‘I Always Stood Up For You’

Youngblood’s arrest video

Albuquerque police released body camera video from the officer who arrested state Rep. Monica Youngblood early Sunday morning on suspicion of DWI. In it, the 41-year-old lawmaker insists she hasn't been drinking. She repeatedly mentions her position as a legislator, which the officer repeatedly says doesn't change anything. After the officer arrests her following a field sobriety test, a tearful Youngblood says she's the one who sponsors death penalty laws for killing police officers and that she stands up for police when people of color are treated poorly. Youngblood refused breath or blood tests, which automatically becomes aggravated DWI. She hasn't commented on the video.

It’s an honor

Magistrate Court is where Youngblood will have her day in court. For many New Mexicans, that's where they handle everything from traffic tickets to felony first appearances. In Santa Fe, two seats are up for grabs in the primary elections, including that of longtime presiding judge David Segura, who faces a challenge from former bail bondsman Jerry Gonzales. SFR previews both contests this week.

Free kick

A group of Santa Fe soccer enthusiasts is asking the city to let it care for the revamped soccer fields at the Municipal Recreation Complex. The five fields were in such bad shape that many had stopped using them. They just reopened after a nearly two-year closure. The fields get heavy use during the summer and fall, and the group hopes the City Council will match a $500,000 commitment from the state and Santa Fe County to improve the fields. Eventually, they think Santa Fe can attract small tournaments.

Pot plan

State Rep. Javier Martinez says he'll barnstorm the state ahead of the 2019 legislative session to build support for a bill that would legalize marijuana. A new poll from Research & Polling, Inc. shows a 63 percent level of support for such a measure. A pro-legalization group paid for the survey. As Dan McKay reports in the Albuquerque Journal, Martinez' chances of getting a governor to sign the bill depend on whether New Mexicans elect a Democrat or a Republican in November.

Sales tax bump on Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation will increase sales tax this summer by 1 percent to pay for fire and rescue services. The tribe took over three fire stations ($) in 2016. The stations had previously been run and paid for by San Juan County. The tax hike boosts sales tax on the Navajo Nation to a comparatively modest 6 percent.

Not in my underground backyard

Dozens of opponents showed up to a hearing in Albuquerque about a proposed high-level nuclear waste repository in Lea County. Concerned that New Mexico could become the nation's trash can, they voiced their concerns ($) to the Nuclear Regulatory Committee. Gov. Martinez and Rep. Steve Pearce support the plan, saying the geology is perfect for such a site. Democrats generally align on the other side.

I-25 hail storm

Up to two inches of hail fell in between Santa Fe and Eldorado late Tuesday afternoon. The storm is suspected of causing a nine-car crash that sent three people to the hospital.

A memory

The storms from the past two days will become, for most, a fond memory as they exit the state and it starts to heat up. Albuquerque almost touched 90 yesterday after the rain rolled out. There's a chance they'll hit it today. Santa Fe is expected to sit in the mid-70s.
 
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