Las Cruces Blog

New Domain for Blog! (Yippee!!)

2008-10-11T01:27:00.000-06:00

Las Cruces Blog now has its own domain:

www.lascrucesblog.com

For the latest news, photos, and happenings, just click:

Las Cruces Gets Talkies ... just 4 days before Black Thursday....

Dripping Springs ... green, green, green....

Squall + Rainbow ... a squall lead by a rainbow....

Logoistically Innocent ....without the semiotic overhead....

July Sunset ...[photo]....

Princess Drive-In ...THE PLACE to hang....

Organs and Tractors ...[photo]....

How Las Cruces Got Its Name ....some fifty men being killed and buried on the spot....

Dust Bowl

2007-04-21T23:44:00.000-06:00

The dust in the last few days has been bothersome, but for a real dust storm, consider this photo of New Mexico in 1935 -- during the "Dust Bowl."

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Tags: Weather

Wind = Dust

2007-04-13T23:07:00.000-06:00

Strong winds today, from the West.

This is what the Organs looked like this afternoon with the dust in the air.

Tags: Organ Mountains, Weather

Pat Garrett Marker

2007-04-05T02:07:00.000-06:00

The city of Las Cruces is considering the approval of a 1,703.9 acre subdivision on the East Mesa south of Hwy 70 called "The Vistas at Presidio II."

Unknown to virtually everyone in Las Cruces, this block contains a marker built by Jarvis Garrett to memorialize the spot where his Dad was shot. Jarvis Garrett is the youngest son of Pat Garrett. Pat Garrett is the lawman who is most famous for having shot Billy the Kid.

A local organization called Friends of Pat Garrett has been formed "to ensure that the site where the death occurred is set aside for a memorial to Pat, and that the marker set up by Jarvis is retained and protected." Their web site is:

FriendsOfPatGarrett.com

Here's what the marker looks like:

Pat Garrett was shot February 28, 1908. You can see "Feb 1908" carved in the marker in this closeup:

Photos courtesy of Friends of Pat Garrett.

Tags: Pat Garrett, Billy the Kid, Las Cruces

200,000 -- Coming Soon

2007-03-24T10:29:00.000-06:00

Las Cruces and Doña Ana County continue explosive growth. US Census Bureau estimates just released for 2006 put the number of people in the county as of July 1, 2006 at approximately 194,000.

This reflects a 2.4% growth for the year, the second highest for the state.

The effects of this growth are everywhere: new housing, new subdivisions, new roads -- more traffic -- commercial development, real estate price increases, multiplying resource demands.

A lot of the effects of growth are cultural. There is a clear clash between the traditional -- one could say organic -- ideas and values of this area and the ideas and values being imported. There is a distinct "California mindset" that is almost brutally in conflict with local culture.

Here are the population estimates in thousands for the last five years for Doña Ana County:

2002 - 179,000
2003 - 182,000
2004 - 185,000
2005 - 189,000
2006 - 194,000

In 1990, the population was 136,000.

Here's the fact sheet for Doña Ana for 2005, the latest posted on the Census Bureau site. Among other things, it shows the medium age to be 31.7 years, the median family income to be $34,168, and the average time required to get to work as 17.3 minutes.

Tags: Las Cruces, Real Estate, Population, Average Income

Coas Bookstore

2007-02-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

The best bookstore in Las Cruces, and perhaps the best bookstore in NM, is Coas: My Bookstore.

Coas is a used bookstore with two city branches. The main branch is located in the Downtown Mall and has an inventory of over 450,000 books.

Here's the main bookstore:

Here's Downtown Mall side of the bookstore:

Some of the stacks:

The store was founded in 1984, initially as a publishing business, by Patrick H. Beckett, an archaeologist. According to the web site, "coas" means "digging stick" in Nahuatl, the Aztec language.

The store is open from 9:30am to 6pm Monday through Saturday, and 11am to 5pm Sunday.

Tags: Las Cruces, Bookstore, Main Street

Downtown Mall

2007-02-19T23:41:00.000-07:00

As noted here, the Downtown Mall is the worst mistake in Las Cruces history.

Since its completion in 1974, there have been many attempts to make it more appealing to visitors. In 1996, the city commissioned Lea Anne and Tom Askman to create a series of sculptures for the Mall to commemorate El Camino Real.

Some images of the sculptures:

Tags: Downtown Mall, Lea Anne Askman, Tom Askman

Las Cruces' Worst Mistake

2007-02-16T00:27:00.000-07:00

The hands-down worst mistake in Las Cruces history was the destruction of Main Street under the guise of "urban renewal."

"Urban renewal" was federal policy in the 60s, part of the big government social engineering mindset that began its rule then and is with us still. In the case of Las Cruces, the Federal Government was willing to pay two thirds of the cost of "renewing" the downtown area.

Here are a couple of post card images of Main Street, Las Cruces from the 1940s.

The justifications for the "renewal" of Main Street and surrounding area were the usual ones:

The businesses there were not doing that well,

The buildings were old and unattractive, some dating to the late 1800s,

And, of course, a wonderful urban utopia could be put in its place with businesses that would pay more taxes.

But the truth of "urban renewal" was never an urban utopia.

Instead, businesses that social planners didn't like, but had historical and organic roots, were replaced by businesses they "favored" and were willing to subsidize. Whether the new businesses would make money was a gamble -- the only firms that were certain to profit were those involved in the destruction of the "old" and the construction of the "new."

The plan that was adopted involved closing 7 blocks of Main Street and turning it into a "shaded" walking mall. The blocks on both sides of the mall would be cleared of all buildings to make that space available for new construction. Businesses and home owners that did not voluntarily sell in the cleared areas, or agree to renovations in the walking mall, would be removed by eminent domain.

Implementation of the plan began in 1968 and was finished in 1974.

The "renewal" area contained 160 businesses. 38 agreed to make the required remodeling changes and were permitted to stay. 122 did not and moved or went out of business.

A total of 84 families and 52 individuals lived in the cleared area and were forced to relocate.

Here you can see the "urban renewal" area shortly after its completion. Main Street has been closed and the streets on both sides now loop around it. The extensive empty areas, including the swath to the right of the loop (east), are "cleared" areas.

Here's a better view of the "front" (south end) of the mall:

As the photo makes clear, this was an extremely ugly design with very serious problems. There was absolutely nothing that was attractive to people driving by in cars. All you could see from the loop were the backs of the businesses, and in the walking mall itself, the low "shades" covered anything attractive in the buildings -- not that there was much that was attactive left, because the forced renovations had resulted in the historical storefronts being destroyed or covered with "modern" facades.

The mall was and is a total failure.

It destroyed Las Cruces' historical downtown heritage and replaced it with an ugly public space that no one wanted to visit.

Here's what the front entrance looks like today:

Here's what the inside of the mall looks like:

Recognizing what a horrible mistake the project was, the city is now removing the mall and restoring Main Street. But it's impossible to recover what was destroyed.

Tags: Las Cruces, Urban Renewal, Downtown Mall, Las Cruces History

No Snow!

2007-02-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

The surprising story in the last few weeks has been the lack of snow in Las Cruces. There's been extensive snowfall to the east, north, and west -- even some snow south in El Paso -- but virtually none here since January 6th. A couple of mornings you could see light snow on the Organs, but it didn't last long.

Here's what the Organs looked like yesterday:

Tags: Organ Mountains, Snow

Snow!

2007-01-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

Las Cruces got snow this morning -- but light on the west side and very light in the Organs.

The east side of Las Cruces got about an inch. Here what a pecan orchard looked like just outside of town:

This was taken in the foothills of the Organ Mountains, in Solidad Canyon. Even though this is 1200+ feet above Las Cruces, there's little snow.

Another view:

Here's a closeup of the windmill. This being the West, it's got a few bullet holes.

This shows how light the snow was:

By afternoon, the sun was out and snow was going fast.

Tags: Las Cruces, Snow, Solidad Canyon, Windmill

Happy New Year!

2006-12-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

2006 ends with no snow in Las Cruces, even though most of New Mexico and the United States has snow -- Albuquerque has 24 inches! Temperatures here are still in the low 70s, high 60s during the day.

There was a small sprinkling of snow on the peaks of the Organ Mountains this morning, which was gone by early afternoon. This photo was taken just before it began to melt.

Happy New Year!

Tags: Las Cruces, Snow

Las Cruces Housing Market

2006-12-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

For about a decade, Las Cruces has been an extremely attractive place to move to -- housing costs were significantly below the national average and the climate and natural beauty made this area a wonderful place to live.

As a result, a lot of people have moved here.

And they have driven up housing prices enormously.

Here's the Real Estate Industry data for the average selling price of a house in Las Cruces for the last 6 years:

2001 - $126,000
2002 - $134,000
2003 - $143,000
2004 - $168,000
2005 - $199,000
2006 - $216,000 (10 month average)

As you can see, the average cost of a house has increased by $90,000 since 2001.

This rapid run-up in prices has caused a lot of disquiet in long-term Crucens. The cost of living is going up, traffic is getting worse, and resource demand is growing exponentially.

Tags: Las Cruces Housing Costs, House Prices, Home Sales

56 Merc

2006-12-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

This wonderful 1956 Mercury Montclair is owned by a local citizen. He purchased it new in 1956 and has owned it ever since. This is the original color, although it has been repainted on the outside.

Tags: 1956 Mercury Montclair

Abandoned Silo

2006-12-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

An old silo, north of town.

Tags: Silo

No Comment

2006-11-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

Tags: Organ Mountains

La Entrada Moved

2006-11-10T23:06:00.000-07:00

The La Entrada Monument is gone -- moved to storage.

The removal of the monument is part of the renovation to restore Main Street and remove the Downtown Mall. This reverses the most disastrous public policy decision in Las Cruces history, which closed the historic old street and converted it to a semi-open mall.

La Entrada's creator Anthony Pennock supervised the monument's disassembly. A new location for the monument has not been selected.
Tags: La Entrada Monument

Stairs First

2006-11-09T00:22:00.000-07:00

How often are stairs built first?

From the top landing:

When the building catches up with the stairs, this will be the view:

Tags: Stairs

Deadline Passes

2006-11-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

The deadline set by the Las Cruces Blackmailer passed yesterday (Friday) at 7 pm with no consequences.

This was the second deadline set by the extortionist.

Here's the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Blackmail Deadline Passes

Friday -- 7 pm

2006-11-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

According to the local paper, the deadline given by the Las Cruces Blackmailer is 7 pm, Friday, November 3. If the blackmailer isn't paid an undisclosed amount by that time, he (or she) threatens to start shooting school children.

"More bodies will fall. Now they will fall in school yards. Don't believe us? Try us again."

Police are taking this threat extremely seriously. Schools are being kept locked, outside activities are banned, and extra police are patrolling schools.

A letter released to parents by the Las Cruces Public Schools requested that parents cooperate with the following new security measures:

* Please sign in when visiting our building.
* Doors will be locked, please enter through the front door only.
* Help us look for suspicious cars, people or anything out of the ordinary around our campus.

Here's the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Extortionist Deadline Released, Las Cruces Blackmailer

Authorities Take Precautions

2006-11-01T02:05:00.000-07:00

The threats to local school children by an unknown extortionist are being taken very seriously by the police and local authorities.

School doors will be locked, and outside activities cancelled or curtailed. Additional police will be present at schools.

If you have any information about this crime, call the 24-hour tip line:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Las Cruces Extortionist

"More Bodies Will Fall"

2006-10-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

The Las Cruces Blackmailer has sent the local paper a new letter threatening to shoot Crucens unless paid a large sum of money.

Here are the details of his previous extortion attempt:

City threatened by shooter

Shooting rumors engulf city

Your city is in danger

Blackmail letter released

$26000 offered

Deadline friday

Full police alert

$51000 reward

LCPD issues video

Las Cruces Police Statement

Deadline passes

The Blackmailer had previously set a deadline of September 22. That day passed with no consequences. The local paper states that the Blackmailer has set a new deadline in early November.

It quotes the new letter as saying:

"More bodies will fall. Now they will fall in school yards. Don't believe us? Try us again."

This could be a reference to the tragic shooting of a child several days ago. No one has been identified and arrested in that crime, but authorities are saying they don't think it's related to the threats.

A reward of $51,000 is offered for information leading to the capture and prosecution of the person or persons responsible.

Here's the 24-hour line for reporting tips:

(505) 635-9934

Any kind of information could be valuable.

Tags: Las Cruces Blackmailer, Deadline, Reward, Tip Line

Halloween

2006-10-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

According to the Irish myth, the Jack O' Lantern is designed to ward off wandering spirits.

Tags: Jack O' Lantern, Halloween

Peter Wolf Toth

2006-10-26T23:33:00.000-06:00

Las Cruces has one of Peter Wolf Toth's Whispering Giants, as noted here.

Since yesterday was the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution, this is a good time to review his book on his sculptures and life, Indian Giver.

Indian Giver was published in 1980. It begins with his childhood in Hungary. He was born in 1947, the seventh child in a family that eventually numbered 11 kids.

Conditions under the communists were brutally harsh, and got even worse when what little property his father had was taken and given to a party member. They were left with a dirt-floored house in which the only furniture was a table and 13 chairs.

When the people of Hungary revolted against the Russians, it appeared at first they had succeeded. The Russians even agreed to negotiate -- but it was a ruse. They returned with a huge force, mercilessly crushing all opposition. Mass arrests and executions followed.

Two of Toth's brothers escaped to the West, and Toth's parents decided they would follow. For a short period of time the Yugoslavian border was open because the United States was paying Yugoslavia a bounty for every Hungarian that was permitted to leave Hungary.

After a dangerous escape and two years in refugee camps in Europe, Toth and his family came to the United States as sponsored immigrants.

Following his account of his life, Toth describes how he carved his first sculpture in a rock cliff, motivated by a compelling image he saw in the stone. That was 1972.

After carving a second sculpture in wood, he decided he would carve one for each state in the country, taking nothing for his work.

The difficulties and rewards of the first 27 "Whispering Giants" are described, and pictured. These sculptures are not "works" created in a studio -- they are his life, requiring months of travel searching for the appropriate tree and location, and months of carving.

In releasing the image he sees in each unique piece of wood, he satisfies something deep in himself. But he also makes it clear the work itself is a physical pleasure -- the outdoors, the textures, the fragrances -- even scrubbing pitch out of his hair.

This is a wonderful, exuberant book. It is no longer in print, so see if you can find a used copy.

Tags: Indian Giver, Peter Wolf Toth, Trail of the Whispering Giants

Drizzle

2006-10-24T14:05:00.000-06:00

Slow rain most of the night and all morning. Here's what the Organs look like.

Tags: Organ Mountains

Las Cruces Real Estate

2006-10-23T22:38:00.000-06:00

Las Cruces has seen huge growth in the last few years. The population of the city has increased 8.5% since 2000, to an estimated 83,000. There are an additional 40,000 to 50,000 people living in the surrounding valley, and a total of about 190,000 in the county (Doña Ana).

Real Estate and housing prices have doubled during that period. The local paper reports that the average closing price of a house in Las Cruces last month was $221,000. A year ago it was $176,000.

I think the growth of Las Cruces is just beginning. Las Cruces offers attractions and advantages that are no longer available in states such as Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada. I predict a huge influx of relatively wealthy people, most from the West Coast.

This is going to continue to change Las Cruces in unfortunate ways.

Tags: Real Estate, House Prices, Population, Las Cruces

The Trashers

2006-10-21T13:39:00.000-06:00

Everywhere in the desert around Las Cruces you see the offal of The Trashers. Not just a few cans, papers, bottles, but pickup loads.

Tags: Trashers

Fall Flowers

2006-10-20T01:16:00.000-06:00

Some last flowers.

Tags: Fall Flowers

The Whispering Giant

2006-10-17T00:17:00.000-06:00

Apodaca Park at Solano and Madrid in Las Cruces has one of the 67 remarkable sculptures in "The Trail of the Whispering Giants."

These monumental sculptures are the life work of Peter Wolf Toth.

Mr. Toth was born in Hungary and escaped to the United States during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

In 1972 at the age of 24, with no prior sculpting experience, he carved an American Indian sculpture at Wind and Sea Beach in La Jolla, California. Shortly thereafter, he decided to dedicate however long it took to create 50 such sculptures, one for each state.

He didn't stop at 50 and has now created 67, one or more in each state and the rest in other countries, including Canada.

The sculptures honor Native Peoples and are called as a group The Trail of the Whispering Giants.

Each sculpture is a gift to its location. He accepts nothing for them. He supports himself with other work while doing the carving.

The sculpture given to New Mexico is called "Dineh" and was finished and mounted in the park in 1986.

"Dineh" is a native word for "human beings."

Another view:

Here's a partial index of the Giants.

Tags: Trail of the Whispering Giants, Dineh, Peter Wolf Toth, Apodaca Park, Las Cruces

Scarecrow

2006-10-16T00:16:00.000-06:00

This guy's been here for a couple of years, so it's not a Halloween thing. Any garden is long gone.

"Just me and my Bud Light."

Tags: Scarecrow

Rainy Days

2006-10-15T00:01:00.000-06:00

We've had several nights and mornings of rain -- unusual for Las Cruces and for this time of year. Cloudy most of the day, the Organs cleared in about 20 minutes this afternoon.

Tags: Organ Mountains

St. Genevieve's Today

2006-10-07T01:31:00.000-06:00

Here's the new St. Genevieve's Church.

Tags: St. Genevieve's Church

St. Genevieve's Church

2006-10-04T23:24:00.000-06:00

The first St. Genevieve's Church was built in 1859. In 1886, the church's adobe structure was replaced by a brick cathedral, which was fronted by two 44-foot bell towers.

In 1967, this structure was demolished and a new church built at a new location -- a huge historical loss.

In 1998, a monument to the old cathedral was constructed at the church's original location.

Here's a drawing of the old church from the monument's plaque:

The monument:

Tags: St. Genevieve's Church

Sunrise

2006-10-03T10:27:00.000-06:00

The sun breaks over the Organ Mountains.

Tags: Sunrise

Underpass Water Tree

2006-10-01T13:59:00.000-06:00

An underpass west of Las Cruces.

Tags: Underpass

Reptile Killers Caught

2006-09-30T09:40:00.000-06:00

The thugs who broke into Las Cruces Reptile Rescue and killed and stole dozens of reptiles have been caught. Both are 17 and have confessed.

These two also trashed the facility beyond use, and stole considerable property.

Sadly, they will not be punished for their extreme cruelty. The New Mexico animal cruelty statue explicitly excludes reptiles. This needs to be changed immediately.

These thugs were caught with 19 stolen turtles -- strange how their parents did not notice the sudden, huge influx of turtles into their home... nor the new bicycle... nor the other stolen property suddenly acquired by their kids.

The 10-foot albino Burmese python, Gloria, stabbed extensively "in the neck" by the thugs appears to be recovering. They claim the 15 snakes still unaccounted for were released into the desert -- if true, they will not survive out of their habitat.

Tags: Reptile Killers Caught, Python, Animal Cruelty

Greenhouse at Sunrise

2006-09-30T01:01:00.000-06:00

Four photos of a greenhouse complex east of Las Cruces.

Tags: Greenhouse

Welcome to Las Cruces

2006-09-29T01:46:00.000-06:00

This is the only sign welcoming you to the Las Cruces. The design is almost constructivist. The Organ Mountains can be seen in the background.

Tags: Las Cruces

Reward Offered for Reptile Killers

2006-09-26T23:21:00.000-06:00

A $1,000 reward has been offered for information on the thugs who broke into the Las Cruces Reptile Rescue facility and killed many of the animals. Here are some details of the attack:

The killers (there had to be more than one) used several knives, a fireplace poker and at least 2 frying pans to beat the animals to death. They hit the animals so hard that they broke off the handles of both frying pans. They also injured several turtles by smashing stones onto their shells.

If you have any information on these heartless goons, call:

(505) 526-8000 or (800) 897-2746.

These numbers can be called 24/7.

Tags: Reward Offered, Reptile Killers

Organ Mountains - East Side

2006-09-26T00:56:00.000-06:00

The Organ Mountains are unusually narrow for a mountain range and are bounded on both sides by desert.

Here are several views of the east side of the Organs. Las Cruces is on the opposite (western) side.

The extensive rains of the last month have turned much of the desert green, and have produced explosions of wildflowers. Here's an east view of the Organs over a huge patch of sunflowers.

Tags: Organ Mountains East View

Deadline Passes

2006-09-23T22:54:00.000-06:00

The deadline set by the Las Cruces Blackmailer passed yesterday (Friday) with no consequences. The Blackmailer had threatened the city with random shootings if not paid "cash." The amount of money demanded has been withheld from the public.

The local paper reported that school attendance was down, but there was little other sign of people's behavior being affected.

Here's the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Blackmail Deadline Passes

Guard on Standby

2006-09-22T10:08:00.000-06:00

In response to threats to city residents by an unknown blackmailer, the Las Cruces National Guard has been placed on standby.

Tags: National Guard

Reptile Rescue Fundraiser

2006-09-22T09:55:00.000-06:00

On September 11, thugs who remain uncaught broke into the facilities of Las Cruces Reptile Rescue and killed and stole numerous reptiles. They also trashed the facility beyond use.

A fundraiser for the organization will be held Sunday, September 24, from 2 to 4 pm at the Court Youth Center.

For more details, call (505) 680-6675 or (505) 680-6082.

About 15 snakes and 30 turtles remain missing. If you have any information on this crime, call (505) 525-1911.

Tags: Reptile Rescue Fundraiser

Las Cruces Police Statement

2006-09-22T02:13:00.000-06:00

The Las Cruces Police Department has issued this statement to the public:

Hello, I'm Las Cruces Police Chief Harry Romero.

As I'm sure you are aware, the city of Las Cruces has received letters from a suspected extortionist demanding a certain amount of money.

The letters state that if the demand for money is not met, Las Cruces residents will be shot at random.

The citizens of Las Cruces should know that we are doing everything possible to identify and apprehend the person responsible for writing these letters.

We are using the most advanced forensics and technical equipment available to examine the documents.

We are receiving many leads each day and are vigorously perusing each one of them.

Local, state and federal authorities are united in this effort. We will not stop in this pursuit of justice.

We are confident that with the public's assistance, we will arrest and prosecute the person responsible for making these threats to the fullest extent of the law.

Everyone needs to know that making threats of violence against the good people of Las Cruces is a serious crime and that will not be tolerated.

Here's the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Las Cruces Police Statement

LCPD Issues Video

2006-09-22T00:29:00.000-06:00

The Las Cruces Police Department has issued a video message by Chief Harry Romero to the citizens of Las Cruces regarding the Las Cruces Blackmailer.

The video is here.

Tags: LCPD Video

$51,000 Reward

2006-09-22T00:10:00.000-06:00

The reward for information leading to the capture and prosecution of the Las Cruces Blackmailer has been increased to $51,000.

The previous amount has been doubled, thanks to five local businesses. The businesses are:

First Community Bank
Borman AutoPlex
Sisbarro Dealerships
Bravo Chevrolet Cadillac
Jack Key Motors

Here's the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Las Cruces Blackmailer, Reward Doubled

Whole Enchilada Fiesta

2006-09-21T01:39:00.000-06:00

The 26th annual Whole Enchilada Fiesta will be held September 22-24.

The event offerings include music, a motorcycle and car show, parade, carnival, boxing, and the world's largest enchilada. All kinds of food and drink will be available.

The location is the Meersheidt/Hadley Sports Complex in Las Cruces. Here's a map:

See the Whole Enchilada Fiesta web site for more details.

In light of the threats by the Las Cruces Blackmailer, the security at the Fiesta will be extensive.

Tags: Whole Enchilada Fiesta, Las Cruces Blackmailer

Full Police Alert

2006-09-21T01:27:00.000-06:00

Las Cruces officials have cancelled all vacation time for city police and say that every available officer will be on duty today and Friday.

County, State, and Federal law officers will also be on duty.

Here's the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Full Police Alert

Deadline Friday

2006-09-20T22:37:00.000-06:00

No pun intended.

Friday, September 22, is the deadline given by the Las Cruces Blackmailer. He says he must be paid by that date, or he starts shooting citizens:

We basically came or were told to come and obtain... cash. ...if they did not meet our deadline with the $ reesidents of your city would be randomly selected and shot.

The deletions are by authorities, to hold back information.

The Las Cruces Police Department says they will mobilize full resources leading up to Friday.

Friday is the first day of the annual Whole Enchilada Fiesta, which typically attracts 50,000 or more visitors. The organizers plan to have extensive security to protect the attendees.

Here's the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Blackmail Deadline Released

$26,000 Offered

2006-09-19T22:24:00.000-06:00

A reward of $26,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person trying to blackmail Las Cruces.

To report any information, call (505) 635-9934.

Tags: Reward Offered

Blackmail Letter Released

2006-09-19T15:21:00.000-06:00

Here's a photocopy of the blackmail letter sent to the Las Cruces Sun-News. The black areas cover details not being released. The author's writing style appears to be intentionally manipulated.

The text was posted in this blog entry.

Tags: Photocopy Blackmail Letter

"Your city is in danger."

2006-09-19T03:34:00.000-06:00

The Las Cruces Sun-News has published excerpts of the threatening letter sent to the city of Las Cruces. The Sun-News is holding back details such as deadlines, dates, and the blackmail amount demanded.

Here is what was released:

Editor:

We arrived in your city.... We explained to mayor/manager mayor and police about our purpose in your city.

We basically came or were told to come and obtain... cash. ...if they did not meet our deadline with the $ reesidents of your city would be randomly selected and shot.

Maybe you already know what you have read so far -- if not ask your city leaders. We just thought you would like to know why bodies will be falling if demands are not met.... City leaders have all the details... and other details. $ delivered and we leave peacefully.

(In)... the past we have been paid by others to find a designated target and stop it from existing -- now we are looking for payment to let the target exist....

Your city is in danger.

Tags: Blackmail Letter Released

Shooting Rumors Engulf City

2006-09-18T22:59:00.000-06:00

Wild rumors of several people shot as a result of the blackmail threat made public yesterday caused a lot of anxiety today.

One NMSU professor announced to her class that two people had been killed and sent all her students home in fear.

It appeared that there was extra security present around city and county buildings today, but officials said that the additional security was a result of the original threats, not the rumors spreading today.

Police have established a tip line for anyone with information about the blackmail threats, (505) 635-9934.

Tags: Shooting Rumors Engulf Las Cruces

City Threatened by Shooter

2006-09-17T22:43:00.000-06:00

City officials and the local newspaper have received letters threatening random shootings if an undisclosed ransom amount is not paid.

Officials have not disclosed the contents of the letters or the amount demanded. The letter is described as handwritten in an unusual writing style. The letters set a deadline by which the blackmail must be paid or shootings will begin.

People are being told to be extra attentive, but to go about their normal business.

Tags: Shooter Threatens Las Cruces, City Blackmailed

Guardsmen Honored

2006-09-16T23:24:00.000-06:00

Members of the National Guard from the Las Cruces area who recently returned from service in Afghanistan were honored with a parade and ceremony today. The Guardsmen served in the 93rd Troop Command as part of Task Force Phoenix.

The ladder of a Las Cruces firetruck flew the American flag.

Tags: National Guardsmen Honored

Bee Yard

2006-09-16T00:58:00.000-06:00

A bee yard just outside of Las Cruces.

Ideally, bees should be located where they get some shade and near water. These hives are about 2,000 feet from the Rio Grande.

Tags: Bee Yard

Tornado, Hail, Flooding

2006-09-14T13:25:00.000-06:00

A severe storm moved through Las Cruces yesterday, producing a tornado, up to quarter-sized hail, and some flooding. The tornado was sighted moving toward the city from the west, but did no damage and apparently was small.

Here's a photo of the leading edge of the storm.

Tags: Tornado, Hail

Desert Flowers

2006-09-13T11:17:00.000-06:00

The extensive recent rains have lead to a greening and flowering in the desert around Las Cruces that is rare in recent times. Here are a few photos taken yesterday.

A 3-foot barrel cactus:

The flowers always grow at the top of the plant.

Tags: Desert Flowers, Chihuahuan Desert

Reptile Rescue Hit by Thugs

2006-09-12T22:50:00.000-06:00

Las Cruces Reptile Rescue is a volunteer operation by local residents that provides care for lost or abandoned reptiles.

Yesterday, unknown thugs broke into the home where the Rescue facility is located. Besides trashing the home and stealing property, these miscreants killed a number of the reptiles, including 3 pythons, 2 gray-banded king snakes, a bearded dragon, and a round-tail horned lizard.

A 10-foot albino Burmese python was stabbed multiple times, but will probably survive.

The police say that attacking the reptiles was the reason for the crime.

I had a personal experience with Reptile Rescue about two years ago.

I was driving near my home when suddenly a dog ran in front of me -- then with a shock I realized it was a huge lizard! I knew that such an animal wouldn't survive in the city, or the surrounding desert, so I jumped out and caught it. It was quite a chase, but I managed to catch it without hurting it -- or getting bit.

Here are several photos:

I couldn't take care of it, so I called the Animal Shelter. They recommended Reptile Rescue, which I then called. They said they'd have someone out to get it within 20 minutes, and they did.

While I was waiting, I discovered it was extremely thirsty.

Here's the web site for Las Cruces Reptile Rescue. They have posted these details about the attack:

The killers (there had to be more than one) used several knives, a fireplace poker and at least 2 frying pans to beat the animals to death. They hit the animals so hard that they broke off the handles of both frying pans. They also injured several turtles by smashing stones onto their shells.

They are accepting donations for repair of the facilities, estimated to be at least $6,000.

Tags: Las Cruces Reptile Rescue Albino Burmese Python

Gold and Black

2006-09-09T12:57:00.000-06:00

Las Cruces sunset.

La Entrada Monument

2006-09-08T13:04:00.001-06:00

As part of the process of redesigning the Las Cruces downtown (most would say fixing the previous huge mistakes), the La Entrada Monument must be moved to a new location. The Monument stands now in the middle of what will be an extension of Main Street.

The Monument consists of two half-circle walls that commemorate the arrival of Spanish culture into the Mesilla Valley.

Anthony Pennock, the artist who created the Monument in 1997, will supervise its removal and reconstruction.

Mr. Pennock is a native Las Crucen.

Tags: La Entrada Monument, Anthony Pennock

Las Cruces Skyscape

2006-09-07T23:35:00.000-06:00

A beautiful Las Cruces evening sky, looking west.

Tags: Skyscape

Pluto Protest - "Save the Planet!"

2006-09-03T10:33:00.000-06:00

Friends of astronomy in Las Cruces organized a friendly "Pluto Protest" Friday on the NMSU campus.

The protest was directed against the "official" demotion of Pluto to a non-planet.

Las Cruces has a very direct interest in Pluto. Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered the planet on February 18, 1930, joined the NMSU faculty in 1955. His legacy in astronomy, and in astronomy in this area, is monumental.

Patsy Tombaugh, 93, Clyde's widow joined the protest.

Tags: Pluto Protest, Clyde Tombaugh

More Rain - 9/2/06

2006-09-02T14:10:00.000-06:00

The rain continues to fall, which is welcomed, but when rain falls in the desert, it's often intense, creating flooding and erosion.

Here's a shot of the rain coming down at this moment.

Hatch Chile Festival

2006-09-01T11:51:00.000-06:00

In spite of the rain and flooding, the 2006 Hatch Valley Chile Festival will open as planned. The cost of the Festival is $5. One dollar of the fee goes to a non-profit fund for the victims of the recent flooding in Hatch.

Here's the Saturday schedule:

Saturday -- September 2
10 am -- Parade Downtown Hatch
12 noon -- 2006 Queen Coronation
1-3 pm -- Music by Ginny Mac
All Afternoon Various Chile Contests, Booths, Food
4-7 pm -- Music and Dance to "The Silver Bullet Band"

Here's the Sunday schedule:

Sunday -- September 3
12 pm -- Cobre Folklorio Dancers
All Afternoon Various Chile Contests, Booths, Food
1-2 pm -- Music by Scotty Fitch
2 pm -- Queen's Auction
3-5 pm -- Music & Dance by Cameron the DJ

This is the 35th annual festival.

Official Web Site

Tags: Hatch Chile Festival

More Rain - 8/31/06

2006-08-31T23:28:00.000-06:00

Parts of Las Cruces received at least 1.9 inches during the night.

Here you can see a rain storm rolling across the Organ Mountains.

One consequence of rain is dazzling sunsets:

Tags: Rain Las Cruces

Doña Ana County Declared Disaster Area

2006-08-30T22:44:00.000-06:00

The Federal Government has just declared Doña Ana County a disaster area.

The most recent flooding hit Radium Springs hard, which is just north of Las Cruces.

Radium Springs is the site of Fort Selden, which was an active fort from 1866-1877 and from 1881-1891.

Today Fort Selden is a State Monument.

Tags: Doña Ana County, Fort Selden, Radium Springs

Organ Mountains

2006-08-30T00:57:00.000-06:00

The Organ Mountains lie East of Las Cruces, running NNW. In the satellite image below, Las Cruces is marked by the light area. The Organ Mountains are marked by the black outline. You can clearly see the green Mesilla Valley.

A friend once said it's impossible to take a bad picture of the Organ Mountains. I think that's true. Judge for yourself:

Tags: Organ Mountains, Satellite Image

Rain, Rain, Rain ...

2006-08-27T23:25:00.000-06:00

The big news in Las Cruces, and all of southern New Mexico, is rain - and flooding! The yearly average for Las Cruces is about 6.5 inches. So far this year, the Weather Service has reported 9.7 inches.

But many local areas have had much more rain than that, some by 3 or 4 inches. It is quite common for rain to fall heavily in very localized areas. Here's an example, taken today at sunset, looking over Las Cruces to the West.

The flooding has been severe in Hatch, New Mexico, and in some of the areas surrounding Las Cruces.

Hatch is famous for its green chiles -- in fact, few in New Mexico doubt that Hatch produces the finest chiles in the world.

Have the chiles been harmed?

So far, not too much. But prices are already higher.

Tags: Rain, Hatch Green Chiles, Flooding, Yearly Rainfall

Las Cruces New Mexico

2006-08-27T00:29:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Las Cruces Blog.

Tags: Las Cruces New Mexico, Las Cruces Blog