# Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com (2025) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3Ab33072d9b75266c5 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text Volume 20 Issue 7 Isleta Pueblo News Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com July 2025 Governor’s Report Maguwam, I hope all is well with everyone in our community, I hope everyone is in good health and spirits. Whew, it is hot outside with temperatures reaching 100 degrees. I want remind everyone to hydrate and make sure you are drinking plenty of water. I would like to again, remind everyone to be safe during this summer season. Keep a look out for one and another and talk to someone when you are having a hard time, we as a community are here for everyone. I would like to take a moment to honor our late former Governor Max Zuni, he passed at his home on June 11th as he was battling cancer. Governor Zuni retired from Honeywell is 2003. Shortly, after retirement he was appointed 1st Lt. Governor in 2005, while he served with Jose R. Benavidez, Governor Zuni dedicated himself to the Pueblo of Isleta for many years after his first term in office. We will forever remember him as the Governor with his sense of humor, and his offerings of candy. He will forever hold a memory in our hearts and as he would say, “I want everyone to be happy”! At the tail end of May, Lieutenant Governor Jojola and I participated in a tribal consultation session hosted at SIPI. We provided comments on behalf of the Pueblo advocating against federal funding cuts and in favor of hiring more BIE staff. The Pueblo will be submitting detailed written comments in early July. On June 10th and 11th Lieutenant Governor Jojola and I attended the 2025 State Tribal Leaders Summit & Governmentto-Government Indian Education Summit alongside DOE. The discussions were productive and the New Mexico Public Education Department was receptive to the Tribes’ asks for continued support for culturally responsive education and services and programming that supports student success. Later this month I will be meeting with Terry Sloan, Intergovernmental Tribal Liaison and staff from the City of Albuquerque. I look forward to discussing issues of mutual concern with the City. I would like to introduce M. Rodney Jones our 2nd Lt. Governor to serve our community. We are happy he has accepted this role; he is a former POI employee who served as Chief Judge for a 2-year term. He comes to us with many years of experience and we are excited to see great things happen for our community. I would like to thank everyone who assisted with the preparations for our Governor’s Feast celebrated on June 21, 2025. A special thank you to our families, friends and our POI departments who came together for us. Ha-wuh! I would like to also remind everyone of our upcoming Feast Day-St. Kateri Tekakwitha on July 14, 2025. We hope to see you there. Last, I want to send my condolences to the families of those who have lost their family members during the month of June. Ha-Wuh, Eugene Jiron Governor Pueblo of Isleta Cochiti Apple On Isleta Earth day, Shi-Whif-Tui’ was fortunate to have been gifted thirty-five apple tree saplings from Cochiti Pueblo. Their journey to Isleta began after a conversation I had with Kirsten Cuevas, a Healthy Soil Expert and employee of the Pueblo of Cochiti. Excitedly I, now the second Lt. Governor, explained my mission to propagate cuttings from what I believed was a wild apple tree in our Bosque. My efforts were inspired by Fee-oh (Herman Lente), a friend and colleague, who told me stories about picking apples from the Bosque during his childhood. He recollected traveling with his family on horse and wagon to collect firewood in the winter, plucking sweet red apples along the way. A few weeks after our talk, Kirsten called me back to put me in contact with Cochiti Department of Natural Resources (DNR) director, Earl Conway. I met with Earl and he explained how Cochiti had reclaimed a portion of their ancestral lands that included the Dixon Apple orchards. He and his team were in the process of propagating some of the orchard’s original trees and he said they would likely be able to give some to our Pueblo in the coming weeks. I reached out to Governor Jiron who then pointed me to Bosque Restoration Manager, Te-de’ (Marcelino Zuni), with whom I shared my vision of repopulating the Bosque with apple trees. Te-de’ exclaimed “I’m all in”. We started to discuss obstacles we would have to contend with, but then he stopped and said, “let’s just make it happen”. We then linked up with Los Lunas Schools Native American Liaison, Llur-pa-whew (Tinesha Howard) who coordinated a group of students belonging to the Tribal Exchange for Food Sovereignty (TEFS). Isleta Youth Council Chair Llur-pa-thlu also joined in on our project. Once our team was established, a date was set to move forward with this exciting endeavor. When the day to plant the saplings arrived, we were blessed to be in the company of Former Cochiti Pueblo Pete Herrera, eight TEFS students, representatives from the Isleta Youth Council, and Tede’s Bosque restoration crew. Kristen was onsite to give the green light for the spot’s soil and moisture content. Pete and Earl were present to demonstrate how to dig holes, trim roots and plant our new trees. Our eager young people then got to work. In total, twenty-five Cochiti apple trees (Dixon) and ten Honey Crisp apple trees made it into the ground in an hour and a half. It was a wonderful experience. Later that day I received a text from Kirsten that read, “thank you today was a good day for my soul.” Thank you for all entities that made this happen for our people here in Tui’. With our Great Spirits Blessings, these trees will grow and produce fruit for you and future generations. Special BIG SHOUT OUT to Kirsten Cuevas from Sublime Farms in Valencia County who shared my vision with Cochiti and made this happen. Page 2 Isleta Pueblo News LETTER FROM THE EDITOR DEADLINE for August Newsletter articles is set for Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 4:30 pm. Articles may be dropped off at the Library or emailed to Nathaniel.Lujan@ isletapueblo.com. Should you email your article, expect a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, odds are it never made it to me and then it’s time to panic, so call Nate at 505.869.9808. People who wish to submit an article or flyer are responsible for generating their own article or flyer. Should you need help, please call the Library at 505.869.9808 and set up a date and time to sit down with a Library staff member who will help you throughout the process. The Library will NOT accept notes dropped off at the Library or information over the phone to generate your article. PROBATES need to be published in the Newsletter for two consecutive months. Probates are considered court documents, therefore, all submitters must provide: 1) Name of Deceased, 2) Date of Deceased 3) Court Case # and 4) Date of Court Date. A Probate form can be found on the Newsletter Archive page at http://www.isletapueblo. com/newsletters.html . CLASSIFIED ADS: The new administration has requested that the Newsletter start a Classified Ad section for Tribal members selling land, houses, mobile homes, vehicles, and farm equipment. Leasing of houses and mobile homes will be accepted. Smaller items which can be sold at the local flea markets or weekly yard sales will NOT be accepted. Currently, this service is FREE to Tribal members. Land, houses, and mobile homes must be within the reservation boundaries. Ads must meet the 160 character limit. Ads that exceed the 160 characters will NOT be submitted into the Newsletter. A single picture may be submitted with the ad. Submitters of classified ads are responsible for generating their own ads as this is a FREE service. As a reminder, Tribal business owners may submit a small flyer at no charge. Like the classified ads, business owners are responsible for generating their own flyers as this is a FREE service. Classified ads and business flyers will be posted no more than two consecutive months. In the event where the Newsletter may exceed the 24-page limit, classified ads and business flyers will be “bumped” for newsletter articles. Again, this is a FREE service for Tribal members. The Isleta Newsletter is owned and operated by the Pueblo of Isleta. Therefore, the Governor of the Pueblo of Isleta has the final say of all articles and contents within the Isleta Newsletter. For additional questions, you my call the Library and speak with Nate or Diane at 505.869.9808. Thank you, Nathaniel Lujan Newsletters may be found at the fifteen distribution locations listed below. Remember, Digital copies of the Newsletter may be obtained from the Newsletter archive at http://www.isletapueblo.com/newsletters.html The fifteen Newsletter distribution locations are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. TR 2 & TR 22 - Chical SE of Community Hall TR 10 - Behind the old 47 Sales TR 1 & TR 5 – Ranchitos / Bosque Farms Reservations Line Ranchitos Park Post Office - Big Tree TR 82 & TR 84 - Teller Road TR 78 & TR 82 - Carlos Trujillo Sr. TR 90 @ Y - CF Padilla Mouse Town Park – Health Center – South end of Health Center Parking lot Library Sunlight & Moonlight Intersection TR 6 - 47 Intersection TR 12 - 47 & 147 intersection (Old Smoke & Save) TR 71 & TR 54 @ Y - Holiday Robot / Paved Road / Railroad Tracks TR 45 & TR 40 @ Y - Tata Mel (POI Signage) July 2025 July 2025 Isleta Pueblo News Page 3 Public Works Department The Annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR’s) will be available by the end of June. Watch your mailbox for the postcard with the information on how to access the reports. Reports will be available on the Isleta Pueblo website. Limited paper copies will be available at Public Works, Governor’s Office, and Library Questions? Call Public Works 505-869-5170 From the Cultural and Historic Preservation Department: Early Days of Pottery Mound Since 2012, when Isleta received ownership of the ancestral Tiwa pueblo of Pottery Mound from the University of New Mexico (UNM), the Isleta Department of Cultural and Historic Preservation (DCHP) has worked to understand the pueblo’s occupation history, and how its inhabitants utilized the landscape around them. In a recent piece for this newsletter, we presented project results that show how the pueblo was occupied into the mid-1500s and how it was visited by one or more Spanish parties during that time. Today, we’ll go back another 300 years to look at when and how the pueblo came into being. Pottery Mound is famous for the many different ceramics that can be seen all over the site. By forms, styles, and raw materials, archaeologists can date the bulk of these ceramics to the 1300s and 1400s. The 1400s were the heyday of Pottery Mound; this was when the pueblo had the most inhabitants in its entire history. Far less visible are ceramics dating from the pueblo’s founding years. There are several reasons for this. First, the people who established Pottery Mound were few in number, perhaps no more than half a dozen families, and left few ceramics. Second, the area where early ceramics have been found since the 1950s is small, and much of that area has been destroyed by the Rio Puerco. Third, the surviving remains of the earliest settlement are buried under later room blocks and are inaccessible for study. Despite these challenges, it is possible to identify the location of this earliest settlement under the north-central part of the pueblo. The early ceramics from this area date from between 1100 and 1300. This ceramic evidence and the layering of structural remains suggest that the pueblo was founded around 1100-1200 and remained just a hamlet for about a century. Then, at some point around 1300, the population began to increase significantly. The reasons for this are not clear; however, it appears that some other, smaller sites around Pottery Mound were abandoned during that time, and that the inhabitants of those sites moved to Pottery Mound. Why? That’s a question that can never be answered for certain, but perhaps it was because of Pottery Mound’s location close to the Rio Puerco. Even when running intermittently, the Puerco would have been a more reliable source of water than the small tributary streams along which those smaller sites were located. Cultural surveys by the Isleta DCHP of the lands surrounding Pottery Mound preserve information and fill in the map of Ancestral Tiwa settlement as it was before Pottery Mound became the most prominent pueblo in the area. But erosion and human activities endanger many sites in the Puerco Valley, Pottery Mound included. PUBLIC WORKS DEPT: UPCOMING PROJECT LOCATING WATER SERVICE LINES The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing assistance, at no cost to the Pueblo and Tribal Members, to locate and identify select water service lines at residential properties. This is work following the Lead Service Line Inventory that occurred months ago. Areas where water lines noted in the inventories as “unknown” need to be investigated and documented. EPA’s contractor, ERG, will begin the first steps in the process to investigate the water service lines that are categorized as “unknown”. ERG will first solicit and procure contractors to work with the Pueblo on Community Outreach, line location activities, and if needed, excavation of the water lines to obtain information on the type of piping installed from the shut-off to the home. Once this work is completed, homeowners will be informed of what kind of piping is serving their residence. If it is Lead, educational materials will be provided. Any lead service lines noted will be added to a list for future replacement. Additional information on this project will be provided as it becomes available. If you have any questions, please contact Public Works at 505-869-5170. Isleta Pueblo News Page 4 July 2025 Angelina Phee-Bah-Seh Keryte Earns Master of Science in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University Angelina Phee-Bah-Seh Keryte, daughter of Ronald and Selina Keryte, and granddaughter of Jose “Snookie” and Angelina Keryte and the late Pat and Louisa Thomas, has earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Johns Hopkins, located in Baltimore, Maryland, is recognized globally as a leader in nursing education, research, and practice, and is currently ranked #1 among graduate nursing schools in the United States. Phoebe graduated on May 20, 2025, from what is known as the most innovative nursing graduate program in the country. In recognition of her academic and professional accomplishments, the university honored Ms. Keryte with a Star Quilt Blanket Ceremony—a tribute to her cultural heritage and the significance of her achievement. During her time at Hopkins, Phoebe was the founder and chair of the Indigenous Student Nurses and Allies Association, the first group of its kind at the institution. She led the student organization’s mission to bring awareness, advocacy, and cultural humility to uplift her Indigenous relatives and communities within and beyond the school. Phoebe extends her heartfelt gratitude to the Isleta Pueblo Assisted Living and Memory care unit along with the elders who laid a strong foundation within her nursing journey. The experience she gained played an important role in shaping her path forward to becoming a nurse and continues to inspire her dedication to elder care and community-centered healing. Phoebe is committed to serving Indian Country and will seek a Labor and Delivery position within the Indian Health Service (IHS) or a Tribal Health Care system. Her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for Native communities reflects her deep-rooted commitment to service and cultural preservation. Her parents shared, “Tribal leaders at the national level are always advocating for nurses and physicians, and now we have one—a home-grown nurse. Phoebe will be giving back to Indian Country by working in one of the Tribal or IHS systems. We are extremely proud of our daughter and know she will be an amazing leader in Indian Country. This is just the beginning of her journey in the healthcare field.” Phoebe’s accomplishment is a celebration not only for her family but for the broader Native community as she takes this important step in advancing Indigenous health and representation in the medical field. Isleta Pueblo News July 2025 Job Postings Page 5 Visit us online at http:// www.isleta.com/career-opportunities.aspx Fax: 505-244-8232 SAFETY MANAGER $72172.03 /Year• Exempt Albuquerque, NM BINGO SUPERVISOR $22.12 /Hour• Non-Exempt Albuquerque, NM Join Isleta Resort & Casino as a Safety Manager and play a vital role in creating a safe and compliant workplace for all team members. In this key leadership position, you'll oversee and evolve our safety programs, ensuring adherence to OSHA, Tribal, an... Step into a high-energy leadership role as a Bingo Supervisor at Isleta Resort and Casino! We’re looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented professional to oversee all aspects of our vibrant Bingo operations. In this role, you’ll supervise floor staff,... SLOTS MANAGER $72172.03 /Year• Exempt PLUMBER Ill $26.30 I Hour• Non-Exempt Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM IiiIsleta Resort & Casino is seeking a dynamic and experienced Slots Manager to oversee the daily operations of our Slot department, ensuring an engaging, efficient, and guest-focused gaming experience. In this high-impact leadership role, you'll be respon... SPORTS BOOK WRITER Albuquerque, NM Join our team as a Plumber III at Isleta Resort and Casino, where your expertise will help keep our world-class facilities running smoothly and safely! In this vital role, you’ll be responsible for maintaining, repairing, and installing essential plumbi... $14.87 / Hour• Non-Exempt BAKER I $15.12 /Hour• Non-Exempt Albuquerque, NM Are you passionate about sports and thrive in a fast-paced, people-first environment? Isleta Resort & Casino is looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Sportsbook Writer to become a key player in our exciting sportsbook operation! In this guest-... Join our culinary team as a Baker I at Isleta Resort and Casino, where passion meets precision! In this hands-on role, you’ll prepare a variety of fresh-baked goods from scratch, follow standard recipes, and assist with cake decorating and advanced baki... TRAINING COORDINATOR $20.31 /Hour• Non-Exempt Albuquerque, NM LANDSCAPE TECHNICIAN II Albuquerque, NM Join our team as a Training Coordinator at Isleta Resort and Casino! Support employee development by coordinating, organizing, and delivering impactful training sessions. This role blends communication, creativity, and guest service in a fast-paced envi... Join our dynamic team as a Landscape Technician III and be a vital part of maintaining the beauty and vitality of the Isleta Resort grounds! In this hands-on role, you’ll take pride in enhancing the resort’s exterior by operating power mowers, aerating ... SOUS CHEF- $23.02 I Hour• Non-Exempt Albuquerque, NM FOOD ATTENDANT (BEVERAGE) Albuquerque, NM If you thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced environment and are passionate about creating unforgettable dining experiences, Isl eta Resort and Casino is looking for you! As Sous Chef, you’ll play a key role in leading our culinary team-overseeing daily ki... Bring your energy and hospitality to the heart of our guest experience as a Food Attendant - Beverage at Isleta Resort and Casino! In this dynamic role, you’ll be at the forefront of providing friendly, efficient service while ensuring food and beverage... COMPENSATION & BENEFITS PROGRAM MANAGER STEWARD Albuquerque, NM • Exempt Albuquerque, NM Join our team as a Compensation and Benefits Program Manager, where you will lead the design, execution, and oversight of comprehensive compensation strategies and employee benefit programs. In this impactful role, you’ll shape pay structures, ensure co... $16.14 /Hour• Non-Exempt $13.87 /Hour• Non-Exempt $14.87 I Hour• Non-Exempt Join the heartbeat of our culinary operations as a Steward at Isleta Resort and Casino! As a vital member of our back-of-house team, you’ll help maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and organization in our kitchens and dining areas. Fr... LAKES GROUNDSKEEPER $14.62 /Hour• Non-Exempt Albuquerque, NM PROMOTIONS MANAGER $72172.03 /Year• Exempt Albuquerque, NM We’re looking for a dedicated Lakes Groundskeeper to help keep the Isleta Lakes and surrounding grounds clean, safe, and inviting for our guests. You’ll perform daily cleaning, minor repairs, and routine maintenance on buildings, grounds, tools, and equ... Join our dynamic team as a Promotions Manager at Isleta Resort and Casino! In this exciting role, you’ll have the opportunity to create, manage, and execute profitable promotions and special events that engage our guests and elevate their experience. Yo... RESTAURANT MANAGER Albuquerque, NM SERVER (Ristra) Albuquerque, NM $54696.19 I Year• Exempt $13.87 /Hour• Non-Exempt Isleta Resort & Casino is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Restaurant Manager to oversee the smooth and efficient operation of our diverse dining outlets-from casual bites at the Deli and Bingo Snack Bars to the upscale experience at Embers and Triple Se... Join our team as a Server and deliver exceptional dining experiences with friendly, attentive service. You’ll greet guests, take accurate orders, and ensure a clean, welcoming atmosphere. If you’re energetic, guest-focused, and thrive in a fast-paced en... CAGE SHIFT SUPERVISOR Albuquerque, NM TABLE GAMES FLOOR SUPERVISOR Albuquerque, NM $23.02 / Hour• Non-Exempt $26.30 I Hour• Non-Exempt Join the team at Isleta Resort & Casino as a Cage Shift Supervisor and take the next step in your leadership journey. We’re looking for a detail-driven and service-focused professional to oversee daily cage operations while ensuring compliance with regu... Step into an exciting leadership role as a Table Games Supervisor at Isleta Resort & Casino! You’ll oversee day-to-day operations of Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and more while ensuring games run smoothly, fairly, and in full compliance with all r... SLOTS SHIFT SUPERVISOR Albuquerque, NM $23.02 /Hour• Non-Exempt BANQUET CAPTAIN $15.12 /Hour• Non-Exempt Albuquerque, NM Join Isleta Resort & Casino as a Slot Shift Supervisor, leading slot operations and staff during assigned shifts while ensuring top-tier guest service. You’ll oversee floor attendants, resolve guest concerns, monitor performance, and support smooth mach... Provide exceptional guest service, coordinate events, oversee billing, and ensure smooth operations. Support staff, promote positive experiences, and maintain high standards. Apply today to make an impact! HVACTECH Ill Albuquerque, NM EXPEDITOR (Ristra) Albuquerque, NM $26.30 I Hour• Non-Exempt Join Isleta Resort & Casino as an HVAC Tech III, where your expertise will support the maintenance and repair of advanced heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. You’ll troubleshoot complex equipment, monitor programmable logic controls, and lead I... HVACTECH II $23.02 /Hour• Non-Exempt Albuquerque, NM Join our Facilities team at Isleta Resort & Casino as an HVAC Tech II, where you’ll assist in maintaining and repairing HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance and guest comfort. In this hands-on role, you’ll perform routine checks, respond to rnainte... ROOM ATTENDANT $14.62 / Hour• Non-Exempt Albuquerque, NM Join our team as a Room Attendant at Isleta Resort & Casino and help create unforgettable guest experiences! In this vital role, you’ll ensure rooms are spotless, comfortable, and fully stocked, while delivering exceptional service with a smile. From cl... SECURITY OFFICER II Albuquerque, NM $18.04 /Hour• Non-Exempt As a Security Officer II at Isleta Resort and Casino, you’ll help protect our property, guests, and team members by maintaining active surveillance, responding to incidents, and enforcing safety procedures. Your role includes assisting with investigatio... COOK $15.12 /Hour• Non-Exempt Albuquerque, NM Bring your culinary passion to life as a Cook at Isleta Resort and Casino! We’re seeking talented, team-oriented cooks to help craft exceptional dining experiences across our diverse food outlets. In this role, you’ll prepare and present high-quality me... $14.87 I Hour• Non-Exempt Ensure timely, accurate food service, assist guests, maintain cleanliness, and uphold service standards. Apply today to be part of our team! BUSSER $11.50 /Hour• Non-Exempt Albuquerque, NM Maintain cleanliness, assist with table resets, and provide excellent guest service. Apply today to make a difference in our dining experience! BARTENDER $10.50 /Hour•-Non-Exempt Albuquerque, NM Mix and serve alcoholic (Ind non-(alcoholic and non-alcoholic bervererages to guests 21+, handle cash and provide excellent service in a clean, efficient bar envirornnent. Apply today! SUPERVISOR F & B Albuquerque, NM $20.31 I Hour• Non•Exempt Oversees dining operations, ensures exceptional s,ervice, managers staff� and enhances guest experiences. Page 6 Isleta Pueblo News July 2025 IMPORTANT REMINDER! Regarding the Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment Activities at Kirtland Air Force Base DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS FROM ISLETA COMMUNITY MEMBERS: Friday, July 11, 2025 To submit comments, see instructions in last paragraph of Kirtland’s NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY, BELOW or submit your comments by e-mail to: martha. garcia.3@spaceforce.mil For assistance submitting comments, community members may contact Environment Department 505-869-7565 or 505-869-9814 NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment Addressing Air Force Research Laboratory Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Activities at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico The United States Air Force (USAF), United States Space Force (USSF), Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) announce the availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) addressing the continuation of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities on Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico. The Draft PEA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, and USAF instructions implementing NEPA. The Draft PEA describes the AFRL proposal to evaluate potential environmental impacts associated with continuing to conduct RDT&E activities on Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. AFRL has been conducting RDT&E activities on Kirtland AFB since the 1960s and there are many existing Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Analysis Process documents spanning the decades from 1970 to present day. The Proposed Action consolidates all current and proposed future AFRL RDT&E activities into one PEA, ensuring these activities can continue to occur on Kirtland AFB into the future. Two units of AFRL conduct these activities, ARFL’s Directed Energy Directorate (AFRL/RD) and AFRL’s Space Vehicle Directorate (AFRL/RV). AFRL/RD develops directed energy weapons (including high energy lasers, high-power microwave, and high-power electromagnetic system prototypes) to counter, disable, and attack adversary sources. Equipment, components, and designs for war fighter weapons are created and tested in laboratories across Kirtland AFB before being tested outdoors at the High Energy Research and Technology Facility (HERTF)/HERTF Canyon, Frustration Canyon, Starfire Optical Range/1-Mile and 2-Mile sites, and Outdoor Laser Propagation and Firing Area to evaluate performance of the new technology. AFRL/RV ensures that the United States and its allies maintain space superiority by developing and transitioning technologies that provide space-based capabilities to the nation. Equipment, components, and designs for spacebased technologies are created in laboratories across Kirtland AFB and then tested outdoors at the Skywave Technology Laboratory, Improved Solar Observing Optical Network, and South Park Antenna Field. The Draft PEA evaluates potential impacts on the environment from the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative. The Draft PEA demonstrates that the Proposed Action would not significantly impact the environment and based on this analysis, AFRL has prepared a Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The Draft PEA and Draft FONSI are available for review on the Kirtland AFB website at http://www.kirtland.af.mil/Home/ Environment and at the San Pedro Public Library, 5600 Trumbull Avenue SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Comments regarding this document will be accepted for 30 days from the publication of this notice. Comments for consideration and other inquiries should be directed by mail to Ms. Martha Garcia, Unit Environmental Coordinator RV & RD, Building 464 | Room 405, 3550 Aberdeen Avenue SE, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117, or by email to martha.garcia.3@spaceforce.mil. July 2025 Isleta Pueblo News Goodwill Good jobs! Serving Albuquerque south valley/Isleta Pueblo, and Valencia County We offer individual free assistance with job search, interview skills, and resume assistance. Contact: Vicki Herring Career specialist at 505-944-0289 Goodwill Industries of New Mexico vherring@goodwillnm.org 505-944-0289 or 505-881-6401 x4097 201 Desert Willow Rd, Los Lunas, NM 87031 www.Goodwillit.org Page 7 Isleta Pueblo News Page 8 July 2025 Department of Education Back-to-School Supply and Career Fair: Distribution The Pueblo of Isleta Department of Education presents the official announcement of our Back-to-School Supply Distribution & Career Fair. Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the POI Department of Education – 950 Moonlight Dr. SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87105 Join us for a day full of food, fun, and community activities as we prepare our students and families for the new school year! FREE School Supplies & Giveaways, Employment Opportunities, Haircuts, College & Career Resources, On-site Physicals, and more! Calling all Local Artists & Food Vendors: We’re looking for local artists and food vendors to be part of our upcoming Backto-School Supply Distribution & Career Fair! Help us create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere as we support our students and celebrate community. What we’re looking for: Local art, crafts, and handmade goods, delicious food and treats (FOOD VENDORS MUST HAVE OR OBTAIN A FOOD HANDLER’S CERTIFICATE). If interested, please scan the QR code and sign up today. Spots are limited – don’t miss out! Any questions, please call the Department of Education office at (505) 869-9790. Youth Camp: Join us for an exciting 3-day Youth Camp hosted by Indigenous Leaders North America – packed with fun, learning, and culture for students in 6th – 10th grade! Mind lectures, Taekwondo, cooking, sports activities, and so much more! tribute to the journey of Pueblo People and our resilience since the beginning of time being passed on through our stories, culture, traditions and dna. It was a celebration of the success of Our People to overcome many trials and tribulations. Throughout the day we were able to learn about the current issues we face as a community and how the Young Leaders of Isleta Pueblo envision overcoming them. The day was completed with a sense of revitalization. The shirts designed for the event were to reflect on the rezilience of the Youth today in the work we are currently doing, the generations to come and reflecting and honoring the resilience of our ancestors that have come before us. The design depicts the ability for us to transform ourselves to overcome the many trials and tribulations. Whereas through our history we have come back stronger to signify the strength we have to power through today's issues. We appreciate all who contributed the success of the event! Congratulations to Our T-Shirt Design Contest Winner! Isleta Young Leaders Council would like to extend a warm congratulations to Antonio Jaramillo for winning our recent T-shirt design contest. Antonio’s artwork, which was entirely hand drawn, stood out for its creativity, cultural relevance, and as a strong visual representation of this year’s theme: Rezilience. Students recently put their creativity and engineering skills to the test by designing and racing their very own mousetrappowered cars! Using only mousetraps, cardboard, hot glue, and a mix of other household items, students competed in two exciting categories: Fastest Mousetrap Car and Furthest Distance Travelled. In Group B, Mayson Jojola dominated both categories—his car sped across the finish line in just 4.09 seconds and covered an impressive total distance of about 26 feet. Over in Group A, Shanelle Dopierala took first place for furthest distance, with her car traveling approximately 15 feet. Loyola Olguin claimed the title of fastest mousetrap car in Group A, clocking in at 4.16 seconds. Congratulations to all participants for their innovative designs and spirited competition! We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the students who participated in the summer program and to the parents and families who supported them along the way. Your involvement and commitment made this summer a success. We are proud to feature his design and thank all participants who shared their talent and vision with us. Your creativity continues to inspire! July 16th – 18th, 2025 from 9AM to 3PM at St. Augustine Church. Lunch will be provided. Though June is wrapping up, we look forward to more opportunities in the future to serve and uplift our youth. Have a safe and fun rest of your summer! -DOE Staff Don’t miss out – scan the QR code to register. Questions? Call us at (505) 869-9790. Isleta Young Leaders Council: Optical Services Patients that are requesting Optical Services at Isleta Health Center will need to call (505) 869-4080 to schedule an appointment. These services include: **Isleta Young Leaders Council and Youth Summit participants pictured. ** June 13th was historic day for the Pueblo of Isleta as the Isleta Young Leaders Council held the first ever Young Leaders Summit, Rezilience Today, Tomorrow, and the Past. The name of the event itself strongly pays Summer Program: As we near the end of June, our 2025 summer programming is also coming to a close. It has been an exciting and rewarding month filled with learning, laughter, and memorable experiences with the children of our community. • Ordering Eyeglasses • Eyeglass Adjustments • Eyeglass Repairs Thank you for understanding, Optometry Department July 2025 MEDIA RELEASE FOR FREE MEALS FOR CEP National School Lunch/Breakfast Program School Year 2025-2026 The Isleta Elementary School announced today it will operate the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2025-2026 school year. Schools qualifying to operate CEP serve breakfast and lunch to all children at no charge and eliminate the collection of meal applications for free, reduced-price, and paid student meals. This new approach reduces burdens for both families and school administrators and helps ensure that students receive nutritious meals. For additional information please contact the following person: Isleta Elementary School Attention: Dr. Tamara Allison/ Principal Isleta Elementary School 1000 Moonlight Dr. SE Albuquerque, NM 87105 505.273.8444 Sincerely, Christina Lujan/Head Cook Non-discrimination Statement: In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or (2) fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Child Safety Seat Checks offered at the Isleta Health Center Learn how to properly install your Child’s Safety Seat CALL 505-869-4479 to Schedule an Appointment. Child and Car Seat must be present. Isleta Pueblo News Page 9 Page 10 Isleta Pueblo News July 2025 July 2025 Isleta Pueblo News Page 11 SANTA FE INDIAN SCHOOL The Santa Fe Indian School Parent Orientation is scheduled on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The Parent Orientation provides essential information and resources that support our families to best support their students for the new school year. An important part of our Orientation is the Resource Fair, where families can connect with and learn about the many supportive services available in and around their home communities. Attendees will include parents/ guardians, students, and family members. There are AM and PM sessions offered and parents/guardians are free to choose to attend either session. The Resource Fair will be located indoors in our beautiful Pueblo Pavilion. Chairs, tables, refreshments, and lunch will be provided. Check-in starts at 7:30am and we hope to have our Resource Fair participants remain till 3:30pm. Parent Orientation is scheduled to end by 4:00pm. We understand attending on a Sunday may be challenging. The reason we hold Parent Orientation on a Sunday is because a majority of our students reside in the dorms and Sunday, 8/17/25 is also their move-in day which presents the perfect opportunity to reach the majority of our parents/guardians. We value the services and support you provide to our communities and hope you are able to attend and connect with our families. Should you have any questions that would need to be answered prior to committing, I am happy to help. If you are ready to commit, we appreciate your RSVP at your earliest convenience and before the form closes on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Scan the QR Code to RSVP: St. Augustine Parish Isleta Pueblo Thank you for your partnership and support. Respectfully, MISSION STATEMENT We are a ministry of consolation at St. Augustine Parish to offer spiritual comfort and support to families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. We will continue to honor and respect our traditional teachings. Alissa L. Chavez Lowe Director of Admissions Admissions Office: (505) 989-6370 Director’s Office: (505) 216-7321 Cell: (505) 690-6293 Santa Fe Indian School Website “Home of the Braves and Lady Braves!” Isleta Pueblo News Page 12 July 2025 Pueblo of Isleta Public Library As the summer sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, there’s no better place to cool off than your local library. July brings the Summer Reading Program, and we’re thrilled to see so many readers of all ages joining in the fun! Please remember to keep yourself and your pets (aka furry family members), hydrated and out of direct sunlight for long periods of time. News In observance of the Fourth of July holiday, the library will be closed on Friday, July 4th. Library material checked out on Wednesday, July 2nd will be due on Monday, July 7th. Don’t forget you can always renew using our Library Mobile App. Have a safe and fun Independence Day. There will be no Summer Reading Program (SRP) from June 30th – July 4th. Enjoy your break and 4th of July Holiday. We will resume SRP Monday, July 7th. The library will still be open to the public and the Summer Meal Program will be served during that week. Just reminder due to the Summer being a very busy time for the library, patrons may experience longer waiting times at the front desk. You will also notice more children during the day and the noise level may be louder than normal. We would like to apologize in advance for any inconvenience during this busy time and we thank you for understanding. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns, you may call the library at 505-869-9808. The library will be a host site for the Summer Meal Program provided by the Bernalillo County food program starting June 2nd through August 1st. We will be serving breakfast and lunch for children ages 1-18 years old in the library Art Room. Breakfast will be served from 7:45am – 9:30am and lunch will be served from 11:30am -1:00pm. All meals are FREE and must be eaten on site. If you have any questions regarding this program, please call the library at 505869-9808 and speak with a staff member. Summer Resources Don’t forget the library has a mobile device app which can be found in both the Apple and Google Play stores. To find our app, type in, “POI LIB” in the app search bar and look for our purple library logo. Our app will give you quick access to our online catalog, your account info & digital library card, FREE digital resources (NY Times, Freegal, Libby, LinkedIn, Skill & Skill Share) library event calendar, Pueblo of Isleta Newsletter, social medial links, and library contact information. Should you accept our app notifications, you will receive reminder, closure dates, program announcements, library news notifications. If you need help downloading the library app, please call or stop in and speak with a staff member. With Summer here we would like to remind you about our FREE movie streaming service called Kanopy. You will need to set up your four-digit passcode with the library. You may visit or call the library to create or reset your passcode. Afterwards, you may download the app, explore the website or follow the link through the library mobile app under digital resources. From there you can start enjoying films, TV shows, educational videos and documentaries from the comfort of your home. To help save some money this summer, come check out a FREE Family Pass which gives you access to 16 museums and historical sites throughout the Land of Enchantment. Each pass provides 6 free admissions into the 16 sites which included New Mexico Museum of Space History, National Hispanic Cultural Center, New Mexico Museum of Natural History of Science and so much more. Patrons can check out the pass for a week so start planning those road trips for the summer. Our Family Story Time will be taking a break for June and July because library staff will be busy with the Summer Reading Program. Story Time will begin again in August with story time every Wednesday starting at 10:30am, activities and crafts will follow. If you have any questions about this program, please give the library a call at 505-869-9808 and speak with a staff member. first come first serve basis. The following is the number of students we will be accepting from each school. Upcoming Library staff will be focusing on our Summer Reading Program for the month of July so children, teen, adult, and family programs will be on a pause during this time. However, library staff will be working on programs for the community starting in Our After School Program registration will begin the week of July 28th. We will be accepting 20 students, kindergarten and up into our program. Please keep in mind that spots are limited and will be filled on a • • • Isleta Elementary: 10 slots Sundance Elementary: 5 slots Bosque Farms Elementary: 5 slots Transportation will be provided for Bosque Farms Elementary students ONLY to the library. All other schools are in walking distance or have a bus stop near the library. To register you must come into the library to fill out a registration packet. Only parents/ guardians may fill out a registration packet. NO EXCEPTIONS! The After School Program will start on Friday, August 1st. Program will include homework help, daily reading, reading activities, incentive programs, crafts, field trips, and snacks. For more information on this program, please call the library at 505869-9808. July 2025 Isleta Pueblo News Page 13 August. We would also like to hear from you! For any suggestions you can use our Mobile App and send us any program ideas that you may have in the Feedback section. Some of the programs we have done in the past include computer classes, book clubs, painting nights, sewing, DIY crafts, Food programs and much more. We appreciate your suggestions and feedback. Recap Junior & Youth Summer Reading Update: The first week of the Junior Program was all about getting to know one another, as some students are nervous and are adjusting to a new routine. Library staff presented the rules, introduced library staff, and did a variety of Ice Breakers to help students feel comfortable. In the following week, students have been busy participating in daily story time, sensory bins, outside learning center and Wild West/Monsters curriculum. Juniors also got to visit the Isleta Cultural center for Story Time with language teacher Josie Weldon. Explored nature with a trip to Valle De Oro reserve for Nature Tots hosted by their rangers and went swimming at the Rec to cool off. Thank you to all the departments with collaborating with us for our Summer Reading Program. For their final field trip in July, students went to Jungle Jam and enjoyed pizza afterwards. Our Youth Program for ages 7-14 years old have been working in their group curriculums and reading groups. Students read for 45 minutes each day and then will discuss what they read within their groups. This year we had 5 curriculums for students to choose from. • Christmas Around the World • Fantasy • Art • Fiber Fun • Crystals & Gems Junior Summer Reading Program June field trip to Santa Fe Children’s Museum! The Youth Program students will be in their selected curriculums for the first 3 weeks, and after the break students will choose a different curriculum for the second three weeks of program. After reading is completed, students get into their groups crafts, activities and mini field trips based on their curriculums. Students also got to build and launch there very own rocket which was challenging but exciting. For their final field trip students went to Cliff’s Amusement Park and enjoyed lunch at Golden Corral. Youth Summer Reading Program June field trip to Meow Wolf! Junior Summer Reading Program Icebreakers week having a dance party! Page 14 Isleta Pueblo News July 2025 Happy Summer from Isleta Dental Clinic! We hope you're all enjoying the beautiful weather and making the most of your summer days. As we dive into July, we want to take a moment to highlight some important aspects of maintaining your oral health and celebrate a special milestone! Your Smile, Your Health: Don't Skip Your Cleanings! Summer often brings a shift in routines, but it's crucial not to let your dental health take a back seat. Regular dental cleanings are the cornerstone of a healthy smile. These appointments allow us to: • Remove Plaque and Tartar: Even with diligent brushing and flossing, some plaque and tartar can accumulate, especially in hardto-reach areas. Our hygienists are experts at removing these stubborn deposits. • Prevent Cavities: By removing plaque and tartar, we significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities. • Fight Gum Disease: Cleanings help prevent and manage gingivitis and more advanced forms of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. • Freshen Your Breath: A thorough cleaning can eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath. • Detect Issues Early: Your cleaning appointment is also an opportunity for us to examine your mouth for any potential concerns, such as early signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues, allowing for timely intervention. Restorative Care: See It Through! If you have a restorative appointment scheduled – whether it's for a filling, crown, or any other necessary treatment – please remember the importance of keeping that appointment. Delaying restorative care can lead to: • Worsening Problems: A small cavity can become a larger one, potentially requiring more extensive and costly treatment if not addressed promptly. • Increased Pain and Discomfort: Untreated dental issues can lead to increased pain, sensitivity, and discomfort. • Further Complications: What starts as a simple issue can escalate into more complex problems affecting your overall oral health. We understand that life gets busy, but prioritizing your restorative appointments is an investment in the long-term health and stability of your smile. If you need to reschedule, please give us as much notice as possible so we can find an alternative time that works for you. Celebrating a 4th Anniversary with Isleta Dental Clinic! We are thrilled to celebrate a very special milestone this month! Our wonderful dental hygienist, Susan, is celebrating her 4th anniversary with Isleta Dental Clinic! We are so grateful for her commitment to providing excellent care and support. Please join us in congratulating Susan on this fantastic achievement when you see her next! Ready to Schedule Your Appointment? If it's been a while since your last cleaning, or if you need to schedule or confirm a restorative appointment, please don't hesitate to call us at 505-869-4499, We look forward to seeing your smiles soon! July 2025 Isleta Pueblo News TRUANCY Happy 4th of July! We’ve had much needed rain but the fire danger is still high. Lighting fireworks is always fun but not worth the risk of getting a fine or starting a fire. There are some free firework shows that are happening throughout Albuquerque. We hope you and your families have a safe and fun 4th of July. Below is some information that may be helpful in enjoying the upcoming holiday. Freedom 4th Balloon Fiesta Park 9401 Balloon Museum Dr NE, Albuquerque 3pm-10pm 4th of July Celebration Campus Park 2516 King Blvd NE Rio Rancho, NM 6pm-9:45pm Event is free 4th of July Celebration Los Lunas Sport Complex 100 Morris Rd SW Los Lunas, NM 4pm-10pm Event is free Soon we will be rolling in to the 2025-2026 school year. We can’t wait for the new year to start, as many of our students will be promoted to the next grade level and will be experiencing many new adventures. This past semester the Truancy department sent out notification letters more frequently as our department adopted a new truancy code. This code can be found on the Pueblo of Isleta webpage, by clicking on the following link. https://www.isletapueblo.com/wpcontent/ uploads/2024/11/LAOC-AmendedNovember2024.pdf; the Attendance for Success Law (31-04-01) can be found at the bottom of page 197 of the Law and Order Code. This will help the community to understand the new Attendance for Success Law more clearly. What we have learned from most parents and students is that students are not turning in doctors and/or parent notes that are sent to school with them to the attendance clerk to excuse their absences. At times, parents are also forgetting to go to the school webpage and click on the “Report an absence” link to report their student’s absence. In most cases, after talking with parents and the parents contacting the school, these absences have been cleared up. As the school year approaches, we will continue to share this important information so that parents and students will not have to worry about their attendance. We understand the struggle of getting up on time to avoid running late. Here are some tips to start practicing now, before the school year starts. 1. Night Before Preparation: • • • Lay out clothes: This prevents morning arguments and saves time. Pack backpacks: Ensure all necessary items are included such as books and any homework. Consistent bedtime: Ensure bedtime is consistent so that wake-up time is not so difficult. 2. Morning Routine: • Wake up at the same time: Consistent wake-up times help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. • Get out of bed: Avoid hitting the snooze button to maintain a good sleep schedule. • Make the bed: A small accomplishment to start the day We hope that you enjoy the rest of your summer vacation with family and friends. Thank you, Isleta Truancy Department Page 15 Page 16 Isleta Pueblo News July 2025 ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS JULY – 2025 The first day of summer was June 20, 2025 but the heat was here several days before that. Last month’s newsletter warned of the dangers of heat and leaving children and pets in vehicles. According to Kids and Car Safety: This year, at least six children in the US have died after being left in hot cars. These incidents, which have occurred in multiple states, highlight the ongoing risk of vehicular heatstroke for children. Details: • Recent Incidents: • March 18, 2025: A 4-month-old boy in Lakewood, New Jersey, died after being unknowingly left in a vehicle. • May 7, 2025: A 2-year-old girl in Silver Spring, Maryland, died after being unknowingly left in a vehicle. • May 10, 2025: A 6-year-old boy in Paso Robles, California, died after being left in a vehicle. • May 25, 2025: A 1-year-old boy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, died after being left in a vehicle. • June 8, 2025: A 21-month-old girl in Hammond, Louisiana, died after being left in a vehicle. • June 9, 2025: A 7-month-old girl in Hamlet, North Carolina, died after being unknowingly left in a vehicle. Important to note: • On average, nearly 40 children die in hot cars each year in the United States. • Since 1990, over 1,127 children have died in hot cars in the US, with at least another 7,500 surviving with varying degrees of injury. • More than half of the deaths (55%) are children under 2 years old. How to prevent these tragic situations: • Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a short time. • Make it a habit to check the back seat every time you exit the vehicle. • Place a personal item in the back seat as a reminder (e.g., purse, phone, employee badge). • Notify your childcare provider if your child does not arrive at daycare as scheduled. • Teach children that vehicles are not play areas. • Consider using technology like rearseat reminder systems or apps that can alert you to a child being in the back seat. As we all know, people treat pets as part of the family, so in that sense, don’t leave them alone in a warm/heated vehicle. What happens to a human in a heated vehicle also affects our furry friends as well. Taking “Bandit” on a ride with you, only to be left alone in a vehicle, is impractical and your furry friend is better off left at home. Keep in mind be it a child or a pet, legal repercussions that can be faced: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A 6-year-old child was rescued after being left inside a hot car at a Walmart in Albuquerque on Memorial Day. According to court documents, police responded to the Walmart store on Carlisle Boulevard and Claremont Avenue in northeast Albuquerque. When officers arrived, they found a security vehicle blocking the car from leaving the store. Police say in court documents they found Michael Clohessy in the driver’s seat of the vehicle with a 6-year-old in a car seat in the back. 14 children have died in hot cars in New Mexico since 1990 Court documents say security officers at the store were flagged by a customer who told them a child was in a vehicle with no adult around. Officers then went to the vehicle and found the child in the backseat. Security also noted the vehicle was turned off with no keys in the ignition. Police interviewed Clohessy after they arrived. Court documents say he went to the Walmart store for items to change the oil in his vehicle. He told police that he was in town visiting his son. Court documents say Clohessy told police he left the child alone in the car with the car turned off and without the keys. He told police he took the keys with him, saying, “It’s Albuquerque.” Police say in court documents that the responding officer explained the dangers of leaving a child in a vehicle unattended. Documents say Clohessy told police, “Ya, I know a child just died.” Police believe he was referring to the 1-year-old who recently died inside a hot car. Court documents say Clohessy told officers he left the child in the car because his son did not want to go inside and Clohessy was going into and out of the store. Clohessy was arrested and charged with child abuse with great bodily harm. The penalties that can result are as follows: Penalties for Child Abuse The penalties for child abuse in New Mexico vary based on the severity and circumstances of the abuse: • Third-Degree Felony: For first offenses that do not result in great bodily harm. • Second-Degree Felony: For second and subsequent offenses or if the abuse results in great bodily harm. • First-Degree Felony: If the abuse results in the child’s death or if intentional abuse is inflicted on a child under twelve years of age. Leaving a pet in a hot car in New Mexico can have consequences: • It is a petty misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine. • If the animal was in distress, suffered injuries, or died, it can be considered animal cruelty. • Leaving an animal in a hot car can lead to fatal heatstroke. • Some states have specific laws penalizing hot car offenses If you see a child or an animal alone in a vehicle, call 911 immediately. WELCOME The Isleta Police Department welcomes the two newest additions to the family and would like to introduce them to you: Jacob Jojola is a newly appointed Public Safety Aide with the Isleta Police Department, eager to serve his community and support his fellow officers. A graduate of Los Lunas High School, Jacob joined the Marine Corps in 2006, where he had the honor of serving overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of Echo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines Task Force Military Police. His specialties included serving as a radio operator and Military Policeman, a role during which he sustained injuries and was ultimately medically retired. Jacob’s commitment to education led him to attend Coastal Carolina College in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and later pursue higher studies in Criminal Justice at the University of New Mexico. With eight years of total experience in law enforcement, he began his career at the Valencia County Detention Center as a Correction Officer before transitioning into private security. Most recently, he worked as a Transport Officer for Argus Private Security Force, where he was contracted to extradite prisoners for Bernalillo County. As a member of Isleta Pueblo, Jacob looks forward to making a positive impact in his community and ensuring the preservation of law and order within the Pueblo. Miguel Amaro is our newest addition to the IPD family with his first day June 17, 2025. He comes to us with many years of experience and writes: “I am a United States Marine Corps veteran … oohrah!! with 35 years of law enforcement experience. I was with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department for July 2025 21 years, retiring in 2011, where I served in several capacities: field services, SWAT, Criminal Investigations and as an instructor. I was with the Los Lunas Schools Police as a school resource officer for twelve years. Isleta Pueblo News Page 17 In 2019 Sgt. Lucero accepted a position with Isleta Open Space Division of the Police Department. In the summer of 2020, Sgt. Lucero attended the Indian Police Academy at the Federal Law Enforcment Training Center in Artesia, New Mexico. Upon completion, he was appointed as 1st Lt. Governor by Governor elect Vernon Abeita. After serving his term as 1st Lt. Governor, he returned to the Open Space Division working as an Open Space Officer. CONGRATULATIONS! IHSP TRAFFIC DIVISION The Traffic Division remains busy as ever and as always are proactive in traffic enforcement, crash investigations and seeking out DWIs. Since the beginning of the grant year (October 1, 2024), twentysix DWI arrests have been made and more are coming before the end of the grant year (September 30, 2025). A checkpoint is scheduled for sometime in July as well as ongoing patrol saturations for seatbelts, speeding, reckless driving and other traffic infractions. So everyone, please drive with care and caution, obeying speed limits, buckling up and most of all DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. The hot summer months may entice individuals to have a COLD beer while doing yard work or relaxing with friends but driving buzzed is driving drunk. Officers will be out with the goals of saving lives and will be out in force during these summer months. Congratulations to Virgil Lucero who was recently promoted to Sergeant in the Open Space Division. Sgt. Virgil Lucero, Tribal member of the Pueblo of Isleta, began his career with the Pueblo in 2014 after working for New Mexico Equine, Inc. for 15 years. As an Animal Control Officer, he worked with local partners including Rocky Mountain Puppy Rescue and the Indian Health Service providing spay/neuter and rabies clinics for the pet population here in Isleta. On his time off, Sgt. Lucero enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying the outdoors. During these hot summer months, please remember to stay inside if possible during extreme heat days, hydrate, use sunscreen and take every precaution to stay safe. Monitor the elderly and children as the temperatures have already been in the upper 90s and 100s. See Something,Say Something: Breaking the Silence The Pueblo of Isleta is a community rooted in tradition, strength, and care for one another. But even the strongest can struggle in silence. Depression, isolation, and thoughts of self-harm don’t always show up loudly — sometimes they come quietly, in the form of withdrawal, sadness, or changes in behavior. We all have a role to play. If you notice someone pulling away, seeming hopeless, or just not acting like themselves — don’t stay silent. A simple check-in or a call to someone who can help might be what saves a life. Your voice can be a lifeline. Let’s break the silence around mental health. Let’s look out for our youth, our elders, our friends — and speak up when something feels off. See the signs. Start the save. You are never alone, and neither is anyone else — not in this community. For mental health resources and support, you can contact: • B’eeh K-oo-ee Wellness Center: 505-869-5475 • Suicide and Crisis Line: Call or text 988 -Nancy Jo Gonzales, MPA Director of Public Health Services Page 18 Transit Services Now Serving the Pueblo of Isleta The Pueblo of Isleta and the Rio Metro Regional Transit District Working Together Bus Route 208 (No Fares until further notice!) Bus Route 208 connects the Pueblo of Isleta and Valencia County communities to the Alvarado Transportation Center (ATC) in Downtown Albuquerque during the morning/midday when the Rail Runner does not operate. Route 208 features three northbound trips arriving at the ATC at 9:30am, 11:00am and 1:30pm, and three southbound trips departing the ATC at 9:35am, 11:05am and 1:32pm. At the ATC, riders can transfer to ABQ RIDE bus routes. Route 208 serves two bus stops on the Pueblo of Isleta. The stop closest to the village proper is located on NM 147 just east of the Rio Grande Bridge. Please do not park and leave vehicles unattended on the adjoining roads near this stop, as the bus and other vehicles use these roads to turnaround and access other locations. Route 208 also stops at the Isleta Pueblo Rail Runner Station, where riders can transfer to the Isleta Resort and Casino shuttle. Because the bus serves the station, riders can also consider using Route 208 in combination with the Rail Runner, for example, taking the bus to Downtown Albuquerque in the mid-morning and returning by train in the evening. Please see route flyer that includes map, times of Bus Route 208. (No Fares until further notice!) Pueblo of Isleta Dial-a-Ride (No Fares until further notice!) The Pueblo of Isleta Dial-a-Ride operates Monday through Friday from 8:15am to 2:45pm, providing trips within the Pueblo and to the ABQ RIDE Route 53 bus stop on NM 314. Service to places like Smiths, Albertsons and Wal-Mart in Los Lunas is also provided with requests made before noon at least one business day prior to your trip. Request your Dial-a-Ride trip by calling Valencia County dispatch at (505) 352-3595 before noon at least one business day prior to your trip. Requests are accepted between 5:00am and 3:00pm Monday thru Friday. On the date and time of your trip, a wheelchair accessible van will arrive within 15 minutes of your scheduled pickup time. Trips may also be grouped together; riders should expect to travel with others. For more information about both services, including a copy of the Route 208 schedule, visit riometro.org and select “Schedules” > “Bus” > “Pueblo of Isleta” from the grey bar near the top of the website. Schedules for Route 208 are also available at the Public Services Department Office at the Tribal Services Complex. Isleta Pueblo News July 2025 July 2025 Isleta Pueblo News Page 19 JULY NATIONAL CORD BLOOD AWARENESS MONTH This month is dedicated to raise awareness about the importance of cord blood. Blood from the umbilical cord is rich in stem cells that can be used to treat many diseases including cancer, genetic diseases and immune system disorders. It may also be used in tissue regeneration. Cord blood saves lives and promotes healing with diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there are about 4 million births in the U.S. each year. For those births, cord blood is collected only 5-10% of the time. Cord blood is derived from the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. It can easily be extracted for use. Parents who are interested should check with their provider to see if the hospital offers cord blood banking. Cord blood can be donated to public cord banks, which store it for free and use it to help many people. Private blood banking is also available to help individuals related to the child who are also in need. WIC News- We are having our annual World Breastfeeding Week event on August the 1st from 9:30-1:30! Everyone is invited to attend. ISLETA WIC OFFICE 505-869-2662 Isleta Pueblo News Editor: Nathaniel Lujan Asst. Editor: Diane Abeita Published By: Valencia Express Page 20 Isleta Pueblo News July 2025 Isleta Pueblo News July 2025 Page 21 Tai Chi for Health body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn and soon delivers its health benefits. On a physical level, Tai Chi can improve strength, flexibility, aerobic conditioning and balance. Research has shown that it improves cardiovascular fitness, lowers blood pressure, prevent falls and helps people who have arthritis. It can be performed standing or sitting and can be adapted for all individuals. Recently, staff at the Isleta Health Center and the Elder Center went through a Tai Chi for Health Institute workshop and became certified instructors in Tai Chi for Fall Prevention and Arthritis Prevention. Training was sponsored by the Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center. Tai chi is an art that embraces the mind, body and spirit. With origins in ancient China, Tai Chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and Isleta National Diabetes Prevention Program As of May 2025, the Health Center’s Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Program (DPTP) was recognized by the CDC to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. It is the only tribal organization in New Mexico with CDC recognition. The program, which has been heavily researched in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS), has shown that participants who complete the program can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes for at least 15 years. The research also shows that the program is more effective than medications at preventing type 2 diabetes. The National DPP lifestyle change program can help you build healthy new habits that last a lifetime. The program runs for one year. During the first 4-6 months of the program, you’ll meet about once a week. During the 2nd half of the program, you’ll meet once or twice a month. Making lifestyle changes is an ongoing process. Staying in the program for the full year is essential to help you stick to new habits and avoid slipping back into old habits. If you have not reached your goals in the first half of the program, your Lifestyle Coach and other group members can help you succeed. In the first half of the program, you'll learn to: • • • • Eat healthy without giving up all the foods you love. Add physical activity to your life, even if you don't think you have time. Deal with stress. Cope with challenges that can slow your progress, like choosing healthy food when eating out. In the second half of the program, you'll enhance the skills you've learned so you can maintain the changes you've made. These sessions will review key ideas such as tracking your food and physical activity, setting goals, staying motivated, and overcoming barriers. Your Lifestyle Coach and the group will continue to support you. You'll learn some new information, too. The program will be starting soon. Dinner will be provided each session. If interested in finding out more information or to register, please call the DPTP at (505)869-4595. The Health Center will soon be starting a 16 class Tai Chi program which will then transition to regular tai chi classes in the future. To find out more information about Tai Chi or if interested in playing Tai Chi, call 505869-4095. To find out more information about Tai Chi for Health and the benefits it can provide, you can look up information at www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org. Page 22 Isleta Pueblo News July 2025 On behalf of the Jaramillo family, we would like to send out a heartfelt thank you to our community during the time of loss of our son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend Everette “Po-loh” Jaramillo. He lived a wonderful life, although it was short, he lived his life to the fullest, he made the best of it. Po-loh was the kind of person who always had a big smile on his face, always laughing, happy and had a personality that attracted everyone around him. He had a big bright smile that could light up anyone’s day, and a laugh you could never forget. He was the kind of person who would drop anything to help the people he loved, even for those he just met. He was the kind of person who would literally give you the shirt off of his back, the person you would go to when you needed a laugh, when you needed to cry, when you needed advice, when you needed help. He was a hard worker who enjoyed farming, hunting and firefighting. He was a man of many trades, everyone’s right hand man. He was always on the go, always looking for new ways to better himself, he was a provider, a teacher and protector to his family. He was loved by so many and will continue to be loved. He will be missed dearly and will live on in our hearts and in our memories, he will never be forgotten. May the creator and Poloh watch over every single one of you and help guide you in the right direction. May he give you the strength and comfort to keep going and may you all receive many blessings in return. Hurrkem and Hawuu from Edwin, Antone, Glorianna, Minewa and Kinsley Embracing Wellness: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Taneka Ben, Health Promotions Specialist, Isleta Health Center Each July, we observe National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to uplift the mental and emotional well-being of our communities of color. For the Pueblo of Isleta, it is a meaningful opportunity to honor the strength of our people and promote healing in ways that respect who we are as Native people. Mental health is more than just the absence of illness— it is about balance, connection, and spirit. In our culture, wellness comes from many places: our families, our language, our dances, our lands, and the teachings of our elders. These roots ground us and help us navigate life’s challenges. We also recognize that seeking support is a powerful act of self-care and strength. There is no shame in asking for help—our ancestors taught us to care for one another and walk together in healing. At Isleta, we are working to create safe spaces where community members can talk about mental health openly, connect with resources, and find support that honors both our cultural traditions and personal journeys. This month—and every month—we invite our relatives to care for their minds, hearts, and spirits. Together, through culture, community, and compassion, we continue to build a path toward wellness for all generations. For more information or support, please contact B’eeh K’oo-ee Wellness Center at (505) 869-5475 or call the 988 support line. July 2025 Isleta Pueblo News Page 23 Page 24 Isleta Pueblo News July 2025 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3Ab33072d9b75266c5. Public record. Not legal advice.