Civil rights leader remembered for his stance on unity

“History is cluttered with the wreckage of nations and individuals that pursued this self-defeating path of hate. We still have a choice today: nonviolent coexistence or violent coannihilation. We must move past indecision to action.” “The Inner Truth” Riverside Church, NYC, April 4, 1967-Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

These words were once again spoken in remembrance of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday observance in Gallup Jan. 21. Despite the frigid, gusty winds, eager participants took part in the celebration of King’s legacy.

This observance marks the 90^th birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and the 33rd anniversary of the national holiday in King’s honor.

The theme, “Community Togetherness in Unity,” emphasized as well as acted on King’s teachings and principles of nonviolence, respect for human dignity, rights and racial equality.

Gallup’s tribute to King’s legacy consisted of a prayer circle, which started at the Gallup Cultural Center, 201 E. Highway 66, in addition to a march of unity. The program continued with refreshments and award presentations at Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center.

Rose Marie Cecchini, co-collaborator of the event, said the whole dream of King’s was for humans to coexist as a whole, multiracial vibrant community.

“To live it out in our own personal lives and in our relationships … (it) can survive in the community of Gallup,” Cecchini said.

Assembling upstairs in the Cultural Center, an inter-faith prayer circle was led by representatives of various faith traditions of Gallup, offering a prayer for peace.

Rev. Fredrick Davis of Gallup’s Saint Paul’s Mission Baptist Church read an excerpt from King’s presentation, “The Inner Truth.”

This was Davis’s second year attending the event, and as a black man in America, he came to express his views that people of color need to stand strong for the dream that King had in that everyone is created equal.

“... The more we can plight out the racism that is going on in the world today,” he said. “Especially with the president we have now, who spews racism and hate, as a means to separate, we have to speak louder against racism and hate. Meeting like this and having the opportunity to speak at it is always a pleasure.”

Davis was the keynote speaker this year and was asked to read and say a prayer.

“We can live to coexist together, we can live together in peace and harmony, but we all must come together to stand against hate and racial injustice,” he said.

As the last of prayers were said the march of unity began. Heading east along Historic Highway 66, the group of participants carried banners and signs commemorating the holiday.

The march continued over the Miyamura Pass along Maloney Avenue, ending at Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center.

“Our vibrant multicultural, multiracial nation will be united in justice, peace, and reconciliation,” Cecchini said, “King’s life example really challenges us today not only just to remember but to celebrate and to live out the boundaries of equality.”

Meanwhile, Davis, along with his family, said that if more people would stand in unity against oppression, the stronger we will become.

“We have to come together and come together strong to fulfill King’s legacy,” he said, “It can be done, and together we can do it.”

Lucy Mack, of Gallup, who has been participating in the annual event for the past six years, says it’s a pleasure to be a part of it of again.

“I came to hear the talk,” she said.

Donations of nonperishable food items were also accepted to replenish the Gallup Community Pantry. Boy Scout Troop 347 of Gallup was also on hand to show their support.

Rudy Thomas, of California, said it was blessed sight to see people  of different walks of life come together for such an auspicious event.

“I was simply amazed at the sight of different races and people of color that came together for this event,” he said. “Dr. King’s stand on racism back then is more relevant for today with all the nonsense going on, and it’s good to see this happen here. I just wish more people could get past the hate and open their hearts up to what Dr. King was truly saying.”

By Dee Velasco
For the Sun

DONA ANA COUNTY  – The New Mexico State Police assisted the United States Border Patrol with a vehicle pursuit Jan. 30.

At approximately 7:40 am, a grey Nissan passenger vehicle with a stolen license plate eluded the Border Patrol check point. Border Patrol agents initiated a pursuit and requested the assistance of the New Mexico State Police.

During the pursuit, the vehicle began to travel southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 25. Tire deflation devices were deployed several times which the driver avoided and continued to travel south bound in the north bound lanes. At one point during the pursuit, a New Mexico State Police Tactical Team officer discharged his department issued rifle.

Additional tire deflation devices were deployed that the driver attempted to avoid, at which point the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle came to rest on the west shoulder of Interstate 25 at mm 10. Officers were able to take the driver into custody without further incident. He was transported to the hospital for medical issues not related to the incident. He was not struck by gunfire.

The suspect, who was identified as Lewis C. Delgado, 37,of Anthony, N.M. was charged with:

• Receiving or Transferring a motor vehicle (4^th Degree Felony)
• Aggravated Fleeing (4^th Degree Felony)
• Possession of Methamphetamine (4^th Degree Felony)
• Driving while under the influence of an intoxicating liquor and or drug 4^th Offense (4^th Degree Felony)

Rhonda Quintana, co-owner of Quintana’s Music and Indian Jewelry, has been named the Sun’s Person of the Month for January 2019.

This is in part to her recently being selected as the new coordinator for the city’s monthly ArtsCrawl event, which draws in hundreds of visitors to downtown Gallup.

“There has been a very big community response to [the future of] ArtsCrawl,” Quintana said in an interview Jan. 11, adding that locals were upset it could end.

Quintana sees ArtsCrawl as an attempt to improve quality of life in Gallup, with live musical performances, opportunities for families and friends to get together, and a chance to give local artists a platform to share their creations.

HER BACKGROUND

The decision to put her name in for coordinator is built on a history of entertainment and event planning.

Quintana, a Gallup native, studied music at the Music Institute in Hollywood, Calif., and is a 2000 recipient of the Best Blues Production award from the New Mexico Music Association.

She also was the CEO of an Arizona-based entertainment company that managed bands, promoted shows, conducted production and live recordings, and worked with booking agencies, some of which performed at Gallup’s El Morro Theatre.

In addition, she has produced radio commercials, interviewed a number of personalities in various industries, and has experience seeking out sponsorships.

She has worked in these fields, along with her husband, Ryan Quintana. The two opened the original Quintana’s Music at 200 W. Coal Ave., which closed in 2010 but was relaunched at its current location 223 W. Coal Ave. in 2016.

“The goal is to really bring more excitement for downtown,” Ryan said, when asked how he felt about the new challenge ahead of him and Rhonda.

TAKING CHARGE

Quintana was approached by Francis Bee of Gallup B.I.D. in November. She met with the gallupARTS board about the position later that month. She was officially announced as the coordinator on Dec. 21.

She said that she went ahead with her nomination feeling capable and passionate about ArtsCrawl. Once the events board reviewed her resume, the decision to elect her the new coordinator was almost unanimous.

“The main goal has always been supporting the community,” Quintana said. “What better way to do that than to support this event?”

THE COMMUNITY RESPONSE

When asked how locals have responded to the news of her taking over as coordinator, Quintana said that the reception has been very warm, saying that the announcement post got over 600 likes on Facebook.

While there is plenty of support for the event, Quintana did say that there would always be naysayers to ArtsCrawl, specifically about how street regulations are not always enforced as well as they should be. Yet, she said that she thinks the board will be able to address their concerns because this is ultimately a community event.

“A local person knows what ArtsCrawl means for the community,” Quintana said. “They have come up and congratulated me in some stores. It’s very humbling.”

Ryan also called the community support fabulous, saying that people are aware of what they want to do for ArtsCrawl and that they are very positive.

One person who is eager to see what Quintana will do is Rose Eason, of gallupARTS and the former coordinator for ArtsCrawl.

“Rhonda has a lot of enthusiasm, passion and drive, which are the qualities the ArtsCrawl Coordinator needs to be successful,” Eason said in a written statement Jan. 16. “We’re all very excited to see where she takes the event this year!”

CHANGES TO ARTSCRAWL

When asked about her vision for ArtsCrawl, Quintana said that the intent is to not make drastic changes, but to keep the current formula in place. The philosophy is that they are not going to fix something that is not broken.

Another goal is to increase the opportunities for performance arts, especially for kids, Quintana said. This includes dance teams, theatre performances, and crafting.

“The artists know we’re here for them,” Quintana said. “And it’s also good for Gallup because the money made [during ArtsCrawl] stays in the community.”

She added that around 1,100 people attend ArtsCrawl on average each month, and another goal will be to increase that number. She aims to get other locals and tourists to join in the festivities and get the event to grow up towards the area near the McKinley County Courthouse.

Ultimately, Quintana believes that ArtsCrawl will bring both local store owners and city leaders together.

A positive community event like ArtsCrawl has the potential to remove the negative stigmas around Gallup, she added. Most notably, the moniker of “drunktown” could be dispelled when visitors to Gallup see the number of people enjoying themselves downtown during ArtsCrawl, Quintana suggested.

“I believe if everybody can be flexible, and that they make their voices heard, the problems will be solved,” she said.

By Cody Begaye
Sun Correspondent

ALBUQUERQUE – Attorney General Hector Balderas announced a settlement of $209.2 million against Walgreens over their fraudulent dispensing of insulin pens around the nation Jan. 24. New Mexico is joined by the United States, the District of Columbia, and all other 49 states in settling allegations against Walgreens Boots Alliance.

The agreement in principle resolves allegations that Walgreens knowingly engaged in fraudulent over-dispensing of insulin pens to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Walgreens operates the largest retail pharmacy chain in the U.S., with 8,309 locations across all 50 states.

“Out-of-state multi-billion dollar corporations must not be allowed to take advantage of New Mexican families,” Balderas said. “My Medicaid Fraud division is dedicated to fighting for New Mexicans, and we will not rest as the most vulnerable New Mexicans are faced with unfair attacks from all sides.”

Because of this settlement, Walgreens admitted to programming its computer system to define a full box of five insulin pens as the minimum dispensing package size. This definition prevented Walgreens pharmacists from being able to dispense fewer than five pens even though a patient’s prescription called for less pens than a box of five.

Moreover, Walgreens repeatedly reported information to state Medicaid programs different from, and lower than, the correctly calculated supply according to standard pharmacy practice, and as required by state pharmacy laws. This resulted in state Medicaid programs paying for a substantial number of claims that the programs would not have approved if Walgreens had reported the correct supply of medication based on the prescription.

The settlement resolves allegations that from Jan. 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2017, rather than dispensing the quantity of insulin called for by a patient’s prescription, Walgreens exceeded the prescription amount and falsified information on claims submitted for reimbursement to Medicare and Medicaid, including the quantity of insulin and/or days’ supply dispensed.

Under the settlement, Walgreens will pay the United States and the States $209.2 million under the settlement. Of this amount, $89,185,625.10 will go to the state Medicaid programs to resolve civil allegations that Walgreens’ unlawful over-dispensing of insulin pens caused false claims to be submitted to the Medicaid health care programs.

As part of the settlement, New Mexico will receive $840,000 in restitution and other recovery.