Director Of Valles Caldera Trust To Retire - The Associated Press
The executive director of the Valles Caldera Trust says he will retire next week.
Dennis Trujillo made the announcement last week during a gathering of employees. His last day will be Jan. 3, marking the end of nearly four decades of public service.
Trujillo says he feels fortunate that his career has centered on public lands and the conservation of natural resources.
Trujillo worked more than 25 years for the U.S. Forest Service until he was appointed manager of the Valles Caldera National Preserve in 2002. After a brief stint as interim director, he was elevated to the permanent post in March 2012.
Trujillo helped guide the development of a strategic management plan, revised the livestock grazing program and led the preserve through the Las Conchas and Thompson Ridge fires.
New Mexico Misses Out On White Christmas - The Associated Press
Much of New Mexico is missing out on a White Christmas.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque say a weak storm is moving across the northern edge of New Mexico, bringing some extra clouds, colder temperatures and only mountain top flurries.
Once the system passes, New Mexico will be in for warmer weather the rest of the week. Starting Thursday, daytime temperatures are expected to be above average.
Forecasters say Red River and Chama had the greatest probability of seeing snowflakes and having snow on the ground this Christmas. However, that chance was around 15 percent.
With the exception of northern New Mexico's high country, it's not often other parts see snow Christmas Day. For example, a measurable Christmas snowfall in Albuquerque has occurred, on average, once every 16 years.
Albuquerque Fire Department Gets New Interim Chief - The Associated Press
An interim fire chief has been appointed for Albuquerque.
Mayor Richard Berry named Deputy Chief David Downey as the department's interim chief.
Fire Chief James Breen is retiring at the end of this month.
Breen has been with department for more than 23 years and has been chief since December 2009.
Downey has been with the Albuquerque Fire Department for 20 years.
As deputy chief, he was in charge of all fire department operations, the emergency response division and all health and safety programs.
Berry says he will determine the process for selecting a permanent fire chief over the coming months.