The Santa Fe New Mexican, Dec. 6, 2013

Page 1

Place in the sun: Leon Gaspard

e ainment & Cultur zine of Arts, Entert an’s Weekly Maga The New Mexic

2013 December 6,

Inside Friday, December 6, 2013

Locally owned and independent

www.santafenewmexican.com $1.25

Economy picks up steam With the holiday shopping season in full swing, the economy is gaining momentum.

NELSON MANDELA, 1918-2013 “I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I therefore place the remaining years of my life in your hands.” addressing a crowd after his release from prison on Feb. 11, 1990

Disgraced lawmaker Aragon free Ex-state senator was convicted of conspiracy and mail fraud for role in courthouse scandal

PAGE A-3

By Steve Terrell The New Mexican

Former state Sen. Manny Aragon, known for years as the most powerful force in the Legislature,was released from federal prison in Colorado on Thursday. Aragon, 66, was serving time since June 2009 in the federal correctional facility at Florence, Manny Colo., for his role in skimming Aragon money from an Albuquerque courthouse project. It’s not clear exactly where he is going next, but a spokesman for the federal Bureau of Prisons told The New Mexican that it’s normal for inmates to be released to a halfway house “for a period of transition and readjusting to society.” Aragon’s lawyer, Ray Twohig, had no com-

Former mayor chides council During a panel discussion on proposed charter changes, Sam Pick said councilors should focus on day-to-day local issues.

Please see ARAGON, Page A-6

TAOS MINIVAN SHOOTING

LOCAL, B-1

State officer put on leave By Chris Quintana The New Mexican

Helping those who are shunned One of 10 who Made a Difference, Mara Taub is recognized as an advocate for prisoners and immigrants. LOCAL, B-1

SPORTS, B-5

Please see MINIVAN, Page A-6

World mourns symbol of peace The Washington Post

Heisman Trophy frontrunner Jameis Winston will not be charged with sexual assault.

Please see MANDELA, Page A-4

Nelson Mandela, shown in 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa, died Thursday at the age of 95. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

By Sudarsan Raghavan and Lynne Duke

Heisman hopeful won’t be charged

a role model for democracy, stepping down from the presidency after one term and holding out the promise of a new Africa. And to a world roiled by war, poverty and oppression, Mandela became its conscience, fighting to overcome some of its most vexing problems. He was a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who spent 27 years in prison as part of his lifelong struggle against racial oppression. Throughout this moral and political fight, Mandela evoked a steely resolve, discipline and quiet dignity, coupled with a trademark big, charismatic smile. He ultimately carried them into office as South Africa’s first democratically elected and black president. His victory capped decades of epic struggle by the African National Congress and other liberation

The New Mexico State Police chief said Thursday his department has suspended an officer who shot at a minivan full of children following a traffic stop gone bad near Taos. Chief Pete Kassetas told The Associated Press that Officer Elias Montoya was suspended with pay pending a disciplinary investigation into the incident, in which Montoya fired a handgun toward a tire of the fleeing vehicle. Lt. Emmanuel Gutierrez, a spokesman for the department, declined to elaborate on the report, stating in an email that “what the AP is reporting at this time is all we have to release.” A dashboard camera video of the incident generated national interest since its November release. After the Web clip went viral, Kassetas promised “appropriate disciplinary action.” The footage also inspired a set of protests in Taos on Sunday. In the video released by state police, Officer Tony DeTavis stops Oriana Farrell, a mother of five from Memphis, Tenn., for driving 71 mph in a 55 mph zone. But instead of taking the citation, Farrell drives off. DeTavis catches up with her, and a scuffle ensues between the officer and Farrell, as well as her 14-year-old son. Two other state police officers arrive at the scene, and the family members lock themselves inside the van, and DeTavis tries to break a window with his baton, the video shows. When Farrell speeds away, Montoya fires three rounds toward the van’s rear wheels, and a chase ensues through Taos, reaching speeds up to 100 mph. Farrell and her 14-year-old son were later arrested. She is currently living in the Santa Fe

Nelson Mandela, the former political prisoner who became the first president of a post-apartheid South Africa and whose heroic life and towering moral stature made him one of history’s most influential statesmen, died Dec. 5, the government announced. He was 95. The death was announced in a televised address by President Jacob Zuma, who added, “we’ve lost our greatest son.” No cause was provided. To a country torn apart by racial divisions, Mandela became its most potent symbol of national unity, using the power of forgiveness and reconciliation to heal deep-rooted wounds and usher in a new era of peace after decades of conflict between blacks and whites. To a continent rife with leaders who cling to power for life, Mandela became

Snow blankets area; more on horizon is filled with chirping birds,” he added. Helman said he got up and got dressed to shovel some snow, but by Thursday morning was a great day 11:45 a.m., he was back in his PJs, and he for many New Mexicans to stay at home had decided he was not going out again. and lounge. At the Fort Marcy Recreation ComA winter storm blanketed Santa Fe plex, Julie Brette Adams’ body-sculpting and much of the state Thursday, closing class, which usually draws more than schools and sending some government 60 people, was held in the small gym workers home by midafternoon. And because only 14 people showed. Santa Fe Public Schools already has Another storm is expected to arrive announced a two-hour delay for Friday in the area Saturday night and Sunday, morning. The Santa Fe Community Col- focusing in the northern Sangre de lege also announced a delay for Friday, Cristo mountains, said Jason Frazier, a planning a 10 a.m. opening. National Weather Service meteorologist “It’s a Hallmark card day,” said Ron in Albuquerque. Santa Fe has a 30 percent Helman of Galisteo on Thursday mornchance of receiving 1 to 3 inches of snow. The storm system brought several ing, as snow was falling. “The bird feeder By Staci Matlock The New Mexican

Today Sunny, cold. High 32, low 16 PAGE A-8

Obituary Robert Chase, 55, Nov. 6 PAGE B-2

Index

Calendar A-2

Classifieds C-1

Editor: Ray Rivera, 986-3033, rrivera@sfnewmexican.com

Comics A-10

Lotteries A-2

Opinion A-9

Police notes B-2

welcome inches of new snow to Northern New Mexico ski resorts Thursday. Ski Santa Fe reported 6 inches of snow and a 50-inch base of powder and packed powder. Taos Ski Valley announced it would open daily beginning Dec. 12, a week earlier than planned, due to the accumulated snow. The city of Santa Fe received 3 to 4 inches of snow before noon Thursday. Santa Fe County’s snow levels varied widely — from 3 inches in Edgewood to a foot of snow in Cerrillos and 10 inches in Glorieta — based on reports from weather observers. One site northwest

Sports B-5

Please see SNOW, Page A-7

Time Out B-9

An unidentified woman, scared to drive in Thursday’s storm, hitchhikes near Eldorado. She was picked up shortly after this photo was taken. CLYDE MUELLER/THE NEW MEXICAN

Generation Next B-10

Main office: 983-3303 Late paper: 986-3010

Three sections, 32 pages Pasatiempo, 72 pages 164th year, No. 340 Publication No. 596-440


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.