Sunday night brought the 80th Annual Academy Awards ceremony. New Mexico had four movies filmed around the state that were up for a collective 14 Oscar nominations, and we won big. “No Country for Old Men” parts of which were filmed here in our great city, Albuquerque, won four Oscars.

•Best Motion Picture
•Supporting Actor Javier Bardem
•Director Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
•Adapted Screenplay Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

Cormac McCarthy the writer of the novel the movie is based off of resides here in New Mexico.

A great voice for the city, the Albuquerque Tribune will be producing its last issue this coming Saturday. After 86 years it is sad to see such a reputable award winning paper closing its doors. The Albuquerque Tribune has been at the forefront of reporting news and holding public institutions responsible. We wish all of the dedicated employees the best in their future endeavors.

Albuquerque’s film industry is exploding and is running out of space. Mayor Martin J. Chávez with Councilor Isaac Benton joined Albuquerque Studios in announcing the expansion of their studios. The studio is booked through September with feature-film and TV series productions, said Nick Smerigan, Albuquerque Studios' Chief Operations Officer. Movies and shows like "Game" and "The Spirit" as well as "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" have filmed there. “This is fabulous news. It’s difficult to put into words how many doors the Q Studios will be opening for New Mexicans,” said Chavez.

As well as expanding the ABQ Studios, Mayor Chávez accompanied by Jim Trump Union Development Corporation’s President and Councilor Benton announced Albuquerque Studios has entered in to an exclusive agreement with Union Development Corporation to manage the Rail Yard, located in Albuquerque’s Barelas neighborhood. The studio will manage all production and entertainment related activities.

Here is the technical information that might be of some use to people looking to film a movie in our great city. Each stage will be 18,000 square feet, 35 feet high to the grid, 2400 amps of three phase power and a capability of 150 tons of chilled air. The pair of stages will be separated by a stationary sound wall and will feature 18x18 elephant doors for equipment access. The flex building will consist of 30,000 square feet of additional mill space and 20,000 square feet of new office space.

The emissions from cars in Albuquerque affect not only the larger environment but also the quality of life in Albuquerque. Mayor Chávez is asking citizens to participate in the 2008 Clean Air Challenge by completing a pledge card.

The challenge encourages citizens to use alternative modes of transportation, including riding the bus, carpooling, bicycling and walking.

“Make the pledge, Albuquerque. Together we can keep our air clean and our skies beautiful,” said Mayor Marty.

Pledge your commitment to clean air now!

The City of Albuquerque and Crime Stoppers needs your help in locating the individual, or individuals, responsible for the theft of two bronze sculptures from Kimo Park located at 5101 Cutler Ave., NE (map).

Sometime between Wednesday December 19th, 2007 and Monday December 24th, 2007 the two bronze sculptures were stolen. Kimo the Cat, a 500-pound bronze sculpture, was mounted on one of the parks benches as if the character was seated on the bench. . Also taken was a 120-pound bronze book that was mounted on a stone next to Kimo the Cat. The sculptures were located on the East side of the park.

If you have information on this crime, contact Crime Stoppers at 843-7867. Information leading to an arrest can earn you up to a $1,000 cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. For more information, contact Crime Stoppers or visit www.crimestoppersnm.org.

I join all my fellow citizens of Albuquerque and New Mexico in welcoming home our heroes from the New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th Fighter Wing. The 150th was stationed out of Balad Air Base, 50 miles north of Baghdad. While in Iraq they provided air cover for soldiers and Marines on the ground.

I have had the pleasure of meeting many of these men and women over the last few years; they are all proud and loving New Mexicans who represent our state with great distinction.

Thank you, 150th Fighter Wing.