Local News

The Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce held its annual golf tournament last week at Black Mesa Golf Club in Española.Approximately 50 players from Northern New Mexico took part in the tourney. In addition to the tournament, a silent auction was held. Proceeds went to the Northern New Mexico United Way.

With the June 5 primary just weeks away, many of the candidates in local races are taking a restrained approach in terms of campaign spending.

First up is the county council race and it seems that the candidates are pacing themselves since the primary will have no bearing in terms of who makes it onto the ballot for the general election in November.

On the Republican side, Vince Chiravalle, who is seeking reelection, contributed $500 to his own campaign and spent $380 in bulk mailings in his first report. In his second report, Chiravalle reported $725 in contributions including $600 from Joseph Rinaldi of Carteret, N.J. and $100 from Michael Maier in Los Alamos.

“Attn: Bicyclists of Los Alamos,” the first line reads on signs posted at coffee shops and stores throughout Los Alamos, “I am Beau Gerard, the owner of the Bike Doc here in Los Alamos,” the notice reads further.

The signs take issue with local businessman Mark Whitcomb, who owns and operates Atomic Repair out of his home in White Rock. The signs state that he is not a professional, lacks experience and that his business is essentially unsafe.

Gerard said he became like a mentor to Whitcomb approximately three years ago, and claims that Whitcomb befriended him wanting to learn more about bicycle repair. He said Whitcomb then turned around and opened his own bike repair shop.

Gerard said he felt set-up and used by Whitcomb.