Holiday Closures for the City of Albuquerque

Friday, January 1 is New Year’s Day, and the vast majority of City services and offices will be closed. There will be no 311 call center service, no bus or Sun Van, no trash or recycle pickup, and all libraries, community centers, museums, golf courses and administrative offices will be closed. The Albuquerque Sunport, the Elena Gallegos Open Space and Tingley Beach will all be open. For a complete listing of holiday closures, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/holiday/news/christmas-holiday-information

Avoiding Scams

The holidays are one of the times when cyber thieves strike hardest, and even if you think you know how to avoid scams, it pays to be vigilant, since cyber theft has gotten very sophisticated. For tips on keeping your information and finances safe this holiday season go to:  http://www.cabq.gov/consumer-financial-protection-initiative

At Home Covid-19 Test

New Mexicans can now order free, at-home COVID-19 self-administered saliva tests. According to a news release the free tests are available to all New Mexico residents– whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic, and whether they have come into close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 positive individual or not.  To order a test visit: https://learn.vaulthealth.com/nm/

Pre-register for Covid-19 Vaccination
Pre-registering for the vaccine is simple. Go to the state website:  https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/   fill out your basic information as well as what field you work in and your zip code. Human Services Department Secretary Dr. David Scrase says both will likely be factors of whatever phase you end up falling into. “Certainly, essential workers are in line and we need to figure out how we sub-prioritize within those groups and do that equitably also age 75 and older are in line with essential workers so we are in the planning phases now.”  No matter what group you’re in after you register, you’ll get a text message from the state.  Based on your group, it will tell you where to go or to keep waiting. So far, the state has received about 60,000 doses of the vaccine, and area hospitals plan to have their patient-care staff all vaccinated within the next two to three weeks. The state estimates about 70% of New Mexicans will want the vaccine, that’s about 1.4 million people.

 

Abandoned Shopping Carts 

We have had many inquiries on abandoned shopping carts and who to call.   Abandoned Walmart carts may be reported directly to Walmart at 2550 Coors Blvd NW, (352-1870, press 0). Walmart uses a collection service to retrieve scattered carts. Report Home Depot and other carts to 311.  Remember to have the names of the cross streets at hand.

 

Resources for Mental and Emotional Stress During COVID-19 and Beyond

The COVID-19 public health pandemic has created not just a physical health concern, but extreme mental and emotional stress as well. There are many resources available for residents who are feeling the anxiety and fear that are so common right now, and that may continue post-COVID. If you or someone you know is having anxiety, or thoughts of self-injury or suicide, the New Mexico Crisis Access Hotline is available 24/7/365 and you can reach it by calling 1-855-662-7474.  You can also visit www.nmcrisisline.com for many other online resources.

 

Northwest Area Command Community Policing Council Meetings:

Held the third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM. The meeting is at the Northwest Area Command Substation located at 10401 Cibola Loop, NW 87114 across from Cibola High School.

 

Free Firewood for Seniors – The City of Albuquerque has announced that free firewood will be available to seniors in need to keep their homes warm this winter. The Department of Senior Affairs and Parks and Recreation has partnered to offer firewood to seniors 60 and older in Bernalillo County. The firewood will be delivered by a team from the Department of Senior Affairs to the homes of eligible seniors while supplies last. To sign up for the firewood while supplies last, call 505-764-6400.

 

NMDWS Offers Online Workshops Aimed at Helping You Get a Job!
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions is hosting Workforce Connection online workshops geared toward increasing and improving workforce skills, interview skills and tips on how to ace job interviews. The workshops take place weekly and cover a variety of employment topics, so sign up today at: https://www.dws.state.nm.us/en-us/Job-Seekers

Contact Mayor Keller
At the City of Albuquerque, we always want to  know about the issues that matter most to our residents.  To share your views, or request assistance with City related services, you may email Mayor Keller.   https://www.cabq.gov/mayor/contact-us/email-the-mayor

 

Blue Star Mothers Looking for Donations – The Albuquerque chapter of Blue Star Mothers is once again looking for donations to include in care packages sent to troops. The organization is still holding donation drives and is asking for single-size servings of food and drink mixes such as Vienna Sausage-pop top cans, jerky, protein bars/granola bars, coffee and hot chocolate. For non-food items, they’re asking for things like hand sanitizer, hand and foot warmers and dental floss. For more information on how to donate, visit Rio Grande Valley Blue Star Mothers website.

 

APD Reminds Residents To Not Leave Running Vehicles Unattended In Colder Months
The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) reminds us that we should not leave our cars unattended if warming them up in the cold mornings. Leaving your car running to warm up is one of the main ways car thieves strike in the winter. If you must warm your car before driving, consider using a remote starter or separate valet key, so you can lock your vehicle doors while it is unattended. For more ideas and tips on preventing auto theft, visit: https://www.cabq.gov/police/crime-prevention-safety/auto-theft

 

OASIS SENIOR LEARNING IS PROVIDING ONLINE PROGRAMS
Contact 884-4529 or visit albuquerque.oasisnet.org for more information.

 

ABQ RIDE Offers Numerous Resources For Getting Around Town Safely
Get up-to-date information about bus locations in Albuquerque with Where’s My Bus. From any device with an internet connection, you can select any active bus route and get live tracking on City & UNM bus locations. Live tracking is available at: www.cabq.gov/mybus. You can also easily find when the next regularly-scheduled bus is due at your stop with a simple text. TXT2RIDE is fast and easy to use. Send a text to 27433 (2-RIDE) with the 4-digit bus stop number, a space, and then the route number, and hit Send! In seconds, you’ll receive a text with the next two scheduled departure times. Message & data rates may apply. To find the bus stop number, look for the round puck with a tactile blue 4-digit number posted on the bus stop pole four to five feet above the ground. Most pucks will face the sidewalk. The bus stop number also appears in Type II Braille below the tactile number. Learn more at: www.cabq.gov/txt2ride

City Partners with Multiple Agencies to Make Flu Vaccine Easily Accessible
Flu shots will lessen severity of flu symptoms and save hospital resources to fight COVID-19 pandemic  At a press conference, Mayor Tim Keller and the City Environmental Health Department’s Dr. Mark DiMenna highlighted the partnership between several agencies to make voluntary flu vaccinations easily accessible for all Albuquerque residents. Getting vaccinated for the flu helps reduce respiratory illness and preserve limited health care resources that may be in short supply due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find a flu shot clinic today at: http://www.cabq.gov/humanresources/employee-benefits/better-health-program/employee-flu-shots

Homeless Coordinating Council Meeting Invites Community to Participate

Got concerns about homelessness in Albuquerque? Why not join in the bi-weekly Homeless Coordinating Council Meeting that happens every other Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. online? This is a community-wide initiative that discusses issues and possible solutions to combat the issues related to individuals experiencing homelessness. To learn more about this Council and to attend upcoming meetings, visit: http://www.cabq.gov/family/partner-resources/meeting-minutes-agendas/homeless-coordinating-council

Illegal Dumping Partnership Encourages Safe Disposal of Unwanted Items

The Illegal Dumping Partnership is an initiative sponsored by the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, PNM, Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), AMAFCA, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), and other groups, encouraging residents to safely dispose of unwanted items at one of the City’s convenience centers located throughout Bernalillo County. Illegal dumping is not only rude, it’s against the law and is punishable by fines and possible jail time. To report illegal dumping, call 1-877-668-4769. You can also dispose of your trash at one of the following locations:
• South Side (Montessa Park), 512 Los Picaros Rd NW, 505-768-5930
• West Side (Don Reservoir), 117 114th Street SW, 505-768-3920
• North Side (Eagle Rock), 6301 Eagle Rock Rd NE, 505-857-8318 Bernalillo County
• East Side (East Mountain Transfer Station) 505-281-9110

 

Bernalillo County offers drive-thru grocery pickup for low-income seniors  
https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/bernalillo-county-offers-drive-thru-grocery-pickup-for-low-income-seniors/  

 

Here the newest Bernalillo County Newsletter at a Glance chocked full of the latest updates on most every important topic currently of interest to Bernalillo County residents: November Newsletter

 

ABQ Water Authority Watering Recommendations

One time per month.  Established plants need watering one time per month for the remainder of the winter season.  Choose a warm day to water.  For more information go to:  https://www.505outside.com/

 

Have You Winterized Your Pipes and Irrigation System?
Don’t let burst pipes put the freeze on your holidays! Mild temperatures this week make it a great time to winterize your home’s plumbing and irrigation system if you haven’t already done so. For winterizing tips:  https://www.abcwua.org/Latest_News.aspx?8d915011d39a40e4974cf32d10f927f2blogPostId=bb2e205f41314139960ac67dcf36872f

 

The Balancing Act of Watering Trees in the Fall and Winter

The balancing act of watering your trees in the fall and winter is important. Established trees should be watered two to three times a month in the fall season and once a month in the winter season. If not watered properly, trees that get too dry during this time can suffer stress and drought injury. This often does not show up until the heat of the following summer, which then makes trees more susceptible to pests and disease. Fall is the time to set your trees up for winter success.

Other important factors to consider when watering trees:

• Newly planted trees (trees planted within 1-3 years), are more susceptible to damage from dry conditions and should be watered more frequently than established trees. Try watering them to a depth of 24 inches three times a month in the fall and twice a month in the winter.
• Evergreen trees lose water through their needles in the dry winter air. They need more stored-up water going into the winter season to make up for that. Cold, dry winds can strip water from evergreens faster than their roots can absorb it, too. That is why it is especially important to provide enough water in the fall and during dry, warm spells in the winter.
• Even though they lose their leaves, deciduous trees should also not get too dry in the fall and winter. Water acts as an insulator for both the tree and soil. Soil that stays moist will be warmer. Likewise, plant cells that are plump with water will be less susceptible to damage from the cold. Water deciduous trees to a depth of 24 inches twice a month during the fall and once a month in the winter.
• When watering any tree, remember to apply water out to the edge of the tree’s canopy drip line. Most established trees have a root spread equal to their height and beyond. Water deeply and avoid spraying foliage. Watering to the right depth depends on your specific soils, so you will want to measure how much water it takes your soils to reach 24 inches deep. Read this article for tips on measuring watering depth.

One of the best things you can do for your trees in the coming months is to add mulch. Layering three to four inches of organic mulch protects the soil from moisture loss and helps regulate soil temperature throughout the winter. Treebates for bulk organic mulch is available.

Pro Tip: “Watering to the right depth and managing the frequency of watering are both very important aspects of keeping our plants healthy throughout the year, but especially in the fall and winter months,” says Patrick Chavez, Trees of Corrales Wholesale Nursery.

 

 

 

311 Customer Service Survey Invites Public Feedback

Have you taken the 311 Customer Service Survey yet? This online survey offers you the chance to give feedback and share ideas for making the City’s 311 service more open, accessible and accountable to the community it serves. To take the survey, visit:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S8TKMZV

311 Citizen Contact Center

Information about the 311 Citizen Contact Center.

The 311 Citizen Contact Center is a centralized call center for the City of Albuquerque. The 311 service is a single telephone number for all non-emergency City of Albuquerque inquiries and services.

We answer questions and respond to requests for service.

Hours

Monday through Saturday – 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Animal welfare calls and fixed bus times)

How Can We Help?

There are several ways the City of Albuquerque and 311 can answer questions or requests for service.

• Online 311 Search
• City website
• Dial 311 or (505) 768-2000
  Outside Albuquerque, dial (505) 768-2000
• Online form
• Twitter

Click here for website

 

The new City website link to report abandoned vehicles.

    Report Abandoned Vehicles at: https://www.cabq.gov/report-abandoned-vehicles/report-abandoned-vehicles

 

Sign Up for APD’s Security Camera Analytical Network! Does your home or business have a security camera? Register it with the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Security Camera Analytical Network (SCAN) network at: www.cabq.gov/scan. Connecting your street-facing security camera to the SCAN network can help counter crime in your area and helps APD with visual surveillance and information in the event a crime was captured on camera.

 

 

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