🌱 Montecito Estates Aggressive Dogs + ABQ Custodian Hailed As A Hero

Hello, everybody. Michelle Paul here with your fresh copy of the Albuquerque Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything that's fit to print about what's happening in our community.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 73 Low: 50.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Albuquerque today:

1. The City Nature Challenge, which began in 2016 as a small event in California, has now become a global initiative with over 400 cities participating worldwide — including Albuquerque. The challenge encourages participants to log their nature observations on the iNaturalist app over a four-day period. The goal is to get people outside and pay attention to the wildlife and plants around them. No expertise is needed to participate, and the app suggests possible identifications based on the location and content of the photos. The event is expected to attract over 500 people in the Albuquerque area this year. (Albuquerque Journal)
2. Residents in Montecito Estates neighborhood in Albuquerque say they are afraid to leave their homes after multiple attacks from aggressive dogs. They are urging the HOA and Animal Welfare to find a solution to the problem. Several security camera videos show a tan pit bull attacking children and other pets; victims report serious injuries and expensive medical bills. The HOA released a statement stating that it has no authority to ban or seize pets, which are the private property of their owners. Animal Welfare is still investigating the case and cannot comment at this time. (KOAT New Mexico)
3. Janet Garcia, a custodian at La Mesa Elementary School in Albuquerque Public Schools, has been hailed as a hero after saving a fifth-grader who was choking during the lunch period on Apr. 20. Christian Ortiz Gonzales had something stuck in his throat and was struggling to breathe. When he collapsed, Garcia immediately stepped in and started performing the Heimlich maneuver, which she learned when her son was in the Boy Scouts. Thanks to Garcia's quick action, Ortiz Gonzales is doing fine and returned to school the following day. (KOAT New Mexico)

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Today in Albuquerque:

• American Indian Week At Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (9:00 AM)
• Free Community Yoga Class At Johnny Tapia Community Center At Wells Park (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join the city of Albuquerque for Bike to Wherever Day on May 19 and discover a new way to experience the city! Visit a pop-up table on Friday, May 19 to pick up free swag and learn about biking in Albuquerque. (City of Albuquerque via Instagram)
• Tickets just went on sale for the New Mexico Philharmonic’s first-ever live film score performance, and the orchestra is going all out with one of the most beloved movies in Hollywood history. The New Mexico Philharmonic is bringing the magic of Harry Potter to Albuquerque this September. The concept is simple: audience members will watch “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” on a big screen while the orchestra performs the entire film score below. (Popejoy Hall)
• It’s easier than you may think to visit a historic train that ran during World War II. The New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society have volunteers who work every Wednesday and Saturday and anyone can stop by from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and get a free tour. (Visit Albuquerque)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (April 25)
• Hats and Afternoon Tea at the Cemetery (April 30)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll see you soon!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.