Sidewalk color rules debated

An ordinance working its way through city committees would require sidewalks in Santa Fe's historic zones to be one of three earth-toned shades.

The Public Works Committee recommended the change Monday even though the Planning Commission previously voted against it.

Public Works Director Robert Romero estimated that the brown pigment that makes concrete sidewalks earth-toned would increase costs 10 percent to 30 percent. He said that could be significant to homeowners who are required to replace damaged sidewalks in front of their residences.

Preservation Division Director David Rasch said most of the sidewalks in the historic districts are brown or earth-toned, but changes in recent years have resulted in 15 percent to 20 percent of them being replaced in a gray tone.

City plans to drill monitoring well

The city Water Division plans two public meetings on its plan to drill a monitoring well in the Barrio de la Cañada neighborhood, on Santa Fe's west side.

The 2,500-foot-deep well is planned at a site near the intersection of Camino de la Cañada and Callejon Zenaida, according to a city news release.

The well's purpose is to monitor the quality and quantity of water in the deeper part of the Tesuque aquifer that lies beneath the Barrio de la Cañada neighborhood.

Construction is scheduled to begin in early spring and is expected to be completed in about 60 days.

Meetings to share information on how the project will affect the neighborhood are scheduled from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today and Thursday at Larragoite Elementary School, 1604 Agua Fría St.

For more information, contact Claudia Borchert, water resources coordinator, at 955-4203.

City park might get new name

City officials soon may be seeking suggestions for renaming the city park across from the Santa Fe Boys and Girls Club.

The park situated between Alto Street and the Santa Fe River is known only as the Santa Fe Boys and Girls Club Park.

Councilor Patti Bushee said she introduced a resolution proposing the change at the request of constituents who want to name it after Louis Montaño.

Montaño, who died last year, was director of the club for 27 years. He served as a city councilor from 1974 to 1982, and was mayor from 1982 to 1986.

But Bushee said the resolution would allow other names to be considered as well. Councilor Miguel Chavez wondered if a plaque might honor others involved in the club's early days.

According to the proposed resolution, recommended for passage Monday by the Public Works Committee, the club got started over a pool hall on the Plaza and moved to its current building in 1942.

Children's booster honored by city

The city honored Bill Carson with a Muchas Gracias award Tuesday evening at the downtown library. Carson was recognized for 10 years of service to the Children and Youth Commission, the last five as its chairman.

Lynn Hathaway, director of the commission, credited Carson with increasing annual allocations to programs that "help children thrive." Through his efforts, grants increased to over $1 million, she said.

Hathaway compared Carson to former City Councilor Bernice Beenhouwer, who started the commission 20 years ago. "You have been selfless, as she was, in your pursuit of improved conditions for young people and their families," she said.

Flags lowered for Bruce King

Gov. Bill Richardson says flags around the state will be lowered to half staff through next Monday in honor of former Gov. Bruce King.

King died at his ranch in Stanley on Friday morning at the age of 85. King served a total of 12 years as governor in separate terms that spanned three decades.

Richardson says flags already have been lowered since King's death.

King will lie in state at the State Capitol on Friday, and his funeral will be Saturday.

Sipapu to open ski season Saturday

The Sipapu resort says it expects to again be the first ski area to open for the season by starting operations Saturday.

Cold temperatures plus last week's storm, which dumped 7 inches on the resort 20 miles southeast of Taos, have allowed Sipapu's mountain crew to get a jump-start on some ski runs, a news release said.

The resort has tripled its snowmaking abilities since 2001, and its staff is using the most snow guns in recent history, the announcement said.

Up-to-date information on conditions and hours of operation will be available at www.SipapuNM.com.

Center sponsors pet-food drive

A shopping center is sponsoring a pet-food drive today to benefit the Santa Fe Shelter & Humane Society.

The event at the Plaza Entrada, on the corner of Zia Road and St. Francis Drive, takes place from noon until 3 p.m. The shelter hopes for donations of dry and canned pet food for dogs, cats, kittens and puppies. Purina is the preferred brand, organizers said.

Sponsors of the event include Wayne Steen State Farm, Jalapeños Mexican Grill, Papa Murphy's Pizza, Kidz Zone, Albertsons and Office Max.