Updated March 2: Reality TV ex-contestant Jason Brockhoft hasn’t rested in his battle against Bullrun. Instead, he’s been making videos (below) to prove his case. Here’s Brockhoft’s version of the story (disclaimer: not SFR’s).
A Santa Fe County Sheriff’s report from last night ends with that line, suggesting authorities are finally getting serious about their long-planned impound program.
A deputy arrested Jaime Dominguez-Gonzales, 36, on his third DWI. The report says Dominguez-Gonzales had open containers in the car and was sharing with an 18-year-old woman. Read the full report after the cut.
Now: Can you see what’s different in these two headlines about the recent horrific crash?
Teen Driver Had Pot in Blood (Journal North)
Fatal DWI: Sheriff says teen wasn’t impaired (Santa Fe New Mexican)
The Journal headline implies that 16-year-old Avree Koffman (daughter of SFR employee Dan Koffman, and the only teen to survive) was stoned at the time of the crash. The New Mex headline contains the real news from the state toxicology report. (If the driver of the other car, Scott Owens, now charged with vehicular homicide, had traces of mind-altering substances in his blood, but “wasn’t impaired,” that would be much bigger news.)
This is why copy editors matter.
The impressions left by headlines are important, because most people don’t read articles all the way through.
Finally, a story out of Virginia reminds that it’s always possible to add insult to injury.
Continue reading »
The artists at Stepbridge. Clockwise from left: Susan Holmes, Chris McCarty, Ramon Bermudez, Lydia Clark, David Manzanares, Andrew Click
The tragic June 28 car crash still resonates through Santa Fe, and no doubt will continue to do so for many years. Right now, though, it has sparked all sorts of responses, including songwriting.
Chris D McCarty and David Manzaneras, longtime collaborators (they recently returned from working on the latest Sarah Jessica Parker/Hugh Grant movie, but more details than that were scarce) had already been working on a song entitled ‘Anything to See Her Again.’ They finished it on Friday, two days before the accident. It was not until a few days after the tragedy, though, that they realized how perfectly their song could act as an outlet for the community’s loss and grief. McCarty reports that when he thought of what they could do with their song, he called Manzaneras only to have Manzaneras answer with, “I know why you’re calling.”
The two immediately set to reworking their song, although it was remarkable how few lyric changes were required. The song, which according to McCarty is “not maudlin at all, it’s a celebration of life, and it’s very beautiful,” had blossomed, and with a new title ‘Anything to See Them Again,’ the song was ready to roll.
UPDATE: The joint meeting will be in the Santa Fe City Council Chambers, City Hall, at 5 pm Wednesday, July 8.
City of Santa Fe Mayor David Coss urged caution and responsibility over the Fourth of July weekend and announced plans for a meeting next week between the City Council and the Santa Fe County Board of Commissioners to address education, enforcement and treatment related to drunk driving.
The date, time and location of the meeting will be posted as soon as it is confirmed. The text of the mayor’s announcement is below:
As we prepare for the 4th of July, Santa Feans are coping with great tragedy. I want to express my thoughts and discuss actions I believe we must take as a community. First, I want to express my deep condolences to the parents, families and friends of Rose Simmons, Kate Kline [sic], Julian Martinez and Alyssa Trouw. I pray for the speedy recovery of Avree Koffman. I also want to express my condolences to the parents, family and friends of Pedro Maldonado.
Only weeks ago, I was expressing condolences to the Lovato family after a horrific domestic violence incident that affected all of us. There have been too many senseless and tragic losses. Domestic violence, gang violence and drunk driving affect us all. Santa Fe can not tolerate this, no community can.
In attending memorials and funerals this week, I have been moved by the depth of suffering and by the strength and character of our people. I ask all Santa Feans to decide that they will be safe and to see to the safety of their fellow community members this 4th of July weekend. I am humbled to be with our community in its bereavement. There has been great wisdom in the sentiments and insights expressed by people young and old. Yet, the healing will take a long time. Please continue to reach out and support one another in these painful times.
Out of the tragedy, the Santa Fe community must continue to work for change. Elected leaders shoulder a special responsibility to make solutions happen. Local government leaders will hold a joint City Council/Board of County Commissioners meeting next week to respond to these incidents, especially to the role that abuse of alcohol plays in our community.
We have to do more and working together, we will. We will support dialogue but we will also move for action. We know what programs work in education, enforcement and treatment. We have to improve our ability to implement these programs and practices. Change must occur quickly.
I have tremendous faith in the people of Santa Fe. It’s important that every individual makes personal decisions to look after the safety and well-being of their fellow community members. This weekend please make that decision. Be safe on the 4th of July. Make sure your actions show respect for yourself and for the safety of your family, friends and neighbors.
In closing, I want to again express my deepest condolences to those in our community who are most directly affected by the tragedies of this past week.
This just in from Dan Koffman, SFR staffer and father of Avree, the sole surviving teenager involved in the crash Saturday night that left four others dead:
I now feel confident in saying Avree will make an almost full physical recovery and is no longer in danger from her injuries. Her recovery rate is accelerating. We know why she’s not fully awake and we think it will resolve; the sheared nerves in her brain are only in a small area. She has been awake for more and longer periods and is answering questions and asking questions.
Avree was airlifted to University Hospital in Albuquerque. Initially in critical condition, her health has been gradually improving over the week.
The Santa Fe Reporter
Loading ...
