Trujillo sexual harassment case tossed

No resolution

A legislative panel has dismissed Laura Bonar's sexual harassment complaint against state Rep. Carl Trujillo ($) after she objected to two lines of questioning by Trujillo's attorneys. Bonar ultimately refused to testify. Trujillo's lawyers wanted to know the names of everyone she'd spoken to about the alleged harassment. Bonar said that would mean she'd have to name other victims who hadn't felt comfortable identifying themselves publicly. His attorneys also wanted to see her medical records. In July, a legislative investigation found probable cause to pursue the inquiry against Trujillo, who lost the June primary to Andrea Romero.

AG serves warrant on archdiocese

The attorney general has demanded the Archdiocese of Santa Fe turn over records on two priests accused of sexually abusing youth. The AG asked for information on Sabine Griego and Marvin Archuleta, which the church says it provided. There's dispute between the church and state investigators over whether the archdiocese is cooperating with the inquiry.

Valencia’s mother gets 12 years in deal

A judge has sentenced the mother of a 13-year-old boy murdered in Nambé last November to 12 years in prison after she agreed to plead guilty to one count of child abuse resulting in death. Prosecutors say Tracy Ann Pena will have to testify against the son of her then-boyfriend, Thomas Ferguson. The man killed himself in jail earlier this year, and prosecutors now say Fergson's son, Jordan Nuñez, was to blame for the killing.

Luján takes leadership spot

Rep. Ben Ray Luján will be the next assistant Democratic leader in the US House of Representatives. If you've never heard of such a position, you're not alone, but it's the number four position among leadership. Luján will pay special attention to the various caucuses of Democrats as they set their agenda for the upcoming session. He's also the lone young face among Democratic leadership, which elected Nancy Pelosi as its candidate for speaker of the House and two other longtime leaders for other positions.

On the road

Fifteen electric buses originally bound for Albuquerque's bus rapid transit line are instead on the road back to California, presumably with doors opening at random times and no brakes. Should be a fun ride. The city canceled its contract with Build Your Dreams, the ironically named company that made the buses, and is instead pursuing more traditionally powered vehicles for the still-not-running bus line along Central Avenue.

Land sale Dunn been canceled

State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn says he'll hold off on a planned auction to sell state land along the international border. He's been at odds with the federal government over the parcels, which could potentially be border wall territory. Dunn says he'll leave resolution up to incoming land commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard.

What’s that in your yard?

A Santa Fe man sent a TV station video of an apparently wild javelina in his neighbor's yard. That's uncommon. The animals, which the Word has learned are neither rodents nor pigs but UNGULATES, are more frequently seen in southwestern New Mexico. They're not normally considered dangerous, but it's wise to keep your dog on a leash. They smell musky. They have forked front hooves. There's a lot more to javelinas, which are more properly called peccaries, but this is a short newsletter. You're on your own.

Winter storm on the way

Expect snow tonight and on into tomorrow if you live in the western and northern parts of the state. The system will have the greatest impact on the Navajo Nation, Farmington, Cuba, Chama, places around the Jemez Mountains and higher elevations. Albuquerque may get some rain or a snowy mix. Santa Fe seems a good bet see some snow. Obviously, it's going to cool down a few degrees.

Thanks for reading! The Word had an unexpectedly fun experience at TJ Maxx last night. Those employees are so nice! Holiday ~moods~ be darned.

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