Vanessa Maciel

Las Vegas

Community Reporter at Las Vegas Optic

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Articles

LVCS fires AD, other personnel due to budget cuts

2 days ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Vanessa Maciel

Due to budget deficits, Las Vegas City Schools reposted all of the district’s head coaching positions, including that of the athletic director. Melissa Sandoval, LVCS Board of Education superintendent, said the district needed to reduce costs by $1.1 million in order to balance its 2025-2026 budget. To this end, coaching stipends for the upcoming school year were decreased in an effort to help the district decrease its 2025-2026 budget. About $70,000 has been trimmed from athletics, Sandoval said.
'This is not good work': Gov. suggests state take over construction of city’s water treatment facility

3 days ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Vanessa Maciel

After reviewing documents pertaining to the city’s plans for a new water treatment facility, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham told a crowd of about 150 people that the city was taking too long and Las Vegas cannot afford to wait. “Three more years is what they’re proposing,” the governor said, holding a signed MOU between Las Vegas and FEMA for construction of the treatment plant.
Las Vegas family searches for missing 29-year-old

4 days ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Vanessa Maciel

A 29-year-old man has been reported as missing by members of his Las Vegas family, who say they have not seen nor heard from him since May 18. Hayden Alter, who was residing in a rehabilitation center in Albuquerque, was visiting his mother, Deanna Romero, and brother, Greg Baker, in Las Vegas when, they said, he vanished. They said Alter had been in Las Vegas since May 16 and had been staying at Romero’s home. Alter’s vehicle, a 2019 black Kia Soul, is also missing, his mother and brother said.
Tierra Encantada Farmers Market returns this week

5 days ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Vanessa Maciel

The Tierra Encantada Farmers Market, on hiatus for about two years, is returning to its former spot on the corner of Mills Avenue and Hot Springs Boulevard this Wednesday at 8 a.m. Vendors of fresh produce, meat and items like remedios are being sought to help revive the farmers market on the West side of Las Vegas, and there’s still time to sign up for this week’s event.
NMHU music professor retires after 35 years

1 week ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Vanessa Maciel

A professor credited with helping the New Mexico Highlands University music department survive, grow and thrive has announced he is retiring after 35 years of teaching at the school. Dr. André García-Nuthmann announced his retirement publicly during a Madrigal Choir concert on April 27. After the show, he was given a bouquet of flowers and a plaque, presented to him by NMHU art and music chair Dr. Edward Harrington.
Autopsy determines NMHU custodian’s cause of death

2 weeks ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Vanessa Maciel

An autopsy report provided by the Office of the Medical Investigator concludes that Martin Lujan, who worked as a custodian at New Mexico Highlands University’s Ivan Hilton Science and Technology building, died of diabetic ketoacidosis. Concerns were raised when Lujan, 54, died following a brief illness on Sept. 14, 2024. Ivan Hilton was closed by the city of Las Vegas on Sept. 3, 2024, after campus police responded to a report of a chemical spill at the building.
‘HERO’ hubs aim to improve rural healthcare in NM

3 weeks ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Vanessa Maciel

Several health “hubs” meant to increase the quality of healthcare in rural communities in the area are being made possible, thanks to a recent partnership between Anchorum Health Foundation and the University of New Mexico. The partnership, which has been in development for about six months, will help boost UNM’s Health Extension Regional Offices program – or HERO program – which has operated since 2008.
'He lit up the world:' Family and friends gather to honor Gene Fresquez

3 weeks ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Vanessa Maciel

Those who knew him gathered at a memorial event at Don Cecilio Elementary school on Wednesday to remember nine-year-old Gene Elijah Anthony Fresquez’s smile, charisma and the impromptu Fortnite dances he would do during class. Fresquez, a third-grader at Don Cecilio Elementary, passed away during the early morning hours of May 7.
City shuts down space used to help addicts in recovery

3 weeks ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Vanessa Maciel

An outdoor venue that was, until recently, used to help recovering addicts has been shut down by the city until future notice. Alejandro Rivera, mental health counselor and executive director of Amistad y Resolana, said an outdoor space next to his establishment at 700 Railroad Ave. was barricaded by the city.
Rodriquez remembered for her dedication to local students

1 month ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Vanessa Maciel

Known for her dedication to mentoring and advocating for others, Elaine Rodriquez spent the last few weeks of her life looking out for the wellbeing of her students. Rodriquez, the head of the history and political science department at New Mexico Highlands University and former city of Las Vegas councilwoman, passed away April 27. Rodriquez’s loss leaves many in both the Las Vegas and NMHU communities missing a leader who strove for the betterment of all.