SarahJune 18, 2024Action Alert / UncategorizedDear Las Crucens,
Although there are many improvements in the newly revised zoning code proposal, it still severely limits how much parking businesses are allowed to have.
Will you please submit a written comment about the new code? See below for more information and potential talking points.
REVISED Zoning Code Proposal
A newly revised version of the Las Cruces development code has been released. Improvements in the new draft include:
No longer allowing cannabis dispensaries, bars, restaurants, retail stores, or grocery stores in some of the neighborhood districts (the previous version would have allowed cannabis, bars, etc with no buffer in residential neighborhoods)Added provisions for allowing livestock/animal keeping in the more rural/less dense housing areas (the previous version neglected to allow any livestock keeping at all)Restricting apartment complexes to specific neighborhood districts unless there is a Special Use Permit (the previous version would have allowed apartments in all neighborhoods)
However, there continue to be issues with the proposed changes to the parking code.
With the way the code is currently written, businesses will not be allowed to have enough parking for their customers. This will be especially problematic for restaurants and bars.
For instance, a mid-sized 3000 square foot restaurant could have 100-120 customers with ~20 staff, yet they’d only be allowed 15 parking spaces, which would not even be enough for their employees.
NOTE: City Council is having a work session about this new proposed zoning code on Monday June 24 at 1pm.
PLEASE SUBMIT A COMMENT TO THE CITY
Please submit comments here :
https://freese.mysocialpinpoint.com/realize-las-cruces-comment-wall/ideas#/
CLICK to leave a comment at the City website
Scroll down if you need more info or potential talking points. Please be respectful in your communications for the maximum positive impact.
Make sure to Click on the box that says “3 Zoning Regulations” and then you will be able to make your comment.
NOTE: The comment form only allows short comments. Feel free to LEAVE MULTIPLE COMMENTS in order to make your voice heard.
DOWNLOAD Redline Version of Updated Proposed Code
There will now be a cap on how large parking lots can be at businesses. (Existing businesses would be grandfathered in.)The required minimum number of parking places has been reduced for many types of businesses.Where the minimum allowed parking spaces is 20 or less, no more than 50% over the minimum of parking spaces will be allowed.Where the minimum allowed parking spaces is over 20, no more than 10% over the minimum of parking spaces is allowed (unless there is a parking demand study and approval up to 50% additional parking by the Community Development Director).If you want to see what minimum parking is allowed for different types of businesses in more detail, click the Blue button above to download the draft code and look at pages 196-204.
POTENTIAL TALKING POINTS
Here are some potential talking points about the updated proposed Zoning code. Please do NOT copy-paste these verbatim. Your communications will be most effective if you add in your own words as well. Please be respectful to make the most positive impact.
Thank you for listening to the community’s concerns by ensuring we will not have retail, restaurants, bars, and cannabis in some neighborhood zones.
Please do not add in a parking lot size cap. Businesses need to have the flexibility to determine their own parking needs.
As written, the maximums imposed for parking will make it impossible for restaurants and other businesses to operate sustainably.
1 [...]
Read more...
SarahJune 14, 2024Action Alert / UncategorizedOur criminal justice system is failing those with mental health problems and/or drug addiction.
Many of the repeat offenders in Las Cruces are deemed “incompetent” to stand trial so they are just released back onto the streets, where they commit crime after crime after crime. The New Mexico legislature must enact laws to allow “incompetent” offenders to be directed into treatment, for the good of all.
Go here to learn about some of the top repeat offenders in Las Cruces: https://conservativesinaction.org/repeat-offenders/ [...]
Read more...
SarahMay 27, 2024Action Alert / UncategorizedDear Las Crucens,
Recently, Congressional Representative Gabe Vasquez (District 2) voted to allow illegal immigrants to vote in Washington DC. This is an affront to the integrity of our elections!
Will you please email and/or call Representative Vasquez to express your concerns? See below for more information and potential talking points.
THE SITUATION
On May 23, the US House of Representatives voted on a Bill that would have prohibited illegal immigrants from voting in Washington DC. Although this Bill passed, our local Representative Gabe Vasquez voted against the Bill. In essence, his vote was the equivalent of saying that it is okay for illegal immigrants to vote in USA elections.
Links for more info:
Vote tally: https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024232Read the Bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/192
HOW TO TAKE ACTION
PLEASE EMAIL/CALL REPRESENTATIVE GABE VASQUEZ
Email: [email protected] Cruces office: (575) 323-6390Washington DC office: (202) 225-2365
POTENTIAL TALKING POINTS
Please do NOT copy-paste these verbatim. Your communications will be most effective if you add in your own words as well. Please be respectful to make the most positive impact.
Voting is a right for those who are citizens of this country, and not for those who do not have citizenship.Your vote to allow illegal immigrants to vote in Washington DC undermines the integrity of our elections.As your constituent, I am appalled that you voted to continue allowing noncitizens to vote.I disapprove of your recent vote to allow noncitizens to vote in Washington DC. As your constituent, I am asking you to stand up for fair elections and vote against any allowance for noncitizens to vote. [...]
Read more...
SarahMay 26, 2024Action Alert / UncategorizedLook for this digital billboard in Las Cruces for the next 4 weeks.
2 [...]
Read more...
SarahMay 9, 2024Action Alert / UncategorizedAt Monday’s City Council meeting, two good things happened:
The Mayor made a motion to remove the divisive pro-Palestinian resolution from the meeting agenda. This passed with only Councilor Corran and Mayor Pro Tem Bencomo in opposition.$1.1 million funding for the Real Time Crime Center was passed unanimously.
THANKS to the many of you who emailed, attended, or spoke at City Council about these topics! Your efforts made a difference!
As a result of the City Council voting to remove the ceasefire resolution from the agenda, pro-Palestinian protestors erupted into angry screaming about genocide and “Viva Palestina.” They continued to disrupt the meeting until told to leave by LCPD.
Meanwhile, many other attendees remained calm and waited their chance to make public comments that the City Council should never have even considered this divisive resolution.
Local news coverage of the ceasefire resolution removal and protest:
https://www.lascrucesbulletin.com/stories/las-cruces-gaza-cease-fire-resolution,80162https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/las-cruces-council-meeting-erupts-over-palestine-ceasefire-resolution [...]
Read more...
SarahMay 3, 2024Action Alert / UncategorizedSarah Smith, Juan Garcia, and Julia Ruiz
Dear Las Crucens,
On Monday May 6, the Las Cruces City Council will be voting on a Pro-Palestinian Ceasefire Resolution. This is a highly divisive topic that the City Council does not need to be taking a stance on.
If this topic is important to you, please email, call, and/or attend the May 6 meeting to make a public comment. See below for more information and potential talking points.
Image from Las Cruces Bulletin
THE SITUATION
Protesters have repeatedly asked the City Council to sign a pro-Palestine resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Three Councilors (Bencomo, Corran, and Graham) have already spoken in favor of such a resolution, and it is on the meeting agenda for May 6.
TWO WAYS TO TAKE ACTION
Potential talking points are at the end of this post. Make sure to send individual emails instead of one group email if you want a response. Please be respectful in your communications for the maximum positive impact.
EMAIL/CALL CITY COUNCIL
Mayor – Eric Enriquez – [email protected] – 575-541-2067District 1 – Cassie McClure – [email protected] – 575-541-2073District 2 – Bill Mattiace – [email protected] – 575-541-2068District 3 – Becki Graham – [email protected] – 575-541-2070District 4 – Johana Bencomo – [email protected] – 575-541-2071District 5 – Becky Corran – [email protected] – 575-541-2072District 6 – Yvonne Flores – [email protected] – 575-541-2069City Clerk – Christine Rivera – [email protected] – 575 541-2115
All email addresses: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
ATTEND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO MAKE A PUBLIC COMMENT
There will be a City Council meeting on May 6 at 1pm. You can attend either to speak or to show support for others who are speaking. NOTE: The Mayor will likely require people to wait to speak about this topic until that agenda item is reached in the meeting.
WHAT: City Council Meeting
WHEN: Monday May 6 at 1pm
WHERE: City Hall, 700 N Main St, Las Cruces 88001
POTENTIAL TALKING POINTS
Here are some potential talking points about this issue. Please do NOT copy-paste these verbatim. Your communications will be most effective if you add in your own words as well. Please be respectful to make the most positive impact.
The Israel/Palestine conflict is a highly divisive issue. City Council does not need to get involved in this one way or the other.The Israel/Palestine conflict is a distraction from more important local issues.Please focus on the important issues our community is facing including crime, blight, and homelessness.This resolution will cause unnecessary division and tension in our community.Please do NOT pass this and instead focus on finding ways to unite and help our local community.
Thank you for taking action on this! [...]
Read more...
SarahApril 26, 2024Action Alert / UncategorizedSarah Smith, Julia Ruiz, and Juan Garcia
Dear Las Crucens,
We need your help! Two new ordinances are being proposed to help with the crime situation in Las Cruces.
Will you please email, call, and/or attend the Monday April 29 work session to make a public comment? See below for more information and potential talking points.
THE SITUATION
TWO PROPOSED ORDINANCES
The Las Cruces police department has worked on two new ordinances to help with the crime situation. Snapshots of the ordinances are at the bottom of this email, or you can download and read the proposed ordinances in full here: https://lascruces.civicweb.net/document/198072/SOLICITATION%20AND%20SHOPPING%20CART%20ORDINANCES..pdf?handle=160DBA1DF7914506AC88FF6ABF5245F0
Shopping cart containment and retrieval ordinance:
Requires businesses to be proactive in trying to prevent theft of their shopping cartsMakes it unlawful to take shopping carts, possess shopping carts, and abandon shopping cartsImposes penalties such as petty misdemeanor charges and fines
Solicitation ordinance:
Makes it illegal to aggressively panhandleMakes it illegal to solicit money on roadways (but does not prevent standing on the medians, as those types of prohibitions have not been upheld in legal challenges)
WORK SESSION TO DISCUSS ORDINANCES
These two ordinances will be discussed at the work session on Monday April 29. The ordinances are the ONLY items on the agenda for this meeting. The Mayor typically allows the public to ask questions or make comments during work sessions.
Comments and emails will be most effective if they relate to personal experiences with issues related to shopping carts or soliciting (panhandling) specifically.
NOTE: The City Council will NOT be voting on the Ordinances at the work session. They are only allowed to vote on Ordinances at City Council meetings (not at work sessions).
TWO WAYS TO TAKE ACTION
Potential talking points are provided below. Make sure to send individual emails instead of one group email if you want a response. Please be respectful in your communications for the maximum positive impact.
PLEASE EMAIL/CALL CITY COUNCIL
Mayor – Eric Enriquez – [email protected] – 575-541-2067District 1 – Cassie McClure – [email protected] – 575-541-2073District 2 – Bill Mattiace – [email protected] – 575-541-2068District 3 – Becki Graham – [email protected] – 575-541-2070District 4 – Johana Bencomo – [email protected] – 575-541-2071District 5 – Becky Corran – [email protected] – 575-541-2072District 6 – Yvonne Flores – [email protected] – 575-541-2069City Clerk – Christine Rivera – [email protected] – 575 541-2115
All email addresses: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
PLEASE ATTEND THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
There will be a special City Council work session on Monday April 29 at 1pm. We need as many people as possible to attend. Even if you are not going to speak, please attend to show support for these ordinances.
WHAT: City Council Meeting
WHEN: Monday April 29 at 1pm
WHERE: City Hall, 700 N Main St, Las Cruces 88001
POTENTIAL TALKING POINTS
Here are some potential talking points about this issue. Please do NOT copy-paste these verbatim. Your communications will be most effective if you add in your own words as well. Please be respectful to make the most positive impact.
Please support the shopping cart ordinance and solicitation ordinance.Shopping carts are being stolen and there need to be consequences.Please make it easier for businesses and families to be safe by approving the solicitation ordinance.
3 [...]
Read more...
WebservantApril 21, 2024Education / Knowledge BoxDear Las Cruces area parents,
Many parents are unaware of some important issues and policies affecting students in Las Cruces schools including:
New state laws that allow children of any age to access abortion and transgender healthcare without parental consent or notification (Reference: HB7 Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care)
o These laws also impose fines of $5,000 on school nurses or teachers who do not facilitate access to this healthcare
Transgender affirmation in Las Cruces schools (Reference: LCPS Regulation JBD – Gender Inclusive Schools)
o Biologically-male transgender students are allowed to use girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms
o Transgender students are allowed to participate in sports in their chosen gender identity, thereby potentially displacing girls by requiring them to compete with biological boys who are naturally stronger and faster
o “Comfort closets” at several schools are being used by students to change their gender appearance at school
Age-inappropriate sexually explicit books in school libraries
o Adult “erotic romance” books are listed in LCPS middle and high school library catalogs
o Such books contain graphic descriptions of sex acts, anal sex, and bondage, including illegal sex acts between adults and minors
o Three examples are Jack of Hearts and Other Parts book in Mayfield High School library. Push book at Organ Mountain High School, and Court of Silver Flames book listed in Sierra Middle School and 3 high school libraries
We have a working group of concerned citizens and parents who are working to increase parent awareness of these issues and push for improvements in LCPS policies.
Three questions for you:
1. Would you be interested in attending a parents’ forum where you can learn more about these issues in LCPS? If so, which of the following are best for availability?
Weekday evening or Saturday afternoonCurrent semester, summer, or next semester
2. Do you want to receive updates about these issues?
3. Are you potentially interested in getting involved in these efforts?
Thanks for your time. Feel free to share this with other parents who may be interested. Please let me know if you want to be removed from this email list.
Sincerely,Sarah Smith
Las Cruces, NM [...]
Read more...
SarahApril 14, 2024Action AlertImage from KRWG
Alma d’Arte High School (a charter school in Las Cruces) is facing significant challenges. This charter school has its own school board and does not fall under the purview of Las Cruces Public Schools.
The school board has been making significant changes and is aiming to turn the school around, yet they are facing opposition from students and parents. The school is at risk of losing its state grants and being shut down.
As a community advocacy organization, we are looking for CCIA members to attend the 4/15 school board meeting.
This will demonstrate that the community cares about what happens at this school and allow us to determine if CCIA should involve itself in this issue.
There may be media present at the meeting due to recent increased scrutiny. Juan and Joan plan to attend as well.
WHAT: Alma d’Arte School Board MeetingWHEN: Monday April 15 at 6pmWHERE: 402 West Court Avenue, Las Cruces 88005
You can download the agenda for the meeting here: https://www.almadarte.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/April-Agenda-2024-Final.pdf
1 [...]
Read more...
SarahMarch 29, 2024Action AlertDear Las Crucens,
The City is updating their Zoning code and this could potentially impact ALL people living and working in Las Cruces. The City is accepting comments on the draft of the new code until April 5th. UPDATE: The City is still accepting comments as of April 25.
Will you please submit a written comment about the new code?
See below for more information and potential talking points.
Updated Zoning Code
This 9-minute video explains the changes in the new proposed Zoning code:
IMPORTANT UPDATES:
The City has confirmed that the new proposed code will REMOVE the 300-foot buffer requirement between cannabis dispensaries and homes.There is currently no mention in the code of what areas will allow livestock. They have completely removed the zoning that previously allowed for livestock in certain areas.
Please submit comments here: https://freese.mysocialpinpoint.com/realize-las-cruces-comment-wall/ideas#/
Scroll down if you need more info or potential talking points. Please be respectful in your communications for the maximum positive impact.
Make sure to Click on the box that says “3 Zoning Regulations” and then you will be able to make your comment.
NOTE: The comment form only allows short comments. Feel free to LEAVE MULTIPLE COMMENTS in order to make your voice heard.
More Info About the Zoning Changes
Download proposed Zoning Code
Download proposed Zoning Map
The proposed new Zoning code for Las Cruces includes some significant changes.
There will no longer be single-family residential zoning in Las Cruces.In general, existing residential areas will be re-zoned to Neighborhood Districts (NH1, NH2, or NH3), which will all allow for a mixture of single family homes, duplexes, apartments, and mobile homes. See the map below that shows the proposed zoning for each area of Las Cruces.
All neighborhood districts (NH1, NH2, and NH3) will allow some types of businesses to be present as well as schools, city facilities, museums, andprofessional offices (allowed in NH2 and NH3, special-use-permit required for NH1)medical clinics (NH2 and NH3)hotels (NH2 and NH3)banks (NH2 and NH3)grocery/retail stores/restaurants (allowed in NH2 and NH3, special-use-permit required for NH1).
Gas pumps are allowed in neighborhood district NH3. Special-use-permit required for gas pumps in NH2 and NH3.Liquor stores are allowed in neighborhood district NH3.Bars are allowed in neighborhood districts NH2 and NH3. Special-use-permit required for NH1.
Cannabis dispensaries are allowed in ALL neighborhood districts (NH1, NH2, and NH3). Cannabis indoor agriculture is allowed in NH3, but special use permits would be required for NH1 and NH2.The new code will REMOVE the 300-foot buffer requirement between cannabis businesses and homes.
There will now be a cap on how large parking lots can be at businesses. (Existing businesses would be grandfathered in.)The required minimum number of parking places has been reduced for many types of businesses.Where the minimum allowed parking spaces is 20 or less, no more than 50% over the minimum of parking spaces will be allowed.Where the minimum allowed parking spaces is over 20, no more than 10% over the minimum of parking spaces is allowed (unless there is a parking demand study and approval up to 50% additional parking by the Community Development Director).If you want to see what minimum parking is allowed for different types of businesses in more detail, download the draft code above and look at pages 194-202.There is currently no mention in the code of what areas will allow livestock. They have completely removed the zoning that previously allowed for livestock in certain areas.
Potential Talking Points
Here are some potential talking points about the new Zoning code. Please do NOT copy-paste these verbatim. Your communications will be most effective if you add in your own words as well. Please be respectful to make the most positive impact.
The new code removes single family residential zoning altogether. This is wrong. There are many people and families who want to live in neighborhoods with only homes (with no businesses, apartments, etc).
There need to be some areas of town that maintain the ability to have homes only, without businesses, apartments, etc.
Cannabis needs to have at least the same restrictions as liquor. Please make the cannabis dispensary zoning restrictions consistent with those for liquor by not allowing dispensaries in Zone NH1.
The new Code allows bars in neighborhood zones NH2 and NH3, as well as NH1 with a special use permit. Families need to have the option to live in neighborhoods without bars.
Please do not add in a parking lot size cap. Businesses need to have the flexibility to determine their own parking needs.
2 [...]
Read more...
WebservantMarch 14, 2024Action Alert / GeneralThis Prayer Guide is brought to you by the Las Cruces-based Coalition of Conservatives in Action (CCIA) in hopes that you will follow the command of our Lord to pray for our leaders.
Loading…
Taking too long?
Reload document
|
Open in new tab
Download [3.61 MB]
3 [...]
Read more...
BethNovember 10, 2023Knowledge BoxThis is what a Left leaning Liberal who supported both Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden had to say about the 2020 Election: “Google alone shifted more than 6 Million Votes to Joe Biden… We learned how to look at and Election that took place, look at the numbers and we can factor… pic.twitter.com/jzqjoczZT4— ꪻꫝể ꪻꫝể (@TheThe1776) November 9, 2023
https://t.co/jzqjoczZT4 [...]
Read more...
CCIA IN ACTION
Latest pictures from the Gallery:
Come to our next meeting and inquire about getting involved and in ACTION.
CCIA_flyer
Faith Outreach
Faith Outreach Committee
Crime and Local Politics
Crime and Local Politics ACTION Committee
Education
Education ACTION Committee
Election Integrity
Election Integrity ACTION Committee
Prayer Guide