Rio Arriba County, Do Not Resurrect Oñate Statue!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Luis Peña
Phone: (505) 927-9631
Email: luispena505@gmail.com
Antonio Devargas
Phone: (505) 522-3826
Email: ikiedevargas@gmail.com
PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT: PROTESTING THE RELOCATION OF JUAN DE OÑATE STATUE AND THE GRAND JURY INDICTMENT OF NORTH CENTRAL SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY LEADERSHIP
Española, NM – September 25th, 2023 – Luis Peña and Antonio Devargas invite members of the local media and the public to join us at a press conference on Monday, September 25th, at 12 noon. We will be gathering in front of the Rio Arriba County Complex located at 2010 Industrial Park Rd, Española, NM 87532.
This press conference aims to address a matter of significant community concern about the decision to relocate the statue of conquistador, Juan de Oñate, and to discuss the grand jury indictment of the North Central Solid Waste Authority (NCSWA) for malfeasance, fraud, incorrect billing and misappropriation of public funds. This statue represents a man not worthy of honoring. Oñate was tried, convicted and exiled by Spain for his crimes against the Pueblos and his own people. Alex Naranjo knows that this statue will continue to create controversy and that it invites continued harm on Native people. The statue’s very presence is an act of violence on the descendant communities who live in Rio Arriba. We spoke with the secretary of the County Manager, Jeremy Maestas, and he indicated that he was not involved in the decision to install the statue of Juan de Oñate at the County Complex on Industrial Park and to “call Alex”. In addition, NCSWA has abused their power in placing liens on the properties of northern New Mexicans. Alex Naranjo and Jeremy Maestas are both board members for NCSW. These two issues show a pattern of flagrant corruption and lack of accountability. We are tired of the trash that is allowed to accumulate in Rio Arriba.
Event Details:
– Date: Monday, September 25th, 2023
– Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)
– Location: Rio Arriba County Complex, 2010 Industrial Park Rd, Española, NM 87532
Speakers at the press conference will include Luis Peña and Antonio Devargas, along with community leaders who are deeply concerned about the decision to relocate the Juan de Oñate statue and North Central Solid Waste. We will be discussing the controversy behind the statue and the authority, the use of public funds without due process, and the need for accountability from public officials in Rio Arriba County. We are asking for the remaining County Commissioners and the County Manager to take a stand against Alex Naranjo.
We believe that it is essential for the local community and the public to be informed about the implications of relocating this statue and the grand jury indictment of NCSW. This press conference will provide an opportunity for us to voice our concerns to the public and the media and to engage in open dialogue.
