To the editor

Concerned about air quality

As a resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and a public health student at New Mexico State University, I write this letter to discuss a significant issue impacting the health of the Las Cruces community — exposure to poor air quality from pollution.

What sparked my concern for this issue was learning that the 2025 “State of the Air” report from the American Lung Association found that the Las Cruces-El Paso Metro Area was ranked 18th in the nation for most ozone pollution. The California Air Resources Board states ground-level ozone pollution is located near the ground, meaning we breathe it in our living environment during our daily lives.

It is a pollutant that damages living cells, causing respiratory inflammation and other harmful health effects. Ozone pollution is caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial activities chemically reacting with sunlight to form toxic ozone. In places with hot and sunny weather, this also means greater concentrations of ozone are produced.

Being exposed to high levels of ozone air pollution is a major problem affecting the health of Las Cruces residents, as air pollution directly impacts overall health and increases risk of disease. Exposure to air pollution is linked to cardiovascular disease, asthma, respiratory disease, cancer, immune disorders, and an increased risk of death.

There are many ways we can combat the issue of air pollution in Las Cruces. As a community, we must promote advancing the public transportation system. This can be an important component in reducing air pollution.

Through improving public transportation, we can reduce emissions from vehicles and promote environmental sustainability in our community. Continuing to invest in walkable infrastructure in Las Cruces is also essential to reduce emissions from vehicles. We must urge our elected officials to prioritize reducing air pollution and improving air quality for residents.

Ultimately, I want my community to have clean air. Las Cruces is a beautiful city, with incredible views and nature all around. Residents should be able to enjoy the beauty of our home without worrying about increased exposure to air pollution.

Trinidad Blea

Las Cruces

Heat-related illness

I am writing to raise awareness and implement prevention-focused interventions, from a public health perspective, in Dona Ana County regarding heat-related illnesses among youth.

This rising health concern affects families across Las Cruces and its surrounding cities and is more prevalent during the summer months, when temperatures rise to dangerously high levels. With rising temperatures, families are forced to find new and improved ways to stay hydrated and cool throughout the summer, especially when most children are involved in school and club activities, practices, and events. These circumstances directly place them at a disadvantage, since they are considerably more at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. 

This public health issue is critical since children are among the most vulnerable populations to suffer from heat-related illnesses. In Dona Ana County, some households are low-income and reside in rural areas, which often increases the likelihood of unreliable air conditioning, limited transportation, and limited access to air-conditioned centers to keep cool.

According to the New Mexico Department of Health, our pediatric population is among the most susceptible to heat-related illnesses because they are unable to regulate body temperature as quickly as older individuals.

Health officials recently reported that “834 heat-related emergency department visits around the state” occurred due to record-breaking heat. They recommended that all residents be prepared to beat the heat by staying inside, drinking plenty of water, wearing appropriate clothing, and planning outdoor activities appropriately during the cooler hours.

This is not only a medically preventive and educational health concern; it is also a source of community equity and environmental justice. Most children who attend public schools participate in sports, clubs, and programs offered throughout the day. Others are typically forced to stay home and may lack access to safe cooling environments.

As a public health worker and concerned community member, I advise families to seek indoor activities as much as possible or to plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening. Alternatively, even visiting community resources and engaging in indoor activities such as community centers, museums, libraries, natatoriums, and activity centers, as much as possible, will provide a safe space where children can practice physical safety and support healthy childhood development. 

Community leaders should approach this issue head-on and take the necessary steps to protect our children. First off, schools, parks, and recreational leagues should adopt and implement strong guidelines to raise awareness and educate about heat safety.

This could include mandates that trees or shaded rest areas are present, that water fountains work properly and are cleaned regularly, and that activity restrictions are strongly encouraged during peak heat advisory timeframes.

Dona Ana County should also increase the attention community centers receive to convey the message that no individual is ever excluded or left out in the heat and to promote the availability of these resources. Additionally, investing more money and time in adding cooling infrastructure, especially in rural areas, would help keep families cool, such as splash pads, natatoriums, or even water parks.

Finally, educational interventions should be encouraged and mandated in residential areas so that parents, caregivers, and coaches can learn to recognize early warning signs (red/pale skin, sunburn, headache, nosebleed, etc.) and how to respond when an individual shows these symptoms. 

I strongly advocate that our county leaders, school personnel, city officials, and youth program directors prioritize pediatric heat safety and education. 

Christina Gutierrez 

Las Cruces

Another take on Cesar Chavez

The migration of people coming to America looking for a better life has brought challenges and hardship throughout our history resulting in special leaders who have sacrificed so much so individuals are treated fairly and with respect.

Not all of these leaders are honored equally. George Washington owned slaves but still was memorialized with the naming of our nation’s capital and a national holiday.

Farm workers suffered from the lack of accessibility to drinking water and extreme heat. Cesar Chavez, a Navy veteran, wanted to improve working conditions in the fields for agricultural workers. He was instrumental in passing the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act.  

Now politicians, in record speed, based on grievances coming from his long-term partner Dolores Huerta, are removing his legacy, despite Chavez having thousands of supporters. Jessica Coriell, an organizer stated “If it weren’t for Cesar’s words and encouragement and kind and loving advice, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Ironically, Chavez was never charged with sexual violating women’s rights.

We cannot forget the hard-working farmers and agricultural workers who provide us the food we depend on and hope that future generations will remember the sacrifice Cesar Chavez made instead of erasing him from our history.

Chris  Mathys

Fully fund Branigan Renovation and Expansion Project

At the April 6, 2026, city council meeting, city staff presented a Construction in Progress budget for allocating the increased Gross Receipts Tax funds. Councilors spoke up and asked city staff to include a $2 million line item for the library.

Although it is not a done deal, this is a major step toward identifying the funds needed for the Branigan Renovation and Expansion Project. Contacting your city council member and/or your county commissioner in support of our library will make a difference.

The Brannigan Memorial Library was founded in 1935, funded by a bequest from Alice Branigan to honor her husband, Capt. Thomas Branigan. Originally located in what is now the Branigan Cultural Center, the library moved to its current location in 1979.

A computer lab and other improvements were added in the early 1990s, funded by the Gates Foundation Grant. It has been 57 years since the library opened on Picacho Avenue.  And over 30 years since it has seen any improvements. It is time.

Las Cruces, with a population of over 113,000 residents, is a major hub in Southern New Mexico. The Branigan also serves the larger community of Dona Ana County with double the population of the city. The library is a vital community center which freely serves every resident no matter their zip code or their economic status,

Public libraries are a major community resource that enrich the quality of life. They play an important role in facilitating free and open access to information.  This requires that the library keep pace with the growing and evolving community needs, which means the library needs to receive appropriate financial support.

Penny Scribner

Las Cruces

An opinion piece that made me think

Shawna Pfeiffer’s piece on “A hand-up, not a handout” grabbed my attention. My first reaction to the title, before I had time to sit down and read the rest, was how helpful and beneficial “a hand up” in the form of almost-free college tuition in 1961 had been for my wife and me, and how job training is, too.

Both provide huge long-term benefits to both the individual and society. As a result, we have been able to give back to others and the community in many ways.

At the same time, “handout” reminded me of all the mega millions being “handed out” by the federal government to wealthy farmers and billionaire investors in the form of “payments,” subsidies, and tax breaks for those who don’t need or deserve them.

And, how the dollars the government provides for assistance to the poor, like WIC and Food Stamps, and medical care, support the bottom lines of providers from farmers to grocers, to medical providers. Money circulates. Healthy children like education are an investment in the future, not money being wasted.

On the other hand, I was disappointed to read that the cost of building a one-bedroom apartment came to $350,000 per unit. A three-bedroom house can be purchased in Las Cruces for less.

Finally, requiring sobriety as a condition for help misses the main point, which is reducing homelessness. Alcoholism, mental illness, and substance abuse exist behind closed doors in my upscale neighborhood. 

Residents at Amador Crossing are entitled to the same level of safety, decorum, and freedom inside their apartments and common spaces as I have in my neighborhood. Eligibility to enter should be based on need only. Those unable to treat their neighbors appropriately should be kicked out to make room for others who mind their own business.

Thank you, Shawna, for making me think harder about “a hand up” vs “a handout.” And we all will keep working on solutions to the other problems, too.

Jerry Scribner

Las Cruces