New ABQ, BernCo Leaders’ Goals; Epstein Commission
This week on New Mexico in Focus, Host Nash Jones sits down for a conversation with the new leaders of the Albuquerque area’s two legislative bodies: Albuquerque City Council President Klarissa Peña and Bernalillo County Commission Chair Adriann Barboa. Nash asks how the governing bodies might work together on overlapping key issues, including the metro’s ongoing housing crisis. Later, both leaders discuss how they are working to address the state’s growing homeless population.
Earlier this year, the state House of Representatives unanimously approved a resolution to create a subcommittee to investigate possible crimes committed at Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch in Northern New Mexico. Democratic Rep. Andrea Romero chairs this new group, now known as the “Epstein Truth Commission.” Romero recently joined Senior Producer Lou DiVizio to better understand the commission’s work, and why she believes New Mexicans deserve to know the truth.
In February, Source New Mexico reporter Patrick Lohmann and In Focus reporter Cailley Chella teamed up to look into a story in Northern New Mexico that has sparked outrage. Their reporting found that Jay Mitchell, the director of the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon FEMA claims office, had received more than $250,000 in federal relief for smoke damage he claimed at his Angel Fire home after the 2022 wildfire. We return this week to the segment that aired last month, one that came as a shock to the community, where many are still waiting for federal financial relief for their devastating losses.
Host: Nash Jones
Segments:
ABQ, BernCo Leaders on Housing and Overlapping Priorities
Correspondent: Nash Jones
Guests: Adriann Barboa, Bernalillo County Commission Chair, District 3 – Central Albuquerque
Klarissa Peña, Albuquerque City Council President, District 3 – Southwest Side
NM Epstein Truth Commission Chair on Scope of Investigation
Correspondent: Lou DiVizio
Guest: NM Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe; Epstein Truth Commission Chair
Homelessness, Behavioral Health Needs in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County
Correspondent: Nash Jones
Guests: Adriann Barboa, Bernalillo County Commission Chair, District 3 – Central Albuquerque
Klarissa Peña, Albuquerque City Council President, District 3 – Southwest Side
Payout to FEMA Claims Director Sparks Outrage in Northern NM
Reporter: Cailley Chella
Correspondent: Patrick Lohmann, Source NM
Guests: Jacqueline Ortiz, Fire Victim
Mike Salazar, Fire Victim
Lorenza Ortiz, Fire Victim
Jay Mitchell, Director, Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon FEMA Office
Lisa Mitchell, Wife of Jay Mitchell
Michael Martinez, Jay Mitchell’s Neighbor
Yolanda Cruz, Community Advocate and Fire Victim
Sara Jo Mathews, Owner, Borracho’s Craft Booze and Brews
Anita Vigil, Fire Victim
Andrew Vigil, Fire Victim
Laura Silva, Community Advocate and Fire Victim