Remove the panels
To prevent unauthorized entry the city has installed sheets of metal roofing topped with razor wire around the Ranchitos pool, completely blocking views of the Jemez intentionally left open in the original design. Amidst the heat and the hardship of life outside the pool, the views made Ranchitos a uniquely beautiful place to swim and relax. Now this is gone, and we are swimming in what feels like a prison yard.
Along with welcoming and professional guards, regular hours, refurbished showers, chaise lounges and swim lessons, the Ranchitos view had the effect of turning our humble pool into a local country club. We salute Ms. Snider and the city for the improvements they’ve made. But not all solutions are improvements. There are no winners in this new scenario. Neither pool users’ or trespassers’ needs are being considered. In addition to the aesthetic loss (after all, pools are for pleasure, right?) the walls will turn the pool deck into a solar oven.
It is the city’s job to ensure good civic design. Multiple criteria can be satisfied with inclusive planning. Tight budgets make it all the more important to do the job right. Did the City consider opening Ranchitos for supervised showers at designated times? We are only as good as the way we treat the less fortunate.
Some pool users will accept this new scenario feeling they have no right to expect more. The people of Espanola deserve better. Remove the panels. Uplift Ranchitos! Uplift Espanola! The time is now.
Julie Bennett
Española
Missing puppy
I’m writing as a concerned and heartbroken pet parent. On Friday the 26th of July at 11:38 my puppy was stolen from Española at the Española Pathways shelter. Since then I’ve been searching for my puppy up and down the streets of Española. Calling out her name in hopes that she will hear me and call out to me so I can come rescue her. I’ve gone to homes where people say they saw a pup like mine to no avail.
During these agonizing weeks I’ve come to realize that I am not the only pet parent who is missing their loved one. There has been over 6 pets that have been taken in this small area here in Española. Im writing in hopes to spread the word and possibly find out who has taken our loved ones and maybe we can see them again and put a stop to this. Please respond. Until then I’ll be looking for my puppy Lloronsky.
Geraldine Buenrostro
Española