SENATE MEMORIAL 44

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2016

INTRODUCED BY

Pete Campos

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING JANUARY 28, 2016 "LAS VEGAS DAY" IN THE SENATE AND RECOGNIZING THE YOUTH OF LAS VEGAS AND SAN MIGUEL COUNTY.

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas was founded in 1835 as a Spanish land grant called Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Las Vegas Grandes; and

     WHEREAS, the Spanish settlers who founded the community had roots going back to the seventeenth century; and

     WHEREAS, the Acequia Madre in Las Vegas stands as a testament to one hundred fifty years of resourcefulness and ingenuity; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas was a key rest stop, resupply point and protector of the Santa Fe trail, serving as a lifeline between the growing West and the eastern parts of the United States; and

     WHEREAS, Pablo Herrera, territorial state representative, led las gorras blancas, or the white caps, to retain the land grants; and

     WHEREAS, the first Hispanic political party in the United States, el partido de pueblo unido, or the united people's party, was formed in San Miguel county; and

     WHEREAS, historical characters such as Doc Holliday, Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp and Jesse James were attracted to the area; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas and San Miguel county have more than nine hundred buildings on the national register of historic places; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas and San Miguel county are signature places of charm and wonder in the "Land of Enchantment", a spectacular tourist destination, with fine historic hotels, authentic New Mexico character and easy access to other local historic sites and outdoor recreation; and

     WHEREAS, aside from its historic and tourist attractions, Las Vegas is home to many critical state institutions; and

     WHEREAS, one of these is the New Mexico behavioral health institute at Las Vegas, the only state-owned and state-operated psychiatric hospital, which provides critical medical services to the state, including long-term nursing care for the elderly and disabled; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas is also home to five major educational institutions: New Mexico highlands university, Luna community college, United world college, Las Vegas city public school district and west Las Vegas public school district; and

     WHEREAS, these educational institutions are gems of the city and crucibles of learning, teaching and discovery, not just for northern New Mexico, but for the entire state and the globe; and

     WHEREAS, the media arts center at Luna community college is affirmation that the film industry is strongly supported in northern New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the media arts center at Luna community college capitalizes on the creativity of Las Vegas and San Miguel county youth; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas and San Miguel county recognize that young people are the community's most precious resource and greatest asset; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas and San Miguel county will endeavor to listen and to learn from the voice of youth; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas and San Miguel county will champion that every child be validated, supported and respected; and

     WHEREAS, Las Vegas and San Miguel county will endeavor to provide activities for area youth; and

     WHEREAS, 2016 will be recognized as the year of youth in Las Vegas and San Miguel county;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the distinguished history and heritage of Las Vegas and San Miguel county be recognized and that January 28, 2016 be declared "Las Vegas Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that support be expressed for the film industry and its efforts to promote the people and attractions of and to create jobs in northern New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the mayor of Las Vegas, the members of the city council of Las Vegas and the board of county commissioners of San Miguel county.

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