Yesterday, the State of New Mexico's Labor Department released unemployment numbers for January. Unemployment remained at a record low of 3.8 percent.

The 3.8% unemployment rate is the lowest the state has recorded since 1976, and compares favorably to the national unemployment rate of 4.6 percent. Furthermore, New Mexico ranks 13th highest in the nation for job growth.

The Labor Department said the state's rate of job growth stood at 2.4 percent in January, adding 19,500 jobs over the year.

According to a new BusinessWeek.com and Sperling's Best Places study, Santa Fe has been named the second most creative city in the nation. This is of no surprise to me, considering the the artist population of the city and the natural beauty. Here is the full list:

1. Los Angeles: 56.105
2. Santa Fe, N.M.: 36.449
3. Carson City, Nev.: 24.701
4. New York City: 14.852
5. Kingston, N.Y.: 13.128
6. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, Calif.: 12.649
7. Nashville: 11.443
8. Boulder, Colo.: 11.076
9. San Francisco: 9.682
10. Nassau-Suffolk County, N.Y.: 8.943

Alan Arkin, a Santa Fe resident, won the Oscar at the 79th Annual Academy Awards for best supporting actor for his role as the grandfather in "Little Miss Sunshine". Congratulations Alan!

Labels: Film, Residents

Had a fantastic dinner at Maria's last night! Maria's is THE place in town for authentic margaritas, just watch yourself as one is usually enough!!! The chile rellenos (a New Mexico green chile stuffed with cheese lightly battered and then fried - then smothered in chile - for those of you who don't know what a relleno is) were outstanding as always. The service was good and the room is well, just Santa Fe 100%. If you are looking for TRADITIONAL New Mexican food Maria's is a must while in Santa Fe.

Labels: Food, Restaurants

We spent the day at the Albuquerque Zoo. It was cool (about 43 degrees) but you can feel that spring is right around the corner. I'm sure that we will have one or two additional snow storms, but I think most New Mexicans are ready for the warmer weather. It's been a cold snowy winter which has been great for the ski areas and will be a blessing this summer, as it will bring strong run off, less fires, and beauty in the mountains.

Labels: Activities, Albuquerque, Things to Do

Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area near Red River, NM will host its annual Just Deserts Eat and Ski day this Saturday. This is a great event in which you cross country ski through the forest and discover tables covered with sweats. Not only do you get to eat, you have a chance to burn off the cakes and candy by skiing the 32 kilometers of trails - which, by the way, have over 65 inches of snow on them!

I'll be hosting an open house today at 2152 Ridgeview Circle. Please come by and take a look at this great house. The home is just over 2500 square feet and is on almost a half acre of land. It has 3 bedroms, 3 baths and includes a 815 SF In-Law apartment. The price is $549,000. Click HERE for directions.