Former schools leader pleads no contest

A former superintendent of a Northern New Mexico school district has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor fraud charge in a corruption case involving the misuse of public money.

Joe Baca, who retired in 2007 as superintendent of West Las Vegas Schools, was placed on probation for six months and will pay $2,750 in restitution as part of a plea agreement announced Thursday by Attorney General Gary King.

He and other school officials were indicted in 2007 for using bilingual-education funding to pay for parties and other frills. Baca approved the expenditures.

In May, the school district's former bilingual-education coordinator was convicted of felony counts of fraud and conspiracy. A judge dismissed charges against a former school board member.

Benefit planned for injured horseback rider

A benefit party for a Santa Fe business owner who injured herself in a horseback riding accident will be held Saturday.

All proceeds from the 3 p.m. fundraiser will help offset medical costs for accountant Donna Secular, who fell from her horse this spring. Secular, whose medical coverage lapsed, has undergone five operations and spent a month in intensive care.

It's estimated her medical debts will hit $500,000 by the end of this year.

The catered event features dancing, live entertainment by the local band The Rattlerz, a silent auction and a raffle drawing.

It takes place from 3 to 9 p.m. at 17 Wide View Lane, south of Santa Fe off N.M. 14.

A Web site, www.helpdonna.com, has been created for people to share her story, post updates on her condition and provide an online venue for donations.

For information about the event or to donate raffle items, call 471-3212, 466-4058, 216-0838 or 438-8867.

Former astronaut makes local appearance

Harrison Schmitt, a former astronaut and senator from New Mexico, is making a special appearance at Borders Books today.

Schmitt will be discussing his upcoming film, Wonder of it All, and his book, Return to the Moon at 7 p.m. at the store at 500 Montezuma Ave.

Man first stepped on the moon 40 years ago this month. Schmitt was a member of the 1972 Apollo 17 mission.

Help choose new license plate

The public is being asked to vote on their favorite design for a license plate commemorating Santa Fe's 400th anniversary.

To cast your ballot, go to www.santafe400th.com and click on "The Latest."

Voters can choose from three options created by Eric Griego of Firestik Studios. The one receiving the most votes by July 31 will be featured on the new license plate. The new plate will be available for purchase at any New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicles location after Labor Day. The plates were authorized as part of a funding initiative by the state Legislature to benefit the commemoration. Under the program, $25 of the cost will go to the nonprofit formed to produce and promote the 400th activities for the city.

The commemoration kicks off in September with a community festival.

Zoning changes discussed next week

People who live near the Santa Fe city limits will have an opportunity next week to get information about proposed changes to zoning and subdivision rules for areas that are scheduled to be annexed over the next five years.

City and county land use and planning staff will be available from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar Drive. They will give a presentation on the public review process for adopting the proposed changes at 5:30 p.m., and staff will be available again until 7 p.m.

The regional Extraterritorial Land Use Commission and Extraterritorial Land Use Authority are supposed to hold public hearings on rule-change proposals on Aug. 14 and 27.

Additional information, including the proposed zoning map and the text of the Subdivision, Planning, Platting and Zoning Ordinance, is also available on the city web site at www.santafenm.gov.

New inspection system starts next month

Starting next month, contractors will be required to schedule city permit inspections through an automated system which has been optional since its implementation earlier this year.

After calling 955-6110, the permit holder will be prompted to enter a six digit permit-specific phone access code that is printed on the permit and to schedule inspections. The system also allows callers to leave a voice message for the inspector when scheduling the inspection and to receive notification via phone or facsimile after the inspection is completed.

Training is available at the Inspections and Enforcement Division in the basement of City Hall, Monday through Friday, between 8 and 9 a.m. or between 1 and 2 p.m.

County wants opinions on future capital projects

Santa Fe County is seeking public input in determining what infrastructure and capital improvement projects it should seek funding for in the 2011-2015 fiscal years.

The types of projects that are eligible for these types of funds include: roads, bridges, housing, water and wastewater systems, parks and community services facilities or renovations.

Meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates and at the following locations:

July 22: Edgewood; Edgewood Fire Station, 25 East Frontage Road

July 23: Galisteo Basin: 35 Avenida Vieja/CR 33A

July 28: Pojoaque Valley; Pojoaque Satellite Office, 17839A NM 285

July 29: North County; Marcos Trujillo Teen Center, 89 La Puebla Road

Aug. 11: La Cienega: La Cienega Community Center, 50A Camino San Jose

Aug. 12: Rancho Viejo: County Fairgrounds, large annex, 3029 Rodeo Road

For more information contact Pamela Lindstam at 992-9860.

Pest-management workshop offered

Pest management and weed identification are part of a free workshop offered at the Railyard Park at 10 a.m. on Aug. 1.

Robert Wood, the city's integrated pest-management program director, will talk about the pest-control strategy that is aimed at significantly reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides.

Participants should wear sunscreen and bring something to write with. A volunteer opportunity in the Railyard Park garden will follow.