The City of Carlsbad’s Safe Ride Program was a huge success this year. Carlsbad Municipal Transit safely provided transportation to 44 people (160 miles) during New Year’s Eve. This is a free service designed to promote a safe New Year’s Eve for everyone. Participants are asked to call in advance to set up a pickup and then call again when they are ready to go home.
According to our transit department, this number is higher than in previous years, largely due to all of the additional outreach. We especially appreciate Cindy Sharif with the Eddy County DWI Program, for all of her help getting word out. We look forward to developing more programs in the future that improve safety on our roads.
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If you are looking for more activities in January, Maggie the Bear’s 18th Birthday Party is going to be celebrated from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park. This day will include face painting, crafts, cake, free books, a talk on black bears and Maggie’s gift opening at 12:30 p.m. You can also guess Maggie’s weight to win one of her paintings. This is always a fun activity that always draws a lot of interest from area families. There is no fee for activities in the visitor’s center that day, but regular admission fees are required to enter the zoo itself.
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Last week, retired educator Stanley Evans passed away, and we offer our condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Evans was recently recognized as an “Outstanding Retired Teacher” during the annual Cavemen Strong ceremony, and we especially appreciate LaVern Shan, with Carlsbad Municipal Schools, for presenting the award.
So many Carlsbad residents have fond memories of Mr. Evans as a science teacher. Additionally, he was instrumental in establishing Carlsbad’s Jonah’s House food program. Stanley was also a veteran and during the summers, he worked for the National Park Service at the Caverns and as a wildlife biologist. He was truly one of Carlsbad’s outstanding teachers and citizens.
Additionally, we were saddened to hear of the passing of Adam Hernandez, the creator of the famous “Adams Queso” at Lucy’s Restaurant. In memory of Adam, proceeds from Adams Queso sold at Lucy’s were donated to help with funeral expenses. Adam was very loved throughout the community and will be deeply missed.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway