Police step up patrols near Espinacitas Street

Gang tensions in the Hopewell/Mann neighborhood continued to rise Saturday in the wake of a gang-related homicide in the area last weekend, Santa Fe police Capt. Gary Johnson said.

Officers went to the 1800 block of Espinacitas Street on Saturday afternoon after receiving reports that members of a west-side gang were in the area displaying firearms and trying to start a fight, he said. Officers stepped up patrols of the area to try and keep tensions down, Johnson said.

Pedro Maldonado, 18, was shot several times during the alleged gang fight June 28 at an apartment building in the 1800 block of Espinacitas Street. Police have arrested three men in connection with Maldonado's death.

Family of teen killed in crash thanks community

The mother and stepfather of one of the victims of the fatal, alleged drunken-driving collision on Old Las Vegas Highway last weekend released a statement Saturday thanking the community for the support they've received.

"We are overwhelmed with the compassion and love that the community has so willingly given to our family during this most difficult time for all, and we simply want to express our gratitude and deepest appreciation for your support to us and to the families who share our grief," said the statement from Susan Roth and Steven Meyer.

Roth's daughter, 16-year-old Kate Klein, died along with three other teens during the early morning hours of June 28 when a driver, who police said appeared to have been drinking and driving in the wrong lane, crashed into the car in which she was riding. Also killed were Alyssa Trouw, 16, Julian Martinez, 16, and Rose Simmons, 15.

Roth and Meyer, who addressed the statement to friends, the Congregation Beit Tikva and the Santa Fe community in general, said the loss of Klein and her friends "is both senseless and incomprehensible."

Fees waived in August at some recreation areas

Boaters in some parts of New Mexico will get a break from day-use fees from Aug. 1-9, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The fee waivers apply to three Corps of Engineers-run areas, including boat ramps at Abiquiú, Cochiti and Conchas lakes.

Fees for camping, camping-related services and specialized facilities such as picnic shelters, will not be waived.

"Our hope is to encourage increased use during this traditionally low-use period, which will help individuals and local communities economically," said Steve Stockton, the Corps' director of Civil Works.

The New Mexico fee waivers are part of a larger, nationwide effort, which includes waiving fees at more than 2,400 recreation sites.