An Española city councilor was surprised when a political ad arrived in his mailbox and he was mysteriously absent from the featured photo.

Voters got the opportunity to hear candidates for Española City Council and mayor answer questions and share their plans with the public Saturday, during the candidate forum at Northern New Mexico College’s Nick Salazar Center for the Arts.

A Taos jury found Cesar Garcia not guilty in a case where he allegedly stabbed a man with a screwdriver last January, while a plea hearing is set later this month in the case where he is charged with first degree murder for the fatal stabbing of Anthony Velasquez last February.

Martin M. Martinez, ESQ, 76, a devoted family man, veteran, and lifelong servant to his community, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, February 22, 2026, following a brief illness.

10.23.1951 - 2.12.2026

Eileen Juanita Herrera, lovingly known to all as a nurturing spirit, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family in Chamita, New Mexico. Born on October 20, 1952, in Ranchitos, New Mexico, Eileen was a beacon of light and warmth to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

FERNANDO STEVEN WAR, 40, a resident of Española, passed away on February 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 18, 1985, in Española, NM. Fernando was a beloved father, son, brother, grandson, uncle and Godfather and friend to many. He was employed by Española and Pojoaque Public Schools. Known for his big heart, Fernando was deeply loved by his family and friends.

is 1-year-old, 58 lbs. and already at the top of her class. She’s a bright, bouncy beauty with signature rear-toear wiggles and a “let’s go!” attitude toward life. Loves other dogs, prefers a feline-free fan club and is made of loyalty, smarts and sunshine. After nearly eight weeks of training in the Paws in the Pen program with inmates at the Penitentiary of New Mexico, Darby is officially preparing for “pawrole.” And this girl will not just pass. She has excelled!

Hello, I am Richard Connor, Editor and Publisher of El Rito Media’s five newspapers. Often, when residents see our paper or read our websites,...

Voters got the opportunity to hear candidates for Española City Council and mayor answer questions and share their plans with the public Saturday, during...

An Española city councilor was surprised when a political ad arrived in his mailbox and he was mysteriously absent from the featured photo.  Española District...

As I adjusted to the news over the weekend that our country and Israel had attacked Iran, I began devouring updates — from the...