West Side Forum

Drive-In Supplies to Drive Up Success: West Side Dems Step Up to Help Students It’s not too late to help: Drop off school supplies at 925 5th Street NW, 87102 or donate money via PayPal at westsidedems.org The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened the health and well-being of families across New Mexico and has been particularly devastating for families of school age children.  Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) services almost 70% of students on free or reduced lunches, many of those residing…

Klarissa Pena grew up in southwest Albuquerque, the original “Westside” and one of the first areas to be settled in Albuquerque.  Growing up, she remembered there was very little development north of I-40.  Then only a few neighborhoods, like Taylor Ranch and Paradise Hills, existed, but as people moved into the area north of I-40, it came to be seen as the Westside.  Although much of Southwest Albuquerque predates the rest of the city, it historically has lacked basic infrastructure and continued to suffer…

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Creating a Community of Trust: An Interview with the Southwest Area Community Policing Council Gunfire, Domestic Violence, and Homelessness are Priorities The next meeting of the Southwest Community Policing Council will be held on Wednesday, August 5, at 6 PM.  Because of Covid-19, it will be a virtual meeting.  If you wish to attend, send your name and contact email information to Wanda Harrison, de facto Council Chair, at zeldaszebb@gmail.com and instructions will be emailed to you.  Further information can be found on the…

No Sign of Stopping: Dipo Alam and His Paleta Bar Venture Westside resident Dipo Alam came to the U.S. as a professional soccer player at the age of 17.  He never dreamed he would leave soccer and start a business that brings a smile to everyone’s face when they walk in the door. Since he opened the first Paleta Bar near Coronado Mall in June 2017, he now has 15 locations throughout Albuquerque and surrounding areas. Paleta, Spanish for “little stick,” is Mexico’s version…

Wende Schwingendorf: Candidate for Bernalillo County Commission District 4 Wende Schwingendorf has run a spirited campaign to represent District 4 on the Bernalillo County Commission. District 4 stretches along the northern boundary of Bernalillo County. Although a Democrat has never held this seat, Wende and her supporters feel like they have an excellent chance to win in November. Republican Lonnie Talbert has held this seat for eight years. His two terms are up. Wende will face Republican George Walton Benson in the general election.…

NM Prisons in the Age of COVID-19 The prison in Otero County, New Mexico consists of 3 detention centers that hold county prisoners, state prisoners, and immigrants detained for crossing the border who are held in the ICE Detention Center.  It is also one of three prisons in the nation with the highest number of COVID-19 positive cases, and the numbers keep rising. The June 24 West Side Democrats meeting focused on the horrible conditions of NM prisons and the reasons that the coronavirus…

Reform and Black Lives Matter: What Next? African Americans comprise 3 percent of New Mexico’s population but are a significant voice in championing for justice in all areas of our state. Join us for a very special event featuring African Americans from around the city for a frank discussion on racism and inequality and how that has impacted their experience.  Panelists from differing backgrounds will come together to share their vision during this crucial time in our nation’s history and what we all need…