Now You Know

Anthony recognized as safest city in New Mexico

The City of Anthony has been named the No. 1 Safest City in New Mexico by SafeWise, based on its analysis of 2025 crime data.

The recognition represents an advancement from second place the prior year, reflecting continued progress in public safety outcomes and crime prevention efforts.

The ranking highlights the collective efforts of the Anthony Police Department and community partners focused on proactive policing and strong community relationships.

Vanessa Ordoñez, who served as Chief of Police during the evaluated period, continued to share confidence in the department’s direction. 

“This recognition reflects the commitment of the officers, staff, and community working together to keep Anthony safe. Achieving this distinction is particularly noteworthy for a border city, where communities often face unique public safety challenges,” Ordoñez said. "I couldn’t be happier with the progress made, and the foundation in place continues to position the department well for continued success.” 

Spring Break camp

The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department will offer a one-week Spring Break camp during the Las Cruces Public Schools intercession at two locations:

·       Jornada Elementary, 3400 Elks Drive

·       Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell Avenue

Both camp locations will consist of fun indoor and outdoor play, breakfast, lunch, arts & crafts, games, field trips, and more! Cost for the camp is $20 per child.

The Spring Break Camp is open to children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Mar. 16-20, at both locations. There may be additional fees for field trips, which will be communicated in advance.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 6. Registration can be completed online at www.lascruces.gov/play. In-person registration will be available during regular business hours at the following Parks & Recreation facilities:

• Parks & Recreation Administration at Mondy Castaneda Building, 1501 E. Hadley, Bldg. B. Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell Ave., Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center, 1401 E. Hadley Ave., Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. & Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. & Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Space is limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (575) 541-2550/TTY 711.

Save a Life Saturday: CPR and Heimlich maneuver training 

The Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with Doña Ana County, the City of Sunland Park, Burrell College of Medicine and the American Red Cross, will host Save a Life Saturday from 9-10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, offering free hands-on CPR and Heimlich maneuver training to empower the community with life-saving skills. 

"Knowing what to do in an emergency can save a life," Deputy Emergency Manager, Joy Chavez said. "Save a Life Saturday gives our community the opportunity to learn simple techniques that can make a huge difference when every second counts." 

Everyone is encouraged to attend and equip themselves with skills that can help save a life in an emergency. Participating in Save a Life Saturday will not result in certification. However, it will help participants develop and enhance the basic necessary skills to help during emergencies, throughout the community. 

The training will be offered at the following locations: 

Doña Ana County:

Butterfield Community Resource Center

Delores Wright Community Resource Center 

Doña Ana Community Resource Center

La Mesa Community Resource Center

Organ Community Resource Center 

Rincon Community Resource Center 

Radium Community Resource Center

South Valley Community Center

Vado/Del Cerro Community Resource Center

Sunland Park: 

Sunland Park Multi-Purpose Center 

Participants are encouraged to register in advance, though walk-ins are welcome. To register, please click here.

For more information please visit, donaana.gov/savealife 

Pickleball players

Doña Ana Community College is looking for those who like to play pickleball and make a difference in the community.  

The college is hosting the Pickleball Passion for the Pantry Tournament to raise funds for DACC’s FirstLight Comfort Casita food pantry. The tournament will be held on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 at the NMSU tennis courts beginning at 9 a.m. Participants can choose to play in one of three divisions: advanced, intermediate or beginner.  

Registration cost is $40 per player and includes a t-shirt, snacks and refreshments. There will be medals for gold, silver and bronze, including raffles for high-value paddles, bags, balls, and more. Register at: https://alwaysanaggie.org/donate/2026-pickleball-tournament-form/.  

This event helps ensure students have access to nutritious food which enables them to focus on their studies and achieve academic goals. 

Spring swim lessons

The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department will offer spring swim lessons from Feb. 17-27 at the Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center (1401 E. Hadley Avenue) and the Las Cruces Natatorium (1405 E. Hadley Avenue).
All classes will be held Tuesday through Friday, with eight classes per session.

Class Times:
Level 1:

3:30 – 4:00 p.m.

4:15 – 4:45 p.m.

5:00 – 5:30 p.m.

5:45 – 6:15 p.m.

Level 2:

3:30 – 4:00 p.m.

4:15 – 4:45 p.m.

5:00 – 5:30 p.m.

5:45 – 6:15 p.m.

Mommy and Me:

6:15 – 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $45 per session for Mommy and Me, Level 1, and Level 2.

Registration Details:

Level 1 pre-school and Learn-to-Swim classes will be available online. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, and will end at 6 p.m., or until spaces are filled.
Registration can be completed online at http://www.lascruces.gov/play.

Level 2 pre-school and Learn-to-Swim registration will be held in person at the Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Participants without a Red Cross completion card must complete a swim evaluation to register for Level 2 and above. Evaluations will be offered Feb. 3–6, Tuesday through Thursday, from noon to 6 p.m. No evaluations will be conducted during registration times.
Space is limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, please contact the Regional Aquatic Center at (575) 541-2582/TTY 711.

Chalk Walk

The City of Las Cruces Quality of Life Department/Public Art, Las Cruces Museums, and the City Art Board are looking for artists to participate in the 2026 Chalk Walk sidewalk art exhibition. The annual Chalk Walk will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sat., Mar. 14, in the museum courtyard, 491 N. Main Street.

Artists must complete an application form and submit a concept sketch to be considered. Deadline to submit is Friday, Feb. 21. Participants will be chosen from the submitted applications by the Chalk Walk selection committee.

Interested artists can find more information by going to LasCruces.gov/ChalkWalk.

For information or questions, please contact Ceci Vasconcellos, Public Art Coordinator, City of Las Cruces, at 575-541-2780/TTY:711 or by email cvasconcellos@lascruces.gov