Las Vegas Optic

07/22/2025

Luna Community College in Las Vegas, New Mexico offers affordable, career-focused education with low tuition and hands-on training. Programs range from business to healthcare and STEM, with a focus on real-world success and minimizing student debt.

07/16/2025

Any and all information helps, thanks for your time and attention in the matter!

07/14/2025

CONTEST WINNER: In this year's Fiesta Guide, we invited the community to fill out a scavenger hunt of Las Vegas' historic buildings and landmarks for a chance to win a free subscription.

Today, we drew for the winner: Donilia Nieto, Congratulations!!

We will reach out to our winner to confirm details and award their prize!

07/10/2025

The City of Las Vegas government is actively working to assist our fellow New Mexicans in Ruidoso as they face the devastating aftermath of recent flooding. As a community that has experienced our own share of hardship, we understand the urgency and importance of providing basic supplies during times of crisis. Mayor David Romero and the City Council have expressed the importance of showing the same kindness and generosity that so many have extended to us in our times of need.

Beginning tomorrow morning, we will be sending ten (10) pallets of bottled water to Ruidoso, where significant challenges can occur to access clean drinking water. In addition to this immediate response, we are launching a community-wide donation drive to gather essential supplies for those affected.

Based on real-time information from volunteers on the ground, we are requesting donations of the following sanitary and cleaning items:
• Laundry detergent
• Dish soap
• Wet wipes and baby wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Clorox (disinfecting) wipes
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers (all sizes)
• Dog and cat food

Donations will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the City of Las Vegas Public Works Department, located at 1700 N. Grand Avenue in Las Vegas, NM.

Please note: We will not be accepting monetary donations under any circumstances.

Anyone wishing to contribute financially is encouraged to donate directly to the Community Foundation of Lincoln County, which is accepting funds on behalf of the Village of Ruidoso. Secure online donations can be made at www.cfolc.org.

We ask everyone to keep the Ruidoso community in their thoughts and prayers. They have stood by us—and many other communities—during our difficult times. Now, we have the opportunity to return that support.

For questions or additional information, please contact City Hall at 505-454-1401 ext. 1006, or by email at [email protected].
Together, we can make a real difference.

07/02/2025

2025 FIESTAS DE LAS VEGAS: What You Should Know

❗Important updates for attendees and residents❗:
Plaza Park is now officially closed to drive-through traffic only to allow for event setup. Parking around Plaza Park and along Bridge Street to Valencia Street is prohibited during this time, and several surrounding streets are also closed to traffic. However, parking is available in nearby areas. The Plaza will fully reopen to drive-through traffic on Monday morning, July 7. The Fiestas kick off tomorrow, Thursday, July 3, at 10:00 a.m. with the Reina Coronation Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, followed by entertainment beginning at noon at Plaza Park.
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🔒 Plaza Park Closure and Safety Notice
Gates have been installed and locked at all entrances to restrict vehicle passage through the park. Drivers and pedestrians are urged to proceed with extreme caution in the area. All entrances to Plaza Park are gated and locked to restrict drive-through traffic during event preparations. Unauthorized vehicle access is prohibited. Residents and visitors should be cautious and observe all posted safety measures in the area.
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📜Local Businesses Are Open
While the park is closed to drive-through traffic, businesses surrounding Plaza Park remain open and welcome your support. Visitors are encouraged to continue shopping and dining locally.
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🅿️Parking and Street Closures
Several surrounding streets will also be closed to traffic for the duration of the event. These include:
• Bridge Street at Valencia Street / Paseo del Las Escuelas
• Valencia Street / North Gonzales Street
• North Gonzales Street / Plaza Park
• Valencia Street / Hot Springs Boulevard
• Morrison Street / West National Avenue
• Moreno Street / South Pacific Street
• South Gonzales Street / Moreno Street
• Historic Plaza Park area
Motorists should expect delays and detours and are advised to use alternate routes.
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📜Plaza Park Rules During Closure
To maintain safety and order, the following rules will be enforced:
•Follow all posted signage and obey instructions from police and event staff at all times.
•No parking or vehicular traffic in the Plaza Park area from Thursday, July 3, 2025, until the closure of the fiestas.
•Vendor vehicles are not allowed in or near booths between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
•Vendors must carry in supplies or use personal handcarts to restock booths.
•No alcohol is permitted in booths or in the immediate park area. Alcohol consumption is only allowed in designated areas. Public intoxication and open containers outside permitted zones are prohibited.
•No sale of weapons or toy weapons of any kind is allowed.
•No sale or display of gang-related attire, as defined by the Las Vegas Police Department.
•Vendor setups must not block emergency access routes.
•Before 9:00 a.m., vendors must open and close all barriers when entering or exiting the park. Failure to comply may result in citations.
•Booths and equipment must not block handicap access in or around the park.
•No pets are allowed in Plaza Park, despite size or type. Only service animals are permitted.
•Permit parking areas require a permit. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.
•All vendors must display their booth license at all times.
•All vendors must provide a trash receptacle at their booth.
•No tent canopies or large umbrellas are allowed in the park area.
Violations may result in fines or removal from the area.
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👑Reina’s Coronation Mass
The Reina’s Coronation Mass will take place on Thursday, July 3 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, located at 403 Valencia Street. This year’s coronation will feature the ceremonial handoff from 2024 Reina Jackie Romero to 2025 Reina Jaiden Saiz.
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🏃‍♀️Register for the 5K / 10K Run
To participate in this year’s Fiestas 5K or 10K Run, contact the Abe Montoya Recreation Center at 505-426-1739 or visit in person at 1751 N. Grand Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701.
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🎉Fourth of July Parade Registration
You can still register for the Fourth of July Parade, happening on Friday, July 4 at 9:00 a.m. The route begins at 2nd Street and Baca and ends at Plaza Park. To register or learn more, fill out the online application and email it to Thomas Fernandez at [email protected].
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🎆Fireworks Show at Dusk
The annual Fireworks Show will take place at dusk on Friday, July 4 at the NMHU Golf Course, located off Mills Avenue. Parking will be available around the area. A fan-favorite viewing spot is Veteran’s Park, also located along Mills Avenue.
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📘Need More Info?
For more information, please refer to the 2025 Fiestas de Las Vegas & More Guide, available at the link on the Las Vegas Optic Newspaper website. You can also pick up a physical copy of the guide at City Hall until noon tomorrow. Please note that City Hall will close at noon on Thursday, July 3 and remain closed on Friday, July 4, reopening on Monday, July 7 at 8:00 a.m.

https://www.calameo.com/orourkemediagroup/read/000735261c6e5d7a99f64

06/28/2025

Fiestas 2025 DE LAS VEGAS & MORE! Published by the City of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Optic

06/23/2025

University Avenue Closure Notice (7th Street to 5th Street)

🔶Road Affected: 6th Street at University Avenue (partial impacts between 5th Street and 7th Street)
🔶Closure Begins: June 23, 2025
🔶Estimated Completion: July 30, 2025 (weather permitting)
🔶Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Pacheco Construction will continue Phase 2 of asphalt paving on 6th Street. The project aims to improve roadway quality by addressing surface irregularities and applying a thicker asphalt layer for durability.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS:
🔶Full closure of 6th Street between 5th and 7th Streets during work hours.
🔶University Avenue between 8th Street and 7th Street is now open, allowing traffic to pass through 7th Street.
🔶Expect disruptions in areas adjacent to the work zone, particularly between 5th and 7th Streets.
🔶Detours and traffic control will be clearly marked. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to follow posted signage and use caution in the area.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance local infrastructure.

For more information, please contact:
City of Las Vegas Public Works Department
Phone: 505-426-3294

06/21/2025

Structure Fire – San Miguel Street

The Las Vegas Fire Department is currently responding to a structure fire at the 200 block of San Miguel Street. Fire crews and law enforcement are on scene and actively working to contain the incident.

For your safety and the safety of our first responders, please avoid the area and allow emergency personnel full access to the scene.

We will share additional updates as more information becomes available.

06/19/2025

06/18/2025

⚠️Traffic Alert – 7th & Legion⚠️

City public safety officials are currently on scene at 7th Street and Legion Avenue responding to a motor vehicle accident involving a power pole. PNM crews are also on site working to address the situation.

To ensure everyone's safety, officials are asking the public to avoid the area. Traffic is being diverted, and drivers should expect delays. Please use alternate routes and follow the directions of emergency personnel.

06/15/2025

Hundreds of people in Las Vegas, NM showed up for a "No Kings" rally, one of an estimated 2,000 such rallies around the nation protesting the Trump administration's policies.