About Espanola! (Santa Fe, Taos, House: mover, crimes, houses)

[sjbasin]

It takes about 1 minute of research on the internet to corroborate the views expressed here that Espanola is not a nice place.

...All Things Considered, August 18, 2005 · The successes and limits of the nation's drug war are being played out in northern New Mexico, where the Espanola Valley has long been an epicenter of heroin abuse.

NPR: Lessons from New Mexico's War on Heroin

...Yet the statistics tell otherwise.

Fighting for the future: The real million dollar baby - Americas, World - Independent.co.uk

I find it intellectually dishonest to lead someone from outside our state to the conclusion that Espanola is anything other than what it really is.

[desert sun]

I know of a couple people in Espanola,and guess what-there on heroin.

[AndyJ]

I've never been scared to stop in Española, it's on the way to some of the state's best fisheries, and a convenient place to get a bite to eat. Granted, I don't think anyone who regularly posts on this board is going to push it as the next "to be" place in NM, and it's true that the town had a completely different personality up until the 80s.

[Devin Bent]

Originally Posted by sjbasin

I find it intellectually dishonest to lead someone from outside our state to the conclusion that Espanola is anything other than what it really is.

There is no need to insult anyone. You have supplied information that is based on data that is three years old and it supports only one of the allegations that was made about Espanola on this board. Even if it we accept old data for this one allegation, then you only show that the overdose rate is considerably higher than the entire state of New Mexico. I asked for a comparison with other places in New Mexico that have been extolled on the board. So please show me those comparisons and please show me recent information that supports the other allegations.

[6 FOOT 3]

Thought this was cool to post and that is the Mayors ''State of the City'' speech from last year. Sure looks like they are tring to make it a decient community.

http://www.cityofespanola.org/includ...eOfTheCity.pdf

[Devin Bent]

Interestingly if we look at a more recent study of deaths in New Mexico from drug overdose, we find that areas high in overdose from one type of drug are low in overdose from another type of drug. The problem is spread all over the state and is found in areas that are regularly extolled on this board.

I am not going to list any areas. All I ask is a low-income Hispanic area not be unfairly maligned.

Anyone wants to look at the more recent study;

http://www.health.state.nm.us/pdf/Dr...ico%202006.pdf

[talkin2iam]

as an anglo who lived there, with relatives who are both anglo and hispanic, and nieces and nephews who went to the schools and who are trying to survive in the culture, I wasn't talking with predjudice or ignorance. I find the environment deplorable because people choose to ignore the ugly and only look at what they want to acknowledge. I repeat, the area is one of the most historic in the nation, but those who choose to ignore the predominance of drugs, gangs and violence in the area are contributing to the demise of the whole area. I love northern New Mexico, I would live there again if the underlying culture were at leaste addressed. I love the people, but I don't love what the drugs have done to them. And yes, being an anglo, it was a reality check being in an area where I was in the minority. It isn't just a cultural difference, drugs, gangs and violence are not accepted in any viable society.

[tribalrevival]

I posted a link below that gives the statistics and facts concerning the whole county including espanola. where I come from if you have 0 murders annually (as espanola does) your in a good neighborhood,

Crime

[GregW]

I stayed in Espanola in the early 80's on a cross country trip. Met some friendly folks and stayed with them. I was almost drowned in dog slobber as they has several Dobermans that were very friendly but that is another story.

IMHO and experience Illegal Drug Industry is a symptom of an underlying economic crisis and not the cause. Without alternative ways to make a decent living the dopos can recruit workers, suborn police and practice their trade. People make, sell and transport drugs because there is a profit to be made. The problem can only be eliminated if there is a safer and more secure employment available and honest and effective police work to drive the cost of doing the illegal trade up to the point that it is no longer profitable.

As Espanola has the reputation of being the place where the laborers that work at the Los Alamos labs can afford to live maybe a more equitable wage structure for the grounds keepers and janitors at the labs would help. Maybe the state should encourage spin off industries (small bombs for small enemies - joking) could be located. In any case the city needs frugal and honest government with a police department that does not give out favors.

[bradly]

I lived in Espanola for years i actually grew up in that area, it was really nice and so was the high school, people that talk negitive about Espanola have no idea what they are talking about, especially if you havent been there, or live there. It is what you make of it, every city has its ups and downs..people put this city down with false rumors such as drug problems and gangs, when the facts are the drug and gang problems are outside of the city.