images albuquerque, nm: 2010

Watch a quick video of a photographer

befriending an orangutan at

the zoo.

What’s Online

It’s in Our NatureOutdoor recreation abounds in Albuquerque

HOT AND SPICYFood comes with a kick

“A” fOr ECONOmYCity boasts two top learning institutions

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Albuquerque 1

ON THE COvEr Cycling toward the beautiful Sandia Mountains Photo by Brian McCord

departments

4 Almanac

18 biz briefs

20 Chamber report

21 Economic Profile

23 Image gallery

26 local flavor

28 Sports & recreation

30 Education

33 Health & Wellness

35 Arts & Culture

36 Community Profile

2010 EDITION | vOlumE 5


®

cOntents

Features

6 PAST TO PrESENTSIndian and Hispanic past affects Albuquerque’s vibrant arts and cultural centers.

10 IT’S IN Our NATurEOutdoor recreation abounds in Albuquerque.

14 lEEDINg THE WAYAlbuquerque’s city and business leaders embrace alternative energy plans.

10

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PrOjECT mANAgEr COurtney SeIter

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STAff WrITEr KevIn LItwIn

COPY EDITOrS LISA BAttLeS, JOyCe CArutHerS, JILL wyAtt

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LAurA HILL, KeLLy KOePKe, JOe MOrrIS

mEDIA TECHNOlOgY DIrECTOr CHrIStInA CArDen

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Welcome to AlbuquerqueAn inTrOduCTiOn TO The AreA’s peOple, plACes And evenTs

High thereHere’s a trivia question: what is the world’s longest

aerial tramway?

It is the Sandia Park tramway in Albuquerque,

which celebrates its 44th anniversary throughout

2010. the tram is 2.7 miles long and travels from

Albuquerque to an observation deck atop Sandia

Peak, 10,378 feet above sea level.

the trip takes 16 minutes one way, and the tram

can haul 220 passengers at a time. It carries

225,000-245,000 passengers each year.

the tram was originally built for skiers, but is

now more for scenic rides.

Almanac

Be Sure to Bring your CameraOne of the most photographed annual events in the world is the

Albuquerque International Balloon fiesta.

the nine-day extravaganza occurs each October and will celebrate its

39th anniversary in 2010. More than 700 hot-air and gas balloons paint the

new Mexico sky a myriad of colors, and the 800,000 spectators in attendance

make it the largest balloon event on earth.

One of the many highlights is a Mass Ascension, when all 700 balloons

inflate and launch from Albuquerque’s Balloon fiesta Park. evening balloon

glows are also a favorite festival attraction.

the Big Picture

this is quite a canvas.

nearly 25,000 images

carved by American Indians

and Spanish settlers dot the

landscape at Petroglyph

national Monument. the

unusual tourist attraction

stretches 17 miles along

Albuquerque’s west Mesa,

encompassing 7,236 acres.

Many of the carvings are

cloaked in mystery and

wonder, with images of

animals, humans, crosses,

brands and other symbols –

some dating as far back as

A.D. 500. Some are

communications with the

spirit world, others are clan

images, and some are

unidentifiable.

More than 150,000 people

from all over the world

visit Petroglyph

national

Monument

each year.


Historic ConnectionHere’s to the Aztecs.

Sandia Pueblo has been at its present site since

A.D. 1300 – a site that stretches 22,877 acres on the

northern boundary of Albuquerque. today, it is a

federally recognized American Indian community

of 500, with residents whose lineages can be traced

to the Aztec civilization.

the independent government of Sandia Pueblo

operates Bien Mur Indian Market Center, which features

arts and crafts, and it also oversees the Sandia Lakes

recreation Area, which boasts excellent fishing.

Fast Factsn Amazon.com founder Jeff bezos was born in Albuquerque.

n The rio grande runs through Albuquerque and is known to mexicans as the rio bravo.

n Albuquerque remained a small town until the latter part of the 19th century and the arrival of the railroad.

n The city sits at 5,314 feet above sea level, making it the highest metropolitan area on the American mainland.

n pulitzer prize-winning journalist ernie pyle called Albuquerque home, and his house is now a branch library.

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BERNALILLO

POPulATIONAlbuquerque: 521,999

Bernalillo County: 642,527

lOCATIONAlbuquerque is in north central new

Mexico, nestled between the towering

Sandia Mountains and the rio Grande

valley. It is 60 miles southwest of

Santa fe, the capital city.

bEgINNINgSAlbuquerque was founded as

Alburquerque in 1706 (the first “r”

was later dropped), but the community

was not incorporated until 1891. It is

named in honor of a Spanish leader –

the 10th Duke of Alburquerque. the

word “Albuquerque” comes from the

Latin words “albus” and “quercus,”

meaning white ash.

fOr mOrE INfOrmATIONGreater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce 115 Gold Ave. S.w. # 201 Albuquerque, nM 87102 Phone: (505) 764-3700 fax: (505) 764-3714 www.abqchamber.com

albuquerque at a glance

Albuquerque

film Is Major Player in Albuquerque economy

George Clooney made a movie here, as did russell

Crowe, Denzel washington and Charlize theron.

the film industry has been a hot commodity in

new Mexico since 2002, when the state began to

offer incentives to moviemakers. those incentives

include rebates up to 25 percent to filmmakers for

all of their production expenses that are subject to

taxation, including labor.

As a result, recent movies filmed in new Mexico

include Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, The Book of Eli and Transformers.

NATIvE AmErICAN AND HISPANIC PAST AffECTS AlbuquErquE’S vIbrANT ArTS AND CulTurAl CENTErS

Past Presentsto

6 imAgesAlbuquerque .COm

Past

Albuquerque 7

sculpture titled Nellie Begay at nizhoni Fine Arts in

Old Town Albuquerque

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Albuquerque 9 8 imAgesAlbuquerque .COm

The past and present collide continuously throughout Albuquerque, but nowhere more so than in the city’s

vibrant arts and cultural scene.Hispanic and Native American art is

predominant here, where venues like the Nob Hill Art Gallery and others throughout Old Town and downtown mix new and traditional works. Those venues rub shoulders with such institutions as the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and National Hispanic Cultural Center, where the creations of the present and past also are on display.

“We are the gateway to the 19 pueblos, and are responsible for the preservation, conservation and curation of invaluable objects from them and other tribes,” says Ron Solimon, president and chief executive officer of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which also houses the Institute for Pueblo Indian Studies’ Archive and Research Library along with its changing exhibit and community-activity spaces. One special surprise at the IPCC is its Pueblo House and Art Room, with the adjacent learning garden. Children and youth from both the Albuquerque and Pueblo communities participate in year-round programming focused on Pueblo life through an expansive program developed around IPCC’s museum, murals, weekly traditional dances and changing exhibits.

The National Hispanic Cultural Center is equally dedicated to blending the past and the present, and has done so through more than 37 art exhibits and a number of music, dance, theatrical, historical and education-related programs serving local, national and international audiences, all in its first decade of operations, says Dr. Estevan Rael-Galvez, executive director.

“The NHCC is well positioned to represent local, regional, national and international artists, showcasing their work and talents,” Rael-Galvez says. “We have also forged strong relationships with other local, state and national art centers and museums as well as schools and universities.”

The center takes care to honor the traditions and culture of its historic Hispanic Barelas neighborhood, and does so through events ranging from the annual Día de los Muertos and Día del Niño festivals to the National Latino Writers Conference. But it’s also a national center, where it can present the works of Latino artists from around the nation and world.

“The role of exhibitions, performance and lectures all hold as a goal of informing, illuminating and perhaps even inspiring, but they also help cultivate new forms of knowledge and consciousness,” Rael-Galvez says. “Art and culture matter, and I would argue are instrumental in the health and vibrancy of a community. To the extent that we can contribute to that in the area, even a small bit, is very important.”

The richness of what these institutions represent is not only valuable for the community in terms of honoring its own history, but it also feeds into tourism and economic-development efforts that are key to the city’s future, adds Solimon.

“When people visit from here or elsewhere and learn about the pueblos, the people, they also are visiting the entire city,” he says, “We find that working with other museums and organizations on special events can bring even more awareness to us, and those collaborations help us to expand and improve the whole arts and culture district.”

StOry By jOE mOrrIS PHOtOGrAPHy By brIAN mcCOrD

Clockwise from top left: Acoma pueblo, known as sky City; exhibit at the national hispanic Cultural Center; Works by local artists; national hispanic Cultural Center; local handmade jewelry; Crosses made by local artists

Albuquerque 9

Albuquerque 11 10 imAgesAlbuquerque .COm

It’s been saluted by Outdoors magazine for its climate and access to recreational opportunities and named one of the top 10 places in the U.S. to live and play by

National Geographic Adventure. Welcome honors, but no surprise for the folks who live here. They know that Albuquerque is unsurpassed when it comes to playing in nature.

Whether mountain biking, hiking forest trails, in-line skating through the city, tennis, golf or f lying model airplanes is your pleasure, there’s a place to do it in Albuquerque. You can tackle serious high-altitude training, as Olympic athletes have done here, or just lie back and stargaze in the desert. Ride a horse through the cottonwoods or run a 10K in honor of a worthy

OuTDOOr rECrEATION AbOuNDS IN AlbuquErquE

NatureIt’s in Our

StOry By lAurA HIll PHOtOGrAPHy By brIAN mcCOrD

left: hiking the sandia mountains right: A cyclist enjoys a ride amidst the sandia mountains.

Albuquerque 11


cause in a city park. Hot air ballooning. Shooting. Disc golf. You get the picture.

With the Sandia Mountains at hand and the Rio Grande running right through the center of town, a four-season temperate climate and few wet, dreary days, Albuquerque enjoys her wide open spaces year-round, an attraction for more than a few out-of-towners who have moved here.

“We see a lot more people riding these days because more people live here,” says Lee Newsom, owner of The Kickstand, which sells and services all kinds of bicycles.

“Outdoors here is so accessible. Talk to people from Dallas or L.A., where they have to pack up all their stuff and drive for hours to play outdoors. Here, we just walk out the door and we’re in open space.”

Bicycling is particularly popular in Albuquerque, says Newsom, thanks to the variety of in-town as well as open-space trails and paths. An extensive bike route connects the city, and bicycle commuting is common. Even the buses have bike racks, he points out.

The city’s extensive preservation of open space is another advantage for Albuquerque’s outdoors enthusiasts. Beginning in the early 1980s, the city began purchasing open space to protect it from development, creating in the process enormous unspoiled areas that could be used for low-impact (hiking, biking, roller-skating, e.g.) or high-impact activity (soccer, baseball, model airplane flying, etc.), depending on the area.

“The closer-in, more accessible areas allow

Whether biking, hiking

forest trails, in-line skating

through the city, tennis, golf or flying model

airplanes is your pleasure, there’s a place to do it in albuquerque.


for the high-impact activities, but as you go further out into the more natural areas, access is more limited and activities are low-impact,” says the city’s Parks and Recreation Director Barbara Baca, a passionate advocate of open-space preservation.

In town, the city also offers more than 250 neighborhood parks, four golf courses and a nationally renowned golf program designed to make the sport accessible to all, the stunning Paseo del Bosque park with its 16 miles of paved trails along the banks of the Rio Grande through town and a trails master plan with linking open space and parks. Flagship Park, home to Albuquerque’s annual balloon fiesta, is a large, multi-use master-planned park that is also home to sports fields, community

events, a balloon museum and golf training center. It also hosts the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

Baca is an avid supporter of a new city initiative to combat what she calls Nature Deficit Disorder, which results from too many kids spending too much time indoors playing with electronic devices. Working with the National Parks Service, it will foster programs for kids in classrooms and community centers to educate them about the outdoors – and get them in it.

“We need to teach children how fun it is to be out of doors so they become the next generation of stewards of our outdoor resources,” says Baca. “It’s amazing how some kids don’t have that opportunity. It can be a life-changing experience.”

Clockwise from left: sandia golf Club; sandia peak ski Area; Albuquerque international balloon Fiesta

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by practicing what it preaches when it comes to clean energy, Albuquerque has become a national leader, both in terms of local usage

and related business recruitment.The city has been honored by Siemens and

the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its sustainability efforts, led by AlbuquerqueGreen, a comprehensive road map for the city’s energy conservation, clean energy production and conservation efforts.

“Albuquerque is setting the pace in this field,” says Pat Vincent-Collawn, President and CEO of PNM Resources and Chairman of the Board of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. “Our Chamber, for instance, is creating an Energy Planning Committee to help develop these opportunities, and we foresee lots of growth in the sector.”

All this means Albuquerque has become the place to visit for municipal leaders looking to

beef up their own clean-energy efforts. When here they learn about everything from an agency ban on purchasing single-serving bottled water to the $3.1 million classroom building at Barcelona Elementary School. With everything from sensor-controlled lights and special planters to make plants more self-sufficient, the building is the first of many city structures that aim to achieve gold certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, program.

The private sector also is on board. Developer Paul Allen Homes is implementing energy-saving features that allow purchasers to capitalize on state and federal tax incentives, while growth is happening in every direction at Emcore Corp., a provider of compound semiconductor-based components and systems for the fiber-optic and solar power markets. From its Albuquerque headquarters, the company continues to expand into markets

AlbuquErquE’S CITY AND buSINESS lEADErS EmbrACE AlTErNATIvE-ENErgY PlANS

leeding the WayStOry By jOE mOrrIS

more infoAlbuquerqueGreen was

established to ensure that the community maintains its sustainability. Some factors for doing so include the use of green buildings, alternative fuels and wind energy.

To find out more about the AlbuquerqueGreen initiative, visit the city of Albuquerque’s website at www.cabq.gov.

Top left: emcore Corporation’s solar photovoltaic technology converts optical light into electrical energy, enabling power generation.


around the globe and, closer to home, recently inked a 20-year agreement to supply PNM of New Mexico’s distributed-generation solar power program with solar power from its on-site systems.

In short, clean energy is big business in Albuquerque, and it’s only going to get bigger as new technologies emerge that allow for smaller, cheaper installations for wind, solar and other

sources, says John Garcia, director of the Albuquerque Economic Development Department.

“We have all of the technologies here – biofuels, solar, wind,” Garcia says. “And then you look at the brain power at the Los Alamos and Sandia national labs, and it’s easy to see how we can leverage what we have to get behind our initiative on an industrial scale.”

And as the city, universities, military

installations and other users in the region install rooftop panels for solar and incorporate other saving measures into their facilities, they also provide a local market for Albuquerque’s growing alternative-energy manufacturing sector.

“We are growing the market for companies like Schott Solar by making it easier for people here to buy their products and install,” Garcia says. “That makes us an even better place for


3100 Morris NE (505) 294-3373

www.easternhillsca.com

Activities for All Ages

Including Middle School Athletics –

Golf, Tennis, Track, Volleyball,

Boys and Girls Basketball

A Quality Comprehensive Education

Involving the Whole Child –

Physically, Mentally, Spiritually and Socially

Eastern Hills Christian Academy

3 yEArs tHrougH 8tH grAdE

Accredited through NCA/ACSI

and the State of New Mexico

them to do business, and it also allows us to expand.”

Over time, as storage and grid technologies are perfected, the city may begin exporting energy, too.

“We are developing a big, audacious goal for this city,” Garcia says. “We can grow in many ways, and because we have these technology and research assets, we are looking at clean energy on a major scope for our future.”

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The new sawmill lofts is a leader in green buildings in Albuquerque.

www.easternhillsca.com


Biz Briefsbusinesses – bOTh lArge And smAll – ThAT help deFine

Albuquerque’s eCOnOmiC ClimATe

scorecardbuSINESS AT

A glANCE

$6,955,281retail sales ($1,000)

$14,990retail sales

per capita

$987,792Accommodations

and food service

sales ($1,000)

36,763Total number

of firms

source: u.s. Census quickFacts

Abq TrOllEY CO.Biz: Trolley car toursBuzz: If you want to see most of Albuquerque in 66 minutes, then book a tour with ABQ Trolley Co. The company provides visitors and residents a guided tour of the best of Albuquerque. The trolley ride begins in Historic Old Town and continues to attractions such as East Downtown, Nob Hill, University of New Mexico, Rio Grande Zoo, the Albuquerque Aquarium and more.www.abqtrolley.com

CANINE COuNTrY Club & fElINE INNBiz: Dog and cat boarding, groomingBuzz: The “club and inn” offers boarding, grooming and training services, and the company also provides a full-service doggy daycare play program. Officials say that instead of being bored or destructive at home alone, a dog in daycare can exercise and learn in a safe, fun and stimulating environment.www.caninecountryclub.com


PImENTEl & SONS guITAr mAkErSBiz: Custom and collector series guitarsBuzz: Pimentel Guitars makes custom and collector series guitars featuring contemporary, Hispanic and American Indian motifs inspired by the heart of the player. Choices of woods for the backs and sides include rosewood, mahogany, walnut and mesquite.www.pimentelguitars.com

THE grOvE CAfE & mArkETBiz: Restaurant and specialty foodsBuzz: The Grove Cafe & Market serves breakfast all day and also features a lunch menu with classic and unusual sandwiches and salads. The market focuses on natural ingredients and product lines that include Katz Olive Oil and Vinegar, Heidi’s Organic Raspberry Jam and B’s Honey.www.thegrovecafemarket.com

WrIgHT’S INDIAN ArTBiz: American Indian art and giftsBuzz: American Indian artists are plentiful in the Albuquerque region, and much of their creativity is on display and for sale at Wright’s Indian Art. Items featured include baskets, folk art, glass, jewelry and more. Many tribes from this area and throughout the Southwest are represented.www.wrightsgallery.com

www.hhandr.com


All 2,000 members of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of

Commerce receive a discount at area Office Depot stores. Those discounts range from 15 to 25 percent.

“I’ve had several small-business owners tell me that the money they save each year at Office Depot is enough to pay their chamber membership dues,” says Stephanie Cinocco, senior vice president of the Greater Albuquerque

Chamber of Commerce. “In this challenging economy where a member might wonder about paying their light bill rather than their dues, we think they can wisely do both.”

Cinocco says the Greater Albuquerque chamber has devoted 2010 to retaining its membership, mainly by helping members increase their sales volumes and overall bottom lines.

“We do a lot to help small

businesses, which account for 85 percent of our membership,” she says. “The chamber hosts two seminars each month that offer advice to small-business owners on subjects such as finances, legal issues, insurance matters and more.”

The chamber also hosts luncheons and after-hours events that provide a convenient and relaxed atmosphere for members to network with one another.

“We also preside over a Duke City Dozen program each September that trumpets the accomplishments of 10 small businesses in Greater Albuquerque, along with naming an Entrepreneur of the Year and a Home-Based Business of the Year,” Cinocco says.

In addition, the chamber recognizes an annual Small Business Advocate of the Year, and the 2010 winner is South Valley Economic Development. The South Valley district of Albuquerque is economically challenged, and SVED recently opened a large industrial kitchen that allows people who have culinary ideas to use that kitchen in order to perfect their products.

“South Valley Economic Development has helped several people start their own small businesses,” Cinocco says.

The chamber also sends out e-mail blasts and a weekly Monday Morning Memo that alert members of upcoming seminars, noteworthy events and other news. In addition, the chamber offers complimentary meeting space at its headquarters at no charge to members.

The meeting space can be especially important to home-based business owners who want to meet with clients in a professional setting.

“Those home-business owners can look more professional by hosting their business associates or customers inside one of the nice conference rooms here at the chamber,” says William C. Reichard, Senior Vice President of Communications.

“It’s just another of the many perks we give our members, in appreciation for them supporting the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.”

– Kevin Litwin

chamber reportAlbuquerque ChAmber OFFers mAny AdvAnTAges FOr members

www.scottpatrickhomes.com


TAx STruCTurE

0.5625%City sales and use Tax

1.1875%County sales Tax

5.0%state sales Tax

6.75%Total sales Tax

TrANSPOrTATION

Abq ride

(505) 243-rIDe

www.cabq.gov/transit

Albuquerque

international sunport

(505) 244-7700

www.cabq.gov/airport

Amtrak

(505) 842-9650

www.amtrak.com

ECONOmIC rESOurCES

greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce

115 Gold Ave. S.w.

Ste. 201

(505) 764-3700

www.abqchamber.com

Albuquerque economic development851 university Blvd. S.e.

Ste. 203

(505) 246-6200

(800) 451-2933

www.abq.org

Office of economic developmentOne Civic Plaza n.w.

(505) 768-3270

www.cabq.gov/econdev

new mexico department of economic development1100 S. Saint francis Dr.

Sante fe, nM 87505

(505) 827-0300

www.edd.state.nm.us

INCOmE

$27,649median income: Age less than 25

$42,894median income: Age 25-34



INDuSTrIES

50,508number of sales professionals

409number of executives

11,731number of retail Trade Workers

16,044number of manufacturing Workers

rENT

$521estimated gross rent studio

$614estimated gross rent

1-bedroom Apartment

$775estimated gross rent

2-bedroom Apartment

$1,129estimated gross rent

3-bedroom Apartment

$1,353estimated gross rent

4-bedroom Apartment

buSINESS ClImATEAlbuquerque has a low cost of doing business, a high concentration

of brainpower, rising household incomes, access to excellent

health care and a growing, diverse economy. the Albuquerque

metro area accounts for nearly half of all the economic activity

in new Mexico. Albuquerque is known for its high-tech, film and

solar industries.

ECONOmIC PrOfIlE


www.team-technologies.com

http://bfecondev.bosquefarms.us

Sculpture titled Earth Mother at the Albuquerque Museum of Art.

Staff Photo

Image Gallery


Albuquerque Biological Park

Photo by Brian McCord

Image Gallery


Sky City

Photo by Brian McCord

Albuquerque 25


ask anyone from new mexico what makes the food here so special, and they’ll tell you the same thing: the chile. Get your taste buds in gear, folks, ’cause you’ll need every single one of them to fully appreciate the sweet, fruity, fiery flavor of red and green chile.

roasted and peeled chiles are

eaten in large pieces, draped over

a cheeseburger or tucked into

a breakfast burrito, but more

commonly, they are chopped

and cooked into a sauce that is

ladled over enchiladas, chiles

rellenos or burritos. the sauce

can be thin or thick, made with

meat or vegetarian. there are a

zillion variations.

Allowed to remain on the

plant a little longer, those same

green chiles will eventually turn

red. Occasionally the pods are

crushed into flakes or powder,

but most use the whole pods

to make a velvety smooth red

chile sauce. the pods are

toasted before being simmered

hot and spicyFOOd in Albuquerque COmes WiTh A kiCk

Local flavor

a little historyWhy chiles? Why here? In the 1500s, when Spanish and Mexican settlers first came up through the Rio Grande Valley into what is now New Mexico, they brought with them some familiar foods from home. Mexican settlers who migrated north brought with them some new varieties of chile peppers. Now peppers thrive all over the state, enjoying hot, sunny days and cool nights.

green Chile on a breakfast burrito with potatoes, an Albuquerque favorite.

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What’s Online Hungry for more? Sink your teeth into other stories about Albuquerque’s local flavor in the food section at imagesalbuquerque.com.

in water, pureed, then sautéed

with garlic and sometimes a little

Mexican oregano. (yes, it’s a

different variety.)

Green and red chile show up in

nearly everything eaten here,

from salsas and tacos to cakes

and pies.

Albuquerque also offers

authentic native American

cuisine. the Pueblo Indians have

long depended on a diet of three

major foods: corn, beans and

squash. Corn is used not only for

tortillas and tamales, but also (in

the form you may know as hominy)

in posole, a stew made with broth,

chile, meat and corn. you’ll find

pinto beans served refried, but

some cooks like to serve them

perfectly al dente, in a savory

broth. Squash shows up in a

favorite side dish, calabacitas, a

sauté of summer squash with

fresh corn kernels and chopped

green chile.

But nobody can resist an Indian

taco. first, forget what you know

about tacos; this is an entirely

different beast. the base of the

taco is frybread, a large disk of

deep-fried dough. frybread is a

treat on its own, and, served with

honey, it’s a sweet treat. But the

Indian taco is all savory, topped

with whole pinto beans, ground

beef, chile, cheese, lettuce, onions

and tomatoes.

– Gwyneth Doland

www.aa.edu



When it comes to having family-friendly fun – without breaking the bank – albuquerque turns to sports. not the table-tennis-in-the-garage variety, but professional minor league baseball and basketball, both of which are flourishing here even in the face of a cranky economy.

“we’re about fun, the family

and affordability,” says John traub,

general manager of the Isotopes,

the city’s AAA minor league

baseball team. “On most nights,

you can still bring a family of four

to a game here for less than $20.”

which is saying something, given

the cost of movies, soda and

popcorn these days.

Both the Isotopes, affiliated

with the Los Angeles Dodgers,

and the thunderbirds, the minor

league basketball team affiliated

with the Dallas Mavericks and

the new Orleans Hornets, are

enjoying enthusiastic crowds

and growing reputations.

the thunderbirds draw nearly

3,000 fans per game to their 24

home games at tingley Coliseum.

On top of a winning streak early

this year, the team was

particularly buoyed by new, local

owners Sam and Jackie Bregman

and a new front office staff.

“Our fans are very appreciative

of being able to see the owners at

games and talk to them,” says

spokesman tyler Ortiz. “we’ve all

been growing together, working

hard to get the word out and

getting folks to come out and

support the t-birds.”

Like the Isotopes, the

thunderbirds make a point of

keeping prices affordable for

families, with tickets as low as $5.

And that helps build crowds,

many of whom see their first live

basketball game at tingley.

“fans who come to their first

game say it’s amazing,” says Ortiz.

“they never knew it would be so

much fun.”

At Isotopes Park, nicknamed

“the Lab,” a record-breaking

600,000 fans cheered the team

on to the playoffs during the

2009 season. the award-winning

Isotopes Park is a favorite with

minor league, major FunAlbuquerque bAsebAll, bAskeTbAll Are big hiTs

Sports & recreation

Albuquerque isotopes


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Can you imagine …a world without children?

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fans, says traub.

“Our venue is known as one of

the most comfortable places to

watch baseball in the whole

country,” he says. “If you’re a

baseball fan, there’s no better place

to watch a game than here. If you

like to watch people, if you like good

food, if you’re a kid – we like to say

we have something for everybody,

and it has proven to be true.”

now about that name. Just

as the team was locating to

Albuquerque, a 2001 tv episode

of The Simpsons followed the

possible relocation of Homer’s

favorite Springfield Isotopes to

Albuquerque. fans voted en

masse for the name in real life,

and it has become a longstanding

favorite. In 2010, fans will even

meet two larger-than-life statues

of Marge and Homer Simpson

that have been installed on

the concourse.

“It’s an unconventional baseball

name, but it has really hit a home

run in this community,” says traub.

– Laura Hill

What’s Online Go to imagesalbuquerque.com and click on “recreation” to read more about Albuquerque’s recreational activities.


www.cdsinc.com


With workforce training, technology transfer and cutting-edge research and development all happening on their campuses, Albuquerque’s colleges and universities play a major role in local economic development.

the university of new Mexico

has been at the heart of

Albuquerque since 1889. It

continues to produce graduates

in multiple disciplines along with

new products and patents that

enter the commercial community

through incubators and other

start-up efforts.

A key example of how unM

affects both Albuquerque and

the world beyond is its new

DataOne Project, a global data

access and preservation network

that will advance environmental

research. DataOne got

$20 million from the national

Science foundation in 2009, one

of many such grants that find

their way to the university.

unM has long been known for

work in evolution and behavior

studies, but the school also has

international standing for research

at the university of new Mexico

Cancer Center. the university

also recently marked the 25th

anniversary of its Center for High

technology Materials, which is

involved in everything from

semiconductors to solar-energy

patents and groundbreaking work

“a” for economybusinesses, residenTs beneFiT FrOm OFFerings AT unm, CnmCC

education

in nanotechnology.

In addition to preparing for

tomorrow’s economy, Central

new Mexico Community College

handles the workforce issues of

today. the college’s four campuses

and workforce training Center

are home to nearly 25,000 students

working towards certificates and

degrees in 100 areas.

By providing short-term training

opportunities as well as longer,

degree-oriented tracks, the college

is able to meet many goals, says

Katharine winograd, president.

“CnM plays a very important

role in the economic development

of central new Mexico region,

especially in providing a highly

trained workforce for established

and emerging industries and

businesses in the area,”

winograd says. “the college

works closely with [economic-

development officials] to stay

abreast of the workforce needs

of the local economy.”

the college plans a 2010

opening for the first building at its

new rio rancho Campus. the

PH

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domenici Center for health sciences education at the university of new mexico

Central new mexico Community College


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Living greenstarts from the ground up.

62,000-square-foot facility will

have classrooms, a nursing

simulation lab, biology, chemistry

and computer labs, and other

student-support services. the plan

for the campus includes six

buildings on the 40-acre site, which

will be adjacent to the rio rancho

City Center and the soon-to-open

unM campus in rio rancho.

At the same time, CnM will

open its 106,500- square-foot

Student resource Center at the

heart of its main campus. the

building will house a new library,

tutoring centers, computer labs,

classrooms, a café and offices

for the Information technology

Services department.

“Improving education is the

no. 1 priority for businesses in

Albuquerque,” says terri Cole,

President and CeO of the Greater

Albuquerque Chamber of

Commerce. “we aim to make sure

that every new Mexican has a

world-class education, and unM

and CnMCC are both helping our

region achieve that.”

– Joe Morris

1889Year Founded

University of New Mexico

25,754Total Enrollment

University of New Mexico

24,870Total Enrollment

Central New Mexico Community College

www.sandiaprep.org

Albuquerque 33

www.lovelacehealthplan.com

Albuquerque 33

spas are becoming more and more popular – for both women and men – now that people are taking more interest in their personal health and wellness. the Albuquerque area offers exceptional facilities perfect for a little self-indulgence.

Massages, facials, reflexology and the like used to

be a treat for only the very wealthy. But what once

was luxury has become a can’t-do-without part of

life for an increasing number of ordinary folks,

including a surprising number of men. In

Albuquerque, spas are the place to be for

relaxation, good health and fun.

“there are a lot of sophisticated people here and

in new Mexico in general,” says richard rivas, owner

of Jon’ ric Day Spa and Salon. “So there is definitely

a great market here for spas. People are spending

more money on themselves and taking better care

of themselves.”

Like most spas, Jon’ ric offers a wide array of

services, including massage, skin care, manicures

and pedicures. the atmosphere is bright, upbeat

and modern, a deliberate antidote to the stuffy,

says rivas.

rivas has seen a growing number of men take

advantage of spa services. A special men’s area is

private and accented with brighter colors, a place

where men can enjoy manicures, pedicures and

facials in a non-girly atmosphere.

“More and more men are doing what their wives

want them to do. they want them to look younger,

and they know that taking care of yourself is part of

wellness. If you feel good about yourself, you’ll take

better care.”

At the luxurious tamaya Mist Spa, the emphasis is

on taking time to relax. Located in the Hyatt tamaya

resort & Spa on the Santa Ana Pueblo, the spa has

deep roots in the local native American culture.

“we are named after the mist that rises over the

cottonwood trees along the rio Grande, something

really gorgeous,” says spa director Stephanie

Martinez. “the culture of the area inspires us as

we trace the journey of the tamayame and the

ingredients and plants they would have discovered

as they traveled the area to find their home.”

throughout the hotel, guests can feel the

presence of the native American culture in its décor

and ambiance, and the spa treatments are inspired

by the tamaya as well. Desert seaweed, or K’awina,

is used in several treatments. An ancient drumming

technique is employed to aid relaxation. A lavender

dry brush therapy uses native lavender for

exfoliation and oil massage.

encantado, set against the foothills of the Sangre

de Cristo Mountains, prides itself on serenity, privacy

and luxury. the resort was designed to be a

destination of wellness and rejuvenation, and offers

the tranquility of 65 elegantly designed casitas, the

renowned spa and fine dining. encantado features

contemporary Santa-fe-style interiors that capture

the essence of the area.

– Laura Hill

pampering the patronsAreA spAs prOvide heAlTh, Wellness And sheer pleAsure

Health & wellness

For more infoJon’ Ric Day Spa anD Salon 7410 Montgomery NE, Suite 102 Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 888-3305

Tamaya miST Spa 1300 Tuyuna Trail Bernalillo, NM 87004-5940 (505) 771-6134

EncanTaDo RESoRT 198 State Road 592 Santa Fe, NM 87506 (877) 262-4666encantado resort


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Licensed Pre-School & Pre-Kindergarten

Call 821-2513

www.hopechristianschool.orgSince 1976

Located one block south of Paseo Del Norte off LouisianaHope Christian Schools Inc., admits students of

any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

From Start to Finish …Education with Values!

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Arts & Culture

a community known for its artistic life, albuquerque dances to a blend of cultures, styles and influences. from the only place in the united States that offers the study of flamenco, to the newest combination of live chamber music and ballet, to an organization known for its rock-and-roll take on the classic Nutcracker ballet, dance is big in Albuquerque.

the national Dance Institute of

new Mexico brings movement to

some 1,300 Albuquerque children

each year through its program

for fourth-graders. Statewide,

nDI-nM serves 6,000 students

in its semester and yearlong

programs. Gretchen Kok,

managing director of the nDI-

nM’s Albuquerque office, spends

her time raising money for the

renovation of the historic Hiland

theatre complex. the building will

eventually house nDI’s studios,

theater and after-school programs.

“Our goal is to raise $13 million

in three years,” Kok says. “we

begin construction in mid-2010

and are looking toward 2012 as the

year we’ll fully occupy the building.

we’ve secured $3 million, with

other commitments ready to sign

as we speak.”

Ballet Pro Musica uses the

national Hispanic Cultural Center

as a venue for its “chamber music

meets dance” festival. Summer

2010 marks Ballet Pro Musica’s

fourth year of partnering virtuoso

musicians and virtuoso dancers

from celebrated national

companies in a marriage of live

chamber music and classical dance.

Keshet Dance Company

combines modern dance with

innovative, experimental and

inspiring choreography, having

received local and national

recognition for choreography and

artistic programming for children,

adults, professional and pre-

professional dancers. Its

December Nutcracker On The Rocks is a community favorite

because of its mashup of rock

music, motorcycles, dancing mice

dancing to a different beatseverAl Albuquerque grOups OFFer dAnCe As An ArT FOrm

and traditional ballet that’s fun for

the dancers and the audience.

the national Institute of

flamenco offers a full flamenco

curriculum for all ages and

experience levels to preserve

the art, culture and history of the

ancient Spanish Gypsy art form.

nIf also hosts exceptional

performances by world-famous

flamenco artists throughout the

year as well as its June festival

flamenco Internacional, the

largest event of its kind in

north America. – Kelly Koepke

national dance institute of new mexico

www.bosqueschool.org


EDuCATION

As one of the largest school

districts in the nation,

Albuquerque Public Schools

provides educational services

to more than 87,000

children across the city. APS

is divided into 12 cluster

systems to allow a focus on

student achievement through

programs specific to the

cluster, as well as consistent

coordinated professional

development. for a list

of schools and other

information, visit

imagesalbuquerque.com

67,598number of bachelor’s degrees

44,508number of graduate degrees

25,109number of Associate’s degrees

ClImATE

Albuquerque’s high altitude

results in a mild, dry climate

with four definite seasonal

changes. Summer high

temperatures average

90.4 f. Average annual

relative humidity is about

44 percent. Albuquerque

is sunny 76 percent of the

year. Average rainfall in

Albuquerque is about

8.5 inches.

24 FAverage January low Temperature

48 FAverage January high Temperature

65 FAverage July low Temperature

92 FAverage July high Temperature

HEAlTH CArE

Advanced medical care is

available at the university of

new Mexico Health Sciences

Center, which includes unM

Hospital, Carrie tingley

Hospital, unM Children’s

Hospital, unM Cancer

research & treatment Center,

unM Psychiatric Center and

unM Children’s Psychiatric

Hospital. Additional

Albuquerque hospitals include

Presbyterian Hospital and

Albuquerque regional Medical

Center. for more information

about local health care, visit

imagesalbuquerque.com.

SNAPSHOTAlbuquerque is a city of contrasts. nestled between the Sandia

Mountains and the rio Grande valley, the city has breathtaking

landscapes, a rich cultural heritage and the vibrant energy of

a fast-growing urban area. the city has worked hard to earn

recognition as one of the best places to live, work and do business.

COmmuNITY PrOfIlE

visit ouradvertisersABQ Health Partnerswww.abqhp.com

Albuquerque Academywww.aa.edu

Big J Enterprises LLCwww.bigjllc.com

Bosque Schoolwww.bosqueschool.org

Commercial Data Systems www.cdsinc.com

Eastern Hills Christian Academywww.easternhillsca.com

Heritage Hotels & Resort Inc.www.hhandr.com

Hope Christian Schoolwww.hopechristianschool.org

Inn at Paradisewww.innatparadise.com

Lovelace Health Systemswww.lovelace.com

Manzano Day Schoolwww.manzanodayschool.org

Sandia Preparatory Schoolwww.sandiaprep.org

Scott Patrick Homeswww.scottpatrickhomes.com

Southwest Suiteswww.southwestsuites.com

Team Technologies Inc.www.team-technologies.com

UNM Hospitals

Village of Bosque Farmswww.bosquefarms.us

Wells Fargowww.wellsfargo.com

Ad Index 34 ABQHeAltHPArtners

27 AlBuQuerQueAcAdemy

3 BigJenterPrisesllc

35 BosQuescHool

29 commerciAldAtAsystems

17 eAsternHills cHristiAnAcAdemy

19 HeritAgeHotels &resortinc.

34 HoPecHristiAnscHool

c4 innAtPArAdise

32 lovelAce HeAltHsystems

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31 sAndiA PrePArAtoryscHool

20 scottPAtrickHomes

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The Inn at Paradise10035 Country Club Lane • Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114 USA (505) 898-6161 or Toll-free: (800) 938-6161 • Fax: (505) 890-1090 E-mail: [email protected] • www.innatparadise.com

We would like to invite you to experience living New Mexico-style … a blend of people, food, art, history, wildlife and culture all spaced between the sunrise and sunset of the great Southwest.

The Inn at Paradise sits atop the West Mesa overlooking the Rio Grande Valley and the majestic Sandia Mountains. There is no better place to relax and enjoy your next holiday than in the Land of Enchantment.

Located on the first tee of the Desert Green Golf Club, you can experience golf course living at its finest. Whether you are on an executive retreat with your company, having a competitive tournament with your family and friends, or taking a romantic holiday with that special someone, the Inn is a great getaway.

The Inn is also a wonderful setting for weddings, family reunions and parties.

The Inn at Paradise

www.innatparadise.com

images albuquerque, nm: 2010

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